Neighborhood Guide: Long Island City

A dynamic, up-and-coming neighborhood at the intersection of Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan, Long Island City is staking its claim as one of New York’s most desired places to live. Not only does it have some of the best views of Manhattan, but it is in the center of everything: midtown offices are across the river, and Greenpoint and Astoria are neighbors. Some call it the best-kept secret in New York, though with everything going on here right now, it won’t stay under wraps for long. What to Do: Noguchi Museum Visit this museum to view the works from sculptor Isamu Noguchi. A serene, 24,000-square foot building with adjacent sculpture garden features furniture, architectural models and drawings. Socrates Sculpture Park This peaceful, five-acre outdoor oasis includes a full calendar of exhibits and installations, featuring some of the country’s leaders in the contemporary art world. Much like the neighborhood itself, it’s a place to get a sense of the city’s cutting-edge scene. MoMA PS1 One of the city’s major contemporary art centers, this museum is housed in a former public school building and has exhitibted work from leading modern artists such as Francesco Vezzoli and Olafur Eliasson. Gantry Plaza State Park A stroll through this 12-acre green space along the East River includes panoramic views of Manhattan’s skyline. The park is a perfect place to admire the skyline’s lights at night, or to make use of the greenery by day. Where to Eat: Mu Ramen This Ramen spot  that opened two years ago serves more than just a great dish of noodles. Dishes include a napa caesar salad that includes a wasabi caesar dressing. You can also order dishes such as burgers, fries and mussels. When it comes to trying the authentic Japanese tonkatsu ramen, a pork-based noodle soup that’s become one of the hottest food trends in the city, be sure to pair it with one of the restaurant’s sakes. Beija Flor Those looking for specialties like moqueca baianca, a rich seafood stew in coconut milk, should look no further than this popular Brazilian restaurant. With a home-style menu and weekly live music, this is the perfect spot for traditional Brazilian fare. Crescent Grill For a healthy, locally-sourced, farm-to-table restaurant, visit this spot which uses many of its ingredients from upstate New York farms. Try the organic roasted chicken that comes with rosemary roasted pumpkin and grilled baby leeks with a maple squash puree. Bellwether With its sleek, all-white dining room, this restaurant is run by Chef Preston Madson, formerly of Manhattan’s popular Freeman’s restaurant. The hearty-yet-healthy new American cuisine includes a seared black bass dish served with asparagus. M. Wells Steakhouse This restaurant has a menu full of hearty entrees for meat lovers, including a venison T-bone with wild berries and brown butter. Vegetarians, don’t fret, there’s a whole roasted cauliflower entree served with truffles, chestnuts, garlic and parmesan. Where to Live: Between the endless options for food along with unbeatable city skyline views, Long Island City is the perfect place if you want to live outside of Manhattan, but only a quick train ride away. 25-19 43rd Avenue, Unit 311 Price: $1,070,000 2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms 5-26 47th Avenue, 1B Price: $1,395,000 1 Bedroom | 1 Bathroom | 1 Half Bathroom 11-35 45th Avenue, 6D Price: $1,055,000 1 Bedroom | 1 Bathroom Find your new home in Long Island City today.