Why You Should Buy a Second Home in NYC—And Where

For many people, the words “second home” conjure images of farmhouses in the country, log cabin retreats in the wilderness, or sprawling ranches on a vineyard somewhere. However, for people who love the idea of having a getaway from their day-to-day life, but aren’t so eager to completely go off the grid, urban environments are becoming an increasingly popular alternative. And while cities like Chicago and Los Angeles have their merits, there’s no place like New York for those who want to stay connected to the business world and have a wealth of cultural opportunities at their fingertips. So, where should a discerning home buyer look if they’re eager to call Manhattan home? These luxe properties are perfect places to start:

88 & 90 Lexington Avenue: This dual-building development in Manhattan’s chic NoMad neighborhood is the ideal location for a second home, particularly for those who want to be at the center of the city’s action. In addition to being within walking distance of cultural institutions like The Museum at FIT, The Rubin Museum of Art, The Visual Arts Museum, and The Morgan Library, this luxe building is just a stone’s throw from some of the city’s best shopping, nightlife, and dining destinations. Better yet, this amenity-packed building offers an attended lobby, pool, fitness studio, private lounge, and even a screening room for those nights when you want to have some fun, but don’t feel like venturing far.

53 West 53^rd Street: Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel has created one of the world’s most stunning luxury towers right in the center of Manhattan at 53 West 53^rd Street. The French-born architect has imbued every inch of this gleaming glass-and-steel tower with his unique vision, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering some of the most striking city views you’ll find anywhere. The building’s Thierry Despont-designed interiors are every bit as worthy of admiration, each light-flooded home boasting open-concept living spaces, dark wood floors, state-of-the-art kitchens, and generous modern master baths.

180 East 88^th Street: The Upper East Side has long been synonymous with luxury, and that’s certainly the case at 180 East 88^th Street. Ideal for second home buyers who love the neighborhood’s rich history, this Carnegie Hill tower is one of the city’s most visually striking buildings, with a hand-set Kolumba brick exterior, oversized Albertini of Italy windows, and sculptural archways adding character to the building’s penthouse terrace, which boasts 360-degree views from the top of the island to downtown.

The Astor: Proximity to Central Park is one of the most coveted amenities in Manhattan, and one few can claim. However, at Gilded Age masterpiece The Astor on West 75^th Street, which has been meticulously transformed into luxury residences by HFZ Capital Group, Pembrooke & Ives, and BP Architects, residents are just a stone’s throw from one of Manhattan’s most enviable green spaces. Better yet, inside this 1901 tower, residents can enjoy original detail, like mosaic tile, marble fireplaces, and gilded accents, in addition to modern amenities like a fitness center, attended lobby, and upgraded interiors with marble baths and kitchens, freestanding tubs, wood-burning fireplaces, and stunning city views.  

12 Warren: Tribeca is the epicenter of downtown cool, as exemplified by the stunning homes at 12 Warren Street. This building itself is a work of art, its sculptural exterior made from bluestone from New York’s Catskill region, creating a bold and brilliant appearance that’s unlike anything else you’ll find in the city. Inside, the doorman building is just as impressive, thanks to its unique assemblage of townhouses and luxury condominiums, with homes outfitted with bluestone detail, wide-plank wood floors, state-of-the-art kitchens, oversized windows, and amenities like a fitness center, concierge service, and private storage.

The Bryant: Midtown is undeniably Manhattan’s most convenient neighborhood, and second home buyers can enjoy it in style if they choose to call The Bryant home. Designed by David Chipperfield Architects, this luxury tower not only has stunning views of Bryant Park below, but offers an attended lobby, two private lounges, a fitness center, an in-building restaurant, dining, catering, and room service, a porter, storage, and even a la carte hotel-style services, like laundry and housekeeping.

212 Fifth Avenue: Second home buyers seeking an iconic address need look no further than 212 Fifth Avenue. This neo-Gothic masterpiece is one of the city’s most amenity-rich buildings, with a 24-hour doorman and concierge, fitness center, lounge, playroom, catering kitchen, golf simulator, private storage, bike storage, meeting space, game room, and a screening room all under one roof. The Pembrooke & Ives-designed building is also replete with luxury details throughout, from marble-floored foyers, herringbone wood floors, state-of-the art enclosed or open kitchens with marble islands, and stunning baths with freestanding tubs and spacious double vanities.

Whether you’re longing for a glamorous downtown retreat or are eager to relax in a posh Upper East Side pad, New York has the perfect second home to suit every taste. Packed with amenities, offering stunning city views, and putting you right in the center of all Manhattan has to offer, the only thing you have to do if you pick one of these stunning luxury homes is pack.

© 2018, Candice Schaffer. All rights reserved.