Is LIC the new Park Slope?

Apartments for families are all the rage in Long Island City, the New York Times reported, and new developments slated for the area are prioritizing amenities such as playrooms, capitalizing on the relative affordability, commuting possibilities and the suburban feeling of the city.

In the first quarter of 2011, the average size of a unit sold was 822 square feet, while in the fourth quarter it had jumped to 1,364 square feet, according to data provided by Jonathan Miller of appraisal firm Miller Samuel.

“We’re just seeing the infancy, no pun intended,” agreed David Maundrell, president of Brooklyn-based brokerage aptsandlofts.com. “By the time the child is ready for preschool, there will be many options for them, and they can grow and stay in the community for 10 years.”

Sign Up for the undefined Newsletter

Dan Miner, the senior vice president of the economic organization the Long Island City Partnership, said the area may be taking over for Park Slope as the “it” place for families to migrate.

“Park Slope has been a mature residential neighborhood for 100 years,” Miner said. “Long Island City is progressing along at its own course.” [NYT]