Since 2003, Long Island City has become the place for Queens luxury. When it was rezoned from an industrial neighborhood to a residential one, it became a prime location for new buildings to pop up and new residents to flock to.
Prices haven’t maxed out yet
If you’re going to buy in Long Island City, do it now. The neighborhood is so happening that it’s growing by the moment. The only thing that is keeping it from completely sky rocketing is the lack of certain basics. For example, super markets are hard to come by. You have your smaller groceries but no big chain stores. It’s not clear why major management companies like TF Cornerstone and Avalon would invest so much money into building residential units without making sure there are enough stores to serve the residents. However, as a buyer this is good for you! Once these kinks are worked out of the system, LIC will really be irresistible and housing prices will jump.
Amenities galore
LIC luxury buildings have it all. You really can’t beat what you get for your dollar there. Sure, you’re paying a lot more than you would if you bought in Astoria or Sunnyside but you’re getting so much. The typical LIC building has a fitness center, roof top gardens, terraces, party rooms, Internet cafes, and bike racks/storage. Some others even have children’s play rooms, on-site restaurants, and parking garages.
In-unit conveniences are also plentiful in this great neighborhood. Some of the perks you’ll find are laundry machines, top of the line kitchen appliances, granite counter tops, hard wood floors, balconies, and green/sustainable HVAC units.
Better views than Manhattan
You can’t beat the view in LIC. The location of the luxury buildings right on the water offers a picturesque scene of the east side Manhattan skyline. Gantry Plaza State Park, which is located on the Queens side of the East River, faces the UN head on, so even if you don’t get the perfect view from your apartment, you’re just steps away from appreciating it.
Nice and quiet
Because LIC is still slightly off the beaten path, it makes for a quiet, peaceful place to live. The 7 train begins its underground decent into Manhattan before the two stops that serve waterfront Long Island City the most. Walking around the area you will find significantly fewer cars and trucks driving around which reduces the noise pollution to almost nothing.
New schools
There are several schools in the LIC area, and two new ones right near the waterfront properties. P.S. 312, a K-8 school, and I.S. /H.S. 404, an intermediate and high school were added in 2013 to the growing neighborhood. The school system alone is another reason to buy sooner rather than later. With the increase in residents, the schools are filling up quickly and will only continue to do so. LIC is a very family oriented neighborhood, making the addition of schools a major perk.
Very pet friendly
If your family also includes some 4-legged babies then LIC is a great choice. The area supplies a lot of open space which is great for pets. Gantry Park allows pets on leashes but there is also a dog run available on the corner of 48th Avenue and Vernon Boulevard.
Restaurants, stores, and museums aplenty
There are tons of things to do in LIC and that is never going to change. New restaurants, bars, and stores open up in the area frequently. Between MoMa QNS and the Sculpture Center you will always have your art fill here. Head over to Shi for some of the best sushi in New York. Don’t forget to check out Ethereal for the coolest new clothes and accessories.
If you choose to buy in LIC, you won’t be sorry. It’s a good investment as prices are only going to go up in the coming years. It’s a beautiful place to live both inside the buildings and in the finely manicures streets. Plus you’ll be on the cutting edge of Queens Real Estate.
