Long Island City is far from the industrial wasteland it used to be. Although it was once home to many factories and commercial buildings, it has since transitioned into the thriving residential neighborhood it is today.
Manhattanites, put-off by the costly price of city, have consequently flocked to L.I.C., in Queens, in search of cheaper rent. Since the early 2000s, more condominiums have been built in order to accommodate the growing demand.
Today L.I.C. is recognized for a number of attractions, including its waterfront parks, its thriving art scene and its commercial strip along Vernon Boulevard, which is full of trendy restaurants and stores.
About a dozen subway lines are also conveniently dispersed throughout the neighborhood. Five are located just one stop away from Manhattan.
Still, perhaps one of the noteworthy things to mention about L.I.C. is Gantry Plaza State Park, the famous 12-acre “riverside oasis” which provides residents with an unparalleled view of New York City’s famous skyline. The restored gantries, once used to load and unload rail car floats and barges, act as the centerpieces of the park and reflect the neighborhood’s industrial past.
Still, rent can be quite costly, though it's still comparatively lower than Brooklyn and Manhattan prices.
According to the NY Post, new studios go for about $2,400; one bedrooms for $3,300; and two-bedrooms for $4,100. Condos cost between $400,000 for a studio and $870,000 for a two bedroom. Some three bedrooms, particularly the ones boasting a waterfront view, can even sell for around $1 million.
