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Midtown has experienced an explosion of new developments, but most of the buildings are in the ultra-luxury market with units that typically sell for millions of dollars. For example, a penthouse at 432 Park Ave., the tallest residential building in the Western Hemisphere, is on the market for a staggering $81 million.
The median recorded sales price in midtown in August was $1,195,000, according to StreetEasy. The median asking rent that month was $4,378, according to the listing’s website.
Those in search of less expensive options head toward the East River or Hell’s Kitchen, outside the nabe’s boundaries.
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Photo Credit: Jeremy Bales -
“The people who target midtown are generally those looking for a pied-à-terre, corporate relocations or international customers familiar with midtown who want to be close to Central Park and the high-end shopping on Fifth Avenue,” explained Nathaniel Faust, an associate broker with Citi Habitats. “A lot of people use midtown as a starting point and then move away after a few years.”
Part of what deters longtime residents, he said, is that the area is in the city Department of Education’s District 2, which only has four grade schools for the entire area, and some complain that its grocery stores are sparse.
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Midtown also offers a plethora of entertainment options such as Broadway shows, performances at Radio City Music Hall and plenty of places to eat and drink.
“I moved to midtown because I wanted a change of pace,” said Elia Wolberger, 34, a special education preschool teacher who relocated to the nabe from the Upper East Side two months ago. “I really like the hustle and bustle of the area and how it’s conveniently central to all areas of the city.”
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Photo Credit: Jeremy Bales -
Photo Credit: Jeremy Bales -
The Theater District, Sixth to Eighth avenues between 41st and 54th streets: It’s not just for tourists! Head to the Theater District to see a star-studded musical.
Museum of Modern Art, 11 W. 53rd St.: Take a break from hectic city life and take in some of the world’s best art collections. Bonus: Fridays are free from 4-8 p.m. moma.org
Top of the Rock, 30 Rockefeller Plaza: The Empire State Building gets all of the attention, but the views from the observatory atop Rockefeller Center will wow even the most seasoned New Yorker. topoftherocknyc.com
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Hunt & Fish Club, 124 W. 44th St.: Expect delicious steaks and fish, plus a celebrity sighting or two, at this hot spot. huntandfishnyc.com
Little Collins, 667 Lexington Ave: Head to this Aussie-style coffee shop for a flat white and some of the best avocado toast in town. littlecollinsnyc.com
The Halal Guys, 53rd Street and Sixth Avenue: A midtown staple, the Halal Guys (pictured) are known for their addictive gyros and secret white sauce, served from a street cart. thehalalguys.com
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The Rickey, 210 W. 55th St.: A brand new hangout in the Dream Hotel, it serves creative cocktails in a swanky setting. therickey.com
The Campbell Apartment, 15 Vanderbilt Ave.: Tucked away in Grand Central Terminal, this lounge is one of the neighborhood’s hidden gems. 212-953-0409
Faces & Names, 159 W. 54th St.: A popular after work hangout, this pub (pictured) serves great pub fare and strong drinks. facesandnames.com
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Fifth Avenue, between 57th and 48th streets: Upscale stores such as Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue cater to the well-heeled, while those looking for basics can check out H&M, Forever 21 and Uniqlo.
Lee’s Art Shop, 220 W. 57th St.: This Midtown institution — in the same 57th Street location since 1975 — carries everything from art supplies to furniture to funky gifts. leesartshop.com
Grand Central Terminal market, 89 E. 42nd St.: Locals and commuters can grab goodies from vendors including Murray’s Cheese, Li-Lac chocolates and Wild Edibles.
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Photo Credit: Jeremy Bales -
Photo Credit: Jeremy Bales -
To rent
145 W. 58th St. #3M, One bed, one bath; $3,725 per month
852 Eighth Ave. #4A, Studio, one bath; $1,850 per month
135 E. 54th St. #10B, Two beds, two baths; $5,400 per month
To buy
205 W. 54th St. #11F, One bed, one bath; $497,500
125 W. 56th St. #3B, Two beds, one bath; $620,000
100 W. 57th St. #15P, Studio, one bath; $389,000
2015 Midtown market data as of Nov. 11:
Median sales price: $1,480,000
Number of units on market: 771
Median rental price: $3,900
Number of rentals on market: 1,850
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Photo Credit: Jeremy Bales
While the pulse of the city quite literally pumps from midtown, the area isn’t exactly known as a cozy place to live.
Dominated by office buildings, hotels and tourist attractions, it’s well-suited for daily commuters — many of whom take Metro-North to Grand Central Terminal — and tourists who descend on Times Square and the Theater District.
But the area isn’t only packed with visitors because of its train access: its digs are so expensive, many can’t afford to stay as residents.
