Hudson Yards, Manhattan
As one of the largest real estate developments in US history, Hudson Yards could soon become a hub for high-earning tech workers — including those just a mile away at the Google office in Chelsea.
The development's direct access to the 7 line could also make it a popular spot among Amazon workers. If the company does locate in Long Island City, it would take employees less than 30 minutes to commute from Hudson Yards.
Read more: Here's what it's like inside the $25 billion Hudson Yards neighborhood
Astoria, Queens
Once an immigrant neighborhood, Astoria has become a catch-all community for those unable to afford Manhattan.
Although it's adjacent to Long Island City, the neighborhood has the advantage of slightly lower real estate prices. The median rent in Astoria is around $2,200, compared to around $2,450 in Long Island City, and $3,400 in Manhattan. These prices could be attractive to young Amazon employees looking to save money and commute within their borough.
Sunnyside, Queens
Employees with families could soon gravitate toward Sunnyside, a quaint, middle-class neighborhood with easy access to Long Island City.
In May, New York City announced its plan to start developing on the Sunnyside land, bringing roughly 11,000 and 15,000 new homes to the area, along with 3,300 to 4,500 affordable units. The reported $10 billion investment — which includes building new schools and retail stores — could arrive just in time for Amazon employees.
Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Dubbed "the new Williamsburg," Greenpoint is only 20 minutes from Long Island City on the G train — a shorter distance than most New York City commutes.
In recent years, the area has become a popular shooting location for television shows and a go-to scene for bars and restaurants.
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Williamsburg may be oversaturated, but it's also just a few stops away from Long Island City (20 minutes by subway and 25-35 minutes by bus).
With its trendy restaurants, hip art galleries, and eclectic music scene, the neighborhood is bound to attract young Amazon employees.
Small families will also appreciate the quiet — though prices aren't much better than in Manhattan.
Roosevelt Island
As the home of the new Cornell Tech Campus, Roosevelt Island is slowly filling up with tech workers and high-rise buildings, which have replaced the old prisons and hospitals that once scattered the neighborhood.
While it may feel isolated from the New York boroughs, the island offers a quaint alternative to Manhattan and rents slightly below the citywide average. It's also directly linked to Long Island City via the F train and a brand new ferry service.
Employees could be attracted to the island's co-ops and community gardens, but real estate is limited and prices are beginning to rise.
Murray Hill, Manhattan
Assuming no delays on the 7 line, residents of Murray Hill have about an 18-minute commute to Long Island City.
While rents are still steep — around $2,970 for a studio apartment — the neighborhood is building like crazy, erecting a number of high-rise buildings and rental units near the East River.
For Amazon employees who crave a Manhattan address, the neighborhood could soon become the most popular.
