If you have seen LIC in the last few years, you really haven’t seen it. More apartments have been built in the last 10 years than any other community in the entire US, more than 22,000 with 8,000 under construction now. And the focus has not been on affordable apartments, it has been on the high-end of the market. Many billions have been spent in LIC recently, creating new, modern and some architecturally interesting buildings. Perhaps now where in NYC can you find so many modern buildings, packed with amenities, within walking distance of each other. Manhattan, Brooklyn and other parts of Queens have been building up for decades while LIC was almost a blank slate of under-developed property. Most of the the piano factories, printers , iron works, etc etc, are gone, but they do live on the names of the new buildings and businesses.
Perhaps in order to attract well-paid millennial professionals from Manhattan and maximize returns, the buildings have amenities built in that older buildings would have a very hard time retrofitting in. Some now-standard amenities aren’t just a gym, common room or a laundry room, a doorman; now it is more about gym with a yoga studio, a media room, a game room, a rooftop deck, a kids room, some landscaped outdoor space, in-unit washer and dryers, modern kitchen and bathrooms, perhaps a pool and a basketball court, an on-site concierge/valet, a garage, pets are welcome and spacious lobbies. For sure they may not be as spacious as some pre-war buildings but they feel much fresher, current, energetic and upbeat.
You can choose from the high rises around Queens Boulevard and Court Square with very easy access to subways and abundant food and shopping, the middle of LIC around Vernon Boulevard with mostly smaller buildings and a distinct local feel with new and interesting restaurants or the waterfront/Gantry Park; with multiple high-rises loaded with amenities and great views but a bit more distant from transportation and shopping.
LIC also boasts a lively cultural and arts scene. There are several museums, two sculpture parks, murals and an overall artistic vibe in many spots.
There are still undeveloped, gritty areas of LIC, such as the site where Amazon planned to build, which will likely be developed over time.
Rental prices are the highest in Queens, reflecting the amenities and location. Sale prices are among the highest per square foot in Queens but you won’t find many large homes available.
