I work in midtown and want to buy a 1BR condo in LIC. There are a few questions I have for people familiar with the area.

My uncle is a former NYPD cop who used to work in LIC about a decade ago. He said the waterfront was the only decent place to be and there were loads of drugs and crime inland and near transportation hubs (like LIRR or E-train). Is crime an issue (waterfront vs court sq)?

I was checking prices for some sales in the area. It looks like resales were way cheaper, and the amenities in the different buildings were all different. Should I look for a resale or a new dev? Any notable buildings with a view or a swimming pool? Which buildings are the best value?

I don't have children yet, but may in a couple years. I noticed on trulia that some of the public schools by court square got low ratings (4s) vs PS 78 on the waterfront (7). Anyone have insight on how the schools are?

Crime? Value? Schools?
good questions!
also might want to check data on toxicology, flammability, reactivity, explosive potential, and regularity information of the ground that makes up LIC.

I live near the waterfront but I too was looking at the Court Square area. I didn't think it was at all bad there, especially if you plan to be spending more time in the city -- lots more transportation options and cabs drop you off right off the bridge. But if you really plan to put your roots down in the neighborhood, you kind of have to just hope the other people, retail and supermarkets come and make it feel like a true community, because it doesn't feel that way right now. The broker seemed convinced it will all happen but I think that vision was too far down the line for me.

Despite all that, I was seriously considering a unit at The Industry but it turned out that prices were just about on par with waterfronts -- and common charges were actually MORE expensive. So it was a no-brainer for me, and I moved my search back toward the river.

They're also rapidly building a new elementary school and a middle/high school here. Who knows how the quality of education will turn out but they'll carry that hopeful luster of brand-new everything for a few years, at least. Also, there are lots of young families around here so that base has kind of already established itself, if you're going to be looking for like-minded parents.

I believe The Powerhouse has a pool, and so do those buildings right on the water.

The actual crime stats say its a lot safer than midtown west Manhattan. You can easily google it. I have posted it five times and am sick of re-posting it. SChools etc I don't know.

Hunters point by the waterfront is nice. I would not consider anything more than a few blocks from there. Queens and Queensboro plazas are a nightmare. If you walk around there in the evenings I think it should be pretty clear what you'd be getting into. The sliver of desirable RE is quite aggressively priced, IMO. I don't know much about the schools.