Is LIC Right for The Rexrodes?

To say apartment hunting in New York City is daunting would be an understatement. It doesn't help that there's supposedly an apartment shortage right now which I assume will only drive prices higher. As the end of our lease in our first City apartment quickly approaches, I find myself wondering if LIC is the right neighborhood for the Rexrodes. It has certainly served us well in the past, but it lacks many of the attributes we look for in a neighborhood. And judging by the direction it's moving, it may soon become even less "us."

Some of the good: For one, the location could not have been better for us over the past few years. It was so close to the college I attended (but not anymore because I graduated!) that I could bike there in eight minutes. Also, being one stop from Manhattan by way of three different (subway) train lines that are within walking distance is something very few 'hoods can claim. We have great restaurants, a beautiful East River-front park, an amazing skyline view, and it's an overall safe place to live.

Some of the bad: There are no good grocery stores. This is a big deal if you prefer not to eat out or order in most nights. One option is to shop at Food Cellar where, while listening to the best of Sinatra, you can expect to pay $10 for a carton of organic, cage-free eggs with the picture, birth date, and favorite color of the hen that laid them. No thanks. A second option for groceries in the 'hood is Key Foods. The "new management" of this fine establishment hasn't done much in terms of the subtle mold/cat pee smell, crowded aisles, or registers that magically only ring up sale prices when sternly requested. You get the point. Moving on. There is no shopping and no public gyms, another big one for us.

When we moved here I was told by a very snotty broker that we would never find a one bedroom in our price range. Well we obviously did, but the sad thing is I don't think it would be possible in LIC today. The average price for a one bedroom seems to be quickly approaching $2500 a month, with some paying much more on the water. At some point we have to ask ourselves if it's even ethical. Would Jesus sign this lease?

And, the ugly:
Our apartment is no beauty, but at least we don't pay a "luxury" price for ugly. LIC has many uninspiring new residential buildings, most resembling giant stainless steel refrigerators, but a few reach new lows in the looks department. This neighborhood gem, L Haus is so ugly that people think that its yellow/green surface is insulation that hasn't been covered. The building recently sold out (I don't understand how) and I read that in response to the news someone asked, "How could it be sold out, it's not even finished yet?" Lol. Oh, but it is, and at 30% markup from last year.

Luxury comes at a price, no matter how it looks I guess. The cost of a first class ticket on the Titanic was about $70,000 (in today's equivalent) and we all know how that turned out...

P.S. This was written in a fury and my editor is asleep (in my bed! :O) so I apologize if it's messy.