Hunters Point - Long Island City, NY

Hunters Point was once mostly industrial with factories and bakeries filling the neighborhood. Over time, the area has been rebuilt to accommodate the influx of new residents and families. The area also has a historic district with 19 buildings on the historical society.

The Neustadt Museum on 46th Avenue sits in the center of the neighborhood and features breathtaking displays of Tiffany glass. The museum opens Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 6 p.m., costs $8 for adults and $4 for students and seniors with children free of charge.

The Sculpture Center on Purves Street opens Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and costs $5 for adults and $3 for students. The gallery features events and exhibitions of sculptures from artists around the world.

From time to time, there are art events in the lofts and studio spaces, but none that are annual.

Mu Ramen serves the best ramen in the area even compared to other noodle bars in all of New York City. The restaurant proves to be the only one of its kind in the area, making the experience even more authentic. Locally owned and operated by a friendly New York couple, the menu reflects their passion for good food. Located on Jackson Avenue, Mu Ramen features incredible dishes such as spicy miso ramen and totally chicken ramen. Locals call the prices affordable, especially for the large portions served. Patrons should expect to bring cash as the restaurant operates a cash-only business.

For an ultra-hip and fancy experience visitors and residents alike choose Blend on the Water. The restaurant's location on Center Boulevard right on the East River provides the perfect New York City atmosphere and vibe while dining out at night. The lights from Manhattan shimmer on the water as customers enjoy dishes such as seared red snapper and oven roasted pork shank. The restaurant remains one of the best places to go for a date night or fancy evening out on the waterfront. Customers should expect to pay four-star restaurant prices.

Residents and visitors can get a taste of France at Tournesol Bistro on Vernon Boulevard. Customers enjoy a cute French-style bistro that serves everything from brunch to dinner including cocktails and wine. The extensive menu features classic dishes such as beef bourguignon with pasta for dinner and portobello panini for lunch. The prices for brunch and lunch are very affordable, and dinner prices seem average in comparison with similar restaurants.

At night, residents and visitors enjoy L.I.C. Bar on Vernon Boulevard right on the river. The views alone make this place an amazing nighttime experience. The bar features an outside backyard section allowing dogs, an exposed brick interior, and plenty of domestic and specialty brews on tap. Very inexpensive drinks, and live music and events every week make the bar a local favorite. The bar also has Quiz Nights every Thursday in the summer.

Getting in and out of Hunters Point can be a breeze. The Long Island Expressway runs east and west on the south end of the neighborhood taking folks into downtown Manhattan quickly. Several metro lines also run through the neighborhood including the G-train, the M-train and the 7-train. The trains prove to be the quickest and most cost-effective way to get around the neighborhood and surrounding areas with tickets starting at $2.75.

Hailing a cab in Hunters Point can be very easy as well. Cab fares vary and start at around $8 for a ride of a couple blocks. Rides to the airport start at around $55. Some residents and visitors opt to use the Uber car service even though it costs more. For a trip from the center of Hunters Point to lower Manhattan a customer should expect to pay around $20 for a one-way trip. For the SUV service going the same distance the fare starts at $50.

Public parking remains easy to find, and most people park on the streets. Parking meters can be found along some streets costing $1 per one hour of parking. Parking lots and garages can be found throughout the neighborhood in convenient locations. Powerhouse Garage on 51st Avenue costs $3.31 for a half hour of parking and up to $14.35 for 10 hours of parking. For a whole 24-hour period, the cost runs $18.76. Some patrons prefer this method of parking because of the safety provided.

Hunters Point provides a safe environment for bike riding and walking. Bike lanes can be found on some streets, but not all. In the warmer months folks prefer to walk and bike around especially down near the waterfront to enjoy the New York City skyline.

Some folks like to take the Long Island Ferry across the East River into Manhattan and back. The ferry runs all year round with less trips back and forth in the winter. Tickets start at $4 per person for a one-way trip on a weekday and $6 on the weekend. The ferry also allows bikes to be brought on with an extra $1 surcharge.

Several parks can be found in Hunters Point including Hunters Point Park on 48th Avenue. Residents enjoy a waterfront promenade with vast, open green space for playing. The park also features a clean and safe playground for children, and a dog run with a cafe nearby. The dog-friendly park does not cost anything to use.

Gantry Plaza State Park located right on the East River proves to be the most popular park in the neighborhood, occupying 12 acres with spectacular views of downtown Manhattan, and views up and down the East River. The park features four piers with a fountain and beautiful gardens. Patrons come to sit, and watch the ferry and other boats cruise the river. Admittance costs nothing, and leashed dogs are permitted in the park.

John F. Murray Park and Playground off 11th Street features a modern playground for children, and basketball and handball courts. The park also features public restrooms with spray showers and a designated dog-friendly area. Admittance costs nothing.

Hunters Point hosts an annual Community Carnival with games for children and samples of food from local restaurants. Patrons enjoy live music performances and raffles during the festivities. Admittance costs nothing, and leashed dogs are allowed. The event takes place right on the water of the East River at Hunters Point South Park at the southern most tip of the neighborhood.

The cost of living in Hunters Point can be compared to living in Manhattan. A typical one-bedroom apartment in the neighborhood averages at $3,100 per month. The cost of living in the neighborhood runs much higher than surrounding neighborhood thanks to the East River waterfront properties and New York City skyline views.

Transportation in the neighborhood proves to be quite affordable, with several trains running in and out starting at $2.75 per ticket. For working professionals who need to get into Manhattan and don't want to take the train, the other fun option can be the ferry at only $4 one way during the week.

The price of a beer at a local pub varies, and domestic beers start at $3 for a can of domestic beer, and $7 or $8 for specialty craft and imported brew pints.

Gas prices in Hunters Point run one percent below the average of New York City and 18 percent above the national average.

Hunters Point remains a mostly residential area with an abundance of private loft studios for artists. LIC Living, an all-in-one store in a boutique-style setting and layout, provides high-end women's clothing and accessories along with the latest shoe styles. The ladies who own and operate this boutique pride themselves on delivering the best customer experience. Friendly and helpful staff members are always on hand and willing to assist as personal shoppers.

Tish & Snooky's Manic Panic represents the dream-come-true of two sisters who were singers in the original Blondie lineup and helped to ignite the late '70s punk scene. They started with some of their clothing designs – and a $500 loan from their mother – to open America's very first punk-style boutique. Specifically catering to the punk rock and alternative crowd, hipsters come to Manic Panic from all over the world to shop, see and be seen.

Several grocery stores call Hunters Point home, including Natural Frontier Market on Jackson Avenue and M&D 21 Food Corp on 21st Street. No farmers markets are held in Hunters Point, so residents travel to neighboring communities during market season.