Affordable rents and a 10-minute commute to Midtown are making Astoria and Long Island City increasingly desirable places to live.
The southern portion of the Astoria, which in some circles is considered the northern tip of Long Island City, is ideal for a growing population of young people and creative types who are priced out of Brooklyn and Manhattan.
“I love it,” said Fares Zeideia, 49, about the area sandwiched between Broadway and 35th Avenue. Zeideia emigrated to the neighborhood from Palestine in 1982, and has owned the popular King of Falafel food truck that has been parked on the same corner at Broadway and 30th street since 2002.
“People come from all over the city and the states,” he said. “They’re down to earth, fun, and not afraid of exploring new things.”
A quick ride on the N, Q, M, or R trains from the city and newcomers will find dining destinations as diverse and endearing as the local population, along with emerging arts and nightlife scenes, and a fascinating history.
“It feels like a New York melting pot that feels kind of old-fashioned in a really nice, very real way,” said Dakin Hart, senior curator at the Noguchi Museum on 33rd Road.
In the first half of the 20th century, the Astoria/Long Island City border area was known for being the home of what is now known as Kaufman Astoria Studios on 35th Avenue.
It was the home of Paramount pictures during the first half of the century, and was eventually commandeered by the U.S. Army to film and produce training videos during World War II.
In the last 90 years, hundreds of silent films, major motion pictures, independent productions and television shows have been filmed within its walls. The studios also house the Museum of the Moving Image.
The latter half of the 20th century saw a tidal wave of Greek immigration to Astoria. This is reflected today in the many Greek Orthodox churches, and Greek food establishments that dot the neighborhood.
However, the busy commercial corridors of Broadway and Steinway Street also house a number of Latin eateries, and Irish pubs.
“The food here is amazing,” said Danielle Weinstein, a real estate agent with Citi Habitats who lives in Astoria and also sells property in the area.
“All of the restaurants in the summer will have their outdoor seating so it’s just kind of one long block party,” she added. “I’ll just walk up and down the avenues on a day off and run into people I know.”
Although the nabe’s popularity is causing rents to rise slightly, the neighborhood is still for the most part affordable.
Most residents in this area rent, Weinstein said.
Studios with no amenities start at $1,500, while one-bedrooms can go for from $1,700 to $2,200. Two bedrooms rent for around $2,400, according to Weinstein.
TO KNOW
Crime
South Astoria is covered by the 114th Precinct at 34-16 Astoria Blvd. There were two murders and 23 rapes reported in the precinct’s CompStat report in 2014. In the week of Jan. 12-18, 2015 the precinct reported one murder, five robberies and six burglaries. More »
Post Office
2117 Broadway More »
Library
Queens Library, 4020 Broadway More »
Transportation
Trains: N, Q at 36th Avenue, and Broadway; M, R at Steinway Street
Buses: Q66, Q69, Q100, Q101, Q102, Q103, Q104, QM2, QM3 More »
TO EAT
The Queens Kickshaw
Part cafe, part restaurant, part bar — this little spot does it all. The artisanal sandwiches are best washed down with one of the many domestic craft beers the Kickshaw offers by the bottle.
King Of Falafel Shawarma
You can’t miss this neon green food truck, parked right down the block from the Broadway subway stop. The Vendy Award recipient is an Astoria staple.
Omonia Café
This massive Greek café emulates what the neighborhood food scene is all about. We hear the spinach pie is to die for.
TO SHOP
Lockwood
Everything from women and children’s clothing, to chic house ware, books, and stationery are sold in this shop off of Broadway by local proprietor Mackenzi Farquer.
Apollo Books
One of the city’s last independent book shops.
Urban Lifestyle Furniture
This contemporary furniture shop boasts that it offers an eclectic mix of designers and a range of styles.
40.75788300000001,-73.91949799999999
32-37 Steinway St.
Queens, NY 11103
TO PARTY
Studio Square
This massive, modern beer hall is next to the Museum of the Modern Image. Be sure to return in the summertime when the backyard opens up.
The Astor Room
Located inside of the Kaufman Astoria Studios, the Astor Room is a special place for an upscale night out in Astoria.
40.757222,-73.924267
34-12 36th St.
Queens, NY 11106
Doyle’s Corner
A modern Irish pub that stays open late, Doyle’s draws a local crowd. Strike up a conversation with one of its Irish bartenders.
TO DO
Noguchi Museum
This storied sculpture museum and garden, located in an old industrial lighting warehouse on the water, houses works of the legendary sculptor Isamu Noguchi.
Museum of the Moving Image
The first museum of its kind, the MoMi is dedicated to the history and production of all things film, TV, and video games. Aside from rotating exhibits, it screens movies weekly and is housed in a nationally landmarked building.
Break Bar and Billiards
Play ping-pong and pool until late at this Broadway billiards bar.
QA
QA with Jason Eppink, associate curator of the Museum of the Moving Image
Eppink has lived in the area for nine years. More »
REAL ESTATE
To rent
— 1009 34th Ave. #3. Ground floor studio with one bath: $1,900.
— 32-57 33rd St. #1. Two beds, one bath: $2,300. More »
To buy
— 11-24 31st Ave. #18A. Two-bed, 1 1/2-bath condo; 933 square feet: $855,000.
— 33-68 21st Ave. #10C. Three-bed, 1 1/2-bath co-op; 1,100 square feet: $440,000. More »
BUZZ
Astoria resident Alex Pepper is competing in Doritos Super Bowl commercial contest
He is competing against nine other finalists. More »
