Milton Coste

Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker

(917) 416-7433

NYC Neighborhood Comparison

Long Island City vs Riverdale

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

Queens|Bronx

Long Island City

Queens

Riverdale

Bronx

How They Compare

For buyers focused on affordability, Riverdale has the lower median sale price at $360K vs $1.2M in Long Island City.

Investors analyzing rental yield will find Riverdale 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 Riverdale.

Median Sale Price
$1.2M
$360K
Median Rent
$5K
$3K
Active Listings
252
296
Avg Days on Market
104.5 days
101 days
YoY Price Change
+38.6%
+12.5%
Monthly Sales Volume
8
20

Detailed Comparison

MetricLong Island CityRiverdale
Median Sale Price$1,237,500$360,000
Median Condo Price$1,124,830$162,404.5
Median Co-op PriceN/A$360,000
Median Rent$4,500$3,325
Active Listings252296
Rental Inventory942115
Days on Market104.5101
Price Cut Share7.5%11.1%
Monthly Sales Volume820
YoY Price Change+38.6%+12.5%
YoY Rent Change+3.4%+11.0%
YoY Inventory Change+56.5%+5.0%
Subway Lines7 E G M N R WN/A

Year-Over-Year Price Movement

Prices in Long Island City moved +38.6% over the past year, compared to +12.5% in Riverdale. 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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Riverdale

Riverdale is structured by historic brick rowhouses and multi-story apartment complexes. The neighborhood is connected by several subway lines, providing easy transit access. Key natural features include large local parks, while established commercial avenues serve as important landmarks.

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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

Riverdale

No subway data available

Active Listings

Long Island City for sale

View all Long Island City listings

Riverdale for sale

View all Riverdale 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 Riverdale?
Riverdale is more affordable, with a median sale price of $360,000 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 Riverdale?
Long Island City has access to 7 subway lines and Riverdale has 0, making Long Island City the stronger option for transit access. Riverdale has 0 lines, which may still cover your commute depending on your destination.
Which is better for families, Long Island City or Riverdale?
This depends on what type of home fits your household. Long Island City and Riverdale 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 Riverdale?
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 Riverdale 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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