Lucy Cohen Blatter

First a little something about the neighborhood (which you may or may not have ever heard of). Middle Village, Queens is a suburban-style neighborhood dominated by single and two-family homes. It's one of those neighborhoods where generations live in the same house (or block). Translation: If you're looking to party and eat out every night, you should probably keep looking.

Did the summer just sort of sneak up on you while you were chained to your cubicle? Yes, July 4th is next Saturday, and if you haven't yet booked your long-weekend escape, the pickings may be slim. That said, there are still places available for the taking (as of press time), and we've rounded them up for you at quintessential New Yorker destinations. 

WESTHAMPTON BEACH

Prospect Lefferts Gardens may not be as desirable as nearby Park Slope and Prospect Heights (and can't yet compete with those neighborhoods' dining scenes), but, as a result, it's also not as expensive. The proof is in this $265,000 studio, with a recently renovated kitchen, built-ins, and a generous layout. 

Nightlife junkies might want to seriously consider this $3,000 two-bedroom at 31 St. Marks, because it's smack dab in the heart of the always lively main drag of the East Village (technically Eighth Street).

Here's what we know: The place is definitely a walkup (and since it's apartment number 15, we'd guess it's more than one flight up) and has two bedrooms with room for Queen-sized beds and a dishwasher. Also, the landlord accepts guarantors.

More fodder for your "the Manhattan rental market is seriously nuts" discussions (vacancy rates hover around 1 percent at the moment): this $1,450 Chelsea "studio," with a shared bath. It's been saved by 41 users on StreetEasy.

As the general manager and a managing partner at Union Square Cafe, Sam Lipp oversees the the New York City institution, which turns 30 this year. The Madison-Wisconsin native worked at several Danny Meyer-owned restaurants, including MoMA and Maialino before becoming general manager at the Union Square Cafe, which will soon announce its new location.