If you’re hunting for the zip code for Hollis Queens NY, you’re probably looking for 11423. Simple, right? Well, mostly. In New York City, nothing is ever just one string of digits.
Hollis is this fascinating, leafy pocket of Southeast Queens that feels like a suburb but breathes like the city. While 11423 covers the heart of the neighborhood—from the grand old Victorians near the LIRR station up toward the hills—there is a sneaky overlap. If you drift south of 104th Avenue, you’ll suddenly find yourself in 11412, which is technically St. Albans territory but often gets lumped into "South Hollis."
It’s a distinction that matters more than you’d think, especially when you’re dealing with property taxes or trying to figure out which post office is going to lose your package.
The 11423 Breakdown: Boundaries and Vibes
So, where does 11423 actually sit? Basically, you’re looking at a rectangle-ish shape bounded by Hillside Avenue to the north and Francis Lewis Boulevard to the east. The western edge hits around 181st Street, and the southern border tumbles down toward Hollis Avenue.
Honestly, the "vibe" of the zip code shifts block by block.
- North of Jamaica Avenue: This is where things get "hilly." You’ve got Holliswood and Hollis Hills (which sometimes use 11427 or 11423). These are the big-ticket spots with winding roads and detached single-family homes that make you forget you’re in a borough of 2.4 million people.
- The LIRR Core: Near 193rd Street and Woodhull Avenue, you get that classic 1920s Queens feel. Think Tudor-style houses and wide porches.
- The Commercial Strips: Jamaica Avenue and Hillside Avenue are the engines. It’s a chaotic, beautiful mix of West Indian bakeries, South Asian grocery stores, and the kind of "everything" stores where you can buy a lawnmower and a gallon of milk in one go.
Why 11423 Is the "Birthplace of Cool"
You can't talk about the zip code for Hollis Queens NY without talking about hip-hop. It’s legally required.
This isn't just a quiet residential area; it’s the soil that grew Run-D.M.C. and LL Cool J. Russell Simmons lived here. Jam Master Jay’s legacy is baked into the brickwork of these streets. Back in the 80s, Hollis was the epicenter of a cultural earthquake.
But it’s not just rappers. Daymond John from Shark Tank? He started FUBU right here in Hollis. There’s a specific kind of "Hollis hustle" that comes from being in a middle-class, predominantly Black and immigrant neighborhood that’s just far enough from Manhattan to feel like its own world, but close enough to want to conquer it.
The Famous Neighbors (Past and Present)
If you're walking around 11423, you're walking the same streets that hosted:
- Mario Cuomo: The former Governor grew up here.
- Colin Powell: The late statesman spent his formative years in these blocks.
- Milt Jackson: The jazz legend lived here back when Hollis was a major hub for the jazz elite (alongside nearby Addisleigh Park).
Real Estate Reality: What Does it Cost to Live Here in 2026?
The secret is out. For decades, Hollis was where people moved when they wanted a backyard without moving to Long Island. Today, the market is… intense.
As of early 2026, the median sale price for a home in 11423 is hovering around $829,000. If you want one of those detached Victorians or a renovated Tudor, you're likely looking at $900k to $1.2 million.
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It’s a "balanced" market right now. That’s real estate speak for "it’s expensive, but you won’t have to get into a fistfight over a bidding war." Houses stay on the market for about 70 days.
Renters aren't escaping the squeeze either. A decent two-bedroom in a multi-family house—which is the most common rental stock here—will run you about $3,100 to $3,200.
Getting Around: The Commuter’s Gamble
Living in 11423 means you’re probably a regular at the Hollis LIRR station.
It’s on the Hempstead Branch. If the trains are running on time (a big "if"), you can be at Penn Station or Grand Central Madison in about 30-35 minutes. It’s the neighborhood’s greatest selling point.
If you’re a subway person? You’re kind of out of luck. You’ll have to hop a bus—the Q1, Q2, or Q3—down to the 179th Street F train station. It’s a bit of a slog, but it’s the price you pay for having a driveway and a tree in front of your house.
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Surprising Facts You Probably Didn't Know
There is a house in Hollis called the Ketcham House. It’s one of the oldest standing structures in Queens, dating back to the mid-19th century. There have been huge community pushes recently to make sure it doesn't get torn down for another block of condos. It’s a reminder that before it was a hip-hop mecca, Hollis was literally just farmland owned by Dutch and English settlers.
Also, did you know the neighborhood was named after Hollis, New Hampshire? A developer named Frederick Dunton named it after his birthplace in 1885. He was basically the guy who decided "East Jamaica" sounded too boring and rebranded it to attract middle-class families.
The Demographic Mix
11423 is incredibly diverse. You’ve got a massive Afro-Caribbean population (lots of Guyanese, Haitian, and Jamaican roots), a growing South Asian community, and a long-standing African American middle class.
It’s the kind of place where you’ll see a Baptist church next to a Hindu temple, with a storefront selling beef patties and doubles right across the street. According to recent census data, about 34% of the residents identify as Black, 31% as Asian, and the rest is a mix of Hispanic and White residents. It’s a true "melting pot" without the cliché—people just live their lives here.
Practical Tips for 11423 Newcomers
If you’re moving in or just visiting, here’s the ground truth:
- Parking: It’s better than Astoria, but worse than you’d hope. If you have a driveway, guard it with your life.
- Food: Skip the chains. Go to the West Indian spots on Hollis Avenue. Get the jerk chicken or the roti. Honestly, it’s some of the best in the city.
- Schools: The area is served by District 26 and 29. PS 134 and IS 192 are the local staples. People generally rate the schools here as "above average" for Queens, but many parents still eye the specialized high schools or private options.
- The Post Office: The main one is at 197-40 Jamaica Ave. It is always busy. Go at 10:00 AM on a Tuesday if you value your sanity.
What’s Next for the Zip Code?
Hollis is changing, but it’s doing it slowly. Unlike Long Island City or Bushwick, you don't see glass towers rising every week. The community is fiercely protective of its "suburban" feel.
The biggest thing to watch is the "City of Yes" zoning changes. There’s a lot of debate in 11423 right now about whether to allow more "accessory dwelling units" (like basement apartments or backyard cottages). Some see it as a way to fix the housing crisis; others worry it’ll ruin the character of the neighborhood.
Actionable Insight: If you’re looking to buy in 11423, check the flood maps. About 37% of properties in this zip code are at a moderate to high risk of flooding over the next few decades. This isn't just a "near the ocean" problem; Queens has a lot of old underground streams and drainage issues. Always get a professional drainage inspection before you sign that mortgage.
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Check the local precinct (the 103rd) for safety updates too. While Hollis is generally quiet, it’s always smart to know which blocks have seen an uptick in "porch piracy" or car break-ins before you settle in.