GRAMERCY/FLATIRON Neighborhood Profile
Posted by Daniel Charles | Wednesday, Apr 14, 2010
GRAMERCY/FLATIRON Neighborhood Profile
A landmark neighborhood and restaurant lover’s paradise
 
Every month on Citi Blog, we will be profiling a neighborhood where we have an office location. This month we are focusing on the East 22nd St. location(s) and the Gramercy/Flatiron neighborhood of Manhattan.
We’ve asked East 22nd Street's agents and management what makes Gramercy/Flatiron so special.
Here’s what they had to say…
What makes Flatiron a great place to live?
The history of the area is amazing and really evident as you wander the streets. In the neighborhood, we have the Flatiron Building, Met Life Clock Tower, Madison Sq Park, Gramercy Park, and beautiful architecture everywhere.
Additionally, we have very unique and diverse real estate - everything from townhouses, to industrial lofts, to luxury condo and co-ops.
The area also has great restaurants and shopping, and as a result, one truly never needs to leave the area.
However, Gramercy/Flatiron is convenient to everything, getting uptown or downtown is a breeze due to all the 23rd St. subways (F, V, N, R, W, 6)
What are some trends in real estate you have noticed in the neighborhood?
Gramercy/Flatiron is one of the more desirable areas to live in Downtown. Flatiron was largely unaffected by the new development boom that occurred throughout the City. But the new properties that were built, sold quickly. To date, this area is still as desirable as ever. There is currently more interest from renters and buyers than there are available listings.
How is rental and sales pricing compared to last year?
Prices are increasing in both categories since last year. We have also noticed there is less of a cushion when it comes to negotiability.
What current neighborhood listings do you feel are most noteworthy?
Homes in The Caroline, 4 Lex, 141 Fifth, Madison Green and 280 Park Ave South remain popular, and developers are still working to finish off the One Madison Park condo tower.
What’s the housing stock like? Do most people live in walk-ups, townhomes, doorman buildings, etc?
It’s a great mix of prewar, walkups, post war elevator, doorman buildings and beautiful landmark townhouses.
Where do neighborhood residents go to relax?
To relax, neighborhood residents stake out a spot in Madison Square Park, Union Square, or Rutherford Park; or take walk around Gramercy Park and down Irving Place. Shopping on Lower Fifth Avenue is a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon. There are also great spas in the area for massages, facials, etc.
How would you describe the “vibe” of the neighborhood?
Trendy and fashion oriented.
What are your favorite bars/restaurants in the area?
Almond, Gramercy Tavern, Union Square Café, Sushi Samba, Madison, Dukes, Shake Shack, L’ Express, Haru, Blue Water Grill, Coffee Shop.
What are some neighborhood landmarks/institutions?
Flatiron Building, Gramercy Park, The Met Life Clock Tower, Union Square and the Credit Suisse Building
What do you feel is a hidden gem in the neighborhood? (Ex. a store, resident, park, etc)
In terms of public spaces, the park next to the Madison Green Building is beautiful and undiscovered.
There are some great mom-and-pop shops all over the area, from the shoe repair guy on East 23rd by the subway station, to the tailor on East 22nd between 3rd and Lex. Niu Nails on East 26th only charges $5 for a manicure and $10 for a pedicure, which is a great deal!
Restaurant-wise, Via Emilia (47 East 21st St.) has great pumpkin tortellini for $12 (cash only)! Also, the back party room at Almond is a great place to celebrate a special occasion with friends.
If you could change one thing about Flatiron, what would it be?
Make it more affordable for us all to live in. Nothing other than that!
Where do you see this neighborhood 10 years from now?
We think that the architecture and feel will be preserved as it is so historic and eclectic. Perhaps retail may turn over and a few more developments in the area may pop up, but we don’t foresee that much change. We do hope the area remains populated with some of the city’s best restaurants! Hopefully that never changes!
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