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Hi all. I know Long Island City in Queens is often a place people commute _from_ - but my family budget is extremely limited at this point.
If I had a job in Long Island City (65K~ annually or so), a non-working spouse and one child, what would be the most affordable spot to live in to commute to Long Island City?
I will most likely be taking the train (or whatever mass transit is available) - if our vehicle makes it to the NYC area with us, it will probably stay in my wife's hands.
Hi all. I know Long Island City in Queens is often a place people commute _from_ - but my family budget is extremely limited at this point.
If I had a job in Long Island City (65K~ annually or so), a non-working spouse and one child, what would be the most affordable spot to live in to commute to Long Island City?
Apartment in Woodside, Sunnyside, Jackson Heights or, if you are lucky, Astoria. The schools vary in quality - some are OK or better, some are not good.
In my opinion there is nothing worthwhile in your price range, especially given the aggravation of commuting. If you feel strongly, look for rental apartments in Floral Park, Mineola, Valley Stream, Lynbrook and Rockville Centre. You'll be taking the LIRR ($252 per month) to either Woodside or Hunterspoint Avene and depending where your job is exactly, then switching to the subway. They won't be any cheaper than Queens. You will get better schools, though. But you can get good schools in western Queens if you do a lot of research, particularly at the elementary level.
I moved to Long Island from Astoria. I love western Queens, but I wanted a house and better schools than what we were zoned for. Most of us, I think, move to Long Island when we can afford a house, and you aren't there yet.
Another option are the many garden apartments in NE Queens, some of which are near the following LIRR stations: Auburndale, Bayside, Little Neck. Generally these are coops, but they are quite inexpensive, and you can easily find sublets, and the schools are very good.
I think it's going to be nearly impossible for 3 people to live on 65K. You would be limited to a tiny one bedroom, if you can even afford that. Long Island landlords generally don't like to rent to people with children.
Be aware, that NYC residency has an additional city income tax.
You will probably have to resort to some sort of "black market" (illegal) apartment. Apartment buildings in Queens have an income minimum unless maybe you can arrange to make some sort of deal by paying 6 months of rent in advance. You would be better trying to find a sublet.
I think it's going to be nearly impossible for 3 people to live on 65K. You would be limited to a tiny one bedroom, if you can even afford that. Long Island landlords generally don't like to rent to people with children.
Be aware, that NYC residency has an additional city income tax.
You will probably have to resort to some sort of "black market" (illegal) apartment. Apartment buildings in Queens have an income minimum unless maybe you can arrange to make some sort of deal by paying 6 months of rent in advance. You would be better trying to find a sublet.
Good points but I think at 65k, NYC income tax is modest and LIRR monthly might be more. Also, even now, a rent regulated apartment is easy to find in Queens. Could also look at some of the newer affordable housing units, but huge waitlist and lots of red tape. There is a new affordable building in my neighborhood, and thousands applied for 64 units. It's tough out there.
Good points but I think at 65k, NYC income tax is modest and LIRR monthly might be more. Also, even now, a rent regulated apartment is easy to find in Queens. Could also look at some of the newer affordable housing units, but huge waitlist and lots of red tape. There is a new affordable building in my neighborhood, and thousands applied for 64 units. It's tough out there.
True enough about the NYC income tax. Just wanted the OP to be aware of it. If you are not from this area, can be a shocker that there is a city and state income tax. A rent regulated apartment can be expensive, the same as a market rate apartment. The 80/20 apartments are even tougher and impossible for someone who comes from out of the area. Priority is given to those who already live in the district/veterans/disabled/employee of NYC. If the OP was already a NYC resident, I think the 65K for three people entitles him to low income housing programs. Otherwise, I think the OP can expect to pay 50 percent of his take home pay on rent.
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