It's a charming UWS two-bedroom for a semi-reasonable price—what's the catch?
This Upper West Side two bedroom in a townhouse may be worth snapping up, especially if you've ever fantasized about living like Meg Ryan's character in in You've Got Mail.
The apartment appears to have been recently renovated, with a modern pass-through kitchen and luxurious looking bathrooms, there are five closets, according to the listing, including a walk-in, and the asking rent was recently reduced by $400.
On the other hand, it's two flights up, and pets aren't allowed, and the asking rent is still $300 more than the neighborhood average non-doorman two-bedroom in the neighborhood.
As always, we turn to our Take It Or Leave It experts—myself, Constantine Valhouli, founder of the real estate research and analytics firm NeighborhoodX, and freelance writer Lambeth Hochwald—to weigh in on whether the pros outweigh the cons.
Size: Two bedroom, one and a half bath
Location: 211 West 79th St., between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue
Price: $4,354
Days on the market: 41
Flexible layout: Yes
Subway: 1 at 79th Street
Pros and cons
"The apartment feels modern and un-cookie cutter. Plus it's smack in the middle of the Upper West Side. That said, it's on 79th Street, a pretty large thoroughfare, so it's probably not the quietest spot. Plus, there's no picture of the second bedroom. I'm going to imagine that means it's teeny."—Lucy
"There are bedrooms in the back of the building, so they might offer that one true luxury in NYC—a night of quiet sleep. It's two stories up, so moving and groceries will be Not Fun. And there's no washer/dryer."—Constantine
"For a walk-up, this renovated Upper West Side apartment looks glamorous and mod and is more than move-in ready. On the other hand, the building is located right along a very noisy bus route, and there's a dentist's office on the ground floor."—Lambeth
Who this apartment would be perfect for
"A couple who love the Upper West Side, and are used to a two-flight climb, who would like a home office."—Lucy
"Two friends looking for a step up from their own studio apartments, into something that feels like 'adulting.' Or a young couple. But not with kids—trying to navigate two flights up with a stroller is less than ideal."—Constantine
"A couple eager to experience the neighborhood, who want an easy commute—the 1 train is right on the corner."—Lambeth
The verdict
TAKE IT "Just make sure that second bedroom is actually usable. And, since it's been on the market for over a month, try negotiating on a broker's fee. I'd imagine the landlord wants it to move sooner rather than later."—Lucy
TAKE IT "But ask for a price reduction."—Constantine
LEAVE IT "Especially if you're dentist phobic!"—Lambeth
