Milton Coste

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NYC Neighborhood Comparison

Gowanus vs Long Island City

Side-by-side market data, transit, and neighborhood profiles to help you decide.

Brooklyn|Queens

Gowanus

Brooklyn

Long Island City

Queens

How They Compare

For buyers focused on affordability, Gowanus has the lower median sale price at $1.0M vs $1.2M in Long Island City.

Investors analyzing rental yield will find Gowanus offers a stronger rent-to-price ratio based on current market data.

Commuters have more transit options in Long Island City, which is served by 7 subway lines compared to 0 in Gowanus.

Median Sale Price
$1.0M
$1.2M
Median Rent
$5K
$5K
Active Listings
19
252
Avg Days on Market
43 days
104.5 days
YoY Price Change
+51.6%
+38.6%
Monthly Sales Volume
1
8

Detailed Comparison

MetricGowanusLong Island City
Median Sale Price$1,045,000$1,237,500
Median Condo Price$775,000$1,124,830
Median Co-op PriceN/AN/A
Median Rent$4,850$4,500
Active Listings19252
Rental Inventory295942
Days on Market43104.5
Price Cut Share15.8%7.5%
Monthly Sales Volume18
YoY Price Change+51.6%+38.6%
YoY Rent Change+7.8%+3.4%
YoY Inventory Change-38.7%+56.5%
Subway LinesN/A7 E G M N R W

Year-Over-Year Price Movement

Prices in Gowanus moved +51.6% over the past year, compared to +38.6% in Long Island City. The +51.6% gain in Gowanus reflects stronger buyer demand relative to available inventory in that market.

Neighborhood Profiles

Gowanus

Gowanus features a striking mix of 19th-century brick warehouses, Greek Revival rowhouses, and new glass-and-steel condominiums rising along the canal waterfront. The F, G, R, D, and N/W trains are accessible at nearby Smith-Ninth Streets and Fourth Avenue-Ninth Street stations, with Atlantic Terminal a short walk north. Washington Park and the Old Stone House landmark anchor the neighborhood's green space, while a major rezoning is bringing thousands of new residential units and waterfront parkland to the area.

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Long Island City

Long Island City sits directly across the East River from Midtown Manhattan, reachable in one stop on the 7 train. LIC has added more than 12,000 residential units since 2015, transforming former industrial blocks into a corridor of glass-tower condos, converted loft co-ops, and rental high-rises along the waterfront. Gantry Plaza State Park, MoMA PS1, and the Hunters Point Library anchor the neighborhood’s cultural identity. Median condo prices run roughly 30-40% below comparable Manhattan waterfront units, drawing both first-time buyers and investors looking for appreciation in one of the city’s highest-growth zip codes.

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Transit Access

Gowanus

No subway data available

Long Island City

7EGMNRW

Hunters Point Av (7) — 0.2 mi

Court Sq (7 E G M) — 0.2 mi

Long Island City (E G M R) — 0.6 mi

Queensboro Plaza (7 N W) — 0.6 mi

Active Listings

Gowanus for sale

View all Gowanus listings

Long Island City for sale

View all Long Island City listings

Listing data is derived in whole or in part from the RLS at REBNY (Real Estate Board of New York) Internet Data Exchange (IDX) database. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Milton Coste | Keller Williams NYC are marked with the RLS logo. The information provided is for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Data last updated: 1/1/1970.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gowanus cheaper than Long Island City?
Yes, Gowanus has a lower median sale price at $1,045,000 compared to $1,237,500 in Long Island City as of the most recent market data. Co-op and condo prices within each neighborhood can vary significantly, so the right fit depends on property type and building.
Which has better transit, Gowanus or Long Island City?
Gowanus has access to 0 subway lines and Long Island City has 7, making Long Island City the stronger option for transit access. Gowanus has 0 lines, which may still cover your commute depending on your destination.
Which is better for families, Gowanus or Long Island City?
This depends on what type of home fits your household. Gowanus and Long Island City both offer a mix of apartment and multi-room units in co-ops, condos, and townhouses. Larger 3- and 4-bedroom units, including townhouses and multi-family properties, tend to be more available in lower-density areas. Reviewing active listings filtered by bedroom count is the most reliable way to see what each neighborhood currently offers for larger households. A licensed broker can pull current inventory by bedroom count across both areas for a direct comparison.
Should I buy in Gowanus or Long Island City?
The right neighborhood depends on your price range, commute needs, and preferred property type. A comparative market analysis (CMA) of recent sales in both Gowanus and Long Island City gives you the clearest picture of what your budget gets in each location. Request a free CMA from Milton Coste to get a side-by-side breakdown of current opportunities.

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Need Help Choosing?

With 25+ years of experience across all five boroughs, I can help you find the right neighborhood for your lifestyle and budget.

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