Long Island has been a vacation and entertainment hub for over fifty years: and many don’t realize that there’s so much more here for those who live here!  From the incredible views to the bustling nightlife and walkable neighborhoods: these are all of the perks Long Island has been hiding away.

Why Long Island?

If you’re not totally convinced aabout moving to Long Island, that’s okay!  There’s a lot to take in, and many don’t understand the difference between it and Manhattan.  Not only is it far cheaper than Manhattan, but Long Island is also quieter, better for families, and full of great schools and entertainment venues without all of the traffic and trouble that comes from being in the main portion of NYC.

Long Island gives you the chance to commute into downtown NYC whenever you want, with the freedom to spend your nights and weekends in an area with far more room to move around and breathe.  These are the top neighborhoods here and why they’re so popular.

Astoria

On the western edge of Long Island, this laid-back multicultural neighborhood is an awesome place to live.  Not only is it home to the Museum of the Moving Image, but it’s also got fantastic hot spots like the Noguchi Museum and Bohemian Hall.  With tons of Greek tavernas and cafes, you can enjoy a large variety of foods and cultures poured into one perfect neighborhood.  This is awesome for any new families just starting out.

Sunnyside

This cozy neighborhood is possibly the best place to find Long Island houses for sale.  Sharing borders with Astoria, it has plenty of gorgeous parks and museums and was first lived in by Irish settlers.  The planned community of Sunnyside Gardens started in the early 1900s, and it’s grown into a very business and apartment-heavy area.  If you’re not considering having kids for the next five to ten years, this is an awesome place to move to feel inspired by the city and get in touch with local businesses.

Jackson Heights

Home to vibrant cultures, and some of the best restaurants in New York, this neighborhood has awesome Bollywood music shops and flavors that range from Nepalese to Latin American.  Living here means you can try something new every day and enjoy feeling like you’re part of a community.

Prospect Heights

Best known for brownstones and fantastic entertainment options, Prospect Heights is full of delicious eateries and lively bars that will keep you entertained.  Although this area is turning 160 years old soon, it’s still as lively and active as ever, making it a fantastic place to start a new life.  This is an awesome neighborhood for families that are starting out and want to be near awesome parks and entertainment centers.  There’s a large push to learn more about history here, so it can be great if you have students in your family.

Long Island Has Something for Everyone!

Long Island may be pricey and isn’t much of a secret: but it is something amazing that many people are unfortunately avoiding despite being an awesome place to live.  Consider some of these neighborhoods, and make a move to Long Island soon!