Far Rockaway is one of the original five "towns" in Queens but also one of several neighborhoods nestled on the Rockaway Peninsula adjacent to Nassau County. Other areas include Bayswater, Edgemere, and Arverne. The character of this area blends a core city feeling with an oceanfront district that resembles Asbury Park more than it does New York City. One of the most distant neighborhoods from Manhattan, the area has attracted a diverse population but preserves a strong Irish influence in the western portion. In fact, Rockaway Beach is sometimes called the "Irish Riviera." New beach houses, waterfront development, and beautification efforts have been on the rise in recent years, heralding a renewed interest in a very unique corner of Queens. Early in the 20th century, Far Rockaway petitioned to become part of Nassau County but the initiative failed.