As the tallest of all Long Island City condos, Skyline Tower promises unparalleled, panoramic views of Manhattan’s iconic skyline. But while the dramatic views leave a lasting impression, they aren’t the only draw for residents moving into the new LIC condos for sale. Newcomers to the neighborhood are learning what longtime residents already know: Long Island City is a vibrant community, brimming with green spaces, theaters, and a lively nightlife and restaurant scene. There’s also the added bonus of convenient transportation to and from the other boroughs. But with everything going on in LIC, you may find yourself wanting to stay close to home.
To begin, LIC is home to one of the city’s most distinctive green spaces: Gantry Plaza State Park. Like many pockets of New York City, LIC was once a bustling hub of industry, thanks to its prime location along the East River. While reminders of this history can be easily spotted around the city, there are few places where the vestiges of industry are as beautifully and proudly displayed as Gantry Plaza State Park. There, on the riverfront, stand the gantries that were once used to load and unload enormous barges. Rather than remove the obsolete equipment, local officials opted to restore the gantries and leave them as “striking reminders of our waterfront’s past.” Indeed, the gargantuan relics are striking, especially as they stand in stark contrast to the 12 acres of lush, natural greenery surrounding them. With plenty of boardwalk for strolling, ample seating for lounging, and a clear view of the Manhattan skyline, Gantry Plaza State Park is one of the more unique parks in the city.
Then, there’s the food. It’s no secret that LIC is a magnet for foodies, thanks to the astonishing variety that exists within the restaurant scene. And while you can find everything from cozy farm-to-table hideouts to authentic Italian cuisine, most of the local spots have a few things in common: fresh ingredients, visionary chefs, and atmospheric settings. Take, for example, Beebe’s, a staple for pizza in LIC. It’s hard to say whether locals flock here for the pizza or the ambience. The former is campfire-style, fresh, and “topped to the edge” in homage to the famous pies of NYC; the latter is modern and bright, with industrial-chic yellow chandeliers and a sleek bar encased in floor-to-ceiling windows. In the warmer months, a private courtyard offers plenty of seating for dining al fresco.
Those who love all things farm-to-table will find plenty of options for fresh, organic, locally sourced meals in LIC, starting with LIC Market. Don’t let the modest name and unassuming storefront of this spot fool you; the food you’ll find here is anything but ordinary. In fact, LIC Market is known for taking a home-cooked classic, like buttermilk pancakes, and elevating it to the spectacular — think house-made jam, toasted pumpkin seed butter, and, of course, fresh maple syrup. If you haven’t guessed, LIC Market is a popular brunch spot, but it’s the place to be for dinner, too. Vegetarian dishes shine, like the risotto, which features bright asparagus, arugula, fontina, and pine nuts. For another take on homestyle cooking, there’s Adda Indian Canteen, a spot Eater NY recently said is “making a conscientious effort to dig into the regionalities of Indian cuisine.” Indeed, the menu boasts six different kinds of curry — a reason to return again and again.
If, despite all of this, you decide to head out of LIC, finding transportation is startlingly easy. Serving the neighborhood are eight subway lines, the East River Ferry, and the Long Island Railroad, so an excursion out of the area is fairly effortless. But we’ll bet that, wherever you might go, you’ll be eager to return to your home in the Skyline Tower LIC condominiums.