Long Island City is a no-frills residential neighborhood located at the western edge of Queens, New York City. It is surrounded by Astoria to the north, the East River to the west, New Calvary Cemetery in Sunnyside to the east, and Newtown Creek, which acts as a boundary between Queens and Greenpoint in Brooklyn, to the south. Not to be confused with that Long Island, living in Long Island City gives you all the benefits of big city living, but with a lower price tag and even a shot at your own backyard—or at least, it feels that way with all the parks and easy transportation options.
Food
- M. Wells (43-15 Crescent St, Long Island City, NY): M. Wells has been a neighborhood fixture in Long Island City for more than a decade—first as a diner, then a café inside MoMA P.S.1, and most recently, as Canadian chef Hugue Dufour’s avant-garde take on a steakhouse. The three-time Michelin star bistro will close at the end of 2024, so get in quick!
- Vert Frais (43-10 Crescent St, Queens, NY): This sunlit, white-walled café in Long Island City might not look like a serious restaurant, but trust us, it’s got the credentials. With a Japanese-inspired brunch menu, you won’t regret ordering the karaage, crème brûlée pancake, or the chirashi bowls.
- Oh! Calcutta (10-57 Jackson Avenue, Queens, NY): Ruhel Amin, who’s already made a name with Indian restaurants in Harlem and Williamsburg, brings the flavors of Kolkata to Long Island City. Named after the risqué British revue, Oh! Calcutta is a creative twist on Indian and Bengali cuisine.
- Casa Enrique (5-48 49th Ave, Long Island City, NY): Once New York City’s most affordable Michelin-starred restaurant, Casa Enrique lost its star in November 2023, but it’s still a must-visit. Serving up traditional recipes from Chef Cosme Aguilar’s hometown of Chiapas, don’t miss the doña blanca enchiladas, mole, and the Aguachile Margarita.
Attractions
- MoMA PS1 (22-25 Jackson Ave, Queens, NY): Located in an old public school building, this contemporary art museum is all about pushing boundaries. For over 20 years, MoMA PS1 has been taken seriously in the art world as the place for provocative and challenging exhibitions. Plus, it’s home to Warm Up, one of NYC’s trendiest summer dance party series.
- The Noguchi Museum (9-01 33rd Rd, Queens, NY): A serene escape designed by Japanese American sculptor Isamu Noguchi. This intimate museum and sculpture garden is perfect for a meditative afternoon, thanks to its ivy-covered walls, cream color palette, and biomorphic sculptures.
- Gantry State Park (4-44 47th Rd, Queens, NY): Once an industrial wasteland, Gantry Plaza State Park has been transformed into a manicured 12-acre green space along the East River in Hunters Point. The park comes alive every day with strollers, picnickers, sunbathers, volleyball players, fishers, and admirers of the Manhattan skyline.
Nightlife
- The Beast Next Door (4251 27th St, Long Island City, NY): With its dimly lit, brick-walled, wood-furnished interior, this sultry bar is perfect for an easy date night. Plus, they’ve got an unbeatable happy hour, including $1 oysters.
- Lost in Paradise Rooftop (11-01 43rd Ave, Long Island City, NY): Party in style at this rooftop lounge which offers views of the Manhattan skyline, tropical cocktails, and Latin fusion tapas. Need more reasons to visit? Check out their weekly events like Taco Tuesdays and Karaoke Wednesdays.
- Bar Enzo (10-15 43rd Avenue, 2nd Floor, Long Island City, NY): This new Italian-American cocktail bar is a nod to owner Joe Schinco’s Sicilian grandparents and their lively parties. With Attaboy alum Steven Lewis behind the marble bar, you can expect some seriously memorable drinks.
Neighborhood Festivals
- Queens Night Market (4701 111th St, Corona, NY): This family-friendly, open-air night market features over 100 independent vendors selling a mix of art, merchandise, and cuisine from all around the world. With dishes priced at just $5 or $6, you can sample all the flavors without breaking the bank.
- Long Island City (LIC) Springs!: This community street festival is a celebration of Long Island City, with live music, dance performances, interactive art lessons, fitness classes, outdoor dining, and pop-up activities. It’s free and open to the public, drawing major crowds each year.
Living in Long Island City
Long Island City has a population of around 60,000, with the largest ethnic groups being Asian (34%), White (29%), Hispanic (22%), African American (10%), and two or more races (5%).
Long Island City, once an industrial area, is now a mix of grit and luxury, with old warehouses transformed into high-end apartments. Accessible to Manhattan without the noise and crowds, Long Island City is also slightly more affordable. As of July 2024, the median listing home price in Long Island City was $1M, and the median household income is around $95,677 per year. You can expect to pay about $2,780 per month for a studio and $3,310 for a one-bedroom apartment.
Moving to Long Island City
With its safety, fun activities, and easy access to other parts of New York City, Long Island City is increasingly popular among new residents, especially those moving from Manhattan.
If you’re planning to make the move to Long Island City, you’ll need more than just a moving truck. Consider enlisting the help of professionals like Metropolis Moving to manage the logistics, allowing you to focus on settling into your new home.
