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I have been seconded to move to NY for 12 months with my wife and 18month old baby. I will be working around the Madison/45th St area. Our budget will be $5-6,000 per month.
Reading this forum, it appears that we have a good budget. However, we are looking for the follwing:
- safe area
- popular with families
- 3 bedrooms/bath
- near some open spaces
- good childcare facilities (daycare)
It appears that UES, UWS, Midtown east and wesat are all good - however we are struggling to work out pros and cons of each one
Being close to Central Park is an asset with children, since you will have numerous recreational opportunities and open space, which is why I would tend to recommend the UES/UWS for your situation. The UES would win out only because it's an easier commute when you're already on the east side of the park. However, the UWS might be worth it if you prefer the area, though it's going to take a bit longer to get to work.
I would not recommend Midtown East, though it's convenient for work, because it tends to have more of a single or couple population, overall, save for some pockets along the river around Sutton Place and Beekman Terrace where there are some families. There are families in Midtown East, to be sure, but it's not the same as areas of the UES/UWS or Park Slope in Brooklyn, Riverdale in The Bronx, where there are more families who live in the area.
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All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages.
~William Shakespeare (As You Like It Act II, Scene VII)
When you see the rents you might want a 2 bedroom, rather than a 3 bedroom. The areas you've selected are fine - you'll have a choice of apartments, but more if you go with 2 bedrooms rather than 3. Three bedrooms with 3 baths might be tough to find, however.
there's a noticeable difference between the w60s and the w70s. the w60s (lincoln square area) has post-war high rises, more commercial/retail buildings, lincoln center, movie theaters, etc. It's more crowded on the sidewalks.
THe w70s and above is definitely more residential - prewar apts, brownstones, more trees, quieter, smaller shops/restaurants.
As for rents - if you're looking for high-rise, luxury apts, the w60s is where you'll find them. If you're looking for brownstones, or pre-war apts on CPW, the w70s and above are for you.
Your rent budget is $5-6k per month, or your total living budget? That answer will make a huge difference in what you can afford.
Upper East or West Sides are the most family friendly. I would look between 65th and 96th Streets on either side. The open space is Central Park, as well as a few small parks sprinkled across both the UES and UWS. Both are family friendly- gross over-statements here, but the UES is more WASP-y and preppy; the UWS is more Jewish and intellectual.
Agree with pp that you will probably decide to forgoe the 3rd bedroom (NO one except the millionaires and billionaires have guest rooms in Manhattan) once you see rents.
If your wife stays home, she will likely be shocked at the amount of nannies with kids during the day, even when the moms don't work.
If Manhattan is a long-term home for your family, you will need to begin researching nursery school and elementary school options ASAP as private schools are very competitive- and costly. I'm not as up on my public schools as I once was, but PS 6 on the UES used to be outstanding. Do your research- it would be great peace of mind to know you're in a good district if private school doesn't pan out the way you expect.
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