Long Island City or Williamsburgh

I think Williamsburg is more expensive then LIC. You'll get more bang for the buck in LIC. I suppose it just depends on what you are looking for really. I'm sure you can find apts in both places for the exact same amount. I would prefer LIC because its closer to midtown where I work. If I worked downtown I would prefer Williamsburg. I think most people prefer Williamsburg because it's more trendy. They both only have one train line that runs to them, so transportation isn't great to either one, but one stop away makes them both convenient. You'll save money if you just go 2-3 more stops out on both.

I think there's 3 trains going to LIC, the E,F, and 7

Agree that a few stops make a big difference. If you're going out there anyway, take a look around 30th Ave & 36th St. in Astoria. Pleasant and neighborhoody, a few blocks from the N train.

As a musician who has hung a bit in both hoods, I say you might want to check them out at night (assuming you are ever out of the house after 10 PM). See if you feel more comfortable in one or the other.

Granted, I'm female and in my 50's, but I find LIC more spooky than Billyburg at night. This perception has to do with things like shop lighting, how many shops are even open, overall street lighting, level of activity, number of denizens of the street who are out and, uh, interactive, how deserted it feels, how many nice cars are parked on the street, density of obvious drug dealers (well OK they are all obvious to me, I hate drugs so much), even litter. Oh yes, live music is a good sign ;)

As far as long-term investment strategy, I think Billyburg is the more conservative investment, and that perception is reflected in its higher prices. But if I had the money I would not hesitate to invest in either hood. If you're talking renting, then especially you need to hang out at night before deciding because quality of life is absolutely the priority for you. Watch out for noise levels that escalate on Saturday nights after 10-11 PM, if that's something you care about.

I agree with NWT about Astoria. Largest population of jazz musicians of anywhere in the world, so they say. Every time I go there I think, gee, this place is nicer than I remember, why don't I think of it more often?. (Real musicians and artists are broke but they're harmless and that's why they make good neighbors.)

{Manhattan real estate agent}

I live in the Hunters Point area in LIC with my wife and 2 young kids. We love our neighborhood. PS78 is a great school and is only a block away. Gantry State Park was just recently expanded with a great new waterfront park and there are several city parks. Duane Reade and the Food Cellar have opened within the last year or so and are also very accessible within the neighborhood. The 7 train was recently voted the best line by the Straphangers Campaign (http://www.straphangers.org/statesub09/7.pdf). The neighborhood is small enough that we know all of the other parents with yound children which gives the neighborhood a very nice small town feeling. There are not many restaurants within the neighborhood, but there are some very good places including Bella Via, Tuk Tuk, Shi, Tournesol, Masso. The ease of keeping a car in the neighborhood has also added to the convenience.