LIC for Brooklynites – where to live in Hunters Point, Queens Plaza, Court Square, and Dutch Kills

Queens Plaza and Court Square

Image source: Crescent Club – view from Crescent Club Condos

For the longest time, the defining element of Queens Plaza (GMAP) has been the elevated subway platform that leads to, but does not connect to, the Queensboro Bridge. These days it’s high-rise residences and commercial towers sprouting up in the Queens Plaza that are also starting to define the area.

Court Square (GMAP), named after the classic LIC courthouse, is dominated by the Citibank building, the tallest skyscraper on the Island. This part of LIC is home to a number of new residential developments.

Elevated subway tracks and the ever present Citibank building that looms over this part of LIC, which acts like a sundial to some

North of Queens Plaza, just across the street from the elevated subway, are a few mid- to high-rise residences, including View59 and Queens Plaza Condos. The Crescent Club was first envisioned as a condo building but has turned into to rentals.

Image source: LIQcity – View59 in all its aqua glory

Image source: LIQcity – Crescent Club – it has its own swimming pool in the landscaped back yard

Queens Plaza South is home to many new buildings that are currently under construction, including Rockrose’s Linc LIC (rentals) and 43-25 Hunter (another Rockrose development).

Linc LIC, still under construction, seen from Queensboro Plaza looking south

In the Court Square area there are new developments like the Arris Lofts, Fusion Condos, One Murray Park, and the newly built Vista, which has been given a feng shui wellness treatment.

 Arris Lofts

Image source: One Murray Park, located in between Court Square and Hunters Point

A huge benefit of living in Queens Plaza is proximity to lots of transit – the N/Q/7 at Queensboro Plaza and the E/M/R at Queens Plaza. Court Square has its own family of subway stops – the Court Square (newly renovated and ADA compliant) station on the 7 which easily connects to the G, as well as the 23rd St/Ely E/M stop.

Note that it is a pretty quick walk from Queens/Queensboro Plaza to Court Square. Also, if you are riding with an unlimited metrocard, a “secret” transfer can be made between Queensboro Plaza (N/Q/7) to Queens Plaza (E/M/R) and vice-versa. It’s not an official transfer point, per se (it is still an extra fare if you are using a per-ride Metrocard), and there is a short walk between the two, but many people find it useful.

Further away from the elevated train and closer to Court Square are restaurants like Sage General Store, M. Wells Dinette in MOMA PS1, and Dutch Kills Bar, where you can find some of the best cocktails in NYC. Body & Soul Restorations, home to excellent massages and other therapeutic treatments, is above Sage and near Court Street Wine & Spirits, a deceptively large shop with an excellent selection. This coming winter, M. Wells is planning on opening up a steakhouse, and recently, John Brown Smokehouse moved into the neighborhood and has been proclaimed by the Village Voice as the best ‘cue in the city.

Out of this world chilaquiles at Sage General Store

 

As far as open space, Court Square Park in front of the beautiful Long Island City Court House (one of the most important buildings in Queens), and Rafferty Triangle are also quite nice.

Court Square Park, a contrast of the natural and the man made

Image source: Wikipedia – the LIC Court House – this building is on the National Register of Historic Places, landmarked in 1976

Plus, the NYC Marathon runs through this part of LIC each Fall (except for Fall 2012 because of freak Hurricane Sandy).

The NYC Marathon running through LIC – note the Citibank tower in the background

The general feel about the Queens Plaza/Court Square area is that it is growing and finding its way. It’s a mix of new residential developments and high-rise commercial buildings (Citibank, the UN buildings, Department of Health), with room to expand – upward. Around Queens Plaza there are spots where you can grab a quick bite (pizza, sandwiches, donuts, coffee) surrounding the elevated train. It’s also exciting to know that movies and TV are made here, at Silvercup Studios south of the Queensboro Bridge.

Here are some examples of what’s available right now – all new buildings:

• Arris Lofts at 27-28 Thomson Ave – studio condo for $549,000
• The Vista – 44-15 Purves Street – 1 bed/1 bath condo for $465,000
• Fusion at 42-51 Hunter St – 2 bed/2 bath condo for $825,000

Image source: mpstudio123 on Flickr – Dutch Kills Green, newly renovated and a big change for the area

[sponsored_by name=”Modern Spaces” url=”http://modernspacesnyc.com” logo=”http://queensnyc.com/app/uploads/2012/09/modernspaces-realestate-logo.png” byline=”If you are looking to Buy, Rent or Sell stop by our offices in Williamsburg, LIC or Astoria.”]

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