What's Astoria like? (real estate, affordable apartment, low crime)

[EllieLA]

Hi,

Helping a friend's college grad kid look for an affordable apartment, close to a subway (that goes to Manhattan) and heard Astoria might be a good area.

Can anyone weigh in and let me know if this is so?

Thanks,
Ellie

[Guywithacause]

Astoria affordable? Since when! What are you defining as affordable? It is affordable versus a $2,500 studio in Chelsea.

[EllieLA]

Well that's what I came here to find out.
What are the typical rents in Astoria, for a studio?
I am assuming it's way less than Manhattan.

I also would like to know what the neighborhood is like, too.
Thanks.

[MStant1]

I'm in the middle of an apartment search and most of the rents I have seen in Astoria/LIC have been between 1200 and 1500.

[analyticalkeys]

Originally Posted by MStant1

I'm in the middle of an apartment search and most of the rents I have seen in Astoria/LIC have been between 1200 and 1500.

They get higher as you move toward Astoria Park, and lower as you go in the opposite direction.

[Jaime9966]

Astoria is a great neighborhood, filled with young people and cafe's. Its a great place to be.. I have been working here in astoria for 2 years now and love it.. I do reside in long island with my parents, but would move here in a heart beat.. and yes the rents are from 1200.00 to 1500.00

[EllieLA]

Thank you all for weighing in.

If anyone can recommend a reputable real estate broker/agent, I'd gratefully appreciate it.

EllieLA

[JuliaHuff]

Astoria is very big-the farther from subway, the nicer it is. there are some quiet family areas, there are some noisy and fun places .it is mixed greek, arab, hispanic, saw some indians there. there are a lot of places for young people to go to, mostly spanish and greek. lots of good restaurants. but, again, it is a very big area-and different in different places. there are some crappy places, there are some very nice places.

[crescent22]

Pretty low crime too if you look at the crime maps. Had the lowest of the eight color shades of major crimes per person in a NY Mag article in Jan 08. Same shade as Upper West and East Sides.

[Rachael84]

I found 2 amazing Astoria apartments for just $750--actual one bedrooms and no roommates. Went to look at them and they seemed clean and legit. I ended up taking one of them. Most are over $1000, but if you really look, you'll find them. I used Millenium real estate on Ditmars Blvd. You'll have to pay the broker one month's rent, but it's worth it if you stay in the apartment for at least a year or so.

I also love the area. Lots to do and the subway is really quick into Manhattan. There are tons of sushi restaurants on Ditmars, which is a big plus for me lol