NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE · MANHATTAN

Living in Long Island City: A Complete Neighborhood Guide

Set along the East River directly across from Midtown, Long Island City is one of New York’s most exciting waterfront neighborhoods. Known for its glass residential towers, award-winning riverfront parks, and a thriving arts and dining scene, LIC offers skyline views and modern living just one subway stop from Manhattan. Whether you want a sunset stroll at Gantry Plaza State Park, an afternoon at MoMA PS1, or a quick commute to Grand Central, LIC delivers a lifestyle that feels both energetic and easygoing.

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October 2026

Waterfront views of the Manhattan skyline from Long Island City.

Subway Lines
7 G E F N R W
Typical 1BR Rent
$4,100 – $5,600
Best Known For
Waterfront Parks & Skyline Views
The Neighborhood Vibe
Modern, Creative & Connected
Midtown Commute
About 10 Minutes via 7 or E/M
ON THIS PAGE
1. What it is known for
2. Getting Around
3. Where People Eat, Shop & Gather
4. Parks & Waterfront
5. Who Lives Here
6. At a Glance Statistics
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1. What is Long Island City known for?

The Short Answer
Sleek high-rises, East River waterfront parks, sweeping Manhattan skyline views, and a growing arts and dining scene, all one subway stop from Midtown.
Long Island City is more central than many people expect. Its glass towers sit beside historic industrial buildings and low-rise blocks, and the neighborhood’s artistic roots show up in galleries, performance spaces, and cultural institutions like MoMA PS1. Residents tend to get more space, newer buildings, and bigger amenity packages than they would at similar prices in Manhattan, with the skyline as the backdrop.

2. Getting around is surprisingly simple

The Short Answer
The 7, E, M, G, N, W, and R trains, plus NYC Ferry service, make LIC one of the best-connected neighborhoods outside Manhattan.
The 7 train reaches Grand Central in just a couple of stops, and the E and M provide direct service to Midtown East and Rockefeller Center. The N, W, and R run across the Queensboro Bridge toward Midtown, while the G connects north and south to Greenpoint, Williamsburg, and Downtown Brooklyn. NYC Ferry landings at the waterfront offer a scenic alternative to the subway, and bridge, tunnel, and bike path access make driving and cycling easy too.

3. Where people eat, shop, and gather

The Short Answer
Neighborhood cafés, craft breweries, rooftop bars, and international restaurants make LIC a lively destination, with grocery and everyday essentials close by.
Vernon Boulevard and Jackson Avenue are the neighborhood’s main dining and shopping corridors, mixing bakeries, coffee shops, bookstores, and wine bars with long-standing local favorites. The restaurant scene ranges from wood-fired pizza and barbecue to refined Japanese cooking, and the neighborhood’s craft beverage scene gives it an easygoing, social feel.

4. Gantry Plaza and the Waterfront

The Short Answer
Riverfront parks stretch along LIC’s western edge with open lawns, fishing piers, and some of the best skyline views in the city.
Gantry Plaza State Park features restored historic gantries, piers, lounge decks, and walking paths facing the Midtown skyline. Just south, Hunter’s Point South Park adds athletic fields, a waterfront greenway, and a cantilevered platform with sweeping views of Manhattan. Both parks are popular with joggers, families, and dog owners, and both include dedicated dog areas.

Who lives here

LIC attracts young professionals, creatives, and remote workers, along with an increasing number of families and longtime Queens residents. Its mix of new construction and community-minded streets appeals to people who want modern amenities, good transit, and some breathing room without leaving the city’s orbit.

Long Island City at a Glance
Subway Stations
Court Sq (7, G, E, M), Queensboro Plaza (7, N, W), Queens Plaza (E, M, R), Hunters Point Ave and Vernon Blvd–Jackson Ave (7), 21st St–Queensbridge (F)
Walk Times to Landmarks
Court Square Station (3 mins) · MoMA PS1 (5 mins) · Vernon Boulevard (10 mins) · Gantry Plaza State Park (12 mins) · Hunter’s Point South Park (15 mins)
Nearby Schools & Universities
LaGuardia Community College, Cornell Tech (via ferry/subway)
Notable Streets & Boulevards
Jackson Avenue, Vernon Boulevard, Center Boulevard, Queens Plaza, 44th Drive, 23rd Street
Available Apartments on the Long Island City
Stonehenge NYC has several beautifully renovated pre-war buildings on the Long Island City. Find your perfect space.
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Furnished
Long Island City

1 QPS

030H

42-20 24th Street
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1 Bedroom
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1
BA
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673
ft²

false

5108

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Furnished
Long Island City

1 QPS

017G

42-20 24th Street
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Studio
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1
BA
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433
ft²

false

3826

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Furnished
Long Island City

1 QPS

039A

42-20 24th Street
Bed Icon
1 Bedroom
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1
BA
Selection Icon
695
ft²

false

4118

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