long island city
 

what the price of living in long island city and whats the quality of living also? just curious

Less than in Manhattan. Varies by area. Gentrifying - but still mixed. Astoria seems more popular.

A lot more than Seattle, Portland, or SW Oregon--trust me.

yea i have heard its like 3 times more than pretty much anywhere

seattle can be kind of expensive too, right?

the only reason i ask is because my husband got a job offer in both cities and we are unsure about where to go.

I know from your previous posts that you are young. If you and your husband are fascinated by the idea of living in New York City--go. Otherwise don't.

good advice, thank you! i am pondering the idea.

If you want to live in NYC - there are a ton of up and coming places where you can live for (comparativley) little versus Manhattan - although it will involve more of a commute.

But - you need to tell us where you'll be working (physical location - not company) since that will determine where it makes sense to live (45 minute commute versus 1.5 or 2 hours).

Also - some idea of a budget for a rental (assume you;re not ready to buy yet - and, in any case would not reco buying in NYC until you know the city better - it's way too easy to overpay or pick a place you'll hate).

Oh - and a couple otes about the NYC real estate market:

Realtor fees are high (often 15% of the year's rent)

Landlords demand high income versus rent ratio and documentation in the form of both current pay stubs and past couple of income tax forms

Unlesss you have a very generoau budget be prepared for a very small apartment - usually in an older building (most new building is called"luxury" even when it isn;t - and is priced accordingly)

My daughter's friends (mid twenties) live in Astoria and really like it. They have a huge apartment for no more than they paid when they were in college in California. It's a quick subway ride to midtown Manhattan where several of them work.

I would definitely look in Astoria.

my husband will be working in long island city. i saw that the prices are pretty high. we will rent first and then think about buying later if its suitable. someone else said astoria was good. what would a 2 bedroom run? and whats up with the fees?

Long Islad City was long an area of Queens with light industry, warehouses, auto body shops etc. As the city got more and more expensive some areas in Queens are gentifying.

But areas like Astoria - which were always in large part residential, are much more pleasant, have more of the usual services (all sorts of shops and restaurants) and have fairly reasonable prices.

In Long Island city they are putting up several "luxury" buildings - in among the warehouses etc - and giving all sorts of "luxury" to be able to charge almost Manhattan prices.

If you have the money for that I would live in Manhattan in a somewhat less "luxury" building but a much nicer/more convenient area. If you want to spend less look at some of the traditionnal residential areas that are being upgraded (Astoria has tons of young people).

Have a look at the NYTimes real estate section web site - they have profiles/info on all the various city neighborhoods - as well as listings of places for sale or rent.

"and whats up with the fees?"

It's the way real estate agents make money.

thanks very helpful!

Even tho you may be working in LIC you dont have to live there. You might check out Nassau County or Suffolk County of Long Island. I suggest that you go and scout out the area.

If you're young and w/o kids, live in NYC, not in the 'burbs. (Nassau/Suffolk) Most people who live in Long Island City/Astoria can't afford NYC rents or want more space than they can afford in Manhattan. If you're considering this job b/c of the opportunity to live and work in NYC, getting a smaller apt. in Manhattan might be a better option. It's a short subway ride to LIC or Astoria. That said, it is an up and coming area.

NY Magazine has brief descriptions of various neighborhoods. nymetro.com/realestate

Never mentioned Long Island - since I somehow assumed you were a couple without kids. If you have kids LI is probably the best option (much lower costs ad much better schools in many areas). But for a childless couple - you really want Manhattan - or nearby - since the suburbs center primarily around kids.

Actually living in long island might not be that bad, i will be a teacher and that might be a good place to teach.

Sorry - I had assumed you already had jobs. No one is going to rent you an aprtment (except perhaps a private rental in a house) until you can prove employmnet/income commensurate with the rent.

And landing a teaching job in most school disricts on LI is quite difficult - very competitive.

Getting a teacing job in NYC is fairly easy - but many teachers, as soon as they have some experience, try for jobs in the suburbs - where schools are almost universally safer, better, have many more resources and pay more.

Have you looked into teaching requirements in New York? I know they vary a lot by state - but New York requires teachers to have MAs after a couple of years of teaching. (You can start with a BA or BS but have to show you're taking courses towards an MA - and get it within 5 years in order to continue teaching).