Few New Yorkers live in the neighborhood or on the street of their dreams. As a matter of fact, most feel lucky just to be living any place within a stone’s throw or a reasonable commute to Manhattan. Whether we fantasize about a 19th-century townhouse or a sleek, spacious apartment with a view of the Empire State Building, we can all imagine where our ultimate residence would be if money was no object.
Dreaming big, here’s where these New Yorkers would reside if they could choose any place in New York City.
I would live in a southwest corner apartment at One 57. The soft hue of the blue lights on this building seems as if they are calling to me. I want to be able to look out at NYC in multiple directions, and I want to be able to see the East and Hudson Rivers. I would also like to entertain with the city lights as a backdrop and watch the sunset from every room. The central location would be close to anything that I could possibly need. –S.M.
I would love to live on Shore Road in Bay Bridge, Brooklyn, preferably in a house with a view of the Verrazano, the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan in the distance. It’s nice over there; great in the warm weather, and so pretty during the fall. Yet, it’s in walking distance from nice bars and restaurants. –J.D.
I would choose a penthouse in the East 60s on Fifth Avenue, perhaps 834 Fifth, overlooking Central Park. I love the East 60s because of its tree-lined blocks and how it’s part of the Upper East Side yet close enough to midtown to be able to walk to Bloomingdale’s. Fifth Avenue is my dream street because of Central Park views and shopping. –L.M.
Having lived here for seven years this is an interesting question when money is one of the most impactful items on any real estate wish list. Beyond that, it comes down to safety, noise levels, accessibility to transportation, stores, etc. and amount of daily hustle and bustle. For these reasons, I would pick a townhouse in the far West Village. Having worked in this area for nearly two years now, I can see the draw.
The West Village is one of the older and more picturesque neighborhoods in the city, and it is relatively close to multiple subway lines and lots of Citi Bike locations. There are a plethora of fantastic bars and restaurants as well as virtually any store you want to shop in. Streets like Jane, Bethune, and Horatio are reasonably quiet too. –M.J.
If I could live anywhere in NYC, I would live in The Pierre Residences. Maid service every day, dry cleaning outside the door, and room service! And right next to Central Park. I’ve always wanted to live in a hotel. –H.H.
I’d want to live in Greenwich Village near University Place and Washington Square Park. One University Place would be nice. It’s my old college stomping ground (NYU) and remains my favorite part of the city. It has a quiet, residential feel but lies just blocks from Union Square, which has some of the best restaurants, shops and Off-Broadway theaters in town. –R.N.
And as for me, I am particularly fond of Chelsea. Regarding an address, I’d like a charming rowhouse on 20th Street (21st or 22nd would be fine too), preferably between 9th and 10th Avenues. This is a pretty serene part of town for Manhattan, yet close to great restaurants and shopping within the neighborhood, and more boutiques and eateries a few blocks south in the Meatpacking District and the West Village. The High Line is mere minutes from here too. How relaxing would it be to work here on sunny, temperate days?