New York renters may see large rent increases or a change of heart with their current building. Some may have realized they are paying way too much for what they’re getting for their money. 

With their annual Subway Median Rent Map, RentHop provides a detailed report to help renters visualize where they can save by riding the train to affordability.

This year, 84% of Subway Stops saw increases in rent. This is lower than last year, but the median rent is currently at $4,400, 3.5% higher than the same time last year.

New developments and renovated units caused spikes in rent in the outer boroughs, so for renters concerned about their rent changing in the coming years, keep an eye out for construction and updates.

Tenants with lower rents aren’t moving, which is decreasing the current inventory for lower-priced units. This could cause problems in the future if these tenants move out and owners renovate and charge higher rents.

Where to Live if You Work Remotely or Hybrid in NYC

With remote and hybrid work becoming more popular, does it make sense to shell out for an apartment in the city’s heart with a quick commute that may only happen 1-2 times per week? Increasingly, renters look to their local neighborhood communities to find nightlife, meals and social happenings. If one’s community provides everything they need, why fork over large amounts of rent?

Below, CitySignal looked at some of the best stops to live off of for renters wanting to be in proximity to a certain Subway line.

Best NYC Subway Stops to Live Off the 1-2-3 Line

Apartments off the Cathedral Pkwy 1 train stop at 110th Street saw a 1.4% dip in rent. While the median rent is higher at $3,450, you’re farther down in Manhattan and are in proximity to several parks.

135th Street Station (2-3) in Harlem has a median rent of $2,567 and only saw 2.9% growth last year. This may mean you can snag a better deal in the area.

Best NYC Subway Stops to Live Off the 4-5-6 Line

Rent along the 6 train saw the most drastic rental decreases, with some rent near stations coming down over 6%. 

Brook Ave off the 6 train in Mott Haven in The Bronx. The current median rent is $2,369, with rent dropping 6.4% since last year. 

The Franklin Ave stop for the 2-3–4-5 had one of the lowest rent growths in the Crown Heights, Brooklyn area at 2.9%. Median rent sits at $2,910 but you have access to the S train which can connect you with other Brooklyn lines.

Best NYC Subway Stops to Live Off the N-Q-R-W Line

If your budget has room to grow over the coming years, check out Astoria Blvd ($2,750/6.8%) or Broadway ($2,650/6%) off the N/W. Rent is still proportionately low; however, the area is seeing major growth, which may impact your lease during re-signing. Make sure to read the terms of your lease carefully.

Best NYC Subway Stops to Live Off the B-D-F-M Line

While 155th Street (B-D) in Harlem saw 19.3% growth this year, the rent is still sitting at $2,600. This is a great stop to live off of if you’re a Yankee’s fan, you could even walk to a game!

F Ditmas Ave (F) is a Brooklyn stop in the quaint neighborhood of Kensington.

Newkirk Ave ($2,379/-1.9%) on the B–Q lines will send you straight into Lower Manhattan or give you the chance to transfer in Downtown Brooklyn to another line.

Best NYC Subway Stops to Live Off the A-C-E Line

The A stop at 190th Street in Washington Heights, just south of Inwood. With access to green space on the west side of Manhattan, current median rent sits at $2,300 with a -2% change since last year.

Utica Ave (A-C) in Bed-Stuy has a median rent of $2,600. There are many small local businesses that you can enjoy instead of traveling into the city.

Grand Ave-Newton in Queens ($2,200/0%) gives renters access to the E–M–R trains but is also two stops away from the 7 train. 

Best NYC Subway Stops to Live Off the J, G, L & 7 Trains

J train riders should look around Kosciuszko St. in the Bed-Stuy/Bushwick area, where the median rent is $2,850, a 1.1% drop since last year.

For G train lovers, check out the Myrtle-Willoughby Ave ($2,850/3.6%) or Ft. Hamilton Pkway ($2,838/-4.9%) stops in Brooklyn. Queens G stops have seen large rent growth, and apartments near those stops have an average rent of over $3,800!

The L train is a pricey line to live off of (thanks to going through Williamsburg), but the first stop to see a bit of rent relief is Dekalb Ave ($2,728/1%) in Bushwick. How trendy.

The 7 Train has quickly become a favorite of many renters, so look to 33rd St in Queens for a median rent of $2,750.

Best Neighborhoods to Live to Have Access To All Subway Lines

For access to multiple Subway lines, consider apartments in FiDi, SoHo/Chinatown, Downtown Brooklyn, or Hunters Point/Long Island City in Queens. These are not the friendliest for budget-conscious people, but if one needs to travel, access may be helpful.

The post Which NYC Subway Stop Is The Best to Live Off Of? appeared first on CitySignal.

485-x is the replacement for 421-a

After the 421-a program expired in June 2022, there has been a long gap during which no plan has emerged to replace it, despite Governor Kathy Hochul’s attempts with substitutions such as 485-w. But under the new budget, 485-x is the newest ten-year tax incentive to create housing in New York City with affordable housing and homeownership opportunities. The new program extends the completion deadline for projects from the expired 421-a through 2031, so those who might miss the 2026 cut-off have time for completion. There will be tax benefits for housing construction where smaller buildings will need to have 20% of the units listed with below market rents for people making no more than the area median income (AMI), which is limited at 80%. Larger buildings will need to set aside 25%. 

There is also a minimum construction wage requirement ($35/hour); however, the minimum is higher for new builds under 96th Street in Manhattan and on the waterfront in Brooklyn or Queens, the areas that will most likely generate higher rents ($72.45/hour or 65% current rate, whichever is less).

Hochul is hopeful for the new plan’s success, as 421-a produced an estimated “two-thirds of all newly constructed multifamily housing in the City in the last decade.”  The ultimate goal is for 485-x to help increase the housing supply.

What is Good Cause Eviction? More Tenant Protections

Good cause eviction was enacted immediately (in NYC) after the budget was passed in April 2024 and will be active until 2034. The proposal’s inclusion with the new budget will limit landlords’ potential evictions of tenants. ‘Good Cause’ means that a landlord must have a good reason to evict a tenant, such as illegal behavior, non-payment of rent, or if the building will be demolished or converted (from residential to commercial). States such as California have enacted good cause rules, and Connecticut may soon follow suit and pass legislation to give extra tenant protection. 

There are some exemptions to the Good Cause legislation, such as units with a monthly rent that is greater than 245% of the fair market rent, above (above $5,846 for a studio; $6,005 for a one bedroom; $6,742 for a two-bedroom; and $8,413 for a three-bedroom). This is far above the current average rent in NYC. Other exemptions include small buildings with ten units or less, units already subject to rent regulation, and condos or coops, among a few exceptions.

Protections to help tenants avoid price gouging were also implemented, limiting annual rent increases to no more than 10% or 5% plus the Consumer Price Index (whatever is lower). Additionally, squatters, another controversial topic that has frequently been making the news, are reinforced as not being tenants and, therefore, not having the same rights and protections.

What Else Was Passed With The Housing Proposals Of The 2025 Budget?

Notably, the new budget looks to tackle the the lack of rental inventory on the market and bring back vacant units that are off the market due to being inhabitable or outdated. These are situations where the landlord may have to spend more than they would make in rent to renovate the apartment due to rent control or stabilization. Owners will be able to recoup a portion of the renovation costs over a 15-year period, and there will be $40 million set aside to help bring apartments out of NYC back on the market to contribute to the supply.

The budget also includes a pilot program to legalize basement and cellar apartments in certain areas of the city. Illegal basement apartments have received negative press in recent years due to fatalities from extreme weather that led to perilous flooding. 

In terms of housing discrimination, the Division of Human Rights will strengthen enforcement of Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher discrimination by housing providers or real estate professionals. It will also prohibit insurance companies from refusing to cover affordable housing. 

Stronger enforcement and preventative measures to protect homeowners against deed theft by predatory investors to acquire interests in inherited properties and pressure homeowners to sell their homes. A Transfer on Death Deed has been introduced so homeownership will be protected in the event there is no formal will at the time of an owner’s passing.

Over $600 million in capital funding is allocated to support various housing-related initiatives across New York State, including significant investments in public housing authorities and initiatives like the New York Housing for the Future program, which aims to promote cooperative rental and homeownership in fully affordable housing projects​.

What Is The Community’s Response To The Housing Proposals Such As Good Cause Eviction and 485-x?

While Albany is heralding the housing provisions as a victory, not all feel the same.

Democratic Socialist Association (DSA) claims the bill missed the mark by a lot when it comes to Good Cause Eviction.  

“Governor Hochul’s version is “Good Cause Eviction” in name only—with major carve-outs to make it more palatable to the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) and greedy landlords, leaving at least three million tenants unprotected,” said the DSA.

REBNY President Jim Whelan also expressed his reservations about 485-x’s success, stating in a statement that the program will “produce less housing than its predecessor.” He also felt that landlords’ stabilized rent increases would “fail to reverse the declining quality of that housing stock.” 

“We are confident that this package falls far short of addressing the city’s housing needs and must be reassessed in the coming years to put the rental housing market on a solid footing.”

The post Housing Proposals with FY 2025 Budget: Good Cause Eviction, 421-a Replacement appeared first on CitySignal.

But for renters looking to take their first step towards buying, is it possible to buy a property in Manhattan and keep your monthly payments below the current median rent? And if so, what kind of property is it possible to afford?

Current median rent and home prices in New York City

Currently, in NYC, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $4,125. On the other hand, the median list price for a one-bedroom apartment is $1.6M.

The two numbers don’t translate. Estimating a 7.29% 30-year fixed mortgage rate, a $771 HOA fee, $125 for homeowner’s insurance, and a 20% down payment, purchasing a $1.6M home would have the monthly costs fall around $9,663, more than double what the median rent cost is currently.

Shopping for a home with monthlies under the median rent price

As home buyers everywhere know, once one starts looking into the specifics of a home, that monthly payment number will fluctuate depending on the HOA or taxes, as well as the actual mortgage rate. But it’s clear from the beginning that the average one-bedroom rent is nowhere near the average one-bedroom purchase price.

If a homebuyer was looking to keep their monthly payments below the median one-bed rent, they’d have to drop their shopping price drastically.

Using the same mortgage rate (7.29%), down payment, and maintenance & HOA costs as above, a homebuyer can purchase a $585,000 home in Manhattan to keep the monthly payments at around $4,101

So, what are some of the options for a homebuyer who wants to buy and stay under the median rent? With the below, we will assume $125 for homeowners insurance, a 7.29% interest rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage, and a 20% down payment and allow a mortgage calculator to do the heavy listing…er lifting.

Upper West Side

Address: 415 Central Park W #1D

Rooms: 1 bed/1 bath

List price: $550,000

Type: Co-op

HOA Dues: $450

Taxes: None listed

Monthly payment: $3,589

Heavy on the amenities, this full-service pre-war doorman building with a beautifully restored lobby with stained glass, a 24-hour doorman, a live-in super, a windowed laundry room on the ground floor, a playroom, and a bike room is home to a 490sqft apartment with low monthly dues. While small on space, living on the park near 101st Street may be ideal, especially if one is looking to stay under the median rent for Manhattan and the Upper West Side ($4,208)

Yorkville (Upper East Side)

Address: 525 E 86th Street #1B

Rooms: 1 bed/1 bath

List price: $495,000

Type: Co-op

HOA Dues: $1,174

Taxes: None listed

Monthly payment: $4,008

Found in the cheaper cousin of the UES, this Yorkville 1-bed is located in a full-service building. With more seemingly more space than the Upper West Side option and some hefty closets, there is a bit more room to stretch your legs. The decor on the inside is a bit outdated, but nothing that can’t be spruced up.

Midtown Apartment

Address: 105 East 38th Street #1B

Rooms: 1 bed/1bath/home office

List price: $439,000

Type: Condo

HOA Dues: $1,657

Taxes: None listed

Monthly payment: $4,187

Farther downtown in Murray Hill, a Midtown neighborhood, is this condo in a landmark boutique building. There is a laundry room and an elevator, plus the unit has been updated. At 675 sqft, it’s larger than some of the other units explored.

West Village Apartment

Address: 56 Jane Street #1B

Rooms: Alcove studio(.5)/1 bath

List price: $549,000

Type: Co-op

HOA Dues: $1,035

Taxes: None listed

Monthly payment: $4,168

For this unit in a Pre-War elevator  West Village building, you are unable to get a true one-bedroom for around the median rent costs. The square footage is not made publicly available, but the unit looks small. For this, you are paying for location, not amenities or space.

Taking it out of the city: Astoria Condo Better Deal

In the summer of 2023, Astoria was named one of the hottest areas, with renters flocking to the neighborhood. New developments and unique businesses have made this area a desirable place, and some might argue that it’s more of a hotbed of culture than Manhattan. The real estate,

Address: 14-54 31st Avenue #5B

Rooms: 1 bed/1 bath

List price: $596,000

Type: Condo

HOA Dues: $281

Taxes: $243

Monthly payment: $3,915

The Sunrich Tower is a brand-new condo building with an elevator and is designed with contemporary architecture. At 505 sqft, the unit has sleek finishes, upgraded appliances, a washer and dryer in unit, large windows, and the ability to purchase a private on-site parking space.

In terms of worth over time, nearby, there is a one-bedroom unit at 14-33 31st Street estimated to be worth 20.85% more than when it sold in 2021. But don’t forget about those pesky closing costs that might make something not worth selling so soon.

How Buying in Astoria Compares to Renting

While above the median rent for the neighborhood (a one-bedroom is $2,800), this might be considered a more affordable option. However, it still pales in comparison to a two-bedroom apartment in the neighborhood that is also updated for the same price or a three-bedroom that is three times the size. With renting, there is also no worry of repair costs or smaller homeownership costs if something breaks or it’s time for an upgrade, or you just grow tired of the lifestyle.

The post Can you buy a Manhattan property under the current median rent? appeared first on CitySignal.

If you’re unfamiliar with the real estate world, it is not uncommon for agents to move firms. Just like any job, finding the right fit can make all the difference in job performance and perception, just ask Russell Westbrook of the LA Clippers. But in the case of one Millennial Broker, or TMB, if you’re looking to save on characters, listeners of his podcast “Self Starters,” got a unique and practically real-time insight into how this real estate agent meshes with both his former and current bosses and why he had to move on.

The bosses in question? Just Robert Reffkin and Ryan Serhant. You may have heard of them.

Two Real Estate Moguls in A Podcast Hot Seat

The Millennial Broker, Steven Clair, has been a real estate agent for more than 14 years, and like many agents in the New York area, he’s been finding his place to thrive and, until recently, has been listing property under the real estate tech firm, Compass, led by CEO Robert Reffkin. 

Yet shortly after interviewing Reffkin on his podcast (but prior to the release date), Clair announced his transition to the up-and-coming firm, SERHANT, led by Ryan Serhant. However, many would argue this firm isn’t on its way, it’s already arrived and is challenging Compass for its title of industry disruptor.

A Quick Look at Robert Reffkin and Ryan Serhant

Robert Reffkin is an entrepreneur who first got a taste of real estate from his mother, Ruth, who was and is an agent. After his time at Columbia and Columbia Business School, he had an impressive resume, working on Wall Street, as a White House Fellow under the Secretary of the Treasury John W. Snow, later becoming the Chief of Staff to the COO at Goldman and founding a nonprofit. In 2012, Reffkin and Ori Allon founded Compass, an online real estate tech company designed to address the hardships that agents like his mother experience while working as real estate agents. Compass went public in April 2021 and has been the topic of conversation ever since due to the incredible amount of money lost in the last several years. In 2022 they lost $602 million dollars, up from $494 million in 2021, most recently reported a $150 million loss, and cut 800 employees as of January 2023. Even so, Compass is currently in 72 markets with 300+ offices and 28,000 agents and continues to expand across the US.

Ryan Serhant rose to notoriety on the reality show Million Dollar Listing, where viewers watched him sell, you guessed it, multi-million dollar properties around New York City. Previously a hand model who also had a role on the soap opera As The World Turns, Serhant joined the real estate firm Nest Seekers International in 2008 to help pay the bills. After many successful years selling real estate (both on and off screen), Serhant opened up his own real estate firm, SERHANT, in September 2020. By April 2021, the brokerage reported consistently averaging $100 million in sales volume per month in its first 6 months of business. Serhant has continued to grow his presence by releasing two books, sharing countless clips of listing tours and agent advice on various social media platforms, and currently holds the exclusive marketing and sales rights for one of the most expensive listings in NYC, if not the world, a $250 million penthouse apartment at the top of Central Park Tower. SERHANT has its flagship office in the trendy NYC Soho neighborhood and has just announced an expansion into Florida, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Connecticut. This means SERHANT is listing in some of the least affordable cities in the United States, with high price tags and a lot of legwork needed.

Why Would an Agent Leave Compass?

So how did a real estate agent like Clair leave one of the top established brokerages in the country for a self-titled “unbrokerage”? Without even knowing it, Reffkin answered that question. 

“No one manager is going to be able to click even just on a personal level, much less the business level with everyone,” Reffkin said during his interview. While this was his response to Clair’s less-than-ideal experience with a Compass sales manager, it gives insight into the whole decision an agent has to make when finding the right company and the right manager.

From the start of each of Clair’s interviews with the brokerage heads (his past and current bosses), some cues may point to his ultimate decision to leave Compass. With Reffkin, Clair jokes about his struggle to find an empty block on the CEO’s calendar, which is met with perhaps a brief bit of terror from the founder, thinking his calendar might be public. Of course, would you expect easy access to the head of a company valued over a billion dollars? 

 

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 But when he speaks with Serhant, there is a more laid-back banter, and you hear that this is not the first occurrence of face time with the big boss. All newly onboarded agents get a protocol meeting with Ryan when they first start, and TMB was wise enough to, again, use the modern powers of online calendaring, check the CEO’s schedule, and put some elbow grease into getting face-to-face.

Direct interaction aside, for years, Compass was at the forefront of the industry, poaching agents from other firms with the promise of new and exciting tech and equity. In addition to perks and benefits, the brokerage offered digital tools like a customer relationship management platform (CRM) and marketing assistance with tools for digital ads, videos, and newsletters.

On top of Compass’ large losses mentioned above, this has been a hard year for real estate as the low-interest rates of 2021 and the impacts of the market’s boom have faded. As Reffkin put it to Clair, “Agents are all small business owners and entrepreneurs… just like our agents are bringing down their expenses, at Compass, we brought down our expenses.”

And bringing them down they are. 

Over the summer, Compass announced that it will no longer offer equity or cash incentives to new agents, inducing rumors of slower hiring and exodus. There was also talk from Reffkin that the firm would be reducing technology and incentive-related expenses but “not reducing agent service levels.”

When asked about an exodus by Clair, Reffkin shared that Compass has had a consistent principal agent retention rate of 98% across Q3 and Q4 of 2022. Compass currently has 13,000 principal agents, which is the term they use to refer to team leaders or individual agents operating independently on the platform. It does not seem they share statistics on the 30,000 agents not considered principal agents.

What Does Ryan Serhant Think About Compass?

Serhant has spoken about what he thinks Compass’ place is in the real estate world and how they have acted as a disruptor and pushed the industry towards a more tech-focused approach, all while putting the agent first. He claims that Compass has been great for the industry and the agent, finally giving them power and not treating them like a number. This aligns with how Reffkin sees his company as a “reverse triangle” where the sales managers work for the agents,  and he himself is essentially everyone’s employee working to take feedback and improve the company. At Compass, the logo is black and white for a specific reason, they want the agent and the listing to be the color, not the firm.

As Serhant says, everyone wants to hate on the “rich kid” because they want them to fail

Open Houses Don’t Sell Homes Anymore

It’s a different world than it was two years ago in terms of social media and internet usage. As of 2022, the average daily social media use was around 147 minutes a day (up 2 minutes from the year prior). With about 10% of one’s day spend scrolling through Instagram, TikTok, and yes, even LinkedIn, integrating marketing and business with social media seems like a no-brainer. Most real estate companies, Compass included, have touted their marketing and technology tools and features as a means to recruit agents to their firms to help reach clients virtually. 

But are cutting-edge tech and helpful marketing tools enough? In this different world, social media marketing in the form of house tours, funny anecdotes, and advice aren’t just marketing in the moment; it’s an investment for future business. As Serhant told WSJ in 2020, “The brokerage company, open houses, and pretty photos don’t sell homes today the way they did 10 and 20 years ago,” he said. “Buyers of high-end real estate, and their children, go to YouTube and social media on their phones to research homes and agents now.” 

Passive social media consumers turn into buyers spending hours scrolling and saving features of their dream homes. Cold calls and emails go unanswered as the younger generations won’t interact with anyone who they haven’t made the subject of a solid internet stalk, and for Serhant and his team, there is plenty of media out there for viewers to dive into.

Buyers, especially New Yorkers, want to have their cake and eat it too. Let them shop for homes, but also let them be entertained.  Outdated newsletters with a few choice listings and events happening in the local market, paired with center-aligned text and random and off-focus statistics about happenings in the country, are not what today’s buyers are looking for. In real life, this is demonstrated by the agent from a smaller firm who sent out their recent newsletter detailing stories of local crime and death that then transitioned into why you should buy an apartment in his market. That’s like home shopping on CNN. 

Even the tried and true market reports that are expertly crafted with bolded letters don’t give the same thrill they used to. By the time they’re released, they are already outdated, bland and provide zero context to the buyer and their situation. Real estate has shown that it can be flashy and fun but also cutting-edge and efficient. 

“Aligning With Greatness” Why An Agent Would Work With SERHANT.

From where TMB stands, it seems he’s moved past the tech and benefits that Compass can offer. For years, followers of @themillennialbroker have gotten a distinctive look as Clair worked on his own to bring in a team for his content production, creating the media consumers and buyers so desperately want. Who wouldn’t want to purchase a West Village carriage house when you’re first introduced to it via drone?

As an agent who is growing and ready to explore new and more creative ways of his trade, Clair now has access to an in-house media company, is surrounded by a “smaller group of highly producing professionals,” and is getting to learn from one of the biggest names in real estate who has been known for flipping the script on how real estate should be done. The splashy SERHANT branding and all the help that goes into that is no doubt an attractive offer if an agent is looking for exposure.

To Clair, switching to SERHANT ‘“aligned with [his] business perfectly” and fit great on a SERHANT x TMB branded hat, coupled with Clair’s signature hand rub that starts all his videos. The branding is strong with this one.

Sure, Ryan Serhant has touted similar promises as Reffkin’s of creating a brokerage for the agent, but there is a different spin that appears to have clicked with The Millennial Broker on a more personal level. Serhant believes his firm is set apart because, on top of him being an agent, the “whole company was built by agents, for agents, for what agents want in 2023 and beyond. This is not like a fundraise, [where we say] hey, what do we think agents need, we’re going to disrupt the real estate game and then lose all our money.”

Seems familiar. 

Compass and SERHANT. now

While SERHANT agents may be splashed across your phone, they still have some catching up to do. In April 2023, The Real Deal ranked SERHANT #8 in NYC in terms of single-family home sales over $5 million, with 3 sales totaling $67,450,000, a pretty impressive spot to be in as a fairly new brokerage. However, there has been recent news of SERHANT agents returning to Compass despite being high performers with the firm. This could become a theme as the shiny blue allure wears off of Serhant’s brand. 

Conversely, Compass was ranked #3 with 22 deals and a staggering $209,514,990 in sales. On July 24th, they released the Performance Tracker, a “game-changing tool designed to revolutionize how Compass agents track and analyze their business metrics,” proving that they are still pushing ahead to give agents a leg up with helpful tech to provide a transparent picture of where they stand. 

But with SERHANT’s recent NYC onboarding push with agents like Clair, that gap could quickly close as Serhant begins his mission to “help every agent and every team build their own brands to help generate more business, make more money for the rest of their lives.” More exposure means more deals, which brings even more cash, and with Instagram growing tired and TikTok bans looming, who wouldn’t want to be on the path to creating a legacy and finding a nice little penthouse to hole up somewhere? Or at least the promise of that sounds nice.

WATCH THE REFFKIN AND SERHANT EPISODES

The post “Aligning With Greatness”- An Inside Look At An Agent’s Decision to Move from Compass to SERHANT appeared first on CitySignal.

Where do the happiest people in the world live? Well, according to Andrew Arrigo and Steve Clair of Serhant, it’s either Finland or their new 8th-floor listing at 145 Lexington Ave.

While guaranteed happiness from this $2.2 million Rose Hill condo (situated where NoMad, Gramercy, Murray Hill, and Kips Bay all converge) is promised, it’s pretty clear that living here is gonna mean mo’ money mo’ problems.

For example, do you eat breakfast at your granite countertops overlooking your Miele and Sub Zero appliances in your chef’s kitchen? Or do you take your bowl of Wheaties (if you’re living in this home, of course you’re eating the Breakfast of Champions) to the sunlit den to take in the city sights? And don’t forget the endless internal dispute of when during a conversation you can casually drop that your home has its own private keyed elevator.

With natural light reaching all of the home, Unit 8 is comprised of two large bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a living room, dining area, kitchen, family room/den space, in-unit laundry, and plenty of closet space (a struggle to find in Manhattan).

Additionally, the primary bedroom benefits from an ensuite bathroom, a walk-in closet, and views of the Empire State Building, allowing for plenty of privacy and an Empire State of mind.

Residents of Gramercy 145, the building that houses the million-dollar listing, also benefit from a 24-hour virtual concierge/doorman service and a landscaped roof deck with an outdoor grill, kitchen, and bar. In the basement, there is space to house your bike, as well as a private storage cage.

Not sure if you can picture yourself there? The Millennial Broker team has done a good job at giving you a look into the space and what it might look like to live there.

 

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 145 Lexington Avenue #8 is listed by Andrew Arrigo and Steve Clair of Serhant.

The post Rose Hill Condo for “Happiest People in the World” lists for $2.2M by Serhant TMB Team appeared first on CitySignal.

1009 5th Ave Listed For Sale

The Benjamin N. Duke House has just been listed for sale at $80,000,000 by Compass agent Jorge Armando Lopez. One of the last remaining mansions on the Gold Coast of 5th Avenue, also romantically known as “Millionaire’s Row,” this property boasts all the same elements as other Gilded Age Beaux Arts Mansions. During its landmark designation process in 1974, it was stated that it is “one of the few surviving houses which once formed part of an almost uninterrupted series of palatial residences facing Central Park.”

History of the Benjamin N. Duke House

Developers William W. Hall and Thomas M. Hall built this property designed by Welch, Smith & Provot between 1899-1901, and it is rumored to have been for no specific owner. In 1901 Benjamin N. Duke, who was the Vice President of the American Tobacco Company and founder of Duke Energy, purchased the property. In 1907, Duke’s brother James B. Duke purchased the home until his own mansion at 1 East 78th Street was ready in 1912. The Duke brothers were the classic example of Gilded Age socialites who were categorized as  “wealthy industrialists, philanthropists, and residents of New York’s most fashionable Avenue”.

From there, the mansion was passed to Angier Buchanan (Benjamin’s son), then Mary Lillian Duke and A.J. Drezel Biddle Jr, and later Mary Semans (aka Mary Duke Biddle). The property stayed in the hands of the Duke family until 2006, when it was sold to Tamir Sapir for $40 million, who later sold it to Carlos Slim. 

Carlos Slim and 1009 5th Ave

Back in 2010, Mexican telecom mogul Carlos Slim Helú purchased the Benjamin N. Duke House for $44 million, telling Forbes that he was purchasing it as an investment. In fact, in 2015 when Slim went to sell the home for $80 million, he said he had never stayed in the residence. It was reported he preferred to stay in luxurious hotels when in NYC and that may have been the case up until recently. Does this mean that no furniture was brought to the property?

Currently, Carlos Slim is worth $93.5B, according to Forbes.

Previously, the home was listed by Sotheby’s, but it seems that Slim has pivoted towards Compass in hope of getting the deal closed this time around. 

Inside 1009 5th Ave

The Benjamin N. Duke home is a New York City Landmark designed in the Italian Renaissance palazzo style with “strong Beaux Arts elements” that has over 20,000 square feet of living space. It’s a limestone and red-brick building with 100 feet of frontage looking out over 82nd street and 27 feet of side section staring directly at the MET and Central Park. 

There are 8 bedrooms and 10 baths, as well as numerous fireplaces, ornate moldings, glass and wrought iron doors, stone balconies, and gorgeous chandeliers. Like so many people dream of in NYC, the rooms have spacious rooms, high ceilings, large windows, and natural light.

The listing states the property could be owned as a private residence, however, there is the ability to transform it into a gallery or museum. These options seem most likely due to the building’s historic nature and coveted space near the Met Museum and other notable museums on Museum Mile. 

The post Benjamin N. Duke House Listed For Sale by Owner Who May Have Never Lived There appeared first on CitySignal.

Career/Life Highlights 

In Arnault’s early career, he heard the business Boussac Saint-Frères empire, a textile and retail conglomerate that owned Christian Dior, was looking for someone to take over. Skipping the details, Arnault ultimately bought Boussac, and when he did, he laid off over 9,000 employees in the first 2 years, earning him the early nickname “the Terminator.” 

Unlike fellow billionaire Elon Musk, who created his businesses from nothing but an idea, growing them into the empires that made him the former richest man in the world, Arnault has a great eye for fashion and the luxury industry mixed with a shrewd business acumen. In fact Ye said at one point in time that Arnault is one of his heroes and when asked about his feud with Drake at that time, that he thinks more about “Arnauld than Drake”. This comes even if he may harbor ill feelings towards Arnault after Virgil Abloh received a position at Louis Vuitton over Ye. 

Arnault uses his aggressive style and savvy business sense to take over any business he chooses where an opportunity may lie. And boy does he choose well, only going after luxury brands he feels are up to the extremely high standards of LVMH. He typically goes after established luxury brands that have already proven to be timeless, watching for the opportunity to take the largest majority in stock holdings. 

He has been accused of using his influence in various instances, as he is friends with the French President – and was friends with the previous French President, as well. While inspired by Warren Buffett and Steve Jobs, Arnauld has received criticism for some of his business practices. In 2017 it was discovered that his large factories for Louis Vuitton shoes were in Romania, where the workforce is cheap. This became a problem due to the Louis Vuitton brand’s claim to value its heritage and operate in Italy using an Italian workforce. However, a spokesperson for LVMH rejected the claim.

Arnault also applied for citizenship in Belgium, presumably to avoid taxes, although when that was questioned, he dropped the process – making the whole thing even more suspicious. 

The man himself is soft-spoken, polite, cultured – just as you would expect one of the top richest people on earth to be. Arnault is a trained classical pianist and an avid art collector, with works in his personal collection by Andy Warhol, Picasso and countless others. He lives a life of pure luxury as he owns a private island that is “invitation only”, a private luxury yacht and some fabulous real estate – which we will get to, of course

Bernard Arnault’s Real Estate Portfolio

And now, it’s time to get to the section we’ve all been waiting for – Bernard Arnault’s real estate! It is truly a massive and impressive portfolio, fit for the richest man in the world, but only in cost. People have reacted before that the portfolio could be larger, but even still, he has too many homes to live in!

Keep in mind he owns jets (well, before he sold them so people on Twitter wouldn’t track him), luxury cars, and one of the largest yachts in the world. The yacht is a 150-foot superyacht that cost $150 million, has a glass-bottomed pool, an outdoor cinema theatre and jacuzzi, among countless other guilty pleasures.

Like many of the ultra-wealthy, Arnault is private, so it is rare to see the insides of his homes, and there is scant information about the estates, but let’s start with Arnault’s main residence.

Bernard Arnault’s French Real Estate

Arnault’s castle is surrounded by the vineyards of Bordeaux, France, and is over 150 years old. Having been in the family since 1998, the property covers 41 hectares. 

Arnault owns 25 wineries around the world, one of which is in Burgundy which is almost 25 acres large that he purchased for 10 million euros.

In the French Alps, Bernard’s Cheval Blanc is a glamorous hotel used for both business and personal matters. There are 34 rooms in the luxury hotel, a private chalet, a penthouse, a heated swimming pool, a jacuzzi, and fitness center. 

Arnault additionally owns château Saint-Rémy-des-Landes in  Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines and a villa in St. Tropez.

Bernard Arnault’s United States Real Estate

Arnault owns 5 homes in Beverly Hills, CA. right here in the USA, totaling $125 million. Two are located in the Trousdale Estates neighborhood, while another two are also right next to each other on the infamous Bird Streets. 

Arnault reportedly bought one of those homes in the Trousdale Estates neighborhood of Beverly Hills for $30 million in 2018, to complement a neighboring parcel in 2016 for $32.5 million. It’s 6,400 ft², and he was building a house on the combined 2.84 acres. 

It may be possible to stay in one of his “properties” as LVMH’s Hotel Cheval Blanc Beverly Hills, is planned for Rodeo Drive and could receive final city council approval soon.

Other Notable Arnault Real Estate

In 2000, Arnault purchased a 318-acre plot of land called Lyn Park, that is 30 kilometers North of London, on which he built a luxury villa of 4,300 m2.

Lastly, Renault owns Indigo, an entire island he purchased for $35 million located in the Bahamas. The island is 133 acres, and guests can only access it with a private invitation. Once again, it must be nice to be so exclusive. 

Featured image: Jérémy Barande /Ecole polytechnique Université Paris-Saclay/CC BY-SA 2.0

The post Bernard Arnault and His Surprisingly Small Real Estate Portfolio appeared first on CitySignal.

Keep reading to learn all the tips and tricks to watch the NYC Marathon from home or the streets of NYC! (Look for the red to get to the real insider tips)

Watch The 2022 NYC Marathon At Home.

How can I watch the 2022 NYC Marathon Virtually?

For local residents: You can watch the broadcast live on race day on WABC-TV, Channel 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. EST. Pre-race coverage from Fort Wadsworth begins at 7:00 a.m. EST. 

For people in the U.S. outside of NYC: You can watch live Marathon on coverage from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. EST on ESPN2.

How can I watch on my device? 

For local residents: Live streaming will be available on the ABC App and ABC7NY.com from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. EST.

For people in the U.S. outside of NYC: Use the ESPN App on smartphones, tablets, and connected streaming devices and ESPN.com on computers for those who have video subscriptions from affiliated pay-TV providers.

Check out the official marathon page for more details on other viewing options outside of the U.S.

Watch The 2022 NYC Marathon In Person

What is the NYC Marathon Route?

Starting in Staten Island, the marathon goes across the Verrazano Bridge into Brooklyn and up Fourth Avenue passing through Dyker Heights, Bay Ridge, Sunset Park, Park Slope, and through Downtown Manhattan. 

It then makes a right turn onto Lafayette ave and continues into Williamsburg along Bedford, around McCarren Park, onto Manhattan Ave, and into Greenpoint. After a right turn onto Greenpoint Ave and an ascent on McGuiness Blvd, the course hits the halfway point as the runners cross the Pulaski Bridge into Queens.

In Queens, the runners turn left onto Jackson Ave and then continue on Vernon Blvd. From there, it’s a right on 44th road, a right on 21st street, a left onto 44th drive (ahh, Queens streets), a left onto Crescent Street, and a left turn onto the Queensboro Bridge. Crossing the 59th street bridge into Manhattan, runners will continue up First Ave until they hit the Willis Ave Bridge, Willis Ave, Alexander Ave, East 138th St, and the Madison Ave Bridge that brings them out of the Bronx. 

By Mile 21, runners begin their run down 5th Avenue, around the West Side of Marcus Garvey Park, and turn into Central Park at the Engineer’s Gate at 90th street and 5th ave. From there, they continue in Central Park until they exit the park at 59th, continue along Central Park South, re-enter at Columbus Circle and finish the race in front of Tavern on the Green.

How can I track my runner?

Besides the obvious sharing of locations on phones, the Marathon provides an official app that users can download that allows runner tracking on the course. Timing mats are located at the start, every 5K, halfway (13.1 miles), mile 20, and the finish that will give real-time updates as a runner crosses them. The app will provide estimated times so spectators have an idea when a runner will come through. 

INSIDER TIP: Use both phone locations and the Marathon App to make sure you don’t miss your runner. The app is usually slightly behind what the runner is running. Make sure you know what your runner is wearing!

You can access the app here when it is available to download. 

How Can I Find My Marathoner On the Course?

Make sure to use the tracking app mentioned above, and know both their wave start time (given when runners pick up their bibs) and what they’re wearing. Non-elite and non-wheelchair runners will start anywhere from 9:10am-11:30am. See below for current start times.

In a sea of people, finding your marathoner can be challenging. The most successful connections are when your runner knows you’ll be on the course and at what mile and side of the street you’ll be. Some runners will even have a preference for where you meet them so they can have that extra boost of energy.

INSIDER TIP: Bring a balloon your runner can look for to find you. They’ll be able to see a brightly colored balloon floating above the heads of people way before they will see you. Just make sure they know what the balloon is.

Current Start Times and Pace Groups for the 2022 NYC Marathon Are Below:

8:00 a.m. Professional Wheelchair Division

8:22 a.m. Handcycle Category and Select Athletes with Disabilities

8:40 a.m. Professional Women’s Open Division

9:05 a.m. Professional Men’s Open Division

9:10 a.m. Wave 1 (4:30-7:26 min/mile)

9:45 a.m. Wave 2 (7:26-8:13 min/mile)

10:20 a.m. Wave 3 (8:13-9:01 min/mile)

10:55 a.m. Wave 4 (9:01-10:07 min/mile)

11:30 a.m. Wave 5 (10:07-20:00 min/mile)

Where Are The Best Places To Watch The NYC Marathon?

Depending on what you’re looking for, there are many great places to watch the marathon. Note that spectators will not be allowed on any bridges and that transit in the city that day will be awfully messed up. Plan ahead and expect a lot of walking due to street closures and delays. 

INSIDER TIP: If you’re looking to hit up two places, cheer for your runner at the East 90s on 1st Ave near Yorkville Housing, and then head over to 5th Ave by 1136 5th Ave to watch them come down 5th Ave from the Bronx. Many runners state this is when the course starts getting tough because they start to fatigue. Seeing a familiar face and hearing a cheer can kick a runner back into high gear. 

Other recommended places to cheer

• Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn (Miles 2-4)
• Fourth Avenue and Flatbush Avenue (Mile 8)
• Williamsburg and Greenpoint, Brooklyn (Miles 10-13)
  • Best place if you want access to restaurants and shops!
• Pulaski Bridge- Queens Side (Mile 13.1)
• First Avenue (from 59th-125th) Manhattan (Miles 16-18)
• East Harlem (Miles 18-20)
• Charity Cheer Zone, First Avenue and 120th Street (Miles 19-20)
• Fifth Avenue, East 90th Street-East 105th Street (Miles 23-24)
• United Airlines Zone in  Columbus Circle.
• Central Park near the finish line
  • You will be able to get as close as 500 feet away from the finish, but it will be CROWDED. Enter the park via Broadway at West 61st Street or West 62nd Street, or from the east side via the Central Park path by Heckscher Fields – Kickball Field #3. You may be subject to screening

How Can I Interact With Marathoners at the NYC Marathon?

YES! At many points during the race, the only thing separating you from the runners is a thin line of tape. That doesn’t mean you should be jumping out at the runners. In fact, going on the course is not only against the rules but it is highly frowned upon. You never know how you might impact a runner, and two seconds of saying hi is not worth injuring someone who has trained so hard for this race. 

Can I pass things to a marathoner?

Yes! Many runners will ask friends and family to hold water, gels, bananas, snacks, and more at various points during the race so they don’t have to carry it the whole way. There are water and gel stations, but those may not be at the right places for runners. Be prepared for any item your runner may want, but don’t get offended if they don’t take anything. Some runners don’t know what they’ll need until in that moment and at that mile. 

You’ll be able to high-five runners or provide them with fuel and water should they need it. 

INSIDER TIP: Use the balloon trick above so your runner can find you

Should I cheer for runners at the NYC Marathon? Make signs for runners?

Yes, yes, and yes! Number one rule of the NYC Marathon: If you’re not running, you’re cheering!!

Whether a runner’s face shows it in the moment or not, having a support team watch them take on what may be the most challenging physical thing they will ever do in their life means the world. To be thought of is probably one of the best compliments you can give to someone.

Witty signs for your runner, or just in general, are ALWAYS welcome (examples may include “This Marathon Looks Good On You,” “Smile If You Peed A Little,” or “Great Job Random Stranger!”). Just keep them respectful. 

Cheer for everyone and everyone! Many runners put their names on their outfits so scream at all the random strangers you want. Perfectly acceptable in both NYC and Marathon Sunday.

INSIDER TIP: Bring cowbells, drums, music, megaphones, whatever you can to make lots of noise. Leave the confetti at home, it’s a pain to clean up and startles everyone when it goes off. (Sad world we’re living in, but it’s true).

Can I Watch the Finish of the NYC Marathon?

The actual finish of the marathon is heavily secured, and you can only get in if you are an official, you know someone, or have a ticket. Runners are able to get tickets for their spectators via Eventbrite, but seating is not reserved, so if you show up too late or leave, you might miss your runner finishing.

INSIDER TIP: In previous years, the few hundred meters before the marathon were not reserved, and spectators could stand along the fence to watch runners finish. This is the closest you’ll get to the finish and still capture all the raw moments as people realize they’re about to finish an actual marathon! 

Are There Bathrooms For Spectators?

Unfortunately, there are no designated spectator bathrooms, but there are many local businesses you can support on the route that may have a bathroom you can use if you make a purchase. (See below).

What Should I Bring While Watching The Marathon?

Be prepared for a long day, lots of running around, and varying weather conditions. Estimate the temperature to be in the 50s. Think about bringing the following:

• Snacks
• Beverages
• Charger
• Extra layers, including hats and gloves!
• Handwarmers and foot warmers
• Umbrellas and ponchos.
• Noisemakers!
• A chair if you plan on posting up at a certain area and not moving for a while. (Make sure your location doesn’t have any restrictions as to bringing seating, most don’t)
• Gels, painkillers, snacks, and beverages for runners
• Anything needed to distract yourself or your kids during the long day

Will I Cry Watching the NYC Marathon?

Most likely. This is the most emotional day for thousands of runners as their months of training culminate. It’s also a sad day for some as they miss their goals by a little or a lot. Many people report feeling an overwhelming sense of emotion during the whole Marathon Sunday and tear up watching friends, loved ones, and strangers on the course. 

Best Local Businesses To Stop In Near The 2022 NYC Marathon Route

Brooklyn

Sunset Park

• Pariscien Bakery (7-9pm) 4823 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220
• Cafe Nube (9-3pm) at 940 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11232-2315

Gowanus/Park Slope

• Casita of Brooklyn (7-6pm) 318 11th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215
• Root Hill Cafe (8-5pm) 262 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Fort Greene/ Clinton Hill/ Bed Stuy

• Guevara’s (8-5pm) 39 Clifton Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11238
• Fan Fan Donuts (9-6pm) 448 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205
• Nostrand Coffee Roaster (8-5pm) 261 Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11216
• BKLYN Blend (9-5) 194 Tompkins Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206
• Greenberg’s Bagels Bed Stuy (8-3pm) 1065 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216

Bushwick/Williamsburg

• Bushwick Grind Cafe (9-5pm)  63 Whipple St, Brooklyn, NY 11206
• Brooklyn Bagel (8:30-5:30pm) 7 Heyward St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
• Butler (8-6pm) 95 S 5th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
• Pueblo Querido Cofee Roasters Cafe de Colombia (8-6pm) 34 N 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249

Greenpoint

• Cafe Riviera Greenpoint (9-6:30pm) 830 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
• Cuffie Ridge Vegan Café (8-8pm) 154 Huron St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
• Odd Fox Coffee (8-5pm) 984 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
• Pueblo Querido Cofee Roasters Cafe de Colombia (8-3pm) 195 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222

Queens

Long Island City

• Paris Baguette (7:00am-10pm) 27-35 Jackson Ave, Queens, NY 11101
• Café Henri (8:30am-4pm) 1010 50th Ave, Queens, NY 11101
• LIC Corner Cafe (9am-5pm) 21-03 45th Rd, Long Island City, NY 11101
• Fifth Hammer Brewery (12-11pm) 10-28 46th Ave, Long Island City, New York, 11101
• Jora (12:30-10pm) 47-46 11th St, Queens, NY 11101

Manhattan 

Upper East Side and Harlem

• Quality Eats (10am-10:45pm) 1496 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10075
• Jackson Hole (11am-10pm) 232 E 64th St A, New York, NY 10021
• Levain Bakery – Upper East Side (7am-10pm) 1484 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10028
• Ralph’s Coffee (12-6pm) 888 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10021
• Eat Here Now (7-5pm) 839 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10065
• Gracie’s Corner Diner (24 hours!) 300 East 86th St, New York, NY 10028
• Barking Dog (8-10pm) 1678 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10128
• Wimpy’s (7am-8:30pm) 1634 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10029
• Amy Ruth’s (11-9:30pm) 113 W 116th St, New York, NY 10026
• El Patio De Fela (10-10pm) 2253 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10035

The Bronx

Mott Haven

• Madison Cafe (6am-11pm) 463 Willis Ave, The Bronx, NY 10455
• Pio Pio (11am – 11pm) 264 Cypress Ave, The Bronx, NY 10454
• Beatstro (11:30am-11pm) 135 Alexander Ave, The Bronx, NY 10454
• The Bronx Brewery & Empanology (12-11pm) 856 E 136th St, The Bronx, NY 10454

Remember, If you’re not running, you’re cheering!!

The post How to Watch the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon: A Complete Spectators Guide appeared first on CitySignal.

RealtyHop provided CitySignal with Manhattan properties where celebrities engaged in real estate activity over the past decade. This article features two lists, the first including celebrities who still own their property, and the latter composing of properties celebrities used to own. Continue reading to learn about the celebrities who live in Manhattan. 

This list was last updated in September of 2022. 

Here’s an interactive map that shows where celebrities have purchased and sold properties in Brooklyn!

Celebrities Who Currently Own Property in NYC

1) Barbara Corcoran – 1158 5th Avenue

Neighborhood: Upper East Side

Price: $10 million

Size: 11-room duplex

Closed: April 2015

“Shark Tank” superstar and real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran is no stranger to property hunting in New York City, and her expertise served her exceptionally well when it came to securing this unbelievable penthouse overlooking Central Park. The highlight of the apartment is its light-filled conservatory, though the massive cobbled garden terrace and attached solarium are also delightful to behold. The interior architecture feels trans-European with distinct French and old English accents and lends itself well to the antique decor that Corcoran has collected to fill her sumptuous lodgings.

2) Gigi Hadid – 10 Bond Street

Neighborhood: Noho

Price: $3.9 million

Size: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms

Closed: July 2016

Most New Yorkers in their early twenties aren’t making multi-million real estate deals, but supermodel Gigi Hadid was only twenty-one when she bought her chic two-bedroom Noho apartment. The building’s private garage offers a secluded access point to the building for Hadid, who endured stalking from an overzealous fan at her former address in the city, and its interior (designed by Annabelle Selldorf) features ten-foot ceilings with eight-foot mahogany-lined windows, a sleek silver-accented kitchen complete with handcrafted backsplash tiles and Italian millwork. The master bathroom is walled entirely with marble and has heated floors for cold winter mornings.

3) Jesse Tyler Ferguson – 211 West 14th Street

Neighborhood: Chelsea

Price: $3 million

Size: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms

Closed: July 2018

Famous for his star-making turn on Modern Family and his recent Tony-winning appearance in Broadway’s Take Me Out, actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson recently took on another major role: playing “Dad” to his two-year-old son Becket. Fatherhood inspired Ferguson and his husband to purchase a two-bedroom in Chelsea for their family to grow into, and the pair’s new home is perfectly charming: taking advantage of the blank slate offered by the brand-new unit, they customized the apartment to feature quirky storage niches, an open concept living room with plenty of natural light, a sleek, angular kitchen with integrated appliances, and deep blue accents in every room to create a cohesive color palette. 

4) Taylor Swift – 153 Franklin Street

Neighborhood: Tribeca

Price: $18 million

Size: Three-story townhouse

Closed: October 2017

Superstar singer-songwriter Taylor Swift stirred up a few titters when she bought her current Tribeca townhouse several years ago due to the residence’s colorful history: 153 Franklin Street was where French politician Dominique Strauss-Kahn remained under house arrest for a number of months in 2011. In spite of the hefty baggage the home carries, there’s no denying that it makes a luxurious abode: designed by architect Leopoldo Rosati, the home features three stories’ worth of striking ornamental skylights, zig-zagging glass-walled staircases, and wood-paneled walls, as well as a built-in home movie theatre, a rooftop terrace, and guest bedroom suites with adjoining bathrooms. Swift owns the small townhome at 153 and units next-door at 155 Franklin in the Sugar Loaf Building. 

*Photo attribution: RealtyHop

5) Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner (“Sting”) – 220 Central Park South

Neighborhood: Hell’s Kitchen (Billionaire’s Row)

Price: $65.7 million

Size: 3 bedrooms. 5.5 bathrooms

Closed: July 2019

The residents of Billionaire’s Row form an elite club, and it was with some fanfare that Sting, former frontman of The Police, joined their ranks upon the purchase of his 65-million-dollar penthouse atop the 75-story supertall skyscraper at 220 Central Park South. While the interior specs of the apartment are something of a mystery, as certain details of the listing were never made public, the unit includes a massive outdoor terrace and northern and southern exposures. The building itself was designed by architect Robert A.M. Stern and features exteriors made from Alabama limestone, scattered Juliet balconies, a private motor court, several athletic facilities, and a spa. There is even a private restaurant operated by celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten that is reserved exclusively for residents.

*Photo attribution: Jim.Henderson

6) Shonda Rhimes – 765 Park Avenue

Neighborhood: Lenox Hill 

Price: $11.75 million

Size: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms

Closed: December 2018

There’s no place like Shondaland, but even acclaimed showrunner and producer Shonda Rhimes needs someplace a little more grounded in reality to lay her head each night. She found exactly what she needed in this breathtaking penthouse designed by luxury apartment architect Rosario Candela in 1927. Rhimes’ unit comes complete with a private elevator, a full wraparound terrace, a wood burning fireplace, a personal library, and even two dishwashers to help clean up after guests attend dinners in the splendid central dining area. 

Properties Celebrities Used To Own In Manhattan

1) Jennifer Lawrence – 400 East 67th Street (The Laurel)

Neighborhood: Lenox Hill

Price: $9.9 million

Size: 3 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms

Closed: March 2020

The Hunger Games star Jennifer Lawrence faced a tough market when she sold her stunning Upper East Side apartment in March 2020, receiving far less than the $15.6 million she originally paid for the sprawling penthouse four years earlier. Standing high above the city in the top floors of The Laurel, an exclusive 30-story condominium, the 4,073-square-foot unit includes a private elevator vestibule, a limestone gas fireplace, a massive outdoor terrace, a built-in ping-pong table, and a living room with full-length windows that provide a sweeping view of the city skyline. 

2) Sarah Jessica Parker – 57 Charles Street

Neighborhood: West Village

Price: $15 million

Size: 4,000 square feet; bedrooms and bathrooms unknown

Closed: January 2021

Carrie Bradshaw, eat your heart out! The adorable West Village brownstone where Sarah Jessica Parker lived with husband Matthew Broderick for more than twenty years is only blocks away from the townhouse inhabited by her character from Sex in the City, and the couple earned a hefty return on the renovations they invested in during their time there: they paid only $3 million for the place when they first bought it in 2000 and sold it for nearly five times that amount in early 2021. The property includes a classic brownstone stoop and a functioning wood-burning fireplace with an impressive mantle, and the celebrity duo have taken great pains to preserve and maintain elements of the century-old building’s historic interior.  

3) Meryl Streep – 92 Laight Street (River Lofts)

Neighborhood: Tribeca

Price: $15.8 million

Size: 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms

Closed: January 2020

Ms. Streep is recognized far and wide as an actress of great class, and her splendid penthouse overlooking the Hudson, which she recently sold after fourteen years as a resident, proves that she has equally exquisite taste when it comes to real estate. Occupying a full floor of Tribeca’s River Lofts condominiums, the 3,944-square-foot apartment offers nearly 360-degree views of the city between its full-length windows and massive wraparound terrace, and the open floor plan allows natural light to permeate through the entire living space. The building itself includes a private underground garage with secure elevator access that provided much-needed security to the celebrity actress.

4) Susan Sarandon – 147 West 15th Street

Neighborhood: Chelsea

Price: $7.9 million

Size: 6 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms

Closed: July 2020

Susan Sarandon, known for cult classics like The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Thelma & Louise, bested the turbulent conditions of the early COVID real estate market to receive her exact asking price when selling her charming Chelsea duplex. Sarandon, who bought the apartment in 1991, raised all three of her children in an open-concept layout that the family lovingly referred to as “the field.” Both floors of the duplex include sizeable terraces, and Sarandon also enjoyed making use of the apartment’s central fireplace and two separate entrances and frequently made use of its numerous guest bedrooms to host friends, activists, and fellow creatives.

5) Bette Midler – 1125 5th Avenue

Neighborhood: Carnegie Hill

Price: $45 million

Size: 6 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms

Closed: July 2021

For the privilege of settling down in the former digs of Broadway legend and beloved Hocus Pocus star Bette Midler, the new owners of her palatial penthouse in Carnegie Hill were happy to shell out a cool $45 million. The three-story penthouse features several green spaces, including a wraparound terrace, rooftop garden, and greenhouse, while the interior offers a library, a spacious kitchen, and a full gallery with an adjoining powder room; the master suite alone comes equipped with a beauty parlor, a fireplace, a steam room, a home gym, and a jacuzzi made from Japanese Hinoki cypress. Midler made numerous modifications during her twenty-five years as a resident, including making the ceilings higher and combining two separate units into a single apartment, and the new residents will surely benefit from her keen eye and excellent taste.

6) Trevor Noah – 425 West 50th Street (Stella Tower)

Neighborhood: Hell’s Kitchen

Price: $10 million

Size: 3 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, 2 half-bathrooms

Closed: March 2017

The Daily Show host Trevor Noah spent only six months living in Hell’s Kitchen’s stylish prewar Stella Tower before deciding that he needed to upsize, promptly trading in his former two-bedroom rental apartment for a duplex penthouse fit for a king. As a bonus, Noah films The Daily Show just a few blocks away from his new home—but this extraordinary apartment would be worth commuting any distance for. The lower floor includes a conjoined eat-in kitchen and dining room, two guest bedrooms with attached bathrooms, and a living room with fourteen-foot ceilings, while the upper level of the penthouse features the master bedroom and a second living room that opens out onto a 934-square-foot wraparound terrace with mesmerizing views of nearby Times Square. 

The post Which Celebrities Bought, Sold, or Still Live in Properties in Manhattan? appeared first on CitySignal.

Read on to learn how to watch the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, whether in public or at home, and how to prep to be the coolest host for 2023 fireworks.

When are the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks?

The fireworks show will take place around 9:25 pm on July 4th, 2022.

Where are the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks set off?

The fireworks will be released from barges on the East River between 34th and 23rd streets in Manhattan and Gantry Plaza State Park in Queens and Transmitter Park in Brooklyn.

Where can you watch the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks?

Macy’s has designated viewing spots that are FREE to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Official Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks viewing points in Manhattan:

• East 42nd Street and FDR Drive. (Enter security checkpoint at 1st Ave and East 42nd street)
• East 34th Street and FDR Drive. (Enter security checkpoint at 1st Ave and East 34th street). This location is the only one that is notated as being ADA accessible.
• East 23rd Street and FDR Drive. (Enter security checkpoint at 1st Ave and East 23rd street)

Official Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks viewing points in Brooklyn:

• Newtown Barge Park
• Transmitter Park
• Marsha P. Johnson
• Does it cost to watch the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks?

Official Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks viewing points in Queens:

• Gantry Plaza State Park

Keep in mind, the access points, viewing locations and transportation are subject to change, but that will most likely not happen.

Are there places to avoid watching the

Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks from?

Macy’s shares that views may be obstructed if you’re viewing from Bushwick Inlet Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Heights Promenade, Brooklyn Grand Ferry Park, Domino Park, Queens Hunter’s Point South Park & Roosevelt Island.

But those places may be the insider scoop for firework viewing. Sure, they may be obstructed, but you won’t have to worry about going through a security checkpoint or fighting the crowds to get a subway after the fact.

Is there a cost or ticket needed to watch the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks?

No! The fireworks are free to the public and you do not need a ticket. Some locations will be closed once they get crowded and additional spectators may be directed to other viewing points. Get there early and camp out, just like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!

What to bring to the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks

Bring snacks, refillable water bottles and phone chargers.

Macy’s advises to not bring chairs, blankets, tents, umbrellas, large bags, large backpacks, drones or hover cameras, weapons of any kind, illegal substances, alcoholic beverages, glass containers of any kind, large or hard-sided coolers, picnic baskets, skateboards, scooters, or personal motorized vehicles, totems made of wood, metal and/or PVC material, including flag poles and heavy sticks.

How can you watch the performers for the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks?

There is no access for the general public for the performances that accompany the fireworks, but you can tune in to NBC or stream on Peacock from 8-10 pm ET to catch the full show.

Macy’s 2022 July 4th Fireworks Performers

Macy’s pulls out all the stops for these chart-topping performers!

• “TODAY” hosts Craig Melvin and Dylan Dreyer will host the live tv coverage.
• 5 Seconds of Summer.
• Brett Eldredge.
• Carly Pearce.
• Pitbull with Filmore
• The cast of Freestyle Love Supreme including Lin-Manuel Miranda, James Monroe Iglehart, Kaila Mullady, Dizzy Senze, and Anthony Veneziale.
• Broadway’s “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” cast members Jacqueline B. Arnold, Jessica Lee Goldyn, Tasia Jungbauer, and Jeigh Madjus
• Celebrity chef and barbecue expert Chef David Rose.
• Craig Ferguson, Padma Lakshmi, Paulina Porizkova, Wolfgang Puck, and many everyday heroes will participate in the segment of “The American Spirit”.
• The fireworks will be accompanied by “My Country Tis of Thee” and “America the Beautiful,” sung by Joaquina Kalukango, the Tony Award-winning star of the Broadway musical “Paradise Square”.

How can I watch the fireworks at home?

Tune in to NBC or Peacock for the official coverage, or take it to the roof of your building! Keep in mind that you aren’t going to be the only person doing this, so you’re going to have to plan ahead. Many rooftops will limit visitors, glass bottles and alcohol consumption.

How to host a dope Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Party…next year.

Hosting a great party is all about location, location, location…. and food and drinks, of course! But just like parties, real estate is also about location and finding an amazing place to watch the 4th of July Fireworks also falls into that same vein.

If you’re about to move to a new rental soon, but want to plan for an amazing party next year, you’ll want to start thinking about optimal viewing NOW. This means taking into account the location of the apartment and whether or not it has outdoor space, either public or private. Private space for parties will pay for itself with free booze gifts from partygoers, plus large amounts of street cred, but the communal outdoor space will come without the premium price-tag.

Below, we’ve compiled a list of apartments with either communal or private outdoor space in neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan with anything from great to partially obstructed views of 4th of July Fireworks. Of course, this is provided Macy’s doesn’t pull a fast one on us and move their fireworks location from the previous locations of the East River and Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Regardless, reveling the 4th of July in NYC is like no other experience!

The post How to Watch The Macy’s 4th Of July Fireworks appeared first on CitySignal.