4545 Center Blvd (Hunter's Point / Long Island City) (Vernon, Lincoln: apartments, rental)

[manchesterUnited]

I toured a couple apartments at 4545 Center Blvd (still under construction). The neighborhood feels a bit contrived, since it's mostly from a single developer, but I came away liking what I saw. The rental prices are high for Queens, but much lower for similarly equipped towers in Manhattan.

I'm hoping the growth in the area brings in more businesses, it feels a bit sparse when walking between 4545 and the 7 train, though Vernon seems to have a decent amount of bars and restaurants. The tower does feel like it's in a better location than other new towers in Western Queens (e.g., 27 on 27th).

They also offer a 2-year lease, which locks you into a 3% rent increase for the 2nd year. Given what I've seen in other towers (10%+ jump after first year) it seems like an interesting option, though with some risk.

Has anyone else been looking in that area recently? I'm wondering what thoughts other people have.

[person500]

I live right on Center Blvd. and I've been there a few years. Yeah, the highrises are expensive, but they're nice if you can afford it (I can't so I'm moving). The neighborhood itself is uneventful, but it's quiet and safe. There's really not much going on, although activity seems to be increasing as more people move in. Like for instance, they now have a flea market that pops up on the weekends in a parking lot next to the river, and they have events at the Gantries. Live shows, a summer movie festival in the park. More stuff like that is happening.

It's definitely easy to commute into Manhattan. It takes about 15 minutes from your front door to Grand Central with the 7 train. Maybe 20 if the trains are running slowly.

[jcoltrane]

Originally Posted by manchesterUnited

I toured a couple apartments at 4545 Center Blvd (still under construction). The neighborhood feels a bit contrived, since it's mostly from a single developer, but I came away liking what I saw.

Well, that isn't true on either point. You need to tour more of the neighborhood. Though, when it comes to developments in America, most are built by a single developer.

If you compared HP to Battery Park City and/or Trump's *named* development on the westside near the Lincoln Tunnel, you'd find similar contrivance!

The rental prices are high for Queens, but much lower for similarly equipped towers in Manhattan.

THAT is **precisely** the aim and appeal!

Try paying for similar amenities, parking, and river/Manhattan views, in Manhattan.

I'm hoping the growth in the area brings in more businesses, it feels a bit sparse when walking between 4545 and the 7 train, though Vernon seems to have a decent amount of bars and restaurants. The tower does feel like it's in a better location than other new towers in Western Queens (e.g., 27 on 27th).

It isn't Manhattan, it is Queens. That walk isn't likely to change much. Yet, Vernon Blvd will grow as the economy improves and demand grows.

If you want, what you cannot, or chose not, to afford in Manhattan, then there is no other choice. It's that simple. The other factor is that, if you wish to live in *affordable/convenient* Queens, but w/o being surrounded by immigrants, then this is the only choice. HP is the only culturally American dominant neighborhood in Western Queens.

[manchesterUnited]

Originally Posted by jcoltrane

Well, that isn't true on either point. You need to tour more of the neighborhood. Though, when it comes to developments in America, most are built by a single developer.

I'm mainly talking about the section right by the water, where TF has done 5-6 towers and a lot of the commercial stuff. All the buildings look very similar, and it's got a wine shop, a grocery store, a dry cleaner, etc...It's just very planned out. It's not a bad thing, it just has a different feel. I actually prefer it in some ways. It reminds me a lot of Lakeshore East in Chicago.