Long Island City: Once an industrial hub of New York City until the late 1940s. As the manufacturing industry declined, tons of factory spaces became available, which attracted artists and businesses into the area. However, it wasn’t until 2001 that Long Island City was rezoned from an industrial neighborhood to a residential district.
It is now a prime location for real estate developers pushing to bring luxury rentals by the East River. Enjoying life along the Long Island City waterfront and getting impressive skyline and river views is what brings people to this area. But many choose to become residents in this part of Queens for the convenient proximity to Midtown Manhattan and Brooklyn’s trendiest neighborhoods.
Center Blvd and Vernon Blvd
The expansion along the LIC Waterfront Apartments has concentrated on Center Boulevard and Vernon Boulevard. As a result, developers with the opportunity to construct in the area are pushing to out-compete. Aside from the waterfront lifestyle, these properties boast impressive square feet of amenities and comparatively affordable prices.
Each building is designed to accentuate the waterfront promenade’s views with floor-to-ceiling windows, great layouts, and open floor plans. Modern conveniences are available like a children’s playroom, fitness center, resident lounge, and conference area. And most importantly, outdoor amenities like BBQ grills, a dog run, a sun deck, and a roof deck allow their residents to take advantage of waterfront living.
Long Island City History
Not to be confused with Long Island (an area outside of NYC), Long Island City is a neighborhood within the borough of Queens that sits on the westernmost tip. It is located south of Astoria, east of the East River, north of Brooklyn, and west of Sunnyside. It was once an independent municipality until it was annexed to the City of Greater New York In 1898.
Through the early 1900s, The Queens-Midtown Tunnel, the Queensboro Bridge, and three subway tunnels were built to connect the neighborhood to Manhattan. It became quite the manufacturing center throughout the next 50 years. By the late 1900s, the factories of Long Island City were becoming abandoned, leading to the slow development and gentrification of the area.
LIC Attractions
Many come to Long Island City to enjoy the carefree atmosphere along the East River. A stroll through Hunters Point South Park or Gantry Plaza State Park is the ideal place to enjoy the waterfront while taking in one of the best views of the Manhattan skyline. The area is highly photogenic, and there are plenty of landmarks to take in, such as the iconic Pepsi Cola sign.
Long Island City is also home to a very diverse artistic community with plenty of art and cultural centers throughout the area. A walk from Jackson Ave through Court Square will almost put you in the center of the neighborhood. Some of the most well-known galleries and studios to explore in that area include 5 Pointz, Culture Lab LIC, MoMa PS1, ScuptureCenter, and Socrates Sculpture Park.
Lastly, the small boutiques, unique clothing stores, and eateries. Quickly becoming known as NYC’s newest Chinatown, Long Island City is becoming a home for new Asian restaurants and Boba tea shops and still growing.
Available Rentals
It is no wonder why luxury apartments in Long Island City are so trending. There is nowhere else in the city to match the price per sqft, prime location, and unbeatable amenities. It doesn’t matter if you need something pet-friendly, washer/dryer in unit included, one-bedroom, or three-bedroom apartment; there is a home.
