Usually when people talk real estate, it's prices, bedrooms, and local schools, but Jackson Heights made the front of the NY Times real estate section because of its food.

In "Moving for the Food" Seth Kugel, the co-author of the excellent Nueva York: The Complete Guide to Latino Life in the Five Boroughs, tells of his move to Jackson Heights and his love of local Latino and Indian foods.

He lives in Hampton Court, one of the landmarked pre-war co-ops with private interior gardens. (Here's a photo of Hampton Court's garden and one more.) And describes it as:

"It’s in a well-preserved apartment at the graceful Hampton Court, built in 1921 in what is now the Jackson Heights Historic District. Its eight windows all overlook the stately trees and manicured shrubs of a one-acre courtyard, not visible from the street and accessible only to residents.

There’s a light-flooded room perfect for a work-from-home journalist like myself. And then there is the great storage space in the basement, friendly neighbors, low monthly maintenance, and a five-minute walk to the E and F express trains that reach Midtown Manhattan in 15 minutes.

Whatever. I moved here for the food."

It's an excellent take on a tasty neighborhood, and required reading for any one considering a move to Jackson Heights. And I hope Seth has tried Peruvian restaurant Inti Raymi (86-14 37th Ave, Jackson Heights) for their papas rellenas, a perfect stuffed potato for a wet January day.

• "Moving for the Food" [NY Times]
• Neighborhood Profile - Jackson Heights
• Photo - Hampton Court, Jackson Heights
• More - Latino Eats in Jackson Heights
• More - Little India in Jackson Heights