They Came From Queens - Donald Trump From Jamaica Estates

The Donald. Real estate developer, reality-TV star, larger-than-life character, Donald Trump grew up in Jamaica Estates, a beautiful neighborhood in central Queens.

Donald Trump's ego and excesses may get on your nerves, but he's an American classic you have to respect, the businessman who has triumphed and failed and triumphed again.

Trump didn't begin at the bottom. His grandfather Frederick Christ Trump emigrated from Germany and launched the family real estate business. Father Fred Trump expanded their real estate development company throughout Queens and New York, and gave Donald his start in the business. Not exactly boot straps, though certainly Trump has made the most of his opportunities. He's become a TV star with the successful Apprentice series, and branched into gambling, books, an online university, and more.

Donald Trump's home neighborhood of Jamaica Estates is one of the most beautiful areas in Queens. It's unusual for its hilly streets -- well, hilly for flat Long Island -- lined with large one-family homes and tall trees, many 200-years-old.

Take a peek. Ride the F subway out to its terminus 179 Street, and walk up Hillside Avenue two blocks to Midland Parkway, the heart of Jamaica Estates. This gorgeous street was where Trump grew up, and it's a Tudor dream on both sides of the Grand Central Parkway. (Refuel from walking at El Coyote or farther away at Acquista.)

• Map of Jamaica Estates [Google Map]
• Donald Trump Bio [About.com]
• Trump Family Tree [About.com]

Photo Credit: © NBC - Donald Trump on The Apprentice
Photo Credit: © SooozhyQ - Jamaica Estates