Lucy Cohen Blatter

What makes a good suburb? According to Business Insider's ranking of the 50 best suburbs in America, it's a combination of decent commute times, low crime rates, affordable housing and good schools. We'd have to agree.

If the contentious school zone debate happening on the Upper West Side  these days has taught us anything, it's this: School zones change. So even if you buy—or rent—in the heart of a prime public school zone, you could find your building cut out of the "approved" boundaries, your kid sent to a different public school, and your property values threatened.

Outdoor space is precious in the city, but so is service and convenience.  So, which pull is stronger? We asked five New Yorkers: Would you rather have the convenience and luxury of a doorman or concierge or the convenience and luxury of a common building roof deck?