CBS 2 Real Estate Market | Buyers Guide

Yorkville

admin — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:14:48 +0000

Yorkville is a neighborhood within the Upper East Side of the borough of Manhattan in New York City. Yorkville’s northern, eastern and western boundaries include: the East River on the east, 96th Street (where Spanish Harlem begins) on the north, Third Avenue on the west and 79th Street to the south. At one point, all of what is now called the Upper East Side was Yorkville. Its western half was referred to as “Irishtown.” One holdover from earlier days, however, is Brandy’s Saloon, a popular 84th Street piano bar dating from the speak-easy era of the 1920s. Brandy’s is host to large crowds each year after the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

West Village

admin — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:13:27 +0000

The neighborhood is bounded by Broadway on the east, the Hudson River on the west, Houston Street on the south, and 14th Street on the north. The neighborhoods surrounding it are the East Village to the east, SoHo to the south, and Chelsea to the north. The West Village is best known for its historic charm, apparent in its apartments, stores, and shops. Many older buildings have been renovated but still have that classic feel. Rentals in this area are in high-demand. The West Village boasts with lively energy on its tree-lined streets.

Washington Heights

admin — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:12:09 +0000

Rich in history, culture and beauty, Washington Heights is located in northern Manhattan. Along with its neighbor, Inwood, it is experiencing gentrification as increasing numbers of professionals with higher incomes seek affordable housing, a more relaxed suburban feel, and more space in these neighborhoods. Artists, students, and families from diverse backgrounds live here. Many of the buildings were built in the once prevalent Art Deco style, thereby creating a certain stylistic uniformity, which harmonizes the area. Washington Heights has many beautiful houses and co-ops on quiet tree-lined blocks with lovely architecture. Along with its oases of trees, parks and Hudson River views, you’ll find many nooks and crannies in this area, still largely undiscovered by the folks who think Manhattan ends at 96th Street. On the other hand, when you want big-city life, this lovely, safe neighborhood is only 15 minutes from Midtown on the A train. In the heart of Washington Heights, there is a bustling commercial district as well as Yeshiva University and Columbia’s Presbyterian Medical Center. The neighborhood’s Fort Tyron Park is home to the magnificent Cloisters, a medieval museum, with a tremendous collection of art, built in the style of medieval cloisters, chapels and halls. With its many positives, it’s no wonder this neighborhood is becoming increasingly popular. If there is any area of the city that is destined to be the next “it” neighborhood, Upper Manhattan is the one to watch.

Upper East Side

admin — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:11:50 +0000

Known to many as the most affluent and prestigious milieu in Manhattan, the Upper East Side is awash in elegance and culture. Extending from 59th to 96th Street and bordered by Fifth Avenue and the East River, the Upper East Side is home to such charming neighborhoods as Carnegie Hill, Lennox Hill, East End Avenue and Yorkville. With many verdant, tree-lined streets and avenues, the neighborhood is a delightful place to live. Cultural attractions here are multitudinous. Famous Museum Mile along Fifth Avenue is lined with some of the world’s most prominent art institutions: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guggenheim Museum, Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Frick Art Collection located in the Frick Mansion, among others. Given its many famous museums and art, the Upper East Side of Manhattan is one of the most celebrated areas in the country.

With many exclusive luxury apartments in co-ops and condos along Fifth Avenue and Park Avenue, there are also many beautiful townhouses that line the narrower streets. More reasonably priced apartments and homes can be found closer to the river. Madison Avenue is host to some of the city’s toniest shopping including glamorous designer clothing stores such as Armani, Ralph Lauren and Gianni Versace. And throughout the area, there is no shortage of places to eat. Chic, sleek trendsetting restaurants alternate with warm ethnic nooks. Before or after an expedition along Madison Avenue or Museum Mile, you can easily satisfy any craving from among the myriad cuisines, yummy delights and noshing possibilities throughout the Upper East Side.

Tribeca

admin — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:11:26 +0000

Tribeca, the TRIangle BElow CAnal Street, lies on the lower West Side of Manhattan. Close to Soho, it is bordered by Broadway and West Street. Once the industrial heart of the City, Tribeca’s factories and unique cast iron fronted warehouses have been converted to spacious lofts, apartments and condos. The neighborhood became a haven for artists who found the loft spaces in these old buildings perfectly suited for studios. Now the neighborhood boasts many famous residents such as Robert DeNiro as well as many upscale restaurants and art galleries. In addition to its culture and happening feel, Tribeca is conveniently located close to the financial district and many unique neighborhoods. With its trendy art scene, hot restaurants and boutiques, and some of the city’s top real estate, Tribeca is a prime place to live.

Soho

admin — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:10:56 +0000

From Canal Street to Houston Street, from Lafayette to the Hudson River.

SoHo (the name stands for South of Houston; the district runs all the way south to Canal Street) still has the buildings and charm of Olde New York. If you love cast-iron architecture, you’re in luck: the historic district here contains the biggest concentration of these buildings anywhere in the world. Built in the 19th Century to house manufacturing, they’re now knockout lofts housing artists, fashion designers, and Wall Street types.

The district boasts outstanding shopping, with offerings from Chanel, Marc Jacobs, and Prada. The Apple store, which imported glass and light into an old post office, has become a crowded hangout extraordinaire. If you need a new couch for your pad, you can go antique at Eileen Lane or sleek at Armani Casa.

Roosevelt Island

admin — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:10:38 +0000

A two-mile island in the East River running from Manhattan’s East 46th to 85th Streets. A peaceful neighborhood filled with green and amazing views of the Manhattan skyline. The south side of Roosevelt Island is made up of luxury doorman condos in high-rise buildings. The amenities of these modern condos include conference rooms, roof decks, and health clubs with yoga rooms. On the north of Roosevelt Island there are several rental buildings, including options all the way from studios to three bedrooms. One of the best amenities of the area is the local shuttle bus that takes you around the Island.

The neighborhood remains clean because most of it is car-free. It is most popular for its spacious parks and outdoor areas. Roosevelt Island operates best at providing apartments for those whose jobs are on the East Side or Upper East Side, which can be reached by the popular Roosevelt Island Tram or a quick subway ride.

North Sutton

admin — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:10:16 +0000

Sutton Place is a little enclave that runs from the East River to Second Avenue, 52nd Street to 59th Street. A retreat in which prewar co-ops and townhouses are popular. The Sutton area is lined with greenery as well–two parks are located within the boundaries of this neighborhood.

Murray Hill

admin — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:04:59 +0000

Midtown, on the East Side, from 23rd Street to 42nd Street. The area runs from the East River to Park Avenue South between 23rd Street and 34th Street, and expands from the East River to Fifth Avenue between 34th Street and 42nd Street. Kips Bay runs from 23rd Street to 42nd Street, east of Third Avenue. Murray Hill is full of townhomes as well as high-rise condo towers. There are many restaurants and movie theaters in the area. In addition, the Morgan Library is a historic monument and cultural landmark in Murray Hill.

Morningside Heights

admin — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:04:38 +0000

Runs from Riverside Drive to Morningside Park, from 110th to 125th Streets.
Once referred to as the Academic Acropolis of Manhattan, this neighborhood is known for its numerous scholarly institutions—Columbia University, Barnard College and Manhattan School of Music to name a few. Yet, even with this large educational presence, Morningside Heights is more than just a “college town.” The area boasts some of the city’s most impressive architecture and exciting housing stock. Turn of the century apartment buildings and rowhouses dominate. And the expansive pre-war homes on Riverside Drive offer amazing views of the Hudson River. Co-ops and condos with flowing layouts and graciously proportioned rooms can also be found.

However, it’s not all limestone, granite and Gothic spires. Morningside Park (named for the east facing slope that catches the morning sun) is a 30-acre cliff-filled, rugged hilled oasis. Deemed too difficult to develop on, it was designed by the famed architects of Central Park. Fifty-foot high rock precipices, playgrounds and picnic areas are perfect for an adventure or an afternoon of relaxing. And nine months out of the year, the Park hosts a weekly farmers market.

Broadway, filled with bookstores, cafés, specialty stores and restaurants galore is the main thoroughfare of the nabe. And despite their uptown address, many of these eateries have a downtown flair. Pisticci, Kitchenette Uptown and the famous Terrace are a foodie’s delight.