scorecardAmazon is reportedly headed to New York City - here are the neighborhoods that could starting swelling with HQ2 workers
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Amazon is reportedly headed to New York City - here are the neighborhoods that could starting swelling with HQ2 workers

Hudson Yards, Manhattan

Amazon is reportedly headed to New York City - here are the neighborhoods that could starting swelling with HQ2 workers

Astoria, Queens

Astoria, Queens

Once an immigrant neighborhood, Astoria has become a catch-all community for those unable to afford Manhattan.

Although it's adjacent to Long Island City, the neighborhood has the advantage of slightly lower real estate prices. The median rent in Astoria is around $2,200, compared to around $2,450 in Long Island City, and $3,400 in Manhattan. These prices could be attractive to young Amazon employees looking to save money and commute within their borough.

Sunnyside, Queens

Sunnyside, Queens

Employees with families could soon gravitate toward Sunnyside, a quaint, middle-class neighborhood with easy access to Long Island City.

In May, New York City announced its plan to start developing on the Sunnyside land, bringing roughly 11,000 and 15,000 new homes to the area, along with 3,300 to 4,500 affordable units. The reported $10 billion investment — which includes building new schools and retail stores — could arrive just in time for Amazon employees.

Greenpoint, Brooklyn

Greenpoint, Brooklyn

Dubbed "the new Williamsburg," Greenpoint is only 20 minutes from Long Island City on the G train — a shorter distance than most New York City commutes.

In recent years, the area has become a popular shooting location for television shows and a go-to scene for bars and restaurants.

Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Williamsburg may be oversaturated, but it's also just a few stops away from Long Island City (20 minutes by subway and 25-35 minutes by bus).

With its trendy restaurants, hip art galleries, and eclectic music scene, the neighborhood is bound to attract young Amazon employees.

Small families will also appreciate the quiet — though prices aren't much better than in Manhattan.

Roosevelt Island

Roosevelt Island

As the home of the new Cornell Tech Campus, Roosevelt Island is slowly filling up with tech workers and high-rise buildings, which have replaced the old prisons and hospitals that once scattered the neighborhood.

While it may feel isolated from the New York boroughs, the island offers a quaint alternative to Manhattan and rents slightly below the citywide average. It's also directly linked to Long Island City via the F train and a brand new ferry service.

Employees could be attracted to the island's co-ops and community gardens, but real estate is limited and prices are beginning to rise.

Murray Hill, Manhattan

Murray Hill, Manhattan

Assuming no delays on the 7 line, residents of Murray Hill have about an 18-minute commute to Long Island City.

While rents are still steep — around $2,970 for a studio apartment — the neighborhood is building like crazy, erecting a number of high-rise buildings and rental units near the East River.

For Amazon employees who crave a Manhattan address, the neighborhood could soon become the most popular.

Read more: New Yorkers are freaking out that Amazon's HQ2 could cripple the subway system, but the reality is more complicated

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