Manhattan continues to provide residents with a little bit of everything, whether they’re interested in art and culture, food and shopping, or spending time outdoors. Anyone browsing Manhattan homes for sale must first tackle that important question: where? With so many areas to choose from within the city, buyers can take the following steps to ensure they’re investing not only in the wonderful city of New York but in the perfect neighborhood, too.
1. Set your priorities
New York City has over 50 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality and energy. As you start your search for the right place to call home in the city, set your top priorities. Are you looking for an area with high energy and all the best restaurants? Or perhaps you’re hoping to settle down in a neighborhood with more of a laid-back feel and a strong arts community? Determining what you’re interested in most will help your real estate team guide you to neighborhoods that provide the best fit.
Property style
You’ll also want to think through priorities in the type of home you’re after. Is square footage most important? Or is a great view top of mind? New York City real estate consists primarily of townhomes, condominiums, and co-op buildings, with the latter two being the most common. Townhomes are desirable for their extra space and privacy, but condominiums come with a host of building amenities and luxury features for residents only. Co-op units are a unique option where buyers can invest in the organization that owns the building and gain access to one of its suites. Understanding what you’re looking for, not only in your neighborhood but in the property itself, will help you narrow down your options.
2. Get to know the local markets
With so many neighborhoods within its city limits, Manhattan real estate trends aren’t always reflected in each area. Overall, Manhattan shows high inventory and modest demand, with prices increasing in the past 12 months. However, in a neighborhood like Tribeca, prices may not be acting in line with those trends. Chelsea townhomes may be rising much faster, and homes for sale on the Upper West Side might see much higher demand. Throughout the city, real estate trends are going to vary based on which neighborhood you’re investigating. That’s why it’s key to work with a real estate team that has the expertise to advise you on current trends for the neighborhoods that interest you the most.
3. Explore Manhattan’s neighborhoods
The best way to truly get a sense of what each neighborhood is like is to visit them yourself. Once you’ve worked with your real estate agent to narrow down your list, you should consider spending time exploring each area. Your real estate agent may be able to provide resources from the best restaurants in Chelsea to the top shops on the Upper East Side if you want to make the most of what the neighborhoods have to offer. If you aren’t sure where to start, take a look at some of what the following neighborhoods are all about.
Upper East Side
The Upper East Side is known for its upscale feel and incredible art galleries. Sandwiched between Central Park and the East River, this neighborhood is decadent and luxurious. The Upper East Side puts residents close to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim, and the Central Park Zoo. The area is filled with gorgeous French restaurants and bistros and is known for its designer shopping, too. Locals can find Ralph Lauren’s flagship location there, along with Anne Fontaine, Oscar de la Renta, and Bloomingdale’s.
Upper West Side
The Upper West Side lies on the other side of Central Park, giving residents access to the American Museum of Natural History, the Central Park Carousel, and Belvedere Castle. Columbia University is just north of the neighborhood, providing a stimulating academic energy. Like the Upper East Side, the Upper West Side feels energetic and luxurious but with a more relaxed vibe. Arts and culture are a big part of this neighborhood, as well, with the Lincoln Center hosting shows by the Metropolitan Opera and the New York City Ballet.
Midtown East
Midtown East is part of the high-energy heart of Manhattan, known primarily for its world-class shopping and proximity to some of the city’s most beloved landmarks. Midtown East is where locals will find Grand Central Terminal and the Chrysler Building. Shops along 5th, Madison, and Park Avenues are second to none, with designer names like Saks, Armani, and Prada nearby.
Chelsea
Located within Midtown, on the southwest side, Chelsea is a beautiful neighborhood known for its stunning high-rises and charming, historic homes. Manhattan’s High Line is in Chelsea, along with more than 12 art galleries and delicious cuisine from around the world. At the northwest corner of the neighborhood, Hudson Yards luxury condos offer stunning views of the water, shopping centers, and top restaurants.
Greenwich Village
South of Chelsea, Greenwich Village is a jazzy, theatrical neighborhood with tree-lined streets, charming cafes, and lovely brownstones. Washington Square Park is in Greenwich Village, as is New York University, which lends the neighborhood a bright, youthful energy. Greenwich Village has all the restaurants and shops a resident could want without the same high-level hustle and bustle as an area like Midtown East.
4. Work with an expert NYC real estate agent
When you’re deciding on a neighborhood to call home in Manhattan, no resource compares with the insight of an expert real estate agent. Mukul Lalchandani and the Undivided team make clients their first priority. Mukul is an award-winning New York City real estate agent striving to provide only the best results to buyers and sellers across the city. Buyers can be certain that Mukul and his team will guide them through each step of the process, ensuring not only a satisfying investment but years of happiness in their new home. So, when you’re ready to partner with the best New York City offers, reach out to Mukul Lalchandani.
