Milton Coste

Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker

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NYC Neighborhood Comparison

Long Island City vs Washington Heights

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

Queens|Manhattan

Long Island City

Queens

Washington Heights

Manhattan

How They Compare

For buyers focused on affordability, Washington Heights has the lower median sale price at $518K vs $1.2M in Long Island City.

Investors analyzing rental yield will find Washington Heights 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 3 in Washington Heights.

Median Sale Price
$1.2M
$518K
Median Rent
$5K
$3K
Active Listings
252
174
Avg Days on Market
104.5 days
48 days
YoY Price Change
+38.6%
-5.3%
Monthly Sales Volume
8
18

Detailed Comparison

MetricLong Island CityWashington Heights
Median Sale Price$1,237,500$517,500
Median Condo Price$1,124,830$400,000
Median Co-op PriceN/A$517,500
Median Rent$4,500$2,963.5
Active Listings252174
Rental Inventory942412
Days on Market104.548
Price Cut Share7.5%13.2%
Monthly Sales Volume818
YoY Price Change+38.6%-5.3%
YoY Rent Change+3.4%+11.6%
YoY Inventory Change+56.5%-1.7%
Subway Lines7 E G M N R W1 A C

Year-Over-Year Price Movement

Prices in Long Island City moved +38.6% over the past year, compared to -5.3% in Washington Heights. Long Island City is seeing price appreciation while Washington Heights has softened, pointing to different supply-demand dynamics in each 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.

View Full Market Report

Washington Heights

Washington Heights is a well-connected neighborhood known for its dramatic topography and stunning views of the Hudson River and the George Washington Bridge. Home to the Cloisters and Fort Tryon Park, the area offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. The real estate market is characterized by large, pre-war cooperatives that offer significant space for the price, making it a popular choice for those seeking value and community.

View Full Market Report

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

Washington Heights

1AC

181 St (1 A) — 0.4 mi

175 St (A) — 0.4 mi

168 St (1 A C) — 0.5 mi

163 St-Amsterdam Av (C) — 0.7 mi

Active Listings

Long Island City for sale

View all Long Island City listings

Washington Heights for sale

View all Washington Heights 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 Washington Heights?
Washington Heights is more affordable, with a median sale price of $517,500 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 Washington Heights?
Long Island City has access to 7 subway lines and Washington Heights has 3, making Long Island City the stronger option for transit access. Washington Heights has 3 lines, which may still cover your commute depending on your destination.
Which is better for families, Long Island City or Washington Heights?
This depends on what type of home fits your household. Long Island City and Washington Heights 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 Washington Heights?
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 Washington Heights 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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