It’s been two weeks since we moved out from Manhattan to Astoria, Queens. Astoria is increasingly becoming Queens’ version of SOHO with multiplying cafes, lounges, nightclubs and restaurants. As the prices in the city are skyrocketing, Gotham’s citizens are fleeing to nearby neighborhoods like Williamsburg, Park Slope and Astoria; here they are welcomed by a surge in entertainment industry and growing number of boutiques. Only thirty years ago, these neighborhoods were considered undesirable, filled with abandoned docks and factories, full of crime and ghastly surroundings. Now, a decent one-bedroom apartment will start at $1100, many groceries carry ATMs and are open 24 hours, yuppies flaunt their expensive cars and people actually flock to streets at night. It’s been a short while but Astoria still seems confused about its transforming character – it aims to resemble the Downtown but somehow can’t escape being slightly vulgar. Nonetheless, this place will flourish. The commute to midtown Manhattan lasts 15 minutes, fashionable buildings are being erected and prices are quickly rising.
Cristina and I used an agent, a pleasant Bulgarian woman who showed us lots of Greek owned apartment buildings. After 2 weeks we stumbled onto a one-bedroom place that was being renovated. We were promised absolute best quality once the apartment was completed … they came close but not quite. While on the surface, the place seems polished, it sits in a very old building with crooked walls and ceilings. We have nothing to complain about since for the money we pay, we got a very clean place with a new kitchen, bathroom and a decent size. Except for the bloody battle with our super about heating, the place is perfect.
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