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Moving from Manhattan to Long Island City (LIC) can be a big change, but it also offers many benefits. Long Island City is a neighborhood located in the western part of the borough of Queens. LIC is located just across the East River from Manhattan. It’s a rapidly-growing and diverse community that has a lot to offer. Our moving and storage NYC experts recommend LIC for families and individuals looking for more affordable housing in NYC. When moving from Manhattan to Long Island City, you will notice that the things that differ the most are the cost of living and the lifestyle. Living in Long Island City can be beneficial for people looking to live in Manhattan’s proximity without paying as much. Additionally, you will be away from all the hustle and you will get to live in a more peaceful environment. You can read in detail about all of this in the article below.

Moving from Manhattan to Long Island City: pros and cons

Both of these cities have many benefits. And, depending on your way of living, they may have some downsides you will find to be a deal breaker for you. Living in Manhattan means living a more urban lifestyle while living in LIC means the opposite. This is something the Manhattan residential movers can confirm. The cost of living also differs in a great way. The lifestyle is also very different. Read about these important differences in the following paragraphs.

Pace of life

One of the biggest differences you will notice when moving from Manhattan to LIC is the pace of life. While Manhattan is known for its fast-paced, hustle-and-bustle lifestyle, LIC is more laid-back and relaxed. This can be a welcome change for those who are looking for a more suburban feel while still being close to the city. The Long Island City movers can help you with moving here if you find this kind of lifestyle more suitable for you.

Comparing the cost of living

Another major difference is the cost of living. Manhattan is one of the most expensive places to live in the country. Long Island City is significantly more affordable. Rent and housing prices are generally lower in LIC than in Manhattan, making it a great option for those looking to save money while still having access to all the amenities and opportunities of the city.

buildings in NYC
One of the first things you will notice when moving from Manhattan to Long Island City is the difference in buildings in general.

LIC also offers a wider variety of housing options than Manhattan. Manhattan primarily consists of high-rise apartment buildings. LIC offers a mix of older, pre-war buildings and newer, luxury developments. This gives residents more choices when it comes to finding a home that fits their needs and preferences.

This is how the cost of living compares in these two cities:

  • The average monthly rent in Manhattan is around $4500 while in LIC it’s around $3000
  • The average apartment cost in Manhattan is around $940000 while in LIC it’s around $900000
  • Manhattan’s cost of living index is 258 while the COLI of Long Island City is 147

Overall the cost of living in Manhattan is noticeably higher than in LIC. This is the main advantage the LIC has over Manhattan. It is more affordable in every way. This is why the movers Queens team does more and more moves to this area each year. People moving to LIC are usually doing it because of its affordable cost of living.

Everyday living

One of the biggest draws of LIC is its proximity to Manhattan. The neighborhood is just a short subway ride away from many of the city’s most popular destinations, including Times Square, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This makes it easy for residents to enjoy all that the city has to offer without having to deal with the crowds and congestion of living in Manhattan.

people happy with their decision of moving from Manhattan to Long Island City
The lifestyle in Long Island City is more laid-back than in Manhattan.

In terms of amenities, LIC is home to a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. The neighborhood has a thriving arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries and performance spaces. Additionally, LIC is home to several parks. These parks include Gantry Plaza, State Park, and Socrates Sculpture Park. Both of these offer great views of the Manhattan skyline and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.

One potential downside of moving from Manhattan to LIC is that it can be harder to find parking. While Manhattan is known for its lack of parking, LIC is also relatively car-unfriendly. However, with the abundance of public transportation options, most residents find that they don’t need a car to get around. The movers Manhattan offers often help people without cars move around NYC. This is because most people don’t find traveling by car practical around here.

The lifestyle

Overall, moving from Manhattan to Long Island City can be a great choice for those looking for a more affordable and laid-back lifestyle. Additionally, you will still have access to all the amenities and opportunities of the city. With its proximity to Manhattan, diverse housing options, and thriving arts and culture scene, LIC is a great place to call home. It’s worth noting that Long Island City has undergone rapid development in recent years. It is becoming a popular destination for young professionals and families. The area is attracting new high-rise buildings, luxury condos, and trendy restaurants. This development is expected to continue. This means that the neighborhood will be more crowded and the cost of living will increase in the future.

people in subway
Getting around in LIC is as easy as in Manhattan because of the well-developed public transport.

In conclusion, Long Island City offers a unique blend of urban and suburban living, with the convenience of being close to Manhattan and the charm of a smaller, more community-oriented neighborhood. It’s a great place for those who want to experience the best of both worlds when moving from Manhattan to Long Island City and enjoy the best of New York City while avoiding the high costs and crowds of Manhattan.

 

REFERENCES:

https://www.rentcafe.com/cost-of-living-calculator/us/ny/manhattan/

https://costoflive.com/cost-of-living/in/long-island-ny