I live in Queens infact I lived in Elmhurst around an yr 2 yrs ago. Jackson Heights is near by so no need 2 worry abt the halal grocery/meat/food things. Infact u’ll also find sum halal restaurants in Elmhurst itself. From ur title I am assuming u wud working in Elmhurst hospital which is v near 2 Jackson Heights. As a neighbourhood ELmhurst is a nice place where all the buses are available and best of all the Queens mall is near by 
p.s. I can give u a personal tour of the area if u r willin 2 take the risk :halo:
j/k wud really luv 2 help out coz I know how it feels 2 b a newb 