Best neighborhood/buildling in Manhattan for young couple/newborn

[NyWriterdude]

Originally Posted by ready4city

Hello.
My husband and I will be moving from San Diego to NYC end of July/beginning of August. We are not currently expecting, but could be any time soon.

Our budget for monthly rent is $3500 to $4000.
We are looking for 2 bedroom, ideally, (or a convertible 1), but recognize it is more likely to be a 1 bedroom.
In unit washer/dryer, doorman and gym are optimal.
Nearby restaurants and supermarkets, (a couple blocks walk is fine).
Nearby transit, closer the better.

So far we have found that the best areas that suit our lifestyle needs are parts of the UWS, (areas closer to Lincoln Center), Tribeca and northern parts of FiDi.

Are there any neighborhoods that we're overlooking? Any specific suggestions for buildings? Please ask me questions, too, as I am sure we haven't thought of everything yet.

Chelsea has a lot of amenities and subways going through it. You might also try Hells Kitchen. Some parts of the Village (both East and West could fit too). You might find a two bedroom for slightly over 4000. But I just checked craigslist, honestly compared to some popular parts of Manhattan they advertise discounts on two bedrooms in the Upper East Side . Some are available for $2800 or so a month.

[ready4city]

Thank you all so much for the suggestions. From all of the input, I looked into a few more places.

I had UES on my short list, but then heard that it was boring after 7 ish, (boring meaning that there's not that much of a bar scene/nightlife, restaurant noise, etc). Does anybody have any first hand experience living in the area that can provide some insight?

I think SoHo does 'fit the bill.' I am wondering though: what is safety like there?

I hear that the FiDi is dead after everyone leaves Wall Street and goes home for the day- is this true? And what does dead mean? The building that we were looking at there was New York by Gehry. What my husband and I are looking for is an area that has restaurant options, bars that stay open past midnight but not necessarily a downtown club feel. Does that make sense?

Nobody has commented on Tribeca yet- any thoughts?

Eventually what we want to arrive at a list of buildings to visit in the areas we decide will be best for us. I do believe that that list will include Tribeca, SoHo, parts of the UWS and MAYBE the FiDi. Should this be another thread?

Thanks all again!!

[crescent22]

Upper east has a lot of bars/restaurants on 3rd/2nd/1st Aves. They are just more traditional and less likely to be considered trendy.

[ready4city]

Thanks crescent22. I just now saw that your location says upper east..... I appreciate the input and info.