The BOAST: Best of Astoria & LIC 2025 Survey is LIVE at boast.nyc/survey, and will be until Wednesday, Dec. 17, so please fill it out before then. Like in past years, there are three sections, EAT, DRINK and DO & SEE, and each category has a place for Astoria and another for LIC. Fill out as much as you can, and skip the rest. We always appreciate write-ups. At the end of the survey, be sure to enter your name and email for a chance to win a prize. Share this with anyone who knows and loves these neighborhoods!
Living untethered is a dream for many — remote work, new cities, the freedom to chase seasons or silence. But behind every nomadic life is a stationary reality: a home, property, or legal presence that still needs care. Just because you’re gone doesn’t mean your house vanishes from the grid. Pipes freeze. Bills arrive. Insurance lapses. This article breaks down how digital nomads can care for their homes — without breaking their flow or losing peace of mind.
Remote Control Over Physical Home Systems
Smart home tech isn’t just about gadgets — it’s about not needing to panic when you get a weather alert for your hometown. A connected thermostat lets you check if your heat’s still running during a snowstorm. Leak detectors can send alerts before a pipe bursts and ruins your hardwood floors. Water shut-off valves, remote lighting controls, and app-managed HVAC systems give you real-time control over your utilities. Even doorbell cameras can help you decide whether that unexpected visitor is a package thief or just a neighbor borrowing tools. What matters is that you’re not guessing — you’re managing.
Home Maintenance and Repairs While Away
Eventually, something breaks. A tree limb crashes into your fence. Your water heater dies. Being remote doesn’t mean being helpless. You need a plan for boots on the ground. That could mean hiring a local property manager or setting up a standing agreement with a trusted handyperson who can access the property and handle common issues. Services like Thumbtack or TaskRabbit help, but consistency matters more than convenience. You don’t want to vet someone new from a different timezone every time the garbage disposal jams. Build relationships, not just logins.
House-Sitting and Human Presence
A lived-in home is a safer home. It deters break-ins, keeps your insurance valid, and adds that crucial layer of human oversight. House-sitting — whether paid or exchanged — gives your place rhythm while you’re away. Whether it’s a college student on break or a retiree who likes your neighborhood, someone feeding the plants and flushing the toilets beats an empty house with stale air and missed warning signs. Vet them well, leave written protocols, and treat it as a rotation — not a one-off favor. Your future self will thank you.
There’s a different kind of ambition stirring in more and more people—the kind that doesn’t involve corner offices or neatly stacked business cards. Instead, it’s a backpack with a laptop inside, a Wi-Fi connection in a beachside café, and a calendar that bends around your desire to explore. That’s the digital nomad dream, but it’s not just about quitting your job and hopping on a plane. If you’re serious about making it work long-term, there’s a lot more intention, structure, and grit behind the Instagram stories.
Redefining “Career” on Your Terms
One of the first things you’ll have to do is rethink what a career even means to you. Traditional definitions are often wrapped in routine, physical offices, and climbing some rigid ladder. But when you choose the nomadic route, success becomes self-defined—maybe it’s a freelance portfolio you build from hostel beds or a startup you run while bouncing between time zones. What matters most is building something sustainable that doesn’t unravel the moment you leave your home country.
Starting Before You Start
Before you sell your furniture or break your lease, you’ve got to lay some groundwork. It’s tempting to dive headfirst into travel, but being unprepared can turn a dream lifestyle into a panic spiral. Test the waters with remote freelance gigs or part-time remote work while you’re still grounded—see what it’s like to manage your own time without the safety net. The earlier you start developing remote income streams, the smoother your transition will be when you finally take flight.
Getting Ruthless About Skills That Sell
No one is going to pay you just for being interesting or well-traveled. Your skills need to either solve a problem or save someone time—and preferably both. That might mean brushing up on web development, UX design, content strategy, marketing automation, or any number of in-demand fields that don’t require you to be in one spot. The trick is to think like a business owner: what are you offering that makes someone’s life easier, better, or more profitable?
Relocating to a big city offers exciting opportunities, from career growth to vibrant cultural experiences, but it also comes with unique challenges. The fast-paced lifestyle, higher cost of living, and need for careful planning can feel overwhelming if you’re unprepared. Understanding the key factors to consider before making the move, such as housing, transportation, and community dynamics, can help you transition smoothly and make the most of your new urban environment.
Enhancing Your Urban Experience Through Recreation
When relocating to a vibrant city, it’s essential to consider the availability of recreational and fitness facilities that can enhance your social life and well-being. Urban parks and recreation centers offer diverse programs that help combat social isolation by fostering community engagement through low-cost or free activities. These spaces act as crucial ‘third places’ where you can connect with others, learn new skills, and relax, significantly benefiting your physical and mental health.
Evaluating Urban Emergency Preparedness
Assessing a city’s urban emergency preparedness is crucial for ensuring your safety and peace of mind. Look into factors like the availability of emergency services, disaster response plans, and the city’s infrastructure resilience to natural and man-made crises. Pay attention to community resources, such as evacuation routes, public shelters, and access to real-time alerts. A well-prepared city not only protects its residents but also fosters a sense of security during unexpected situations.
Boosting Your Nursing Career with an Online Master’s Degree
If you’re in the healthcare field, pursuing an online master’s degree in nursing can be a transformative step. This flexible option allows you to balance work and study, enabling you to specialize in roles such as nurse educator or administrator. By advancing your skills and knowledge, you not only improve patient outcomes but also enhance your leadership capabilities, ensuring you remain competitive in the field.
Embracing the City’s Art Scene
Exploring a new city’s art scene is an adventure that offers a deeper connection to its culture and creativity. While iconic museums and galleries provide a glimpse into its artistic heritage, seeking out the underground art scene can be especially rewarding. These hidden gems often showcase emerging talent, unconventional styles, and thought-provoking exhibits that reflect the city’s unique personality. From pop-up galleries to indie art shows, diving into this world adds an exciting, off-the-beaten-path dimension to your cultural journey.
Assessing Mental Health Support
Mental health is a crucial aspect of urban living. When planning a move to a bustling city, it’s essential to evaluate the availability of mental health services and support systems. As cities globally transition towards community-based mental health care, understanding how these services are integrated into primary care settings is crucial. Evaluating the effectiveness and accessibility of these services can greatly influence your well-being and quality of life in a new urban environment.
Factoring in the Impact of Green Spaces
Recognizing the significance of green spaces can greatly enhance your mental well-being. Green spaces help to absorb environmental noise, which in turn reduces stress and improves sleep quality. Prioritizing access to green spaces can be a crucial factor in adapting to the fast-paced urban lifestyle.
Leveraging Alumni Networks in Urban Relocation
Tapping into alumni networks and clubs can be a game-changer for both personal and professional growth. These organizations offer a platform to connect with fellow graduates and individuals who share similar interests. With a widespread presence, these clubs can help you rekindle old friendships and build new ones, enriching your cultural and professional life. By engaging with these communities, you not only expand your social circle but also access a network that supports your career and personal interests.
Exploring Urban Gems in Astoria and LIC
Shifting to an urban lifestyle in Astoria and Long Island City (LIC) offers a dynamic mix of culture, green spaces, and local resources that make city living both exciting and accessible. Here are a few hidden gems in these neighborhoods:
Astoria: The Noguchi Museum offers a peaceful space to explore unique sculptures, and the Astoria waterfront provides a scenic path for walking and biking. Rainey Park is a great spot for picnics and has a fantastic playground for kids. The Queens County Farm Museum, just a short drive away, offers seasonal events, farm animals, and a glimpse of rural life in the city. For a creative experience, The Art House Astoria provides art and music classes for kids and adults alike.
LIC: Hunters Point South Park features open green spaces, playgrounds, and stunning skyline views, perfect for a family outing. The Pepsi-Cola sign is an iconic riverside spot where kids can run around while parents take in the views. Culture Lab LIC hosts art exhibits, workshops and comedy shows, as well as live music outside in the summer, while the NYSCI (New York Hall of Science) in nearby Corona is a must-visit for hands-on learning experiences. Gantry Kids & Teens, a local play space, offers enrichment activities and open play sessions for young folks. For a bit of history, the Greater Astoria Historical Society provides exhibits and walking tours that highlight the area’s past.
With so many museums, parks, and family-friendly attractions, Astoria and LIC provide a perfect balance of urban energy and community-focused spaces. Whether you’re exploring local art, enjoying nature, or discovering interactive exhibits, these neighborhoods make city life exciting and enriching for all ages. Families can easily find engaging activities that foster learning, creativity, and outdoor fun, making Astoria and LIC great places to call home.
Moving to a big city is a major life decision that can open doors to countless opportunities while presenting its own set of challenges. By carefully evaluating your priorities, budgeting realistically, and exploring ways to adapt to your new surroundings, you can embrace city life with confidence.
Discover the vibrant heart of Astoria and LIC with BOAST, your go-to guide for the best local eats, drinks, and experiences that these dynamic neighborhoods have to offer!
Early bird pricing by Sunday, February 16 is $20, and includes one raffle ticket. (You can buy more raffle tickets there, but there is a maximum of one prize per person.) After February 16, the price goes up to $25. Please RSVP no later than Monday, February 24 so we can keep the venue posted on attendance.
In 2024, Rivercrest was a BOAST: Best of Astoria & LIC winner for Best Bar for Sports, Best Bar for Trivia Night, and Best Bar Food.
If you have any questions or comments, you can email us at hello@boast.nyc. We hope to see you there!
These categories did not have enough votes to have outright winners, so here they are listed alphabetically:
EAT Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant ASTORIA Bareburger Comfortland Jack Jones Gastropub Mom’s Kitchen & Bar Rivercrest
DRINK Best Coffee and Tea ASTORIA Balancero Kinship Coffee Mighty Oak Roasters Queen’s Room Under Pressure Coffee LIC Sweetleaf Coffee Roasters
DO & SEE Best Club (social) ASTORIA Ladies First Astoria NYC Footy Wandering Jews of Astoria
Best Kid-Friendly Activity ASTORIA Astoria Park playground The Honey House at Astor Apiaries Socrates Sculpture Park
Best Local Organization ASTORIA The Astoria Choir Astoria Food Pantry BOAST Dave’s Lesbian Bar Destination Ditmars Merchants Association Ladies First Astoria Raising Astoria Socrates Sculpture Park Tikkun BBQ
Best Massage ASTORIA All Seasons House of Wellness Natura Spa Oak Point Massage & Acupuncture Unlimited Body Young Health Spa
Best Place to Work or Study ASTORIA Coffee Cloud Kinship Coffee Mokafé
Here is the full list of the BOAST: Best of Astoria & LIC 2024 winners! Thank you to everyone who filled out the survey, and congratuations to the winners. Since there were so many more survey responses for Astoria than LIC, in each category the Astoria winners are ranked first to third, and the LIC winners are listed alphabetically. You can see more information about each of the winners on the EAT, DRINK, DO & SEE and LOCATION pages.
EAT Best American Restaurant ASTORIA 1. The Bonnie 2. Queen’s Room 3. Sanfords LIC 4747LIC American Brass
Best Bagels ASTORIA 1. Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company 2. New York City Bagel & Coffee House 3. Between the Bagel NY LIC Bricktown Bagels & Cafe We Bagel
Best Bakery ASTORIA 1. Martha’s Country Bakery 2. Somedays Bakery 3. Pastries by Anne LIC Black Star Bakery & Cafe Cannelle Patisserie
Best Brunch ASTORIA 1. Queen’s Room 2. Mom’s Kitchen & Bar 3. Astoria Provisions 3. Sweet Afton LIC Jackson’s Eatery | Bar
Best Budget Dining ASTORIA 1. Mahmoud’s Corner Halal Food Cart LIC Centro Pizza Bar & Italian Kitchen Han Dynasty sLICe LIC Pizzeria
Best Burger ASTORIA 1. Bareburger – Astoria 2. Burger Club 3. KX Burger & Beyond LIC Bareburger THE BARONESS (more…)
The BOAST: Best of Astoria & LIC 2024 Survey is LIVE and the link is boast.nyc/survey! It will be open until Monday, Dec. 9. There are three pages (EAT, DRINK, and DO & SEE) and 62 categories total, including Best Ice Cream or Gelato, Best Healthy Food Option and Best Smoothie, which are new this year. As usual, the categories are all write-in. We want to hear from you, so please think about your favorite spots in Astoria and LIC and submit the survey before it closes. We always appreciate short write-ups, and there is a space for that in each category. You may even see it after we post the results. Enter your name and email at the end of the survey for a chance to win a prize!
The warmth of Fernando Pliego and Grissel Garcia, the father/daughter duo that opened Il Nonno Ristorante (25-17 Astoria Blvd), emanates through the vibe and food of this newly-opened (in May) spot.
The cozy Italian restaurant welcomed us with delicious thinly sliced garlic bread and the classic olive oil and vinegar duo. We were a hungry bunch, so we ordered two appetizers to share: Zuppa di Caroffi and Caprese di Bufala. Zuppa could have been eaten as a soup, but artichoke puree and shredded goat cheese sounded like it could have been a dip to share, so we ate it like that. The caprese sat on thinly sliced slightly-seasoned tomatoes. It was very refreshing on a warm June evening.
Our table looked out on a large open window and the bambino in our party enjoyed staring out of it, waving to passersby as she happily munched on some French fries.
The adults each ordered different main dishes from Penne Arrabbiata con Salmone (nice kick, not too spicy) to Pollo alla Martini, a chicken breast breaded with a white wine lemon sauce and mashed potatoes, to Pasta alla Sicilian, to the lightest fluffy Gnocchi this side of Queens! One of us balanced out the carbs with an Insalate Mista (a simple salad is one of her favorite palate cleansers, and the dressing was delightful).
Everything was great, but save room for dessert. With the exception of the gelato, all the desserts were homemade. We fell in love with the tiramisu! While we were all chocolate lovers, there’s something special about the tiramisu here. Perhaps it’s all the love and care that Grissel and Fernando put into creating a beautiful new restaurant in our neighborhood.
P.S. While this is written in the “we” voice, the person that penned this is a single straight woman in her early 40s who is eager to return on a date for tiramisu and wine. It’s a super cute date spot! But also great for family meals or a night out with friends. If that sounds like a fun date, slide into her DMs.
