Fresh Meadows was previously known as the Fresh Meadows Country Club, until the area was developed into a complex of low and medium-rise apartments in the 1950s. The main shopping centers in Fresh Meadows are located in this apartment complex. . Fresh Meadows development is a prime example of good community planning and provides an ideal neighborhood to reside in. The only draw back is that Fresh Meadows lacks commuter transport to Manhattan, so most resident feel they need a car.

Most of the area's apartment buildings were constructed from 1930s through 50s. There are low to medium, and high rise complexes. General rents in the area range of studios from $650-$950, one bedrooms from $900-$1250, two bedrooms from $1200-$1700 and three plus bedrooms start at $1650-$2300.
Fresh Meadows is not the ideal place to commute from, however it can be done. All commuting is done via the F' train which stops at Jamaica Avenue. The only issue is that you will need to drive a car or take bus to get to the Jamaica Avenue station. Once you are at the station you can be in midtown in 35 minutes and downtown in 45 minutes.