Milton Coste

Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker

(917) 416-7433

NYC Neighborhood Comparison

Long Island City vs Midtown South

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

Queens|Manhattan

Long Island City

Queens

Midtown South

Manhattan

How They Compare

For buyers focused on affordability, Midtown South has the lower median sale price at $850K vs $1.2M in Long Island City.

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

Commuters have more transit options in Midtown South, which is served by 16 subway lines compared to 7 in Long Island City.

Median Sale Price
$1.2M
$850K
Median Rent
$5K
$5K
Active Listings
252
69
Avg Days on Market
104.5 days
48 days
YoY Price Change
+38.6%
+0.2%
Monthly Sales Volume
8
4

Detailed Comparison

MetricLong Island CityMidtown South
Median Sale Price$1,237,500$850,000
Median Condo Price$1,124,830$2,760,000
Median Co-op PriceN/A$610,000
Median Rent$4,500$5,100
Active Listings25269
Rental Inventory942208
Days on Market104.548
Price Cut Share7.5%8.7%
Monthly Sales Volume84
YoY Price Change+38.6%+0.2%
YoY Rent Change+3.4%+5.2%
YoY Inventory Change+56.5%+4.5%
Subway Lines7 E G M N R W1 2 3 7 A B C D E F M N Q R S W

Year-Over-Year Price Movement

Prices in Long Island City moved +38.6% over the past year, compared to +0.2% in Midtown South. The +38.6% gain in Long Island City reflects stronger buyer demand relative to available inventory in that market.

Neighborhood Profiles

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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Midtown South

Midtown South encompasses the blocks around the Flatiron Building and Madison Square Park, featuring converted loft-style condos, Beaux-Arts co-ops, and Art Deco apartment buildings alongside new residential towers. The R and W trains at 23rd Street, the 6 train on Park Avenue South, and the F and M trains on Sixth Avenue provide extensive subway coverage.

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Transit Access

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

Midtown South

1237ABCDEFMNQRSW

34 St-Penn Station (1 2 3 A C E) — 0.3 mi

34 St-Herald Sq (B D F M N Q R W) — 0.5 mi

42 St-Port Authority (A C E) — 0.7 mi

Times Sq-42 St (1 2 3 7 N Q R S W) — 0.7 mi

Active Listings

Long Island City for sale

View all Long Island City listings

Midtown South for sale

View all Midtown South 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 Long Island City cheaper than Midtown South?
Midtown South is more affordable, with a median sale price of $850,000 vs $1,237,500 in Long Island City. Pricing can vary widely by building, floor, and unit condition, so review current listings for accurate comparisons.
Which has better transit, Long Island City or Midtown South?
Long Island City has access to 7 subway lines and Midtown South has 16, making Midtown South the stronger option for transit access. Long Island City has 7 lines, which may still cover your commute depending on your destination.
Which is better for families, Long Island City or Midtown South?
This depends on what type of home fits your household. Long Island City and Midtown South 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 Long Island City or Midtown South?
The right neighborhood depends on your price range, commute needs, and preferred property type. A comparative market analysis (CMA) of recent sales in both Long Island City and Midtown South 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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