Long Island City, NY

Just one subway stop from Midtown Manhattan and the Upper East Side, Long Island City sits along the East River with spectacular views of the city skyline. Since it once served as a manufacturing hub, a variety of former industrial buildings now house historic lofts. Luxury condos also dominate the landscape, along with a smattering of low-rise apartment buildings and single-family houses, providing a unique mix of architecture to suit any renter’s lifestyle. Living in this Queens neighborhood will put you close to not only Manhattan, but also trendy neighborhoods like Williamsburg in Brooklyn.

If you're planning to move to Long Island City, you might be wondering what the cost of living is, and how it compares to the rest of New York. Like much of NYC, the cost of living in Long Island City is high — roughly 80 percent higher than the national average. Those fantastic views and being less than 10 minutes from Manhattan by subway come at a cost. Rents have climbed in recent years, with a one-bedroom apartment averaging $2,234. However, that’s still cheaper than many locations in Manhattan, and you get those stunning views from gorgeous waterfront parks.

If you enjoy art, Long Island City’s art community is legendary. MoMa P.S. 1, which is affiliated with the Museum of Modern Art, is the oldest and second-largest non-profit center dedicated to contemporary art in the nation. For those who enjoy dining out, Long Island City won’t disappoint with its countless unique restaurants, bars, and coffeehouses.