Living In The City Vs. The Suburbs: Pros And Cons

What’s Best For You Depends On Your Situation

There are some who would do much better in the suburbs than the city. There are some who would absolutely languish in the suburbs. Some folks prefer small towns, and others want some hidden cabin nestled between obscure mountains somewhere near Alaska.

Everyone is different, and determining the lifestyle that best suits you can take time. You may want to explore. In this writing we’ll focus on the pros and cons which come with suburban life, and those which come with metropolitan life toward the center of a big city. There’s good and bad in either category.

Pros And Cons Of The City

A city can provide you all the opportunities the world has to offer. Museums, night life, fine dining, top-tier properties, intrigue, romance, adventure—you’ll find it in “the city”. Which city best suits you will depend on what sort of income you can secure, and what your preferences are as pertain to weather.

In Jacksonville, Florida, you’ll seldom be cold. In Anchorage, Alaska, you’ll seldom be warm. Places like New York City have hot and cold seasons. Los Angeles also has some variance in weather—though generally it’s more temperate.

All that being said, generally, when the population of a municipality approaches 500k, certain commonalities in terms of amenities and opportunities develop. These will differ per region, but be generally similar. The cons will be backhanded features of the pros. For example, cities generally have a better public transit system than the suburbs. But you’ll have to use it.

Home values are higher, but so are home prices—the same is true in terms of rental. There are better police, but there is more crime. Your daily commute to and from work may be reduced in the city when you factor in time and distance. However, leaving the city may take more time unless you make your exit in the middle of the night.

Pros And Cons Of The Suburbs

Suburban life will usually give you bigger residential appointments at a reduced cost—but you’re going to be a long way from “the action”. Chicago is a huge city, but suburban communities are still considered “Chicago” up to around sixty miles from the city’s center. North of Chicago is a little town called Woodstock where you can catch a train into the city.

New York City similarly has many suburban options which are some distance from the city center—here’s a list of the best areas as of 2019 according to niche.com. Many people decide to use suburban transit options to get to work, living far from the hustle and bustle of the city. They save on transportation, but lose out in terms of associated time involved with travel.

Education is generally going to be a bit better in a suburban community than an “inner-city” school. However, getting your children enrolled in such institutions may be more difficult. Shopping in terms of groceries will likely be less expensive, but you’ll have to travel longer to and from the grocery store.

Also, if you buy property in a suburb that has yet to “fill up” with other residents, then your property value could gradually decline over time, diminishing associated equity. This can also happen in the city, but depending on the city, it’s less likely. For example, a hovel in Oakland, California is worth more than a mansion in Detroit.

Making Your Move

Whether you’re looking to move from the suburbs to the city, from the city to the suburbs, or to some rural area beyond either, you might want to look into moving options that are built around reducing the hassle of such lifestyle changes. For example, UMoveFree offers an amazing option.

Pros and cons aside, moving is always a life-changing event. However it’s one of those events—though it may be—that it is better to have, than not to have. There’s an excitement with any move, and a strong satisfaction that comes once the process is complete, and you’re “settled in”.

Whatever best fits your lifestyle, you want to carefully plan things in advance. The future isn’t something anyone can predict, and even the most well-considered plans are subject to unforeseeable changes. Weigh the pros and cons of city as well as suburban life carefully in accordance with your specific preferences to choose your best option.

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Celebrate Holi, NYC’s largest Festival Of Colors

Briana Gonzalez

Originally known as Holika, Holi is an ancient Indian festival which holds deep histories and cultural traditions. Briefly, the calculation of the date of Holi is dependent upon a lunar month- when the full and new moons take place. Observed at the end of the winters in the month of March after the full Moon. A day before Holi, known as Holika Dahan, a large bonfire is lit that helps in burning out the evil spirits. This year, Holi can be celebrated on March 14th and March 21st at Stage 48 in NYC, considered New York’s biggest festival of colors.

(image credit: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/holi-festival-colors-meaning-180958119/)

While the traditional celebration is a time to have fun, understanding the cultural roots of Holi is incredibly important, here are a few things to know:

Various mythological legends are associated with Holi and are celebrated during the festival. These legends and the histories behind them remind people of the power of truth as the moral, and the continuous victory of "good" over "evil."

The festival can be celebrated by those who do not practice Hinduism, the tradition of Holi includes the acceptance of others and turning enemies into friends, forgetting the hardships that may have occurred.

There are various regional names for Holi, and in the evening, people often visit friends and family to exchange gifts and greet them, which often helps revive relationships and strengthen bonds between people.

(image credit: https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/party-in-a-cloud-of-rainbows-at-these-nyc-holi-festivals-this-spring-030518 )

For more detailed information regarding practices and cultural histories of Holi start by visiting here: Holifestival.org

While the actual date of Holi is on March 10th, Stage 48 is holding a Holi celebration on multiple dates. Recommended that you wear white for this festival of colors, you can grab tickets here.

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Cocktails To Celebrate St. Patrick's Day 2020

St. Patrick’s Day is on the horizon, which means it’s time to start planning your celebrations. When people think about St. Patrick’s Day drinks, the first thing that often comes to mind is a pint of Guinness and a shot of Jameson. While those are definitely good choices (we’ll certainly be having one — or three— on the big day), St. Patrick’s Day drinks can actually be a whole lot more.

If you’re looking to shake things up this St. Patrick’s day, here are a few cocktails to try:

The Manhattan

• 2 parts The Sexton Irish Whiskey

• 1 part Vermouth

• 1 dash Bitters

• Maraschino cherry

Method: Add ice, whiskey, vermouth and bitters to a glass. Gently swirl or stir with a mixing spoon for about 20 seconds. Don’t rush this part. Add a maraschino cherry if you’d like.

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The Bing Bomb

• 1 Pint of Guinness

• 1 Shot of 8-Ball Premium Chocolate Whiskey

Method: Fill one pint with Guinness Stout and drop one shot of 8-Ball Premium Chocolate Whiskey

Fun fact: The Bing Bomb was created at the well-known Mr. Bing’s Irish Bar in San Francisco, and it's their spin on the Irish Car Bomb. The bar was even featured by Anthony Bourdain!

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The Rory McIlroy

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Hardshore Original Gin

• 1.5 oz fresh lemon juice

• 1 oz pear syrup

• 1.5 oz double-strong Irish black tea

• Mint sprig

Method:

Combine the ingredients together and garnish with mint.

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Green Bloody Mary

• 2 oz TRU Garden Vodka 

• 1.5 Tomatillos, peeled and seeded 

• 1/2 Garlic Cloves 

• 1/6 English Cucumbers 

• 1 handful Fresh Cilantro Leaves 

• 1/6 Yellow Onion

•  1/6 Green Bell Pepper 

• 1 oz Filtered Water 

• 1 oz Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice 

• Pinch Kosher Salt 

• 1/4 Jalapeno, trimmed and seeded

Method: Combine the tomatillo, garlic, cucumber, jalapeno, cilantro, onion and bell pepper in a blender and pulse until smooth. Strain Bloody Mary mixture through a metal strainer to remove pulp and seeds, then add lime juice, water and salt to taste. Combine green Bloody Mary mix with vodka and pour into a tall glass with ice. For an extra step, garnish with a deviled egg topped with a fried oyster.

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Cutwater Whiskey Mule

ginger beer, a hint of lime, and aromatic bitters mixed with our award-winning Bourbon offers a depth of flavor to redefine this classic.

Open up and drink!

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Tullamore D.E.W.’s Irish Coffee

Created Tullamore D.E.W Brand Ambassador, Donna Stewart

• 2 part of Tullamore D.E.W. Original

• Top with Freshly Brewed Hot Coffee

• 1 tbsp Brown Sugar

• Heavy Cream, Slightly Whipped

Method: Preheat a clear-stemmed glass with very hot water. Add the sugar and brewed coffee and stir well. Once sugar has melted, stir in in the whisky. Gently whip the heavy cream by shaking it in a protein shaker with a blender ball – you want a still somewhat loose, not stiff consistency. Pour the cream over the back of a hot teaspoon to top the drink (and prevent cream from penetrating the top of the drink). Finally, garnish with grated nutmeg or cinnamon for spicy finish. for spicy finish.

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Jameson Cold Brew & Cola

• 1 part Jameson Cold Brew

• 2 parts Cola

• Orange peel

Method:  Build over ice in a high ball glass and garnish with Orange Peel.

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Our favorite listing this week is 508 West 24th Street, Unit 5th Floor, home to NBA Player Carmelo Anthony. The ten-time NBA All-Star, has listed his New York City condo. The home is the largest unit in the Cary Tamarkin designed building at 508 W 24th that overlooks the High Line and is walking distance from world-class shopping and prominent art galleries.

251 East 51st Street, Unit 2M, listed on the market as a Compass "Coming Soon," is a recently renovated, perfect pied-a-terre (and ideal one bedroom for all the rest of us). What truly sets this pad apart from the rest is the dreamy outdoor terrace with endless possibilities and city views. Accessed by the living room and overlooked by the bedroom, this 24x12 outdoor space is an oasis in the center of the Midtown hustle and bustle.

Our last #openhouse roundup will you be checking out this #parkslope home? #nycrealestate #brooklynrealestate #milliondollarlistings #luxuryhomes #OffTheMRKT

DNA Development announced that closings have commenced at 350 West 71st Street, the successful Upper West Side luxury conversion that seamlessly combines two historic pre-war buildings into one stunning contemporary condominium with a classic façade. As construction nears completion, the seven-story building’s 38 elegant residences and bespoke amenities are coming to life, as DNA welcomes its first residents.

Our favorite listing this week is located at One West End, the sculptural glass residential tower designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli within Riverside Center. At $19.5 million, 29B offers 5,302 square feet of interiors space, with four bedrooms, five and a half baths, a media room, lofted library, and a double height great room leading out to a 3,000 square foot terrace with impeccable views.

Friends of The Budapest Festival Orchestra Gala with Steven Van Zandt, Peter Thomas Roth, Mary McFadden

Maestro Iván Fischer led The Budapest Festival Orchestra in a thrilling all-Dvořák program at David Geffen Hall Sunday including an encore of Braham’s Hungarian Dance No. 5. Maestro Fischer announced from his podium, “the arrangement includes some of the original folk melody", which was sung by the members of the Orchestra. It was a memorable performance punctuated by multiple standing ovations. Daisy Soros, chairman emeritus of the Friends of The Budapest Festival Orchestra, sat on an isle in the front row and clearly enjoyed herself. The New York Times wrote, “Always a highlight of any season, the visit of this of this exceptional orchestra and its provocative music director, Ivan Fischer.”

Jean Shafiroff, Margo Langenberg. Credit John Sanderson/Annie Watt Agency

A benefit dinner followed chaired by Ambassador Nancy Brinker, Susan Gutfreund, Sylvia Hemingway and Friends of The Budapest Festival Orchestra. Maestro Fisher was greeted following the concert by admirers including Steven Van Zandt before sitting at a table that included Ellen Burstyn, Noreen and Ken Buckfire, Joan Hardy Clark, Andre Fratto, Joanna Fisher, Colin Fowler, Mark Morris, and Barbara and Donald Tober (who were honored with Mark Morris last year as Living Landmarks). Also there were gala committee members Ambassador and Mrs. Donald Blinken, Beth Jacobs, Heidi Lee Komaromi, Barbara Rogoff, Mr. and Mrs. David M. Tobey, and Stephanie Stokes (the host of a small dinner for the Maestro the evening before at her home). Other guests included board members Andrew Komaromi, Aaron Feinstein, and Peter Thomas Roth, as well as Edgar Batista, Layla Diba, Sedi and Maximo Flugelman, Margo Langenberg, Jean Shafiroff, Judy Francis Zankel, and Gioia Zwack.

Peter Thomas Roth, Mary McFadden. Credit John Sanderson/Annie Watt Agency

During dinner Maestro Fischer spoke movingly, “We come to New York often. It feels like home and you are our real friends. We love to be here. We’ve a tour planned for many cites in China planned soon so please if you can find a vaccine. We would hate to cancel our trip…. About the orchestra singing tonight. Why does my orchestra sing on stage? We want to set an example, to overcome the inherent fear of singing out loud. Everyone should be singing more. Mothers to their children, all of us. This morning I conducted another concert, a very special one, for children on the Autism spectrum.

Thanks to Lincoln Center and The Friends of the Budapest Festival Orchestra. 150 children and their families came. That was all the room could hold. There was a waiting list twice that length. We try and do a concert like this everywhere we go. Always we do this in New York. It’s important. August 1st, 3rd, and 4th, we return to New York with an opera, Verdi’s Falstaff. There the orchestra is integrated with the singers right on stage and part of the action. It’s part of the Mostly Mozart Festival so please don’t go anywhere else in August.”

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Inside The Corcoran Sunshine Annual Awards Celebration

Corcoran Sunshine, recently held its annual awards celebration to toast the firm’s achievements of 2019.  Over 140 guests, led by Corcoran Sunshine president, Kelly Kennedy Mack, joined in applauding the year’s success and Corcoran Sunshine colleagues who were recognized for their outstanding efforts last year.  The festive evening was held in the Pembrooke and Ives-designed Amenities Suite at The Park Loggia condominium residence.   

Members of The Park Loggia Sales Team with Kelly Kennedy Mack and Beth Fisher

Mack proudly recounted the milestones of 2019 which included, among others, Corcoran Sunshine’s successful marketing of five of Manhattan’s top 10 best-selling new development properties, The Park Loggia, 130 William, 25 Park Row, Waterline Square, and Fifteen & 35 Hudson Yards.  The team also celebrated the notable achievement of Corcoran Sunshine representing 2019’s best-selling new development property across the five boroughs, 11 Hoyt, the 57-story residential tower located in Downtown Brooklyn.

Included among the evening’s awards and award winners were:  

·         Sales Team of the Year: The Park Loggia Sales Team, led by Liz Unger and whose members include Yejin Berman, Christopher Jordan, and Kiran Chandrapaul, established The Park Loggia’s success as the top-selling building based on dollar volume for 2019.

• Deal of the Year: presented to the Waterline Square Sales Team of Norma-Jean Callahan, Karin Rathje-Posthume, Melissa Win, Joe Alvarez, and Odille DeStanctis.

• Highest Number of Units Sold: The 11 Hoyt Sales Team of Blake Weissberg, Liliane David, Bess Dulany, Desiree McTear, Elyse Leff, Andrew Peerless, and Kevin Chandrapaul – after receiving 105 signed contracts, a city sales record.

• The Corcoran Sunshine Innovation Award: recognizes strategic thinking, creativity, and insight, and was presented to research director, Geoffrey Martell.

“It’s important to take the time to toast our shared success, and also acknowledge these outstanding individuals.  In a challenging market, we still outperformed,” said Mack about the event.  “The goal of our Annual Celebration is to remind the team of all we have achieved over the past twelve months, and to toast the year ahead.”

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Staying Poolside in the Winter In New York City

As temperatures are dropping, it is difficult not to reminisce about better and much warmer times. The weather can be quite miserable and dreadful, getting rid of any thoughts of going outside. However, even in an NYC blizzard, residents can enjoy their favorite summertime activity in these luxurious indoor pools.

111 Murray

Designed by David Rockwell , 111 Murray features a stunning 75-foot lap pool that is surrounded by state-of-the-art lounges. Nearby, one can find an additional 25-foot-wide splash pool with floor-mounted water as well as a hot tub. The ambiance provides an ideal space for letting your worries fade away.

49 Chambers

Restored by Gabellini Sheppard Associates, 49 Chambers is home to over 20,000 square feet of resort-like amenities including a lap pool.  The up-lit, mosaic tiled swimming pool is accompanied by a spa whirlpool, steam room, sauna, and hammam, creating a perfectly relaxing summertime atmosphere. macarons

100 Barclay

Originally built by Ralph Walker in the 1920’s and known as the world’s original Art Deco skyscraper, 100 Barclay has been transformed into modern day luxury living. Inside, a beautiful 82-foot, two-lane lap pool is accompanied by a children’s 330 square foot wading pool providing summertime fun for the whole family in the bleak months of winter.

30 Park Place

The Four Seasons has provided a new level of residential living at 30 Park Place, designed by Robert A.M. Stern. Here, residents can enjoy steam rooms and the luxurious Four Seasons spa, accompanied by a majestic sunlight 75-foot pool, perfect for pretending you are on a warm sandy beach.

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Lisa K. Lippman named 2019 Brown Harris Stevens Number One Broker

At Brown Harris Stevens’ annual awards and sales meeting on Thursday, February 27, 2020, Lisa K. Lippman was named the firm’s Number One Broker of the Year, an honor she received for the fourth consecutive year. 

In addition, Lisa was recognized for having sold the most Co-ops and Condos by a Manhattan Agent (57 deals), and was named the West Side Broker of the Year, and the West Side Listing Broker of the Year. She was also added to the firm’s 2019 Million Dollar Club.

Lisa is a 23 year real estate veteran, having successfully closed over $1 billion in sales over the last four years alone. She specializes in helping a discerning clientele buy and sell high-end cooperatives, condominiums, and townhomes throughout Manhattan. 

Consistently recognized among Manhattan’s top 5 individual brokers and the country’s top 20 brokers in terms of transaction volume, Lisa is currently representing some of the city’s most iconic properties including multiple apartments in the famed Apthorp, a large terraced apartment at 15 West 63rd Street, for $28,900,000, 25 Columbus Circle, 54Dfor $8,800,000, and 1185 Park Avenue, 9D for $7,000,000. 

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

The Luxurious Living Experience of the Future in Cyprus

Cyprus had a tumultuous past, and it's hard to tell what was a myth and what was real. But the island`s future can be already seen today, it is elegant and luxurious, and it is definitely real. The ultramodern skyscraper 360 Nicosia by Cyfield Group is the highest building and the best investment in Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus. It rises above the busy street in the heart of the city and can be seen from almost any part of Nicosia. This year`s winner of Luxury Lifestyle Awards as the best luxury real estate in Cyprus, 360 has all chances to become a symbol of the new technological and opulent lifestyle.

360 Nicosia boasts 34 floors of chic properties and amazing 135-meter height making it one of the tallest structures in the country. The skyscraper soars into the sky above the capital`s most fashionable and creative district. Here, in one of the central streets, where the new pedestrian plaza will be created, 360 Nicosia already offers a new level of living experience in the colossal resident tower. The plaza will surround the building and provide the residents with a comfortable area in the shade of the trees for walking, cycling, shopping and children's play.

Get ready to see Nicosia as you have never seen it before! Terrific 360 degrees of bird's-eye views, which gave the name to the structure, let you explore the city and its surroundings in all their glory and diversity.  

3 underground levels of 360 Nicosia serve as the residents` parking and reliable security system. The ground level with its 3 shops provides great opportunities for showcasing their products through the double-height glass windows There is a café/restaurant that will also deliver room and catering services to the residents.

The residents and their guests are welcomed at the modernly designed lobby on the 24-hour concierge. The Management Team is always there to take care of the residents and keep 360 Nicosia functioning perfectly all the time.

The high-tech and superfast lifts transport the residents to any level of the edifice. 27 residential floors are dedicated to the elegant apartments providing the highest quality of living in the city. The experts of Luxury Lifestyle Awards commended the innovative and creative approach to the exclusive design of each apartment with its unique view, window frame and personal space for maximum comfort living. The residential floors are divided into 4, 5 or 6 apartments, but their configuration can be changed according to the residents` desires.

The 10th floor of 360 Nicosia offers exclusive amenities for residents` relaxation and enjoyment. Here you`ll find the swimming pool, sun-deck, spa, sauna, steam bath, and a fully equipped gym. There is also a private Residents Club, where the residents can enjoy the spectacular views, spend a great time with friends or arrange a birthday party for their children.

The top 33 and 34 levels are dedicated over to the sky restaurant and club. The highest restaurant in Cyprus can offer exquisite menus or drinks and gorgeous panoramic views of the island.

360 Nicosia provides its residents with state-of-the-art technologies, which let them enjoy all the benefits of the "smart" building. The apartments are equipped with controlled electrical units, warm floors, premium quality sanitary, triple-glazed windows, waste-recycling systems, energy-saving options making 360 achieve Class A Energy Certificate. Technologies also enable the top-level safety and security provided by access cards, video surveillance, fire and burglar alarms, and other protective systems for the building and its residents.

About Luxury Lifestyle Awards

Luxury Lifestyle Awards is a global award to select, recognize, celebrate and promote the best luxury goods and services all over the world. The goal of the company is to provide people with the best of luxury. LLA have evaluated more than 10 000 various goods and services in 400 categories from 60 countries. The company analyzed the results to give you a TOP list of the best of the best in the world. Such world-renowned brands as Chanel, Dom Perignon, Tiffany&Co., Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, and Hilton were proudly named winners. The victory brings companies status and recognition, global promotion and development of an entirely new market of customers.

www.luxurylifestyleawards.com

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ODA Completes Denizen Bushwick

After 5 years of design and construction, ODA New York has completed Denizen Bushwick, 1.2 Million SF residential wonderland featuring 911 apartments, 20% affordable housing units, 15 mega-murals, 100,000 SF of outdoor space and a full suite of curated amenities. ODA designed the entire development, architecture, interiors and landscape design.

To date, Denizen is one of ODA’s largest projects, and one of the largest residential projects in NYC. With it, ODA envisions a more connected future for this area. Denizen is welcoming and inclusive of the community around it, while providing a sense of ownership and personalization for the people living there. In areas of rising urban density, ODA is working to create transparency and belonging through art, public space and community involvement.

Denizen’s communal spaces and courtyards are bisected by a 17,850 SF public park that creates a green promenade between the two sites, equivalent to two city blocks. ODA’s in-house landscape team designed the park, interior courtyards, and two roof gardens. These spaces consist of more than 100,000 SF of outdoor space with impressive 360° views of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn. Designed to draw residents outside, rooftop amenities include a dining area with 4 kitchens, a mini-golf course, a hammock garden surrounded by a meadow, a dog park, and a fully staffed garden. The roof’s long leafy paths and secret secluded spaces are home to more than 250 native New York tree species, and over 1,200 species of shrubs and perennials.

This year, the Denizen rooftop farm will have garden plots available to residents to grow their own food from a selection of over 100 different seeds. With expert guidance from the Green Food Solutions staff, residents will be able seed, transplant, and harvest their own food.

“The rooftop farm serves as an edible oasis for urban residents with Pick Your Own days, pickling workshops, and hydroponic happy hours,” says Electra Jarvis, Green Food Solutions.

Inside the development, amenities include a game room, chef’s kitchen, bowling alley, rock climbing wall, spin studio, yoga studio, pool, a golf simulator and a movie theater.  Denizen hired a team to maintain the ODA designed amenities, choose expert fitness instructors, and craft events such as poker nights, beer tastings, pasta making classes, and movie nights. 

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

5 Neighborhood Amenities That Improve Property Values

Although it might not always feel like it, choosing a place to live in New York City involves more than the price of rent. Whether you're looking to purchase a home or snag the perfect apartment, you want to find a location that offers convenient access to all your favorite aspects of living in a metropolitan area. This could mean a place to walk your dog, proximity to your office or a thriving nearby arts scene.

Property values in NYC are closely related to the amenities different apartments and homes provide. That's why you can expect to pay more for an in-unit washer/dryer. However, neighborhoods have benefits of their own, and these features can drive the personal and financial value of a property more than you might think. Here are five neighborhood amenities that boost property values in NYC.

1. Grocery and Retail Stores

Shopping is a part of day-to-day life, but it shouldn't take up your whole day — especially if you just need a few ingredients for dinner. In busy New York City, proximity to grocery stores and retail shops plays a large role in determining property value. Ideally, you should look for an apartment or home within walking distance of a grocer and several other shopping locations.

Although you may struggle to find a neighborhood that includes all your favorite retail spots, try to locate one with the essentials. The ability to pop in for a few items on your way home from work will save you time and make your property more appealing to any future buyers. 

2. Public Transportation

A walkable neighborhood can offer convenient access to many of the places you visit regularly. However, you will still need to take public transportation to get to other parts of the city. In general, the closer you are to a subway line, the more expensive a property will be.

Indeed, property in New York City neighborhoods tends to significantly increase in value after new lines open nearby or existing ones are improved. The Upper East Side of Manhattan has risen in value by 6% since the Second Avenue subway opened in 2017, and the Williamsburg neighborhood in Brooklyn has also seen success thanks to its subway line.

3. Gyms and Fitness Centers

If you are hoping to move into a location that will increase in value over time, look for neighborhoods with gyms, yoga studios or recreation centers. You might even want to peek inside to gauge how much of an impact the gym might have on buyers. 

Nice gyms with new equipment are popular with fitness enthusiasts, and recreation centers with pools, tennis courts and other amenities may appeal to families.

4. Restaurants and Coffee Shops

If you're more of a foodie, you may want to look for property in a neighborhood with plenty of dining options. Nearby restaurants and bars could boost local property value, especially if they're trendy. Just make sure to consider how any late-night noise might impact that value and your quality of life.

Coffee shops also dramatically influence property values in New York and across the country. A coffee shop within walking distance provides a convenient place to work and meet with friends, and it can also lead to a 4.5% increase in nearby home values. Starbucks influences surrounding property values the most. It looks like people really do love their coffee.

5. Public Parks

In New York City, a public park allows neighborhood residents to connect with nature and take a step back from their fast-paced lives. Whether you're looking to go for a jog or walk your dog, a park increases property value in a neighborhood. About half of homebuyers are willing to pay 10% more for a home near a park. 

You don't have to own property next to Central Park to benefit, either. There are great parks all over the city. Staten Island, for example, boasts more than 10,000 acres of green space.

What Amenities Matter Most to You?

All these neighborhood amenities can improve your property's value and your quality of life. However, you might also choose a place to live based on other factors, such as an apartment's proximity to your workplace or the neighborhood's overall sense of community.

Each borough and neighborhood in New York City has its unique charms. Do your research and remember that the amenities in an area contribute to the price of rent. Regardless of property value, choose a location that will allow you to truly enjoy what the city has to offer.

Holly Welles is a real estate blogger covering design, finance and market trends for apartment dwellers. You can find more of her work on her blog, The Estate Update.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

The Ocean Meets the “Sea of Bananas” at Hotel Hacienda de Abajo

Some people want their vacation to be original and memorable; others are looking for unique natural surroundings and the ability to watch the stars at night. Then there are those, who want a relaxing and luxurious experience with no disturbances and those, who want to come back home telling unbelievable stories about the place they have visited. The team of Luxury Lifestyle Awards can proudly announce that there is a place that combines it all — Hotel Hacienda de Abajo, this year’s winner in the category of The Best Luxury Hotel in the Canary Islands, Spain.

Located in the most important agricultural area of ​​the Canary Islands — the historic center of Tazacorte, on the island of San Miguel de La Palma, Hotel Hacienda de Abajo is a rather unusual place. The existing luxurious resort is the result of a careful restoration of an old 17th-century sugar farm. Hacienda de Abajo’s uniqueness has been officially recognized by the Canaries’ Government: the resort became the first “Emblematic Hotel” in the Canary Islands, and an essential part of the land’s historic heritage.

The first thing that meets the traveler’s eye is the unique location: a beautiful coast and turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean, magnificent gardens with lush vegetation, and unbelievable starry skies that persuade people to tell them their most intimate desires. In this magical place, it feels like the ocean connects with the sky and the “sea” of banana plants to form a haven of perfect harmony and tranquility.

The resort consists of four buildings, spread about an exotic garden of the former farm. The new buildings have been harmonized with the original design of the sugar farm, which was carefully restored in 2010-2012 by the architect María del Carmen. It is notable that the dominance of sugarcane was replaced, at the end of the 19th century, by that of banana plants. The guests of Hotel Hacienda de Abajo are surrounded by some of the world’s most incredible art objects: tapestries with French and Flemish pieces from the 16th-18th centuries; Chinese sculptures, furniture and porcelain from the Tang to the Qing dynasties; European furniture from the 17th-19th centuries; delicate religious carvings from the 16th-19th centuries, a valuable art gallery with works from the 15th-20th centuries, and more. This is yet another reason why the esteemed experts of Luxury Lifestyle Awards believe Hacienda de Abajo is a unique and outstanding resort, worthy of special recognition.

The guests of Hotel Hacienda de Abajo will not only enjoy a calm and relaxing vacation, thanks to the resort’s “adults only” concept, but will also be amazed by all the luxury that surrounds them, both natural and created by man. From the lavish rooms to an atmospheric outdoor pool with trust-based snacks (guests log in their purchases themselves); from a completely mesmerizing Bath House (Spa) to an opportunity to celebrate a special event in “La Capilla”, an unconsecrated chapel, equipped with audiovisual resources, — the professional team of Hotel Hacienda de Abajo has about every trick up their sleeve.

A perfect vacation should definitely be complemented by perfect food. For this purpose, the exquisite El Sitio restaurant offers gourmet dining at the world-class level. The guests have a chance to learn about the cuisine of the Canary Islands from the best, while enjoying the incomparable views of the Atlantic Ocean. A vacation at Hotel Hacienda de Abajo is definitely an experience, in which nothing is missing.

About Luxury Lifestyle Awards

Luxury Lifestyle Awards is a global award selecting, recognizing, celebrating and promoting the best luxury goods and services all over the world.

The goal of the company is to connect people with the best of luxury. LLA has evaluated more than 10 000 various goods and services in 400 categories from 60 countries and analyzed the results to give you a TOP list of the best of the best in the world. Such world-renowned brands as Chanel, Dom Perignon, and Ferrari were proudly named winners. The victory brings companies status and recognition, global promotion and exposure to an entirely new market of customers.

For more information, please visit: https://luxurylifestyleawards.com/

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150 East 78th Street Launches Teaser Website

150 East 78th Street has officially launched its teaser site. The new ground-up 15-story luxury condominium building on the Upper East Side will offer upscale residences with gracious layouts and an extensive amenity collection for wellness and leisure. Sales are slated to launch this spring. 

credit Hayes Davidson

Designed by the award-winning Robert A.M Stern Architects (RAMSA), 150 East 78th Street features distinctive handset Indiana limestone, patterned brick and ornamental metal detailing, all of which draws inspiration from the nearby historic and landmarked buildings reflecting the tradition of the Upper East Side. RAMSA distinguishes the building from other buildings in its portfolio with deep, rich green metalwork, arched windows and a stunning crown that includes a rooftop terrace framed by archways of brick and limestone. Catch a glimpse of the green metalwork in the below exterior rendering!

150 East 78th Street will feature interiors by AD100 and world renowned New York-based designer Robert Couturier. By the way, it is Couturier's first fully-commissioned residential building! Drawing from his private home commissions for high-profile clients such as socialite Anne Hearst and the Rothschild family, Couturier brings refinement to each private residence, and every public space, including the building's material-rich hexagonal shaped lobby. Each residence will feature inswing casement windows, oak wood flooring and a kitchen collaboration by Couturier and custom cabinet designer Christopher Peacock.

150 East 78th Street will offer 25 three to five-bedroom unique residences, with select opportunities for buyers to purchase adjunct apartments. The project is being co-developed by Midwood Investment & Development and EJS Group and Alexa Lambert of Compass Development will be the exclusive sales and marketing agent for 150 East 78th Street.

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