Maspeth is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Queens with the most irregular street patterns and topography. It’s name derives from a Native-American word for “bad waterplace”. Its proximity to the polluted Newtown Creek along its western edge still breathes some truth into this description long after its stagnant swamps have been drained. The BQE and Queens Boulevard provide boundaries to the north, while an old train line and Metropolitan Avenue contain it to the east and south respectively. Like East Elmhurst, it suffers from no subway service. This factor, along with the previously mentioned street patterns and topography give it the most “village-like” character in all of Queens. The housing stock is in turn not as quaint as all of the above might imply. Large-scale, row-housing, semi-detached, and detached houses dominate in a variety of styles, many with dramatic views towards Manhattan over the New Calvary Cemetery.