Posted by
Elana Safronsky, Managing Editor
Wednesday, October 6, 2010 5:05 PM EDT
It's all well and good to ooooo and aaaaah at the glitz and dreaminess of the never-gonna-own-one-ever apartments we see weekly on Selling New York (check out our latest live blog of the show!) but what about life a little closer to the street? (The higher the apartment the higher the price, btw.)
What I really mean is, I know some people -- like many of you do, I'm sure -- who live in Manhattan, and I can tell you that they're not old-money gazillionaires hovering above us in the lofty lairs of Park Avenue. They're single professionals, young couples, first-time buyers, and frankly no different from their Canadian urban counterparts. WHAT DO THESE PEOPLE DO IN NEW YORK CITY???
Move to Brooklyn.
Ah but the ones I know, they won't let go of their hold on a piece of Manhattan -- no way! -- not for the love of closets or foyers. And wouldn't you know it? They actually have options! Everyone I know rents, but that's because who'd ever believe that one (or two, maybe even three people together) can actually afford to buy a place in Manhattan?
Well it's true. Fueled by my frenzy to learn everything I can about New York City real estate, I have combed the sites of the two agencies featured on Selling New York, and lookie here! Three Properties under $500,000! Sure they're only a tad bigger than a Japanese slipper, but who wouldn't live in a shoe if it was in the Big Apple?
Upper East Side Pied a Terre
310 East 70th Street
List price: $389,000
Photo courtesy of City Realty
THE CASA: Alcove studio, approx. 360 sq ft, on a high floor. This quiet apartment features a wall of windows facing north with tree top views, a separate dressing area off the bathroom, 3 closets, hardwood floors, generously sized dining/living room area and a kitchen and bath in good condition. This is a coop building, featuring full time doorman, central laundry, roof deck, private storage, and a garage with a reduced price for shareholders. Pets allowed.
THE NABE: Upper East Side is Manhattan's most affluent neighbourhood, with some of the world's most expensive real estate. The are is located between Central Park and the East River. Living here you'd rub shoulders with the bulk of Manhattan's upper crust, surrounded by revered institutions such as the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Plaza Hotel, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Frick Collection.
AGENT INFO: Gumley Haft Kleier
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Upper East Side with Breathing Room
166 East 61st Street
List price: $450,000
Photo courtesy of City Realty
THE CASA: Jr. one bedroom, converted from an alcove studio, approx. 400 sq ft. Facing south with tree top views this apartment has a new kitchen, marble bath, spacious living room and dining area, wood floors and plenty of closets with a separate dressing area. This is a full service coop with a doorman, live-in super, private patio off the garden and a garage next door. There is a newly renovated lobby, new windows, bike and luggage storage and a laundry room -- no washer/dryers in the apartment.
THE NABE: Upper East Side!
AGENT INFO: Gumley Haft Kleier
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Midtown West/Columbus Circle
415 West 57th Street
List price: $439,000
THE CASA: One bedroom, approx. 415 sq ft, sunny northern exposure with a garden view. The apartment features over nine foot ceilings, a renovated bathroom, through-wall air conditioners and hardwood floors throughout. The building is an intimate pre-war, with elevator and laundry room.
THE NABE: Columbus Circle is a major landmark in New York City, located near Central Park, Time Warner, Whole Foods and Lincoln Center. The neighbourhood is known to be vibrant and eclectic, surrounded by many of the city's iconic cites such at the Trump Tower, and a destination for tourists because of attractions such as The Shops at Columbus Circle.
AGENT INFO: CORE
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