hi ladies! i had some questions regarding manhattan that i thought you girls could answer...
my hubby and i were thinking about moving maybe next school year (and thats another question i have about finding a teaching job) but as we look at the real estate, we need some help.
if money was no object, i would LOVE to live in SOHO or like upper east and west side - but i know there are other places that i just DONT know about. can anyone help? thanks!!!!
ThongLori
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Re: looking to move to manhattan
Is money really no object? The average price for Manhattan apartments is $1.2MM, just so you know!
As for where to live, you really can't go wrong anywhere in Manhattan. I think Gramercy Park is lovely (the only park in the city where a certain amount of keys are issued for residents surrounding the park - the public is not allowed in the park).
I lived in the East Village for 3 years (rental) and loved it- such a fun neighborhood.
Upper East Side is very 'suburban' feeling to me and it has some transportation issues - the 4-5-6 train is constantly packed... PACKED!!! My friend lived up on York in the 80s in several apartments (also rentals) and had many rodent and insect issues in both apartments. Kinda frustrating when you live next door to rich people
reg426
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Re: looking to move to manhattan
we lived in a rental on the upper east - no rodent or insect problems at all. however, keep in mind that such problems are 'normal' living in nyc. we had a 'creature' of some sort in our current apt., which we OWN, and that was a nightmare. but as everybody kept telling me, yes, it's unpleasant, but not unusual.
battery park city is nice, as is grammercy and upper west and upper east. but, if money is 'No issue,' then why not along museum mile/park ave near the park? please - that could not be any better....although again you run into transportation issues there as well, unless you like the bus.
Shea
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Re: looking to move to manhattan
no, no, no - money is an issue - i mean, could you believe if it weren't! what i was saying was that if it wasn't an issue, than i would live in soho - thats all. i just know that there are probably a ton more places to live that i just may not know about - thats why i thought i would ask.
we are looking to buy, not rent and we can't spend a million bucks. thanks!
Sonicstef
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Re: looking to move to manhattan
Upper east and west arent bad areas if you are looking to stay within a budget.
Battery Park and LES can sometimes have some gems too so you might want to consider those.
ssdbk
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Re: looking to move to manhattan
I lived in the Gramercy area for a few years and loved it. I didn't have a key to the park, though.
Shea
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Re: looking to move to manhattan
now, should i just email a broker and tell them what i can spend and like where i want to live? i already own a co-op on the island and we are looking for like next year. i would also need to find a teaching job there as well
Sonicstef
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Re: looking to move to manhattan
You should probably meet a few brokers and have them show you what is available. That way you can get a sense of whats out there in your price range.
Or if you want to try to avoid brokers, you can try to do a few open houses on the weekends. www.craigslist.org is usually a good place to find some.
white-wolf
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Re: looking to move to manhattan
One place thats up and coming is Inwood which is Northern Manhattan. I've lived there all of my life, but I am moving to Queens next month b/c DH works in Melville and the commute is a lot financially as well as in distance. If you are looking to purchase an apt. you are looking at at least $250,000+ for a 1 bedroom. I am going to miss it. It is ony 25 min on the A or 1/9 to midtown. Feel free to FM me if you have any questions.
darly
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Re: looking to move to manhattan
that's funny that you said inwood b/c my friends have moved up to hudson heights and they love it...
it's so close to the city but if you want to be in the center of it all, you have to decide what neighborhood you want to live in...
i lived in tudor city, chelsea and the upper westside...all different areas & neighborhoods... you have to find what you are looking for in an area and see what each one has pros/cons...
i
ThongLori
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Re: looking to move to manhattan
Also check the NYtimes.com for real estate listings and open houses every weekend.
white-wolf
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Re: looking to move to manhattan
Hudson height is also very nice...I work in Washington Heights and a lot of people I work with live in that area. Its getting very pricey there! My supervisor purchased a co-op about 7 years ago for 100K (2BR)...well, now its going for 500,000! Its incredible how much real estate has gone up. Another up and coming area is Harlem and Hamilton Heights. They have absolutely amazing brownstones and a lot of condos and co-ops going up. As far as Inwood, the places to buy are West of Broadway near Inwood Hill Park ( Where Manhattan Island was purchased from the Native Americans; a bit of history there). The views of the Hudson from some of the buildings is really quite nice. I'm sorry I have to leave, but I'm tired of renting and we cannot afford to pay over 300K for a 2 BR; I should've bought 5 years ago when it was @ 75-80K
heidla
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Re: looking to move to manhattan
We have lived in our co-op in Washington Heights for 1 1/2 yrs. I never thought that I could leave mid-town, but I love my neighborhood!!!! This is one of the few areas in the city that you can still find deals. If you would like the name of an agent up here I can give you one. She sold my friend their co-op and is suppose to be really good.
