WIA is right about the experience, but I will say that a car isn't necessary to do things (though it certainly helps significantly in getting around Queens) if a subway station is within blocks of your place. Of course, the only neighborhoods that are within 45 minutes of public transportation to JFK are in Queens and parts of northeastern Brooklyn (including the now gentrifying Bushwick).
As for Kew Gardens and Forest Hills, those two areas have a similar demographic of families and elderly with some younger people mixed in. Kew Gardens is closer to the airport but the more active parts are actually along Metropolitan Ave. and Lefferts Blvd, which are farther from the subway line at Queens Blvd. and only have buses. Forest Hills is a bit more popular and a little pricier thanks to the commercial area of Austin St. that ranges about 10 blocks. There is also the busier subway station at 71 Ave.
As for Kew Gardens and Forest Hills, those two areas have a similar demographic of families and elderly with some younger people mixed in. Kew Gardens is closer to the airport but the more active parts are actually along Metropolitan Ave. and Lefferts Blvd, which are farther from the subway line at Queens Blvd. and only have buses. Forest Hills is a bit more popular and a little pricier thanks to the commercial area of Austin St. that ranges about 10 blocks. There is also the busier subway station at 71 Ave.