Open House Picks

Poor 323 Prospect Place has been reduced yet again--started at 1.75, then 1.5, now 1.4. Anyone seen it?

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 1:34 PM

how tiny is that cobble hill place????

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 1:40 PM

That's Papa Smurf's pied-à-terre in Cobble Hill.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 1:46 PM

So what's the deal with the Williamsburg house? It's been on the market for quite some time.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 1:57 PM

So I'm assuming 238 Kane and its neighbor were once one whole house?

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 2:00 PM

whats next to that cobble hill place? a school?

looks a bit overpriced...for what amounts to a small triplex apartment

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 2:03 PM

Whoever buys that house on Kane St for 1.9 should have their head examined.

That person is not in their right mind.

But you have to hand it to that seller. Got some big #$%# and if they get that price he should be apply to work for Trump.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 2:04 PM

To me it looks like 3 subway cars on top of each other.

Like the way Halstead stretched the photos to look so wide.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 2:09 PM

Kane Street house is next to the Kane Street Synagogue, oldest in NYC. Very beautiful, but I bet a bit noisy on Friday evenings and holidays.

Price on Kane seems absurd. And who is going to spend over a million in Crown Heights on the brink of real estate crises? Even if you believe that NYC will escape the brunt of it, I can't imagine buying something pricey in Crown Heights or an area like that right now.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 2:13 PM

323 Prospect Place been listed for a while.

I was going to stop in during one of it's open house but once I saw the outside I didn't want to walk in anymore.

It just didn't feel or look right. Guess my gut was right because it's still on the market.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 2:13 PM

I know I'm nuts, but I'm loving the Kane house. its too rich for me, but if I had the dough, I'd do it. I'm vertically challenged, so it would work fine. I'd also save a bundle because of the good public school.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 2:19 PM

I had the same issue with 323 Propect Pl. I walked by when it was first listed, checked it out from the outside, felt-out the block, and then canceled my viewing appointment. While it's intriguing, considering the irregular lot, etc., there's something off about it.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 2:19 PM

Oh--and I think there may be some future development projects on the block for 323 Prospect Place, so beware of that too.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 2:21 PM

Mr. B, the Prospect place is a Douglas Elliman listing not Halstead as you have listed.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 2:35 PM

2:19

Yes, you're nuts. For that price go to Park Slope.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 3:13 PM

nice article 2:17

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 3:15 PM

These prices are ludicrous. I've been looking at rowhouses in DC of late -- found this one, a REALLY interesting bay-front near Dupont Circle (actual, you know, nice neighborhood in the center of town) with 2 parking spaces, 5BR 2BA, $899,000. Pocket doors, lintels, original mantelpieces.

Yeah.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 3:16 PM

Ah, missing URL -- DC House in question is 1750 T St. NW.

http://www.trulia.com/property/1045881763-1750-T-St-Nw-Washington-DC-20009

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 3:24 PM

nice one 3:24 !

is it 20 minutes to manhattan??

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 3:26 PM

LOL.

You people who show us housing in other cities are absurd.

I can show you lovely homes for 200K in Cleveland or Pittsburgh if you'd like too.

D.C. is great.

It's not New York.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 3:35 PM

DC is also not Pittsburgh. It's just so mindblowingly expensive for housing here now, whereas one could move to DC, a cosmopolitan city with a good jobs base and spend less than half on housing. It drives me crazy.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 3:39 PM

are salaries equivalent to nyc?
in most cases probably not

hence lower housing
end of the day ur still left with the same (small) change in ur pocket

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 3:42 PM

Actually, I think it's highly instructive to be reminded of the what the market is in other metropolitan areas, especially for nice homes with loads of details. And that is a beautiful DC townhouse. When I lived there, I fantasized about buying a townhouse in Adams Morgan. Thanks 3:16.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 3:43 PM

As the Kane Street ad mentions, they seem to just be trying to cash in on the location. They also do not indicate in the ad how incredibly narrow this is. I agree with others that the price is ridiculous for such a tiny building, good school or not. Park Slope has bigger houses for this price and fabulous schools.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 3:45 PM

3:42: I made more in DC than I make in NYC, working for the federal government. And you have all those lobbyists and K-Streeters making shitloads of cash. Real estate is still much more within reach proportionate to salaries in DC.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 3:45 PM

True 3:39--totally true.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 3:46 PM

3:45

u've given me something to think about
being a politics junkie i'd probably love it down there, too

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 3:48 PM

Yeah, I could easily move to DC and make the same money I'm making now, but pay 1/2 to 1/3 in housing costs (plus lower insurance, food, etc...) It's nuts! NYC's salary disparity in my industry (technology) isn't what it used to be.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 3:48 PM

DC is boring as hell.

No skyscrapers, pockets all around town that look like the South Bronx, very little retail in the city center, huge traffic problems.

There are nice areas and nice houses, sure, but it's not even close to the level of New York.

Comparing it is ridiculous. Why do you feel it necessary to compare, 3:43? Because you think all cities should be similarly priced?
Are you a communist?

Perhaps when homes in Manchester cost the same as in London, or when they cost the same in Paris as in Stroudsbourg, or when they cost the same in Dusseldorf as in Berlin or in Hiroshima as in Tokyo then we can talk.

New York is the capital of the world for many things.

It is still a bargain by most standards.

I see no reason why a house in DC being a million and a house in New York being 2 million should be that unreasonable to grasp.

And no, salaries are not the same in DC.

If you think there are the same amount of 200K plus salaries in DC as their are in New York, you've never been to DC.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 3:52 PM

Washington DC has approximately 581,530 people.

New York has approximately 8,200,000 people.

Comparing the two make you sound like complete morons.

Oh and given the other thread on the Atlantic Center, I'm guessing most of you don't want to live in a city where 65% are African American.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 3:57 PM

You could replace your first paragraph's note of "DC" with "Brooklyn" and get the same thing ;) If I were paying $2mil for a townhouse in Manhattan vs 800k in DC, that'd be one thing.

It's the $2mil to live in say, a narrow box in Cobble Hill, or $1.5mil to live in Prospect Heights that I find fascinating.

I lived in DC for a long time, and have lived in NY for a long time. They're very, very different towns, but for folks who're stretched to their financial limits to live in a dicey neighborhood in Brooklyn, it's always worthwhile to explore options.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 4:00 PM

3:52--Jesus, drop the salary thing. It's irrelevant since the only measure that TRULY matters is salaries IN PROPORTION to housing costs. And I think that by 2007 most people have figured out that NYC has lost a lot of its "character"--however the hell you choose to define it. I don't feel I'm getting my money's worth out of NY, neither in housing (duh) or from whatever intangibles might be associated with living in what was once a pretty interesting metropolitan center. But it's no longer Rome...

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 4:04 PM

I just did a search in Adams Morgan and Dupont Circle and most townhouses there are listed in the 2 million dollar range.

And tanking downward, I might add.

The 800K is an anomoly.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 4:05 PM

philly is also quite the bang for the buck

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 4:06 PM

Thank you 4:00.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 4:07 PM

Then leave.

Lots more people would be very interested to take your place here, I guarantee it.

You should be able to pick up a bargain in DC. Just heard they are predicting to suffer more than most cities from the housing crisis.

Good luck and enjoy.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 4:07 PM

Allentown, PA is a downright STEAL.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 4:08 PM

You know, some people just don't find NYC that fucking special anymore. As a lifetime New Yorker (born in the Bronx, raised in Queens, currently a Manhattanite looking for a "reasonable" brownstone in Brooklyn), I am questioning the value of this "lifestyle choice" to stay in NY considering what it will cost me. So please drop this whole NY-as center-of-the-universe shit--it's so old and inaccurate anyway.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 4:14 PM

Anyone seen the Williamsburg house???? What's up with that bar in the garden level?

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 4:16 PM

"You know, some people just don't find NYC that fucking special anymore."

I don't think we care. We just want you to leave and stop complaining.

More of us still love it than not.

There is nothing worse than someone complaining about something and never doing a thing about it. 8 million people seem to love it here. Please leave!

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 4:18 PM

Actually, the Washington Post real estate section shows lot of nice Adams Morgan/Columbia Hts. houses for under a million. I think I'm going to try to get my old job back...

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 4:19 PM

Too bad those same houses were 1.5 million last year.

DC is in trouble.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 4:21 PM

I'll NEVER stop complaining about being priced out of my own hometown, so shut up and go back to Ohio, or prime your little ears to hear about it forever!

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 4:21 PM

The good thing is that by the time you get a job set up, and prepare to move, they'll be affordable! :)

I don't understand the hostility when people compare other places to live to New York -- for some people, the economic sacrifice of living here is worth it. For others, not so much. No reason to be angry about it.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 4:23 PM

Hey jimmylegs--is that a nice street in Williamsburg?

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 4:24 PM

Amen 4:23. Well said, and very diplomatic, if I may say so.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 4:25 PM

4:14...Is that why 200,000 more people are expected to move here in the next 5 years and a million in the next 20?

While certain things have changed in New York, it is still the center of the world (or at least right up there) for:

1. Banking
2. Theater
3. Dance
4. Music
5. Art
6. Fashion
7. Entertainment
8. Advertising
9. Shopping

You sound like you hate just about anything and everything though, so perhaps it is time for you to move on.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 4:25 PM

Jimmy Legs- what the Fall At that bar? Shit reminds of the good old days when seeing a band like the Fall felt like you and only 20 other people in the world existed. Now as we know everyone is a hipster. Sick blah. And 4:18 Your a prick. NYC is not that special anymore get over it you missed it stop convincing your self that you live in the Greatest city because that my friend is the most tiresome media driven fucking attitude in the world and is one of the reasons this fucking city is full of nitwits like you.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 4:26 PM

Ok. Play nicely. NYC is special. But housing prices are not in line with salaries. If you take out the Wall Street crowd and those professions that service them, the rest of us make little or no more than we would in Phile or DC or even Pgh. What casued job growth in NY? healthcare workers -- and you know they are making minimum wage or barely more. So when you look at average salaries, there are a few a the top in NY who are bringing up that avg. while most of us stagnate and are being priced out of living here.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 4:27 PM

I don't think it's the comparing that makes people so angry as it is the bitter rants about New York that make you wonder why they haven't left yet.

I liken it to having an abusive boyfriend and not doing anything about it.

If you hate it, either do something about it or get out.

Don't rant about how it's cheaper to live in a city the 20th the size of New York. It's just stupid.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 4:28 PM

The building next door to the Cobble Hill house on Kane St is a synagogue.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 4:29 PM

"NYC is not that special anymore get over it you missed it stop convincing your self that you live in the Greatest city because that my friend is the most tiresome media driven fucking attitude in the world and is one of the reasons this fucking city is full of nitwits like you."

You must have an abusive boyfriend too that you let beat you.

Oh and I was born in Manhattan. Way before you got here.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 4:30 PM

I think it's SICK that so many people have decided that they hate New York because they can't afford it anymore.

Talk about sour grapes.

Besides for retail becoming a tad more run of the mill, what exactly do you hate so much?

Sounds like you just like to hate. Period.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 4:33 PM

JimmyLegs,
Body Heat - an after Save the Robots club on I think E. 6th or 7th between C and D. They had a band sort of that reminded me of the band in Superfly. I vaguely remember that Diranka (sp) was kind of awkward but I do know I saw They Might Be Giants there. Of course this is all hazy. I was drunk. For a few years.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 4:35 PM

There are still great bands around, they play at Union Hall, Southpaw, Galapagos, Joe's Pub, Pete's Candy, and hundreds of other locales around the city.

You're just too old to realize it because you're caught up trying to figure out the answers to Who Wants to be a Millionaire.

Go out sometime...the places might be different than you used to go to "back in the day" and the bands might be new but there is a helluva lot of good stuff in New York.

You just need to hunt for it a little more.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 4:40 PM

Well, if someone does by the Kane place at least you know they're not going to have a complex.

"mine is bigger than your's."

Like so many other people here.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 4:44 PM

Has everyone already forgotten these numbers?

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/29/nyregion/29poverty.html?_r=1&emc=eta1&oref=slogin

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 4:45 PM

I think it is very normal for people who have lived in a place their whole lives to be a little bitter when they realize that their supposedly "good" 100K salary is not enough for a mortgage for a decent home in a decent neighborhood in NYC. Call me crazy!

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 4:47 PM

If they lived here their whole lives, why didn't they buy a house 15 years ago when they were 50K.

The only reason they hate it now is because they've seen so many people around them make a shitload of cash on real estate while they waited on the sidelines.

Sorry, but it's true.

This has nothing to do with nostalgia for the good ole days. This has to do with greed and regret. You grew up in Park Slope, and then watched people come in 15 years ago and make a million bucks while you rented your 1 bedroom.

That's not OUR fault.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 4:55 PM

4:25--not sure where your projected numbers are from. These are the latest census numbers for NYC:

http://www.empirecenter.org/pb/2007/01/migrating_new_y.cfm

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 5:05 PM

My numbers are for PROJECTED population. Do you know what Projected means???

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/pdf/census/projections_briefing_booklet.pdf

(see page 4)

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 5:12 PM

4:55, greed? huh? Maybe it's because 15 years ago some people were teenagers or young adults, and not exactly fiscally solvent yet?? And who is "OUR" anyway? Your post shows you are detached from any sort of reality other than your own.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 5:14 PM

So if you were a teenager 15 years ago...that makes you what about 35 or so?

And you think because you grew up in New York that somehow you deserve to live in a 2 million dollar house, no matter what?

Yikes. No wonder this country is going to hell.

I don't know what will kill this country first...the disgusting sense of entitlement or Greenhouse Gases.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 5:17 PM

So you didn't buy?

Fine.

Not everyone needs to buy. Only 30 some percent of New Yorker's own property. It's a renting town.

The point is that lots of people who had no intention of buying now seem to hate New York because they saw so many people do it and bank.

Hate NY because you hate it, not because you decided not to buy something and now regret it.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 5:24 PM

Oh please 5:17. I'm not trying to buy a 2 million house on my own, nor am I a private-property bashing communist. But I'd sure wish I could get more for my oh, maybe 700K, than a former crack house, "dripping with details" notwithstanding, in a shitty neighborhood. And not because I grew up here and that makes me better, only because, like most people, I have the common human aversion to moving too far away from what I know. It's that simple.

Bottom line, salaries and home prices in NYC are out of whack--no matter what normative judgments you or I may make, that is the reality. Which is why any of my attempts to buy a 2 million+ house would be aided by a financial partnership with another person who finds himself in the same situation--there are many of us in NY, you know?

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 5:30 PM

I guess I just don't get it.

I'm in my early 30s and just bought in Park Slope.

And I work in the arts and make less and 100K.

I don't need a 2 million dollar house.

Ever.

No one does.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 5:36 PM

Hello. I'm just joining the discussion late in the day. I'm a native NYer, Brooklynite, in fact. I bought my first house about 14 years ago. Moved out about 5 years ago because I'm no longer in love with NYC. I don't find it that special any more. New Yorkers are what made the city special...hate to tell ya. It's not the restaurants, bars or Fresh Direct delivery. Why do I read Brownstoner? Because I have an investment and pied a terre in Brooklyn. So, I don't hate because I can't afford it. I hate because I resent the fact that my city IS just like any other city now.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 5:41 PM

and I'm sure you paid a great price for your Park Slope shoebox.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 5:43 PM

5:30: New poster here. Just because you feel that, if there were a righteous God, you could afford more than a 2BR apartment in a nice neighborhood for $700K, does not mean prices are "out of whack." Not when there are sufficient others with $700K willing to pay it. Which, whether you like it or not, there are. If you don't like that, you're free to rent, as the majority of New Yorkers do and always have.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 5:43 PM

700K could buy you a 2 bedroom in Park Slope or Carrol Gardens or Prospect Heights or Boreum Hill or any number of areas. Or a house in Astoria or Jackson Heights or Sunnyside, or Sunset Park. Or a 3/4 bedroom in Ditmas Park or Kensington or Midwood.

What's the problem?

You have too many kids?

Those neighborhoods too shitty for you?

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 5:43 PM

I hate because I resent the fact that I AM paying lots more for a city that IS just like any other city, or less even.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 5:44 PM

"pied a terre in Brooklyn"

Funniest post of the day...

Do you think people keep pied a terre's in Pittsburgh, DC, Seattle, Boston...

Very few.

I'm curious what cities you have found in the U.S. that ARE special 5:41?

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 5:51 PM

"5:30: New poster here. Just because you feel that, if there were a righteous God, you could afford more than a 2BR apartment in a nice neighborhood for $700K, does not mean prices are "out of whack." Not when there are sufficient others with $700K willing to pay it. Which, whether you like it or not, there are. If you don't like that, you're free to rent, as the majority of New Yorkers do and always have. "

You hit the nail on the head.

I think it's this fact alone that makes so many people on this thread say they hate New York. So many people here CAN afford 700K.

It makes those who can not all the more resentful.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 5:54 PM

"and I'm sure you paid a great price for your Park Slope shoebox."

It was worth every dime because I couldn't be any happier about it.

Which is a lot more than I can say for you.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 5:56 PM

Wow, the heaviness of this thread and the Atlantic Center thread are too much for a Friday. NYC is ultra-expensive and housing costs in proportion to salaries are outrageous, duh. So now we can't even say that housing is expensive?? If you need a reminder (and Happy Friday!):
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/13/nyregion/13housing.html?emc=eta1

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 6:01 PM

Armchairwarrior, I too had to pretty much hound the agent at Prudential for over a week to get a call back about that house. It was really strange. Made me think something was wrong with the house.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 6:04 PM

i've had the good fortune of seeing many great cities worldwide in recent years..spend about 1/2 my time in nyc (brooklyn) and the rest globetrotting

new york is great, but plenty of other cities are special as well

get out and see the world people...open your eyes..and stop being so full of yourself...cuz i can guarantee that no one on this blog contributes to what makes nyc special

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 6:06 PM

5:51, I really like San Francisco. And NYC circa 1980-1988. I use the "pied a terre" term as a joke. My apologies...I forget that sometimes people don't get my sarcastic wit (that's another joke). I keep a place in Brooklyn because I grew up here and I like to keep in touch with friends and family. I'll bet that people in those cities you mentioned do the same.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 6:11 PM

"I don't need a 2 million dollar house.
Ever.
No one does. "

Typical--enjoy your "arts" job and Park Slope.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 6:32 PM

Awesome 6:06!

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 6:38 PM

BTW, DC Metro is 8.2million people. NYC is more dense, but DC isn't exactly a podunk town.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 6:52 PM

Annon 3:45 you are a fool park slope has bigger houses and great schools well wake up Ps 58 and Ps 29 are great and they are ranked higher right now on test scores than 321 so time to wake up and smell the coffee

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 6:52 PM

People, be sure to check out this open house on Sunday. Great bang for your buck and looks like a beauty. It puts all this nonsense talk about affordability to rest. Living the American dream...

http://realestate.nytimes.com/sales/detail/2942-C21BL20168

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 6:54 PM

I think the home on Kane is a good deal for the person that could afford it. You are in probably the best 3 areas in brooklyn in Carroll Gardens and Brooklyn heights surrounding you. With that and great schools i think anything you can find in these nabs are worth it if you have cash.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 6:55 PM

Could anyone hazard a guess as to whether 238 Kane and the house next to it were originally one property?

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 6:57 PM

If you think NYC is like any other city in America than go live in Miami or West palm beach or better yet live in New jersey and see how nice those places are. There is no place in the United States like NYC and there will never be. So move to suburbia and make sure you keep you fridge filled with a lot of beer.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 6:59 PM

love how the only example you came up with was san francisco.

yeah, san francisco is nice.

AND????

btw, i've been to every state in the union and about 30 countries outside of it and i still think new york is the best city.

lots of other people do too.

mention that you live in new york city to someone next time you're in ohio...or kansas...or germany....or argentina...or lots of other great places.

if you're experience is the same as mine, their reaction is always...."i want to live in new york one day"

try it. seriously.

should make you feel proud about where you live.

oh and to the 8.2 million metro dc post...that includes baltimore too, btw...which is an hour away but they include it for statistical purposes.

i believe our metro area is in the neighborhood of 30 million.

dense is a good thing, in case you didn't realize. so that means 600 in dc proper and 7 million some cars on the road in the vicinity.

i've lived down there. it's no new york. stocking up on beer is a good suggestion.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 7:09 PM

Has anyone seen this Cobble Hill house? It's been on the market since March and price has been reduced. Wondering if anyone had any details on it:

http://www.bhsbrooklyn.com/detail.asp?id=580742

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 7:17 PM

it's gorgeous but you can get a townhouse for the same price in the north slope.

i think most prefer that with the school situation and the park over cobble hill.

even though cobble hill is lovely also.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 7:19 PM

http://promo.realestate.yahoo.com/most_expensive_and_most_affordable_housing_markets.html

there are a lot of expensive places out there...a lot with not nearly as much to offer as new york city.

i think given what's here, we are pretty lucky.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 7:22 PM

Yeah--it's pricey. Any idea what's going on on the inside? There are no interior pics except for the entrance/foyer.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 7:22 PM

7:22, the last sentence in that article reads:

"A major omission from the list was Manhattan in New York City because Coldwell Banker said there was a lack of comparable single-family homes to calculate for the purposes of the index."

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 7:25 PM

6:06 very good. You are right, I am no longer looking on this blog because it is full of losers who think NYC is the greatest city in the world, Ha Ha Losers I can't wait to sell my brownstone and walk away with a cool 1.5 in the bank and you can just sit here on your little blog and jerk off to your real estate porn. And I do hate NY and I am doing something about it. LEAVING.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 7:26 PM

Right on 7:26.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 7:29 PM

> if you're experience is the same as mine,
> their reaction is always...."i want to
> live in new york one day"

I love this city, but not everybody does. Last time I was in Texas, the typical question was - seriously - "Might I ask WHY you live there?"

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 7:32 PM

Why all the animosity about NYC?? This blog is about NY real estate, and seems to be generally geared towards people who live in this city (and tend to love it, b/c how can you not if you truly 'get' this city?) I just don't see the point of coming on a site like this and bashing New York. As many posters have suggested, if you're ready to leave and hate NY, then please, by all means do. We who do love this city are frankly glad to see you go. Why do feel the need to spread your vitriolic opinions amongst true New Yorkers? Anonymously, no less. Nice.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 7:40 PM

I'm sorry you have low self esteem, 7:26.

Can you tell me why you chose to live in a city you hate?

Doesn't everyone want the best for themselves? New York is the best for me so I chose to live here.

It seems to not be the best for you, yet you settled for it.

I feel sorry for you.

Loving where you live is a special thing that apparently you don't seem to be able to experience.

And 7:32....

I think most of the civilized world pretty much wouldn't care if Texas ceased to exist.

I can't say the same about NY.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 7:44 PM

Right, this blog is about NY real estate. And occasionally, it's normal to compare real estate values in NY with other markets. But anytime that is done, the "true New Yorkers" you mention (uh-huh, yeah right) get up in arms and incredibly aggressive, defensive, and insulting. These people are like infants. So any sort of objective discussion about market values, including the intangibles that affect a property's value, becomes impossible. The threads degenerate from there.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 7:47 PM

Those on this thread who hate New York City and live here anyway are truly the most sad of people.

The fact that you find it horrible to love the place you live is kinda sick for you.

I'm guessing you've settled for the wife too, 7:26?

Feel bad for your kids.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 7:47 PM

You all sound like freaking transplants anyway...probably B&T and midwest.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 7:50 PM

If you want to compare NY real estate to other markets for the true purpose of analyzing real estate, you're best off comparing it to other comparable markets, and unfortunately there really aren't any in the US. In my opinion, a better comp would be London, Tokyo, or Hong Kong.

I think the general problem with comparing NY to other real estate markets in this country is that it's just a pointless exercise, that simply points out that NY is more expensive. No kidding. And I think you get what you pay for, and the supply vs. demand sets the price. Economics 101.

If you read through these posts, I would argue that the bashing began with the people bashing NY. New Yorkers just defended it. And I think it's plain fact that New York is extremely unique and that real estate here is in much higher demand (compared with supply) than any other city in this country. DC or otherwise.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 8:00 PM

Portland, here I come!!

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 8:56 PM

good luck finding a job.

amazing place, nearly impossible to find work.

Posted by: guest at September 28, 2007 9:41 PM

"I think most of the civilized world pretty much wouldn't care if Texas ceased to exist."

Agreed. But it does not change the fact that your assertion that "everybody wants to live here" is false.

Posted by: guest at September 29, 2007 11:28 AM

get out and see the world people...open your eyes..and stop being so full of yourself...cuz i can guarantee that no one on this blog contributes to what makes nyc special

I live in Bed Stuy and I formed a business alliance to help improve my community and I post on this blog regularly but what you said I am in aggreement.

Posted by: guest at September 29, 2007 11:42 AM

7:26 = 7:29

Posted by: guest at September 29, 2007 11:44 AM

haha.

so right, 11:44.

Posted by: guest at September 29, 2007 11:46 AM

11:42 here and I meant to say I am in agreement with what you said. :(

Posted by: guest at September 29, 2007 11:50 AM

Making judgements about where people have and have not been because they love where they live more than other places is the most ignorant idea on this thread full of ignorant comments.

You can be a world traveller and still think New York is the greatest city in the world.

There's nothing odd about that in the least.

Posted by: guest at September 29, 2007 12:00 PM

I think a valid question is how many of you living in your million plus homes would have lived here 15 years ago?
Answer is probably most would be living in the burbs.

Okay, so heavy handed Guliani reduced crime and Disnified the place so you're all coming in droves.
People don't always like change, especially those who were willing to live here through the bad times, and are now confronted at every turn with entitled yuppies and their spawn.

Posted by: guest at September 29, 2007 12:36 PM

Does anyone know why or how 404 Stuyvesant Avenue ( Open House Pick in August, http://www.brownstoner.com/brownstoner/archives/2007/08/open_house_pick_137.php) is still on the market (is it just its asking price)? There's an open house tomorrow. Just wondering if the locals know anything...

Posted by: guest at September 29, 2007 1:58 PM

Here's the fixed link, sorry:

http://www.brownstoner.com/brownstoner/archives/2007/08/open_house_pick_137.php

Posted by: guest at September 29, 2007 2:01 PM

yeah, cause everyone in new york is like that, 12:36.

come on.

you sound so freakin bitter it's not even funny.

who cares if people didn't like new york 15 years ago? it was dangerous. there's nothing wrong with not liking that.
and lots of us are young...was i supposed to leave my parents at the age of 15 to come to live in new york?

get a clue.

not everyone thinks, lives and makes decisions like you. we're all different. that's what's supposed to make new york so special.

a ton of people who are so different, from hundreds of countries around the world who have come to live together to live in relative harmony. you might associate with a certain demographic, but seriously...go ride the trains to queens sometime, go take the ferry to staten island, climb to to the top of the empire state building one beautiful evening, head up to a yankees game...maybe you'll realize what a great place it is here. so many different people who have endured, have lived through horrible times, who work, have fun and who are raising children.

it's incredibly special.

Posted by: guest at September 29, 2007 2:02 PM

NYC is over--has been for some time!

Posted by: guest at September 29, 2007 2:14 PM

"Spawn" what kind of word is that, sounds like it is straight out of the KKK handbook.

Posted by: guest at September 29, 2007 2:20 PM

i think you're what's over, 2:14.

most evolved people know how to have fun anywhere.

if you can't find it here, you're probably not going to find it anywhere.

Posted by: guest at September 29, 2007 4:20 PM

12:36:

I lived in NYC 15 years ago. Now I live here in a million plus house.

Consequently, bite my ass.

Posted by: guest at September 29, 2007 9:14 PM

This is too easy...

Posted by: guest at September 29, 2007 11:01 PM

More people left NYC last year than moved into it. Seems to be a trend.

Posted by: guest at September 30, 2007 2:33 PM

2:33 - where did you find that info about people coming/going? I'd like to look into that.

Posted by: guest at September 30, 2007 3:01 PM

New York City is and always will be the best city on earth. Period. End of story.

Posted by: guest at September 30, 2007 4:50 PM

Where am I more likely to get shot in the face on my way home from work: DC, Crown Heights or Baghdad?

Posted by: guest at September 30, 2007 8:52 PM

2:23--finger your mother's hairy ass!!!

Posted by: guest at September 30, 2007 9:03 PM

i'M GOING TO FUCKING THROW UP

Posted by: guest at September 30, 2007 9:25 PM

So, any open house reports?

Posted by: guest at September 30, 2007 11:03 PM

hey 9:03....there is no 2:23!!!!!

moron.

LOLOLOL

Posted by: guest at September 30, 2007 11:26 PM

to 2:33 PM

brooklyn and manhattan gain in white and asian population, while they lost blacks.

Posted by: guest at October 1, 2007 12:03 AM

And all of NYC lost/continues to lose people considered to be in "creative" professions, i.e., artists, architects, designers, etc., because, duh, property costs are high compared to salaries in these fields. I have no energy to google the report, but you'll find it. Something about NYC losing its "creative class". This was a big deal when the report came out this year. And those "creatives" that stay are either independently wealthy or will continue to live as though they're in college, well into their 50s.

Posted by: guest at October 1, 2007 12:22 AM

Anyone go to Kane Street open house? Did it feel claustrophobic or was it tolerable inside?

Posted by: guest at October 1, 2007 12:23 AM

Actually, 12:36 and 12:22, some of those remaining "creatives" are folks who were desperate and/or creative enough to buy in Bklyn 15 yrs ago and more; they're neither independently wealthy nor living like they're in college. On the contrary, some of us are living very comfortably in our own restored brownstones with paid-off mortgages - painting, writing, and making music while we thank whatever gods may be for whatever induced us to buy long before hedge funds were invented. In my case, it was the landlord from hell; and not a day goes by but I don't think fondly of the SOB, because without him, I'd still be holed up in a tiny rent stabilized apt in Manhattan. Thanks again, Mr. R.!

Posted by: guest at October 1, 2007 1:08 AM

Why does anyone advertise on this site? What brand is specifically seeking out brokers and whiners?

Posted by: guest at October 1, 2007 6:24 AM

DID
ANYONE
GO
TO
THE
OPEN HOUSES?

jeez!

Posted by: guest at October 1, 2007 9:09 AM

Brownstoner should win an award for snarkiest comment section.

Posted by: guest at October 1, 2007 9:38 AM

I would just like to point out to anyone reading this blog who is not from New York, that New Yorkers are actually nothing like the people on this blog. People from New York have a lot more class, humility and compassion. In fact, I am quite sure that the majority of real life street walking counterparts are much nicer than there internet alter egos.

Posted by: guest at October 1, 2007 9:59 AM

fuck you 9:59

you dont speak for me

Posted by: guest at October 1, 2007 10:10 AM

I went to the open house on Kane Street (just as an interested observer). It felt bigger than you would think. The kitchen and bathrooms probably need updating, but it had detail and some charm. I like it much more than the open house on Baltic which is the same price, has a tenant until summer 2008. Baltic street is not in 29 but is bigger at 16 3/4 x 45 and four full floors.

Posted by: guest at October 1, 2007 10:11 AM

That is why I said the majority. There are a few assholes in every city.

Posted by: guest at October 1, 2007 10:15 AM

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Posted by: guest at October 1, 2007 10:36 AM

I can't report on the open houses, sorry.

Posted by: guest at October 1, 2007 10:40 AM

growing up in Oakland all I knew about new yorkers was that they said fuck alot and hated each other.

but this was the 80's

oh and San Fran sucks now.

dig it

Posted by: guest at October 1, 2007 11:12 AM

since everyone on here seems to hate new york city anyway, who cares about the houses?

lame.

Posted by: guest at October 1, 2007 11:13 AM

whoever thinks park slope is better than cobble hill has never lived in cobble hill. I have lived in both. Cobble hill is possibly the best neighborhood in NYC period. Overall, the buildings are gorgeous. the landmarked status just really helped.

Kane street in particular is terrific. it is close to perfect. think the price is fine. great school district too.

over the years, cobble hill had more sophisticated and wealthier people moving there, and it doesn't have the left over park slope ugly writer/hippy liberals. also, the commute is shorter and cabs come right down clinton st. every morning.

Posted by: guest at October 1, 2007 1:07 PM

thanks for that broker of kane street at 1:07.

was just in cobble hill yesterday.

it's lovely if you like living in an enclave of uptight wall street yuppies surrounded by projects!

ummm....the good school district part is laughable, btw. no one is falling for that.

oh and most of us in new york are democrats...so we like living along side liberals. are you from texas?

Posted by: guest at October 1, 2007 1:38 PM

"Brownstoner should win an award for snarkiest comment section."

Try reading the comments on Curbed sometime. Brownstoner is downright genteel by comparison.

Posted by: guest at October 1, 2007 2:27 PM

PS 29 in Cobble Hill is at least as good as PS 321, and now that 321 is so ridiculously overcrowded it is probably better.

Posted by: guest at October 1, 2007 5:59 PM

No I'm the snarkiest.

Posted by: guest at October 1, 2007 6:00 PM

reviews of ps. 29 aren't great...

"The administration at PS 29 is not friendly to children or parents," writes a parent, who complains that bullying is not addressed and required services for students with special needs are not always provided. (May 2007)

A parent writes: "PS 29 is a wonderful school, however when the CAE grant ended so did the clusters, so the children are no longer mixed, but remain with their classes for the entire day." This parent adds: "Many of the wonderful teachers who had taught there for years have left. They've been replaced by other wonderful young teachers who seem to leave after two years." (April 2005)

A parent writes: "I have sent two kids to this school. Both tested into the gifted program. My eldest, who graduated a few years ago, had a terrific experience. But since the program is now largely forgotten, my younger child's experience has been much more hum drum." This parent also feels that the administration is "unresponsive to parental concerns." (September 2004)

Posted by: guest at October 1, 2007 9:55 PM

how is it that these comment sections *always* devlove from a discussion about crown molding into accusations of fingering "your mother's hairy ass," etc?

WTF.

Posted by: guest at October 1, 2007 11:23 PM