The East Village

For many young and first time renters, this New York neighborhood may be your best bet.  Located (roughly, as with almost all New York neighborhoods) from 14th street to Houston, and from the East River to Broadway, this plot of land has quickly moved its way up in terms of desirability. The neighborhood, which was once known for crime, drugs, and St. Marks celebrities like Madonna and Keith Harring, is gentrifying nicely and becoming a destination neighborhood.

Those looking to move here tend to be young, college educated (or in college thanks to neighboring NYU and The New School), socially active, and upwardly mobile.  Thanks in part of New York City’s Landmark and Preservation Society, many of the 6-story walk-up buildings cannot be torn down or redeveloped. but offer the charm and sophistication many new buildings cannot.  New York is a city of exceptions, but I would recommend this neighborhood to someone who is new to the city, younger, and socially active.  If you are looking for a quiet neighborhood, don’t move here.  AM New York, voted the East Village as the city’s loudest neighborhood.  That can be attributed to the plethora of bars, restaurants, and young people living in the area.

Here are a few things I recommend doing if you want to get a little more familiar with the neighborhood:

1.  Tompkins Square Park  (10th and Ave A) – This park has quickly become one of my favorite areas in the EV.  Bars and restaurants line the west side, while beautiful brownstones line the north side.  The park itself is home to huge elm trees (random, but beautiful), is a little less crowded than nearby Washington Square Park, and is a great place to people watch.

2.  Big Gay Ice Cream (7th b/t 1st and A) – A new addition to the neighborhood, New Yorkers from near and far flock to this small little shop throughout the entire year.  The name is as bold and delicious as the ice cream itself.  Be prepared to wait in line (it is worth it), especially on a hot summer’s day.

3.  Astor Place (St. Marks and Lafayette Street) – A more corporate-esque part of the East Village.  Nearby St. Marks is a gateway for amazing bars, restaurants, and people watching, while this part of the neighborhood is an epicenter for J.Crew, Facebook (coming soon) and a MASSIVE Starbucks.

4.  Yoga To The People (St. Marks b/t 3rd and 2nd) – Possibly one of the East Village’s (and New York’s) coolest assets.  This studio, located on St. Marks Street, “provides pay what you can” yoga classes.  Rich,, poor, young, old, all head to these hour long classes.  I recommend heading there at night for a candle lit class.

5.  Pomme Frites (2nd Avenue b/t 7th and 8th) – My favorite late night hot spot.  Like Big Gay Ice Cream, you will have to brave the crowds, but the wait is well worth it.  These hole in the wall restaurant tantalizes diners with a ton of different dipping sauces.  The fresh, made to order, french fries are served hot, fast, and ready to go.  Don’t hesitate to try a free sample to help make up your mind

Manhattan

Final Section of The High Line Set To Open Soon!

Thanks to Gothamist for the amazing pictures of the soon-to-open (and final) section of The High Line Park.  While still under construction, the amazing success of earlier sections has revolutionized the West Side of Lower Manhattan.  Private tour tickets are being raffled to Friends of the High Line before the section opens later this year.

If this third and final phase of construction holds true to the two previous sections, expect real estate developers to quickly move in and transform this area into a residential paradise for the well-to-do.  I would suggest going to the area soon, taking a look around, and then coming back in five-10 years.  Not only will the park transform this part of Manhattan, but the final phase will complement the new Hudson Yards Project as well.

Here are a few photos from the earlier mentioned Gothamist article.

Life of a New York City Realtor

The glitz and glamour that is often associated with the world of New York City real estate is something that draws thousands into the industry each year.  The funny thing about New York is that not everything is as it seems.  I have found that this city is 100% built on raw talent.  Sure your well-connected parents can get you a job, but it is your job to learn the traits, network, and excel.  The true innovators in this city are aggressive, fierce, and not afraid to speak their mind.  Nowhere else do these statements hold more accurate than in the world of residential real estate.  This is not a business for the light-hearted, easy-going, average Joe.  You have to be willing to send emails at all hours of the day, scavenge, and flat out work.

Many fall into this industry because they see the potential for fast cash.  While that may be true, especially during the summer month’s, the true leaders in this industry have tried and true methods that have landed them listings upwards of $100 million.  This blog is a daily journal of my accounts in real estate.  I try to be as “real” as possible, something that is very easy to get lost in when talking about real estate.  I will put the struggles I have as a realtor, the struggles my clients have as renters, buyers, sellers, and investors, and will also spotlight neighborhoods, cool articles, and trends happening in the city.  Feel free to tag, post, like, share, or suggest anything you feel should be on this blog.  We are connected 24/7 with the Internet always at our fingertips, be sure to let me know what you think!

And remember, a referral is the greatest compliment anyone working in real estate can receive!