Help me decide which apartment

[Anonymous]

We have been looking to upgrade in NYC for over a year and prices finally seem to be coming down in our favor. What we are looking for is kind of rare for our price point, but we actually have two good options. We currently live on the UES and would strongly prefer to stay here because our kids are in a private elementary on the upper east, but of course the better of the two apartments we found happens to be on the UWS. So do we pick the better apt and move across town, or settle to be in the same area for a great apartment but with zero amenities? Both apartments are the exact same size and roughly the same price. More details below.

UES Apt
Was just gut renovated and all the work is 100% our taste. Very generous bedrooms and great layout. Major negative is that the building does not have a doorman (does have a live in super who accepts packages) or any amenities and the building itself is small, older and feels a bit dingy in the lobby/exterior. But the apartment itself is fantastic.

UWS Apt
The biggest seller is that it is an PH unit and has an amazing terrace. Was renovated about 5 years ago and it’s beautiful but a little more modern then we typically like. But it needs zero work and is in great shape. Also a great layout although the rooms aren’t quite as large as the first apt. But full service building with doorman, kids playroom, etc.

So crowdsourcing here - which would you pick? Great apartment in crappy building to stay on the east side, or move across town for outdoor space?

[Anonymous]

UWS for sure.

[Anonymous]

I would definitely say UWS, but I prefer UWS to UES. I also prefer a bigger building with amenities, especially a doorman. Bigger, without being too big, so that costs to run the building are spread out over more owners/shareholders.

Are you currently in a doorman building? If so, I think we don't realize how much it adds to the ease of living there. A good friend lives in a very nice building with a super who takes in packages. Basically, he puts them in the lobby and people pick them up.

Are the areas each are in comparable? As in, how far up is the UWS apartment? Just as on the UES, some areas are better than others.

On the surface, I would guess the UES apartment is in a better part of the UES than the UWS apartment since clearly you are getting a lot more for your money in the UWS apartment--unless the renovation of the UES is just newer and higher end??

Have you spent time walking around the UWS neighborhood

How easy/difficult will the kids' commute to school be once things are back in school full-time?

Are the maintenance or CC/taxes similar? One of the big things for resale is what you're paying in maintenance or CC/taxes.

And last, if you haven't already done this, go to Zillow .com and put in both addresses. Look at what is for sale, what has sold, what these apartments have done in the past.

Good luck! It sounds like either could be great. And this is definitely a great time to buy. I just watched a video with Noah Rosenblatt on the NYC residential market and things are starting to sell again.

[Anonymous]

Does the UES apartment have any outdoor space? I would prioritize that over amenities like a children’s playroom (which, if your kids are already in ues private schools they’re aging out of quickly...). UWS is a “hotter” market and has been for 15 years so sounds like that’s the better deal If the apartments are the same size/quality.

[Anonymous]

Always UWS.

[Anonymous]

Outdoor space

[Anonymous]

Another vote for UWS