Tourists may think that all New Yorkers live in closet-size studios in Midtown — or fabulous West Village townhouses that we somehow afford on our freelance writing income. But real New Yorkers know there are many different home types and lifestyles available in this city, especially when you’re on a more generous budget.
For instance: Are you a historic brownstone person, or the type who wants a glassy new development? Do you crave high ceilings and industrial beams, or crown moldings and vintage parquet floors?
For $2 million, you could live just about any way you want in New York City — downtown or uptown, classic or avant-garde. To show the vast diversity of what it means to live in the center of the universe, we’ve rounded up four properties on StreetEasy, New York City’s leading real estate marketplace, for around $2 million that offer very different atmospheres, locations and amenities. Whether you want sleek or homey, Manhattan or Brooklyn, there’s something for you here. The only difficult question is, which one would you pick?
The Downtown Loft: 258 Broadway #2A
When you dreamt of living in New York City, maybe you dreamt of an airy, unique downtown loft like this Tribeca 1-bedroom, which is asking $2,250,000. The corner loft spans 1,661 square feet across two levels, with huge windows that look out over City Hall Park. The industrial vibes here are carried through in the iron pillars, mezzanine library and rough-hewn wood walls. Yet while it’s visually dazzling, this co-op is also surprisingly practical, with two sleeping areas and an office.
Listed by Kaptan Unugur of Sotheby’s International Realty
The Brooklyn Brownstone: 1347A Pacific St.
If the shape of your NYC real estate dreams looks more like a Brooklyn brownstone, you’ll find a lot to love in this two-family house in Crown Heights, which is asking $1.89 million. Besides its whopping seven bedrooms and three bathrooms, the home has gorgeous historic details like decorative fireplaces, original hardwood floors, stained glass windows, and ornamental plaster on the ceilings. A newly renovated kitchen, featuring a large island and elite Aga range — plus a well-maintained garden and patio — make this place a true Brooklyn dream.
Listed by Tyson Lewis and Alexandra Como Saghir at Halstead Real Estate
The Uptown Co-op: 311 West 97th Street #5W
On the Upper West Side, $2 million will get you a 3-bedroom co-op in a prime location near Riverside Park. Oversized windows fill the newly renovated home with incredible light, and the kitchen’s brand-new appliances and custom cabinets will inspire the chef in you. This roomy apartment is also pet-friendly and has an in-unit washer and dryer.
Listed by Kate Krusko at Lustig Residential
The Waterfront Condo: 22 N. 6th St. #14D
But what if your preferred New York home includes sweeping views of the East River and Manhattan skyline — and a super-vibrant neighborhood? This 2-bedroom condo in Williamsburg is asking a little over $2 million, but offers stunning water and skyline views from its living room, balcony, and master bedroom. With an airy, open spaces, up-to-date bathrooms with striking tilework, and elegant flooring and finishes, the home offers a great way to live close to the action in one of Brooklyn’s liveliest enclaves.
Listed by Edgar Zaldivar at Compass