Tag: apartments for rent in nyc

Downsizing During Retirement? Avoid These Stressful Mistakes

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Think you’re ready to downsize your home? If you haven’t taken the time to plan properly, you could end up making quite a few mistakes. Downsizing can be a complicated and stressful process, and mishaps can make it worse for seniors. So before you start planning your downsizing move, make sure you can avoid these common missteps.

Not Weighing Pros and Cons of Downsizing

Before you start working on any other downsizing step, you need to decide whether downsizing is right for you. Ask yourself some serious questions to make an informed decision, and be sure to weigh any risks against possible benefits. For example, you could sell your home to buy a smaller one, but you may also need to adjust your profit expectations to account for selling expenses. Those expenses can include, but are not limited to, agent commissions, repair costs and staging fees (which average $2,300 to $3,200 nationally) to help your home sell. Of course, you can also save on utilities and rent or a mortgage with a smaller home or apartment, which may outweigh any potential profit losses from selling your old home.

Not Researching Assisted Living Options

Assisted living can be a scary prospect for many seniors, but it really shouldn’t be. This housing option provides seniors with the extra care they need without any major sacrifices in life quality or independence. So before you put a lot of time and effort into finding a smaller home, think about whether local assisted living may be a better fit for your golden years. With the expenses for assisted living centers in New York City ranging from $1,500 to $17,250 per month, you will want to tour facilities and look for a community that can provide your preferred level of care without any excess costs. While cost shouldn’t be your primary consideration, knowing this information can help you plan for expenses more efficiently.

Not Creating a Financial Plan for Retirement

Saving for retirement is a smart move for adults of all ages, but too many people fail to address two questions when creating their financial plan. In order to enjoy the years ahead and afford your downsizing move, you need to know what age you plan to retire (many people aim for 65, but this doesn’t always happen) and whether you will continue to work during retirement. Answering these two questions will allow seniors to plan out their expenses and adjust spending to cover potential downsizing costs, such as new furniture or storage fees.

Not Asking for Help From Experienced Pros

If you have decided to downsize your home, and know you can afford it, then you need to seek out the right professionals to guide you through the process. Before you make any major financial decisions around retirement, you may want the expert advice of a financial planner. In a single consultation, you should be able to figure out whether retiring and downsizing makes financial sense, and how to begin living off of your retirement savings without major sacrifices. Once you have your finances squared away, reach out to an experienced realtor, who can take the stress out of searching for a smaller home and also help you navigate the homebuying process.

Not Beginning Moving Tasks Early Enough

There’s a lot to think about when planning a move, which means the chances for missing important details is pretty high. To avoid this mistake, take care to create a moving checklist that includes minor tasks, like changing your address, as well as major undertakings, like decluttering your belongings. Decluttering can be especially challenging for older adults, so allow yourself enough time to process related changes and emotions. Look online for decluttering tips to make the work a little easier, and don’t be too shy to ask close friends, family members or neighbors to help you, if needed.

Managing a move can be stressful for anyone, including seniors looking to downsize. Make sure your plan will help you avoid common downsizing mistakes, like the ones mentioned above, so you can avoid additional stress and start enjoying your retirement sooner.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Written by: Suzie Wilson ⎸info@happierhome.net ⎸Happier Home

For: Metropolis Apartments | Contact us for for all your real estate needs.

SECOND AVENUE SUBWAY: AFTER 85 YEARS WILL IT BE A REALITY?

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The Second Avenue Subway in NYC has been a transportation project that has been envisioned for over 85 years now. Since 1929, when the need for a Second Avenue Subway line was first realized and plans were first developed, there have been repeated delays and setbacks. All of those delays were linked to, not surprisingly, the economy and national wars. Finally, after many plan revisions, in 2007 work began in earnest. Phase 1 of the 4 phase project was finally fully funded – or so we believed.

 

Funding for the Second Avenue Subway Project from 1929 – 2015

When the Second Avenue Subway was first planned back in 1929, it was estimated that the total construction cost would be $98,900,000. Today we laugh at such a figure. We are now talking billions of dollars per phase.

 

Just a few months ago, with over 80% of the Second Avenue Subway phase 1 project completed, MTA Chairman, Thomas Prendergast, wrote a letter to First Deputy Mayor Anthony Shorris reiterating that the Second Avenue Subway line completion was “critical to the future of the city itself.” He stated his reasons as:
“The MTA and its transit system are at a crossroads. Ridership has never been higher. The city’s population has grown and its location has shifted, putting pressure on transit in newly developed neighborhoods, and, in fact, the entire system.”

 

 

Mr. Prendergast’s reason for the letter however, was to request $1 billion for the Second Avenue Subway over the next five years. On top of that, an additional $1.5 billion will be needed for repairs and maintenance.

 

 

While it is true that the first phase of the Second Avenue Subway project is due for completion by December of 2016, even that may be delayed. In a report made just this past week, Matthew Welbes, Executive Director of the Federal Transit Administration in Washington, D.C., commented on the Second Avenue Subway project:
“It looks like the project is trending, based on our data, toward an opening of closer to, maybe early in, sometime in 2017.”

But, with all of that fudging, the FTA has been contradicting the MTA’s prediction by stating that they believe the opening of phase 1 will be more like 2018.

 

Current Second Avenue Subway Line Time Frame Predictions

 

Okay, so if the Second Avenue Subway line has been in the works for over 85 years already, what is the current plan? Will you see any of it in your lifetime? While you most probably will experience the benefits of the first phase completion, certainly those who lived in 1929 will never benefit from any of the completion.

 

Here is the projected plan:

• Present – December 2016: Phase 1 (96th Street to 63rd Street). This phase is projected to serve 200,000 daily riders.
• Phase 2 (125th Street to 96th Street). Currently underfunded and cannot begin construction until more fully funded. The projection is to begin construction sometime in 2019, at the earliest.
• Phase 3 (63rd Street to Houston Street). No funding at all yet.
• Phase 4 (Houston Street to Hanover Square). No funding at all yet.
At this time, when the complete Second Avenue Subway line is finished, the projection is that it will serve 560,000 daily riders. Most likely it will be considerably more by the time the line is totally ready. The projection is for 2029.

 

 

Written by Anne Schabert for MetropolisApts.com

Photography by Tom Ripellino

 

Top 5 Toddler Activities In NYC

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When we think of New York, we think of a town where people go to make dreams happen. We think of young adults starting an acting career, modeling career, and the list goes on.
New York is a great place to raise a family, though and most people don’t  think about that. While it is a place where dreams come true, it’s also a great place full of opportunities for your little tyke to explore. Here are the top 5 toddler activities in NYC.

 

 

1) Children’s Museum of Manhattan

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is a great place for toddler activities in NYC. A top venue for your child to learn and play at the same time. They have a program specifically designed for children 4 years old and under to prepare them for school. This program lets them explore and discover while learning fundamental lessons for growth. They also have a Dora and Diego exhibit which helps children ages 2-6 years old learn about animals. Not only are these great toddler activities in NYC, but if you have older kids they can have fun too.

 

2) The Playroom NYC

The Playroom provides classes every week to help your child learn valuable lessons as part of their toddler activities in NYC. The classes have different age ranges depending on the content to ensure that your little one is engaged in developmentally appropriate fun! They also have open play hours Monday through Friday, that way your child can take the reins in deciding how to play.

 

3) Kidville


Kidville has various locations offering toddler activities in NYC. They feature a wide variety of classes including art, camp, cooking, dance, enrichment, gym, music, parenting, and Kidville University. Kidville is specifically for children from birth to six years old. They also offer play space hours for members.

 

4) Books of Wonder

For your little bookworms, you can take them to Books of Wonder, where even you can find a little joy. Books of Wonder has events which include book readings and book releases among their toddler activities in NYC. It’s a classic way to educate your child and get them something that they can remember. Books of Wonder also has a rare books section which includes rare children’s books as well. This is another one where the whole family can find happiness.

 

5) Central Park

 

Last but not least, good ol’ Central Park is loaded with toddler activities in NYC. If you want to get your kids outside for some family fun, try Central Park! You could have a picnic or visit Belvedere Castle. You could go to the carousel or the children’s zoo which is located in the Central Park Zoo. Honestly, you could just enjoy the fresh air! This is a great option for families on a budget or families who love getting outside and having a great time.

I hope seeing some of these attractions have inspired you to get out there and do something with your family. There are indoor play areas, museums, bookstores, and Central Park is always an option (as long as it’s warm!) Remember, New York City isn’t just for the young and ambitious. There are plenty of opportunities for the itty-bitty members of the family, too. There are many toddler activities in NYC.

Written by Brittany Spencer

Photography by Tom Ripellino

The Stratford

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The Stratford, a luxury, residential building on York Ave in the Upper East Side.

The Stratford has spacious, sunny 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments available. All of the apartments have high floors, and great views of the East River.
The kitchens feature brand new appliances and granite countertops. You will have Marbled stone bathrooms. This building offer luxurious living with its superb white glove service for a great price on the Upper East Side.

The bedrooms are king sized and features ample closet space and some with walk in closets.

The building features a roof top, outdoor swimming pool with separate children’s pool. There are individual men and women’s Saunas available.

 

 

Elegant Lobby with attentive 24-hour doorman and white glove service.

 

Fitness Center: Complimentary and fully equipped.

 

There’s a landscaped garden and recreational lounge with great views of the City. You can book private parties at the Stratford to entertain your guest.

The other amenities include:

  • 24-hour attended garage
  • Windowed laundry facility with air conditioning
  • Valet and maid service

No Fee units are available at the Stratford.

Metropolis Apartments | Contact us for for all your real estate needs.

SIMPLE MAKEOVER FOR YOUR APARTMENT BEDROOM

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How to Makeover Your Apartment Bedroom Without Making Major Changes

Tired of dealing with a boring bedroom? It can be tricky to know how to add some personality to your bedroom when you are renting an apartment. You don’t want to commit to any permanent changes, but you also don’t want to lose your personal style. So, how can apartment dwellers find a compromise? By using these tips to create their dream bedroom.

 

Add Some Style to Walls, No Painting Required

A splash of color on your walls can make the biggest difference in your bedroom. When you live in an apartment, however, a new paint job may not make sense, as it’s not easily reversible. So, how can you makeover your bedroom without losing your deposit? Well, you actually have quite a few options! One way to add some personality to apartment walls is with your very own gallery wall, which you can accomplish without damaging walls. You can use a simple tool to hang prints from your favorite local artists or any other decor that compliments your personal style. Want to make an even bigger statement but still don’t want to paint? Modern wallpapers make it easy with soothing prints that cling to your bedroom walls without causing permanent damage. When you’re ready to move, you can simply peel it off.

 

Save Bold Patterns and Colors for Pillows and Curtains

If you want to be able to relax in your bedroom, you need to stick to calming colors for the wallpapers and artwork mentioned above. Earthtones are often the easiest ways to blend your decor with white or off-white apartment walls, and they can also enhance your sleep. When you have your heart set on adding some pops of color to your room, you can do so easily with textiles. As you decorate and refresh your bedroom, be sure to focus on window treatments as a way to liven up the space. In addition to using bold, fun patterns and colors, you can also opt for blackout curtains that will turn your room into a sleep haven. You can also try some DIY throw pillow covers, which require no sewing to update the look of your bedroom.

 

Look for Furniture That Will Serve More Than One Purpose

Living in the city often means dealing with limited space, and your bedroom is no exception. If you plan to makeover your furniture, you need to ensure you choose options that are made for multitasking. That means shopping for a bed that has some space for storage underneath or a bookcase that can also serve as a laptop desk. Still wishing for more room in your bedroom? If space is really tight in your home, you can easily makeover your bedroom with a stylish Murphy bed. This can be a fun DIY project if you’re up to the task and can help you make the most of the square footage you do have in your bedroom. You can use a screen and some pillows to turn that extra space into a meditation zone, for even more relaxation in your bedroom.

 

Find Ways to Save on All of Your Bedroom Makeover Materials

Since you’re making over an apartment bedroom, chances are you will be moving again at some point in the future. So, it may not make sense to splurge on pricey furniture and decor, just to have those items not work in your next home. That’s why it’s smart to stick with budget-friendly retailers when you are buying new items for your bedroom. You can usually find small space-friendly furniture at stores like Target and World Market, and IKEA is always great when it comes to buying items you can easily hack into statement pieces. Another easy way to add unique style to your bedroom without breaking the bank is to shop for flea market finds that you can upcycle into furniture and decor for your makeover project.

 

Don’t settle for a basic bedroom just because you live in an apartment. With some simple changes, you can have a dreamy bedroom you cannot wait to come home to every night. So, have fun making over your bedroom!

 

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Written by: Erin Reynolds of diymama.net | erin@diymama.net

Contact Metropolis Apartments for all your real estate needs.

 

Home Improvements That Will Help Sell Your Apartment on Any Budget

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Home Improvements That Will Help See Your House on Any Budget

The last thing any home seller wants is for their apartment to sit on the market for months without a reasonable offer. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happens to many sellers. Often, the place itself is great — it’s the presentation that’s lacking. Besides setting the right asking price, the best thing buyers can do for a quick sale is to improve their home’s appearance.

The extent of pre-listing home improvements will depend on your apartment’s condition, price range, and local market. If you’re selling a newer, affordably priced apartment in a seller’s market, a few small updates should be plenty to draw buyers in. But if your home is showing its age or you’re selling in an upscale real estate market, expect to spend more to meet buyers’ expectations.

High-End Updates

Buyers in the luxury housing market want a space that’s equipped with amenities not found in the average home. However, if you’ve owned your apartment for several years, features that were state-of-the-art when you bought it might feel dated today. To truly “wow” luxury home buyers, make these changes before you sell.

  • Replace kitchen appliances with professional-quality models in modern finishes.
  • Refinish kitchen cabinets and install new cabinet hardware.
  • Install smart home essentials, including smart thermostats, lights, smoke and CO detectors, and surveillance cameras.
  • Repaint interior walls.
  • Refinish hardwood floors.
  • Update lighting fixtures with contemporary designs, paying special attention to kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways.
  • Rent furniture and artwork for staging; store your belongings offsite.
  • Hire a professional cleaning service, including upholstery and carpet cleaning.

Luxury Defined recommends sellers look around the neighborhood to see which amenities are popular. If every apartment for sale in your price range has granite countertops, yours should as well. But if apartments with spa-like bathrooms aren’t netting a higher price than those without, it’s likely a feature you can skip.

Affordable Improvements

If you’re worried that updating your apartment before selling has to be costly, don’t be. Outside of major work like kitchen or bathroom updates, most sellers don’t have to spend a lot to get their home market-ready. Sellers who want to save on home improvements should shop around for extra savings opportunities. Many home improvement stores have weekly deals and rewards. For example, Lowes coupons or Home Depot weekly deals can help your budget go further. Sellers who take advantage of discounts can easily knock the price of these home improvements to under $100. However, before you commit to DIY, follow Money Talks News’ advice and ensure you have the skills to do the job right.

Then, focus on the following DIY changes:

  • Replace the welcome mat.
  • Buy potted plants to decorate the space.
  • Deep clean and declutter your apartment; store boxes in the basement, or off-site.
  • Organize bookshelves, closets, cabinets, and other storage areas.
  • Rent a steam cleaner to clean carpets.
  • Repair scratches in wood floors and crumbling grout in tile.
  • Remove personal decorations and hang inexpensive framed art prints in their place.
  • Purchase fresh flowers to set out in the kitchen, dining room, and bathrooms before showings.

If you want to sell your apartment quickly, you have to put your best foot forward from the day you list. Give yourself plenty of time to complete these improvements so your place hits the market looking its best. While some motivated sellers may be able to get their home listing-ready in just a couple of weeks, most should plan at least a month for repairs and improvements.

Written by: Suzie Wilson ⎸info@happierhome.net  ⎸Happier Home

Image via Unsplash

For: Metropolis Apartments | Contact us for for all your real estate needs.

The Upper East Side: A Posh Neighborhood in Uptown Manhattan

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The Upper East Side is a Posh Neighborhood in Uptown Manhattan

When we think of the Upper East Side, images of wealthy residents and their purebred dogs come to mind. You also visualize trees lined community with beautiful houses on both sides of the streets. Well, you are not off the mark as this borough of Manhattan is indeed home to some of the wealthiest and influential people of the country. The Upper East Side is indeed a posh locality famous for its affluent residents.

 

High home prices and rents

The Upper East Side is bound by 96th Street, 59th Street, East River, and Fifth Avenue on its north, south, east, and west respectively. Median home prices in this neighborhood are $1.1 million while median monthly rents here are touching $2400. A lot of people are attracted to the Upper East Side, especially Museum Mile which is always buzzing with activities. However, the historic architecture of the buildings and clean sidewalks make it clear that this neighborhood hast a rather relaxed and calm atmosphere.

 

Relaxed and refined living

Central Park is, in many ways, the heart of Upper East Side. This sprawling park is full of greenery and provides an opportunity to the residents to have fun with friends and families, also enjoy its nature. This park will become your playground if you choose to make UES your home. You will find this neighborhood just like Paris. It feels so refined and aloof from the rest of Manhattan that you will feel as if you have come into another city.

 

Paradise for people with artistic leanings

Upper East Side is home to the famous Museum Mile, a mile long stretch that contains some of the finest museums around the world. If you are fond of art and culture, you would love to spend your time in some of these museums like Met, Jewish Museum, and the Guggenheim.

If you are looking for nightlife, you should go to Second Avenue. You will be surprised that there are no clubs here. But the Irish pubs on this street are very welcoming and remain open till late in the night. People enjoy alcoholic drinks, music, and dancing in the Irish pubs.

As far as real estate is concerned, you will find expansive townhouses and luxury apartment buildings with uniformed doorman standing at the front of the gate. Towards the eastern part of the Upper East Side, you will find one and two-bedroom apartments that are surprisingly affordable.

Upper East Side has a beauty and charm that is attracting more and more families. There are a lot of great schools, awesome playgrounds, and many diverse restaurants.

 

 

The Wellesley

 

https://www.metropolisapts.com/top-5-reasons-hire-real-estate-professional/

 

Claridge House

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Claridge House is a full service residential building on the Upper East Side.

The building features a Swimming Pool, 24 hour doorman service, and a beautiful lobby. It’s just around the corner from Whole Foods and blocks from Central Park. The Upper East Side neighborhood is so lively with access to many restaurants, retails shops and more; the Claridge House is in a great location.

The apartments get great sunlight and have great views. Hardwood floors, spacious living rooms and large windows are some of the apartment features you will find.  The kitchens have high end stainless steeel appliances, granite counter tops and either Modern white or Maple Cabinetry.

Some of the other amenities at Claridge House include a roof deck, laundry, health club, valet service and parking.

 

 

TRANSIT INFORMATION

86 St (0.10 miles)
86 St (0.15 miles)
96 St (0.41 miles)
96 St (0.44 miles)

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re looking to rent an apartment at the Claridge House for No Broker Fee.

115 EAST 92ND ST

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