This LIC two-bedroom is over $1,000 less than the area median. Can you figure out why?

By Lucy Cohen Blatter | February 3, 2016 - 2:59PM

When you think Long Island City, you probably picture those big glassy towers on the water. This $2,750 two-bedroom apartment isn't in one of those buildings (hence the $1,000 lower-than-median price), but the interior has been recently renovated.

It's a walkup located on the second floor of a building that's a few blocks from the N and Q (not the 7). Pets are allowed on a case-by-case basis. So is it worth considering even though it's not in one of the neighborhood's fancier buildings? We asked our experts (and veteran renters), RentHackr founder Zeb Dropkin and freelance writer Lambeth Hochwald, to weigh in with me on this week's Take It or Leave It.

Size: Two-bedroom, one-bath
Location: 23-10 31 Drive (between 23rd and Crescent), Long Island City
Cost: $2,750
Flexible layout: No
Days on the market: 26
Subway: N, Q to Broadway

"The apartment is neat and modern—that kitchen in particular looks recently spruced up—and I kind of like the fact that it's not on the highly developed waterfront. That said, you have to be okay with the N/Q train for your commute, which is not as quick a trip to Manhattan as you'll get on the 7. Also, this is a pretty small two-bedroom, and the living room doesn't appear to have any windows (though there are windows built into the walls between the living room and bedrooms, which makes me think those are temporary, and this was originally a one-bedroom)." —Lucy

"This is a nice new renovation in Long Island City with modern air-conditioning, a solid kitchen, and a balcony off of the master bedroom. Downside: It looks like the kitchen and common area have no natural light except for windows above the bedroom doors." —Zeb

"Let's all agree that for a rental, the kitchen, bath, and cream walls are pretty sweet. But, again, this is a tricky configuration for most and the one bath might be a deal-breaker for anyone but the coziest of roommates." —Lambeth

Who would this apartment be perfect for?

"A couple who want an extra guest room would be perfect, but I think this could work for roommates who are true friends and don't mind the cozy factor." —Lucy

"Roommates who like to cook and won’t suffer from the relatively far North LIC location can make this spot work. Pets look doable, too." —Zeb

"A couple working near the N train since that's the closest subway and are ready to try out LIC/Astoria—is it both, either? The map makes it a bit confusing to say for sure." —Lambeth

The verdict(s):

TAKE IT "As long as you can make the small space (and lack of windows) work, this is a hard-to-beat deal in the neighborhood. " —Lucy

TAKE IT "If this location and space work for you, this could be a good deal." —Zeb

TAKE IT "If you can make the layout work and get psyched for some awesome spring strolls to nearby Socrates Sculpture Park." —Lambeth

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