What to Know About Living in Long Island City (Video)
Let's talk about Long Island City. This unique neighborhood - once a sea of warehouses and factories - is now turning into one of the more sought-after areas of New York City for renters and buyers alike. But what is it like to live in LIC? And how much does it cost? If you've found yourself asking these questions, you've come to the right place. We're breaking down everything you need to know about the exciting and eccentric neighborhood in this guide to Long Island City.Watch our Long Island City episode of Know the Neighborhood to learn more about the neighborhood and hear from two residents.Where is Long Island City?Long Island City is located in the diverse and dynamic borough of Queens. The neighborhood sits directly across the East River from Midtown, Manhattan. It's bordered by Astoria to the North, Sunnyside to the East, and Greenpoint, Brooklyn to the South. Served by the 7, E, F, G, M, N, R, and W trains, plus 15 bus lines, 74 CitiBike stations, and 3 different ferry ports, Long Island City is a nexus of transportation that's perfect for commuters. It's also conveniently located for travel beyond New York, with both LaGuardia and JFK airports just a quick trip away.History of Long Island CityLong Island City has long been a bustling center of manufacturing. Large factories pumped out goods such as furniture, glass, oil, and much, much more throughout the late 1800's and most of the 1900's. Remnants of this all-important history can still be seen across the neighborhood in its distinctive warehouse buildings and general industrial aesthetic. More recently, however, LIC has become home to impressive cultural landmarks and artistic touchstones, such as the MoMA PS1 contemporary art museum and the film and television production hub of Silvercup Studios. It has also undergone significant development in order to become more amenable to everyday living. But what is it really like to live in this commercial-turned-residential nabe? Keep reading to find out! Long Island City Homes Under $1M On StreetEasy Article continues below Hunters Point 27-28 Thomson Avenue $950,000 beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Long Island City 37-14 34th Street $928,000 beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Hunters Point 45-30 Pearson Street $840,000 beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. Studio | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Hunters Point 27-20 42 Road $940,000 beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Hunters Point 27-21 44 Drive $980,000 beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Hunters Point 3 Court Square $845,000 beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. Studio | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Hunters Point 25-19 43rd Avenue $680,000 beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. Studio | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Hunters Point 27-28 Thomson Avenue $998,000 beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1.5 Long Island City 27-09 40th Avenue $860,000 beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Long Island City 27-09 40th Avenue $829,000 beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Long Island City 27-09 40th Avenue $795,000 beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Long Island City 27-09 40th Avenue $785,000 beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Why is Long Island City a Great Place to Live?We spoke to Alex Antigua, a Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker with Compass and a StreetEasy Expert, to get the 4-1-1 on LIC. He's got extensive experience guiding both renters and buyers to find their dream Long Island City digs. So why does Antigua think Long Island City is such a happening place to live? In short, because "LIC has all the desired qualities a typical New Yorker wants: Nice skyscrapers, good food, good groceries, and easy transportation." Antigua continues to put the desirability of the neighborhood into perspective, pointing out that Long Island City residents have unfettered access to just about everything that the rest of Queens, Brooklyn, and especially Manhattan have to offer: "I think people should look at living in LIC as just an extra train stop," Antigua advises. "I personally see it just like any other [Manhattan] neighborhood… There’s not much of a distance difference than someone living in the Financial District and having dinner in SoHo." Learning the Nabe: Dutch Kills vs. Hunter's PointSo you know about the history of Long Island City, and why it's such an appealing place to live. The next thing to figure out is where in the neighborhood you might want to put down roots. And to figure that out, you need to be familiar with the two main subsections of the area: Dutch Kills and Hunters Point. Hunters Point is probably what you're imagining when you picture LIC. This section of the neighborhood is where you'll find high rise apartment buildings, new condo developments, and the more famous LIC attractions (more on those below!). Hunter's Point is also a cornucopia of commerce and cuisine. There are two main commercial hubs in Hunters Point: The cafes and bars surrounding the Vernon Blvd 7 station, and the museums and restaurants near Court Square.Compared to Hunters Point, Dutch Kills is less populated by residential buildings - though that is rapidly changing with increased development efforts. Simply put, it's an area in transition. When it comes to restaurants and other neighborhood diversions, the main commercial strips are around 36th avenue, bordering Astoria, and near Queensborough Plaza.Because it retains more of the LIC's industrial roots compared to its counterpart, Dutch Kills also tends to be more affordable than Hunters Point. As Antigua describes, he sees "lower taxes, lower price per square foot, and [increased] lending incentives by banks" in Dutch Kills compared to Hunters Point. But if you're worried that this translates into lower quality homes, think again: Antigua assures that renters and buyers can find units "for similar quality apartment trade in the middle of LIC." He also encourages prospective buyers to consider the potential increase of property value when browsing listings in Dutch Kills. "I have heard many of my buyers say that if they decide to upgrade, they would probably keep their apartment and rent as they purchase a second property to upgrade in." A great strategy to consider when buying in the area! Speaking of… Thinking about buying in Long Island City (or anywhere in NYC)? Chat with our complimentary, licensed Concierge to learn more about the buying process.GET STARTED Buying in Long Island CityWhen it comes to available properties in Long Island City, condos are the name of the game. In fact, according to current StreetEasy® listings, nearly 90% of available homes in LIC are condos. To put that figure in perspective, around 50% of current Manhattan listings and only 30% of Queens listings are condos. Architecturally, these condos tend to pay homage to the industrial history of the neighborhood. Lawrence Hakimi, another licensed real estate agent at Compass and StreetEasy Expert, sees a lot of condo properties that are loft conversion developments with "higher ceilings, open windows and views."For his part, Antigua has seen an "equal mix of 1 and 2 bedroom buyers" during his time as a real estate agent working in Long Island City. When it comes to price, Antigua reports that his 1 bedroom buyers normally "have had budgets of up to 1 million… [and for] 2 bedrooms, buyers have a typical budget of $1.4 – 1.5 million." The StreetEasy Data Dashboard confirms these approximate numbers, reporting the median asking price in the neighborhood was $1.3 million as of April 2024. Hakimi notes that generally speaking, "the carrying costs [in LIC] are relatively lower compared to Manhattan and Brooklyn as many of the developments are still under a (now expired) 421a tax abatement program." Sweet! But what about LIC rentals? Long Island City Apartments Under $3,500 On StreetEasy Article continues below Long Island City 37-26 32nd Street $3,200 No Fee beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. Studio | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Long Island City 37-05 30th Street $3,063 No Fee beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. Studio | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Long Island City 38-38 32nd Street $3,450 No Fee beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Hunters Point 12-07 Jackson Avenue $3,400 No Fee beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Hunters Point 44-41 Purves Street $2,800 No Fee beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. Studio | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Long Island City 27-05 41st Avenue $3,380 No Fee beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Long Island City 31-07 38th Avenue $3,350 No Fee beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Hunters Point 23-04 Jackson Avenue $2,600 No Fee beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. 2 | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Long Island City 38-38 32nd Street $3,450 No Fee beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Hunters Point 44-41 Purves Street $2,800 No Fee beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. Studio | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Long Island City 37-05 30th Street $3,325 No Fee beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Long Island City 34-15 37th Avenue $2,400 No Fee beds@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 | bath@1.5x Created with Sketch. 1 Renting in Long Island CityAntigua says that the typical Long Island City renter profile is "a single professional or recent grad looking for a 1 bedroom" – Though that's not to say that families or groups of roommates wouldn't be able to find their perfect rental. If you're a fan of hyper-modern design and plenty of natural sunlight, you're in luck! Antigua notes that all of his renters "seem to gravitate to one common architectural feature… all glass, floor-to-ceiling [windows.]" There's also a healthy appetite for amenity-rich buildings, of which there are plenty in LIC. According to the StreetEasy Data Dashboard, the median asking rent in the neighborhood was $4,050 as of April 2024. While this is admittedly higher than the Queen's median of $2,950, it's important to note that this estimate is lower than comparable nearby trendy neighborhoods, such as Williamsburg and Greenpoint, where the median asking rent is around $4,300.Residents play soccer on a sunny field in Hunters Point South Park.Parks and Green SpacesThe neighborhood's arguable crown jewel is Gantry Plaza State Park. Located along the East River waterfront, this massive green space spans 12 acres. It offers amazing skyline views, walking paths, multiple piers, and a mist fountain - plus the ability to partake in many outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, and cycling. Gantry Plaza is also home to its own NYC Ferry station, a gorgeous public library (more on that below), and food trucks galore.There's also the more recently opened Hunters Point South Park, which is impeccably maintained by the Hunters Point Parks Conservancy. In addition to gorgeous waterfront and city views, this park boasts dedicated recreational areas such as basketball courts, playgrounds, and soccer fields.What to Eat, Drink, and DoIn addition to being a wealth of real estate knowledge and advice, both Antigua and Hakimi prove to be excellent LIC tour guides, highlighting a few of his favorite local spots just for StreetEasy readers. The top of both of their lists? Casa Enrique. According to Antigua, the Sopecitos De Chorizo is a "must try!" If you're looking to impress a dinner date, Maiella is the way to go: Antigua highly recommends this "romantic, sophisticated spot" and highlights the Rigatoni Bolognese and the Cavatappi Scarola as menu standouts. For a more casual meal or mid-day snack, try Murray’s Cheese Bar or No Stress Cafe. For cocktails, you can't go wrong with Dutchkills. Hakimi adds a few more of his go-to's: "Blackstar Bakery, Sweetleaf Cafe, Sapps for sushi, Go Nonna… the list can go on!" Beyond Long Island City's cool and contemporary culinary scene, there's tons of opportunities for shopping and sightseeing. Antigua recommends Everyone Comics and Collectibles, especially for any millennial superhero-lover looking for a nostalgic blast from the past. We've already mentioned the MoMA PS1, which is housed inside of a former public school and which hosts many musical and artistic events throughout the year. Other must-see landmarks include the iconic Pepsi-Cola sign - leftover from when the neighborhood housed the soda bottling factory back in the 1940's - as well as the architecturally stunning Hunters Point Library. Check out our StreetEasy Know the Neighborhood video guide to Long Island City for even more neighborhood recs from two longtime LIC locals! Buying a home in NYC? Our complimentary, licensed Concierge will match you with a top buyer’s agent.GET MATCHED
10 Content Ideas for Your Real Estate Newsletter
Disclaimer: The contents of this article are industry best practices which were sourced from StreetEasy data and interviews with our Agent Advisory Board, unless noted otherwise. Any scripts provided are only meant to act as examples and are not required. Nothing in this presentation is intended to be legal advice. For specific questions about any duties or obligations arising out of a real estate transaction, check your local and state licensing laws and regulations, contact your broker, or an attorney.Life moves pretty fast in NYC, so if you want to get attention as an agent, it's a good idea to be strategic and creative with your marketing. For example, you could show up regularly in prospects' inboxes with a great newsletter. And if your content is helpful, interesting, and relevant, you can be on your way to turning contacts into clients - or staying top of mind with existing clients. Not sure where to start? We've got you covered. Here are 10 great content ideas for your newsletter.Table of Contents1. A personal noteUsually, you want your readers to be able to tell immediately that your newsletter came from you. Try adding a personal touch, like writing a short introduction to each edition. You could talk about a new restaurant in your neighborhood that you can't get enough of, the latest local news that surprised you, or your take on a recent shift in the NYC real estate market. Readers will enjoy getting your thoughts and recommendations, and the closer they hit to home, the better.2. New and notable listingsIt's a good idea to include listings in your newsletter, but not just any listings. Consider featuring a few that just hit the market or have had recent activity, like a price drop or upcoming open house. You may also want to include listings that need a little extra love, are rare finds, or are otherwise unique and notable.Screen images simulated3. Buyer and seller tipsOne of the best ways to engage potential clients is by offering valuable advice for buying and selling. You could write a quick tip in each newsletter or link to longer articles that offer more information. If you link to articles, make sure they're relevant and from a reputable source. For example, the StreetEasy blog features a wide range of helpful tips and information for those navigating the NYC real estate market (feel free to link to us!).4. Market reportsHow are recent changes in the NYC market affecting home prices? Do mortgage rates show any signs of going down? These are some of the questions prospective buyers and sellers have about the market, and they expect you to have the answers. Show them you're up to date on the latest real estate trends in NYC by sharing insightful articles, such as StreetEasy's Market Reports.Keep readers up-to-date on the NYC market with StreetEasy’s monthly reports and data stories.5. Neighborhood informationReal estate can vary block by block in NYC. Breaking down what buyers can expect in specific neighborhoods can be a huge help to buyers. Consider including a mini neighborhood guide with a map of the area, local market data (e.g. median asking price, days on market), points of interest, public transit, etc. You can use StreetEasy's neighborhood guides and Data Dashboard to collect some of this information.6. Community newsYour readers get enough negative news from the media. Make your newsletter a refreshing change of pace by mentioning positive happenings in NYC, like upcoming local events, volunteer opportunities, and feel-good human interest stories.7. Interior design tips and trendsInterior design is likely to be on a lot of readers' minds if they've been spending time looking for a new home. Talk about the latest interior decorating trends you're seeing - what's in, and what's out? If you recently helped stage a home, share a behind-the-scenes look at the work you did, perhaps through before-and-after photos. Your readers will enjoy seeing the transformation!8. Closing celebrationsLet readers join you in celebrating your latest closings. Highlight ones you're particularly proud of that demonstrate your abilities and expertise. If you have your client's permission, consider sharing a photo of you and the happy homeowner in their new space.9. Calculators and other toolsBuyers and sellers love a good interactive calculator or tool. Perhaps link to one or two that allow them to estimate how much house they can afford, potential mortgage payments, what their home is worth, or renting vs. buying. You could also provide tools that compare the costs of buying and owning various property types, such as co-ops, condos, and townhouses.10. Maintenance and renovation tipsThere's a lot more to home maintenance than calling a plumber when you notice a leaky faucet. Some tasks only need to be done once every few months or years, making it easy to forget about them. And if someone recently moved into a condo, co-op, or townhouse, they may not know which tasks they need to do and which ones are typically handled by the building. Offer maintenance tips and hacks that will help your home-owning readers optimize the value of their property. You can also provide renovation tips for readers who moved into a home that needs work, or are preparing to sell.With these ideas in mind, you should have more than enough to start an engaging newsletter or spruce up your existing one. Happy prospecting!
Tips for Writing an Outstanding Agent Bio
Disclaimer: The contents of this article are industry best practices which were sourced from StreetEasy data and interviews with our Agent Advisory Board, unless noted otherwise. Any scripts provided are only meant to act as examples and are not required. Nothing in this presentation is intended to be legal advice. For specific questions about any duties or obligations arising out of a real estate transaction, check your local and state licensing laws and regulations, contact your broker, or an attorney.When was the last time you spruced up your agent bio? If it's been a while, it's probably time to take another look. After all, potential buyers, sellers, or renters often read an agent's bio to get a quick sense of their experience and expertise before reaching out. It can get you a foot in the door with the right clients, especially if it stands out among the many other bios they're encountering in their search for an agent.Let's dive into how to write an outstanding bio for your StreetEasy profile, brokerage website, or LinkedIn.7 things to include in your agent bioThere are certain pieces of information that every exemplary bio should contain. Make sure yours includes the following:1. Your real estate experience: Highlight how many years you've worked in the industry and any relevant education, special designations, or prior work experience.2. Your connection to specific boroughs or neighborhoods: A 2023 StreetEasy survey revealed that 41% of buyers want their agent to have special insight into the borough or neighborhood they want to live in. Call out any neighborhoods or areas you tend to focus on and have done a lot of business in. (If you're a StreetEasy Expert, this is especially important!)3. Types of properties you specialize in: The same survey showed that buyers want their agent to have expertise about the specific building (48%) or property type (40%) they're interested in. If you've helped a lot of clients purchase co-ops, condos, or townhouses, point it out in your bio. (Again, this is definitely something to include if you're an Expert.)4. Your strengths as an agent: Are you detail-oriented, a great listener, or a master negotiator? Share your strengths and how they benefit your clients.5. Relevant skills: For example, if you speak multiple languages or have interior design experience, talk about it in your bio.6. Awards and achievements: Maybe you won a top agent award, set a sales record at your brokerage, or earned a spot on a prestigious industry list. If it speaks to your experience or performance as an agent, mention it!7. Personal interests or volunteer work: Not only does this build trust with clients, but it also gives them a peek into your unique personality.Screen images simulatedHow to make your bio stand outWith over 53,000 agents and brokers in NYC, having the right information in your bio isn't enough. To capture attention, your bio needs to stand out.First, you'll want to have a high quality professional headshot to go along with your bio. Hire a photographer who can help you choose the right poses, facial expressions, and backgrounds to impress your future clients. Make sure it's not too outdated and resembles what you currently look like.People tend to skim read nowadays, so put your most important experience and expertise at the top of your bio. Also, few readers will get through a huge block of text, even when skimming. If formatting allows, try breaking up your bio into short paragraphs of five sentences or less, and keep your sentences on the shorter side.Keep your language conversational and personable, yet informative and professional. Avoid complex real estate terminology the average person doesn't know. A bio that's easy to read is far more interesting than a formal bio stuffed with jargon.Also, don't be afraid to sprinkle in some storytelling elements. Consider adding a few personal details so readers can get a glimpse of your connection to NYC, or how your previous career makes you a stronger agent now.Lastly, check for any spelling or grammatical errors. First impressions matter, and your bio should show that you've at least taken the time to proofread. Have a colleague, friend, or loved one give it a look as well to spot anything you may have missed.Remember that your bio should entice people to work with you, but ultimately, it should be a reflection of you - professional, engaging, and ready to be the best possible real estate agent for your clients.If you have an agent account with StreetEasy, be sure to update your profile to include your latest bio, headshot, and other details. Just log in and go to Account > Profile to make changes at any time. StreetEasy Experts can also enhance their profiles with exclusive elements like neighborhood expertise, personalized data, an interactive map of their deal history, and more.
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