What did we all wish we had this past pandemic summer? A private outdoor space, that’s what. With spring just around the corner and apartments still priced at a lower rate due to COVID, this might be the perfect time to snag an NYC treasure and take your morning coffee al fresco. We’ve curated a list of apartments (from studios to 3-bedrooms) all with private outdoor space, be it a balcony, rooftop, terrace or backyard.
Living in a Hell’s Kitchen pyramid — 625 W57th Street. If luxury living is what you’re searching for, VIA 57 is the crown jewel. Designed by the incomparable Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), this acclaimed property has everything you’d expect from a luxury building; the views, the pool, the gorgeous gym — and at a decent price. With studios averaging at around $2,400 and a 1-bedroom starting at $2,500, now might be the time to consider riverside living.
Sunny with a staircase — 312 W48th Street. This sun-drenched apartment is a WFH dream. With a bright kitchen and a shaded rooftop as communal workspaces (hell, even those stairs look comfy enough to work from), this 2-bedroom duplex is my personal favorite. Offered at $2,500 — a 20% discount from the rental price listed at the same time last year — this is a big bang for your buck.
Lofted living — 525 W49th Street. Although technically a studio apartment with a lofted sleeping area, thanks to its open-plan second floor and tall, bright windows, it almost has the feel of a separate bedroom far away from the living area. And with a balcony big enough for outdoor furniture, there’s no going wrong here. While no information is given as to its pre-COVID prices, the landlord is offering first and last month free for a net effective rent of $2,063 on a 12-month lease, which seems very appropriate for a space as decently sized as this.
Not one, but two balconies — 52nd and 10th Avenue. This 3-bedroom Craigslist option is $3,225pm ($2,687 net effective). Net effective apartments can sometimes feel stressful if you’re not able to afford the original rent and rely exclusively on the free month offer. But occasionally, as in this apartment, the landlord offers the option to pay the net effective rent monthly instead of bookending free months, making calculation costs a lot simpler. With modern appliances, a washer/dryer in the unit, and not one but two balconies, you’ll be living the good life at a very reasonable price.
Going up in the world at Instrata — 554 West 54th Street. This 2-bedroom apartment at Instrata in Mercedes House offers breathtaking views of the Hudson River at sunset. There is current availability on the 23rd floor, but keep an eye out for openings on the lower floors which will come in less than the $6,679 monthly rental for this dream pad.
Big windows — 516 W47th Street. For just under $1,995 a month, you’ll snag an outdoor space that’s almost as big as your apartment. And with a 24-hour doorman, gorgeous granite countertop kitchen, and windows big enough to fill the entire apartment with light, you’ll struggle to decide whether to have morning coffee inside or out.
High balcony for under $2k — 560 W43rd Street. Amazingly, with 3 months free, you can get a studio with a balcony right at the waterfront at Riverbank for under $2,000 a month. Up on the 18th floor, this place features an almost floor-to-ceiling wall of windows, with an unparalleled view of the beauty that surrounds it.
Best of both worlds — 821 Ninth Avenue. A classic studio with a modern touch for just $1,890 per month. This apartment is great for someone that doesn’t need too much space but wants a bit more luxury than your standard walk up. With state-of-the-art appliances, laundry in building and key card elevator access to your floor, you’ll get a lot of the same comfort you get from a higher-end building, at a walk-up price.
An abundance of living space — 449 W44th Street. This extra-large doorman building apartment features a sizable terrace fit for a suburban home, while giving you all the beautiful Hell’s Kitchen views you’ll ever want. The price per month is $2,850.