(photos from astoria.org) Well, after writing my last post and giving it some thought, it is pretty obvious that Park Slope is rather out of my price range. It even looks like parts of Manhattan are cheaper. Turning my sights to Queens, I'm going to check out the pros and cons of Astoria. A little background: Population 154,000 Education: - 38% finished high school - 17% finished college or associates degree - 8% graduate degrees Age: - 28% are 25 to 39 - 38% are 40 to 64 - 8% are 65 and older Race: - 39% White - 25% African American - 11% Asian Household Income: - 52% makes less than $30,000 per year. - 33% makes $30,000 - $74,999 - 13% makes $75,000 - $149,999 - 3% make over $150,000 Location: Astoria is in Queens. Between Manhattan and Astoria is the East River. The surrounding neighborhoods are Long Island City, Sunnyside (borders at Northern Boulevard) and Woodside (borders at 50th Street) Long Island City is more expensive than Astoria, while Sunnyside can be something to consider. According to Wikipedia, some of the waterfront is being developed. Hallets Point is one of five former industrial sites on the waterfront being transformed. There will be seven new mixed-use residential towers, including 2,000 market-rate units and 500 affordable units. The development will also include new waterfront parks, a supermarket, retail shops and restaurants, and two new schools. Pros about Astoria: Affordable rents, 10-minute commute to Midtown.The southern portion of the Astoria is probably more hip, the part close to Long Island City. Trains to the city include the N, Q, M, or R trains. Great food and there is nightlife in the neighborhood (will write more about that later) Neighborhoods in Astoria to consider: Anywhere near Astoria Park. It offers the best city views, and a lovely place to relax on the weekends. Another popular area to live in is 36th Street between 30th and 31st Avenues, which is a tree-lined street with beautiful one to two family homes with a sprinkling of nicely designed front yards. The Shore Towers (25-40 Shore Blvd) is across the street from Astoria Park and boasts some of the most amazing views of Queens and Manhattan. Since it's close to the waterfront, it's a bit farther from the subway, but there is free shuttle to and from the Astoria Blvd subway stop. Walking to the subway stop from the Shore Towers is about a mile and takes 20 minutes. Astoria Park borders Ditmar Blvd on the Northern part. Seems like Ditmars Steinway, which is past Ditmars Blvd, is part of Astoria. But it seems rather inconvenient and far from the subway. Also there may be noise from the LaGuardia Airport. Some condos for sale: 14-43 28th Ave #4A, $529,000 2 bedroom 1.5 bath, 635 square feet. Maintenance + taxes around $1000 per month (maybe lower. Maintenance $450 per month includes heat). Maybe have some views and parking. Rents for around $2500 per month (or maybe less) 0.5 miles walk to N, Q stops 25-40 Shore Blvd #LJ $569,000 Spacious 2 br condo 960 square feet unit facing the East River. The unit includes a deeded parking spaces. Full service building. Shuttle, Gym, Pool, Tennis, Laundry, Lounge, 24 Hour Doorman. Monthly maintenance $500, taxes $250 ok fine, so 0.7 miles walk to N, Q stops Also rents for maybe $2300
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