Anybody have any recommendations for Condos in Astoria?

So far the only 2 I am considering are "The Astoria" on 23rd street and 30th ave, and Arista 35 which is on 35th street and Astoria Blvd. Both places want around $600psf and I can't decide which is the better value. Any other thoughts on the area or good developments to look at? Is 400-450k crazy for a 700-750sf condo in this market? I would think so but it seems all the places are priced in this range. Does anybody know anything about these 2 buildings???

I know a broker who has some co-op listings in Astoria. Call Michael Breen 860-543-1932.

Most everything over there stinks. I grew up in Queens and Astoria has always been a crummier neighborhood full of newcomers to New York afraid to move out "too far". I recommend one of the more stable areas like Forest Hills or even Jackson Heights where there are more livable coops and condos (not ones with 12x14 foot living rooms). In the end they may retain their value better and save you your investment. Both of those condos you mentiones, levels, look terrible.

I agree, that many of the condos for sale have poor trims and features. They really need to step up if they are going to compete with Manhattan. Keep your eye out for something and maybe you'll find something you like.

Good luck.

check out the piano factory down on vernon, its not the best location, but the building was nice.

When I look at condos in Astoria, none of them make sense to buy. Just for the maintenance alone that you would pay on them, you can almost rent a studio.

There are great 1 BR apartments in Astoria going for $1100-1200/mo. Why bother with buying a condo at this point?

Disclaimer: I have thought about investing in a rental property in this area.

What are people's thoughts in general of Astoria vs LIC? I currently live in Astoria and like the area (lots of bars, restaurants, grocery, etc. but am not too familiar with the LIC area... from what I've heard it's not very developed? Not many grocery/cafe/stores?

For all of the developments in LIC you would think the area might be more extensively developed. But, sadly, it seems to be somewhat lacking. And, with the current economic slowdown, who knows when it will be before you don't have to get into a car and drive to a "decent" supermarket. But, levels, I still don't see a decent place to buy in Astoria. Perhaps, as Janus stated, investing in a rental property might be the way to go. But, close to a million for a shabbily three family house seems ridiculous. In Astoria, even the houses built 60 or 70 years ago are shabby.

Regarding Arista 35, they sold about 7 units out of 22 as of October 1st. average for this place is $636 psf for all the contracts signed so far. I like the units in the building, good material, layouts were good, however I think their asking prices can come down a bit. you think they will cut prices if they don't hit 50% sold soon?

Mmagic, exactly my thoughts. Arista 35, overall, is probably one of, if not the nicest condo in Astoria when you combine quality, layout, available parking etc. The problem is like you said, is their asking price. They want about $625psf which just seems a bit high, and they do NOT want to negotiate with prices at all, and owner was actually VERY disrespectful and basically told me to look at other places when I sat down with him, which really bothered me a lot.

Levels, Actually I've been there to look at the units twice- once around June, and again around late summer, I remember the broker saying his goal was to be fully sold by Thanksgiving- it doesn't look like thats going to happen.As you probably know, the 620 sq foot units at Arista, are going for $379k to $399k for the 2nd to 4th floors respectively. I had told them I'd be interested IF they are willing to negotiate to the lower 300s range, of which they didn't give me an answer for. If they choose to not negotiate and be disrespectful, let them struggle to find a buyer, eventually they might cave in and have to drop prices if they don't sell all the units. Theres always other developments in the area you can look into i.e. Amalfi, the Luxe, Poseidon, and the Astoria as you mentioned.