Finding Calm and Convenience with Hernando

What does it mean for a neighborhood to feel livable?

In this episode, Hernando reflects on Jackson Heights as a place designed for walking, aging with ease, and finding everything you need close to home. A calm, practical kind of love that only comes with time.

English Translation

Hello, my name is Luis Hernando Ramírez. I am Colombian. I arrived in the United States, in New York, 25 years ago, and I have lived in Jackson Heights for 18 years.

There is one very important thing for my wife, which is the peace of mind she has from having everything close by. Transportation, grocery stores, supermarkets, pharmacies, hair salons, laundromats. She can walk 15 or 20 minutes from our home and find everything she needs.

That is one of the great virtues of living in Jackson Heights.

We have gone to restaurants, cafés, taken walks, visited museums, attended park events, and I have been very happy here. 34th Avenue is essential for walking, especially for those of us who are older. Roosevelt Avenue, with all its noise and bustle, is also a place where you can find absolutely anything, from a needle to heavy machinery.

But for me, 30th Avenue is the most special. From around 75th Street to 89th or 90th Street, it is a very pleasant, multifunctional place. You can find everything along that avenue.

I am very happy in Jackson Heights with my wife and my daughters.

What is Voices of Jackson Heights?

Jackson Heights is not one story - it’s hundreds.

Voices of Jackson Heights is a short-form podcast capturing the everyday moments, memories, and experiences that make this neighborhood in New York City feel like home. Told entirely in the voices of people who live in, move through, and keep returning to Jackson Heights, each episode reflects on a small but meaningful personal experience.

You’ll hear stories in many languages, across generations and cultures.
Transcripts and English translations are included in the show notes for non-English episodes.

Me llamo luis Hernando Ramírez. Soy colombiano. Llegué aquí a estados unidos a nueva York hace 25 años. Y tengo en Jackson high 18 años.

Hay una cosa primordial que es para mi esposa la tranquilidad de ella al tener toda la mano, tanto transportación como almacenes de compras como supermercados, como farmacias, como super peluquería, la bandería, etcétera. Ella puede caminar perfectamente 15, 20 minutos fuera de mi casa y encuentra de todo.

Esa es una de las virtudes de vivir en Jackson high.

Hemos estado en restaurantes en cafeterías, en caminatas, en museos, en eventos de parques, y he estado muy contento. La avenida 34 para caminar que es indispensable para nosotros los los de edad envejeciente. la ru bel Avenue, donde tanto ruido y tanto tumulto. Pues también uno consigue lo que uno de ese desde una aguja hasta cualquier maquinaria.

Ah, la 30 avenida es para mí la especial porque en desde la calle de 70, seis o más bien, calle 75 hasta la 89 o 90, eh? Es un sitio bastante agradable. Ah, poli funcional. Todo lo encuentra uno en la avenida Y estoy muy feliz en Jackson high con mi esposa y mis hijas.