New York Living Solutions

Recognized for its quiet and comfortable ambiance, adorned with luxury high-rises and plenty of high-end property, Murray Hill has come a long way since its days as farmland. The neighborhood derives its name from the Murray family―18th-century Quaker merchants dedicated shipping and overseas trade.

The diverse residential options accentuate the area’s elegance. Buyers/renters are both surprised and enchanted by the luxury residential high-rises, beautiful turn-of-the-century townhouses, exquisite pre-war buildings, brownstones, and well-maintained co-ops and condos found in the area.

Due to its prime Midtown location, Murray Hill real estate has flourished in recent years; it is a quick walk to midtown's business district, and a short ride to downtown's diverse draws. However, the many ethnic restaurants, cafés, boutiques, bookstores, lounges, and a very popular bar scene illuminate this neighborhood’s own slice of downtown flair.

Bronx, Borough Historian, Lloyd Ultan, described Wakefield as an “area has a sort of inner suburban air about it.” The well kept neighborhood offers buyers a variety of one to two family homes for purchase, and renters the option of apartment houses. With a large immigrant Caribbean population, along with pockets of Italian, Irish, Eastern European and African American communities, the area is very ethnically and racially diverse. Given its affordable market prices, diversity, suburban appeal, and access to public transportation, the area offers interested buyers/renters a great package deal.

The northernmost section of Manhattan, the Washington Heights/Inwood area was home to a Native American settlement where the sale of Manhattan was negotiated in 1626, as well as the site of the Revolutionary War Battle of Fort Washington. The early 20th century saw a rapid population of the area as European immigrants who lived in lower Manhattan began to move to the north. The rest of the century saw a continued influx of immigrants from all parts of the globe resulting in the area’s dynamic ethnic diversity. The hilly area has splendid parkland and stunning views of the Hudson River and the Palisades. Enjoy a stroll through shady Fort Tryon Park and Inwood Hill Park. Walk (or bus) up the steep hill to the Cloisters, and you will be transported back to a medieval monastery, surrounded by tapestries, art, and monastic gardens. Bike across the George Washington Bridge for even more spectacular views, or walk to the northernmost point in Manhattan, Spuyten Duyvil, and see the confluence of the Harlem and Hudson Rivers. Also, visit Yeshiva University and its museum. With the area’s thriving commercial district, residents are likely to continue flocking to its newly renovated houses and co-ops.

The Upper West Side, labeled as a more liberal and artsy counterpart to the Upper East, is perhaps a little less so these days, but is recognized for its diversity. From quaint brownstones on tree-lined streets, to dignified pre-war buildings along Broadway, residents have an array of living options. The quiet neighborhood offers residents and visitors an escape from the chaos of Midtown and other heavily tourist populated areas.

The Upper West Side is one of the more popular residential areas in the city, drawing families, young folks and artist types. In addition to its dynamic family friendly reputation, the neighborhood’s numerous restaurants and bars attract a happening singles scene as well. Local gourmet shops and boutiques add to the neighborhood’s diverse character.

Despite the heavier price tags, real estate bargain hunters can still discover deals in the northernmost frontiers of the Upper West, where it meets Morningside Heights and Columbia University.

Modeled after an English botanical garden; Kew Gardens is a charming residential neighborhood with a mix of Tudor and Colonial style single family homes, mid-rise apartment buildings, co-ops and condos. This middle to upper middle class neighborhood boasts lots of green spaces and a serene ambiance, without any of the urban buzzing synonymous with Manhattan. Local cafés, restaurants, cultural centers and nightlife cater to an eclectic mix of residents, including young professionals, multi-generational Jewish families, and Irish, Russian, Caribbean, South American, Chinese, Indian, Korean and Japanese immigrants.