LONG ISLAND CITY

Long Island City is one of Queens’ coolest pockets these days, and it’s definitely on the move. The area has always been identified with manufacturing and industry, as well as with a gritty, determined spirit. The industrial character remains, but Long Island City has also other things to offer. The area has devoted itself to art: one of the most cutting-edge museums in the neighborhood is the PS1 Contemporary Art Center, which is housed in a former public school. Lots of local artists work in the area, “5 Pointz” is an ever-changing collage of graffiti covering a converted warehouse full of artist studios. Some film studios are also located in Long Island City.

Located just north of Queensboro Bridge, between Vernon Boulevard and 21st Street, Queensbridge is a sprawling public housing project. Gaining notoriety with drugs, crime and prostitution, the Queensbridge Houses have also proved to be a hotbed of hip hop musical talent: popular hip hop artist Nas grew up in Queensbridge, and many other rappers, such as Prodigy and Havoc of Mobb Deep, are associated with Queensbridge.