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Columbia University. Credit: S Kaya on flickr
From Get To Know
Best NYC investment condos for university students
By CityRealty Staff
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
New York City is well known for such renowned colleges and universities like New York University, Columbia University, Barnard College, The New School, and CUNY, to name just a few. Not only do these institutions attract students who live in the city and want to stay local, but they draw enrollees from all over the world to make New York State the largest importer of college and post-graduate students in the nation.
Some students see their stay in New York as temporary, and are happy to live out their college years in a dorm room or rental near campus. But for other students, not to mention their parents, buying an apartment near campus is an investment that will pay off long after graduation. If the latter is the case, there is much to consider in terms of logistics and criteria. Proximity to campus and research facilities are key considerations, but far from the only ones. Some students use their apartments as a place to buckle down and study or wind down away from the bustle of school, while others like to socialize at home or around their apartment. Some nervous parents would be reassured by putting their children in a doorman building, and the students themselves would undoubtedly appreciate amenities like in-unit laundry (no lugging hampers to the machines on campus!), library lounges, or building gyms and screening rooms.
Claremont Hall (Binyan Studios)
In the heart of Union Theological Seminary campus, the 41-story Claremont Hall houses classrooms, academic offices, and faculty-designated apartments below the condos on the upper levels. However, it also benefits from excellent proximity to Columbia University's main and Manhattanville campuses, Barnard College, and Manhattan School of Music. Residential amenities include a reading room with a leather-bound Great Books collection, and the old building's dining hall has been transformed into the Refectory Pool, a saltwater lap pool with original chandeliers. A penthouse in the building set a new record at the beginning of 2023, and move-ins are expected to begin this fall.
Claremont Hall, #31B (The Corcoran Group)
From the Listing: Offering spectacular southern and eastern views and an intimate private terrace overlooking Columbia University, Riverside Park, and the Hudson River, Residence 31B is a premium two-bedroom, two-bathroom home with a powder room. Offering nearly 1,400 square feet of exquisitely detailed living space, this residence is centered on a bright and sunny open living and dining room and a generous U-shaped kitchen designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects. A separate bedroom wing includes the east-facing primary bedroom and a windowed ensuite bath with double vanity and glass-enclosed walk-in shower, as well as an oversized walk-in-closet. The spacious secondary bedroom features two exposures, one overlooking the residence’s private loggia. See floor plan and full details here.
All images of Brooklyn Point via Williams New York
What’s cooler than telling your out-of-town friends that you live in one of Brooklyn’s tallest buildings with the highest rooftop infinity pool in the Western Hemisphere? Even if you’re not one to brag, you’ll still enjoy Brooklyn Point’s spacious gym, varied entertainment spaces, and walking distance to NYC College of Technology, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, and the Long Island University of Brooklyn. Pratt Institute is a bike ride away, and much of Manhattan lies within a half-hour subway ride.
Brooklyn Point, #56J (Extell)
From the Listing: A pristine residence nestled in the prestigious Brooklyn Point development, this stunning 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom home is a portrait of contemporary Brooklyn living. Features include beautiful wide plank stained oak floors, floor-to-ceiling windows with northern exposure and panoramic views of Manhattan, an in-home washer/dryer, and a harmonious light wood color palette with satin copper fixtures and finishes designed to accentuate space and natural light. A welcoming foyer adorned with a walk-in coat closet flows into a spacious open-concept living room, dining room, and kitchen saturated with natural light.One of the last 25-year tax abatements available in New York City! See floor plan and full details here.
Zeckendorf Towers as seen from Union Square. Credit: Dock Drumming on flickr
The four-towered complex sits close to New York University, Hebrew Union College, Cooper Union, the New School, Baruch College, and more. As such, there’s a good chance that some of your classmates live in the 670-unit high-rise. Zeckendorf Towers lets you get together for a study session at the large rooftop garden, or enjoy the bustle at Union Square next door, where the weekend farmers’ market sells more nutritious eats than late-night ramen.
Zeckendorf Towers, #P7E (Douglas Elliman)
From the Listing: Upon entering, the West facing oversized windows bathe the home with a tremendous amount of natural light. The expansive living room allows for an inviting entertainment space as well as a designated dining area. The renovated kitchen is equipped with a full suite of stainless-steel appliances, quartz countertops and ample cabinet and counter space throughout. The spacious primary suite exudes supreme comfort and is completed by a built-out closet and a large window with serene views. See floor plan and full details here.
Vandewater. Credit: Savanna
If you need to focus on your studies, the Vandewater is for you. The tradition-minded facade vibes with the collegiate atmosphere of nearby Columbia University. Morningside Heights has its share of fun hangout spots, yet it’s a far cry from the mayhem of the city center. Full-service amenities will take care of housekeeping distractions, and a few laps in the spacious pool will cool you off after a late-night study grind.
Vandewater, #4B (Brown Harris Stevens)
From the Listing: Vandewater’s interior design speaks to an old school design approach and showcases the beauty of the materials in a new and thoughtful way - oversized, high performance casement windows, tall ceilings, and European white oak floors. This large, 831-square-foot one-bedroom offers a large foyer, open kitchen and two oversized closets. See floor plan and full details here.
The Roosevelt Island Tram. Credit: Edgar Omar on flickr
For all their advantages, New York universities often lack “true” campuses with a cloistered, communal feel. A rare exception is the brand new Cornell Tech complex on Roosevelt Island on the East River. The House at Cornell Tech gained considerable attention as the largest Passive House residential building in the world; between this and its proximity to campus, it is in high demand. A short distance away, though, Riverwalk Court lets one get the full campus experience one F train stop away from Midtown.
Riverwalk Court, #PH1E (Douglas Elliman)
From the Listing: Experience the epitome of luxury living in this rare and coveted E-line apartment located on the PH floor of Roosevelt Island’s most perfectly situated condominium building. The panoramic skyline and water views are absolutely breathtaking, and the abundance of natural light that floods the apartment through its floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall windows will leave you in awe. This stunning apartment features a chef’s kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and ample preparation and storage space.
The marble-tiled bathrooms are equipped with high-end fixtures, and the multiple closets, including a full walk-in, provide plenty of storage space. See floor plan and full details here.
Astor Place (left) and Cooper Union (right). Credit: Jeffrey Bary on flickr
The studio crit is coming up in fifteen minutes, but the glue has barely dried on your balsa-wood building model, the product of a grueling all-nighter. Fear not, because at Astor Place, getting to class at Cooper Union, the country’s premier architecture school, means riding the elevator downstairs and crossing the street. Afterward, celebrate the jury’s passage with your sleep-deprived classmates with a romp through the bars and lounges that abound in the neighborhood.
Astor Place, #9C (Compass)
From the Listing: This stunning 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom corner home offers a luxurious and modern living experience in one of New York City’s most coveted neighborhoods. Enter into this thoughtfully designed residence and you’re greeted by an abundance of natural light flowing through the north and west facing floor-to-ceiling windows, showcasing breathtaking views of Noho and beyond. The open concept layout seamlessly connects the contemporary chef’s kitchen to the spacious living and dining area, creating a perfect space for entertaining and everyday living. The chef’s kitchen is a culinary enthusiast’s dream, boasting top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, including a wine cooler, spacious refrigerator, 4-burner range, and a convenient island that doubles as a breakfast bar. See floor plan and full details here.
5 Beekman Street. Credit: Douglas Elliman
5 Beekman Street effectively sits within the Pace University campus, which scatters across the adjacent blocks in the City Hall district. After you finish your studies, impress your date with a sumptuous, ten-story atrium built in the 19th century, then follow up with observatory-like views from floor-to-ceiling windows in the 51-story skyscraper.
The Beekman Residences, #18C (Douglas Elliman)
From the Listing: This eastern-facing one-bed/one-bath condo designed by Thomas Juul-Hansen provides views of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge, with natural sunlight pouring into the 10’ floor-to-ceiling paned windows. A Mahogany entry door, with oak flooring, a center island chef’s kitchen with Quartzite Stone countertops/backsplash, custom metal cabinetry, recessed under-cabinet LED task lighting, Waterworks fixtures, and Miele appliances includes under-the-counter wine fridge, a wall oven, speed oven, and a freezer/refrigerator. The king-sized bedroom features deep customized closets. See floor plan and full details here.
Kips Bay Towers. Credit: Carl Mikoy on flickr
The Kips Bay neighborhood in Midtown South is home to the city’s greatest medical center cluster, with the Bellevue Hospital Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, VA New York Harbor, and Beth Israel Medical Center located within a small radius of late and great architect I.M. Pei’s minimalist, no-nonsense Kips Bay Towers. Medical students living here also have easy access to the NYU College of Nursing and the NY Dentistry College.
Kips Bay Towers, #5E (Keller Williams NYC)
From the Listing: Step into the bright space and admire the stunning hardwood floors that span throughout the entire apartment. The open kitchen has been beautifully renovated and features a farmhouse sink, all stainless steel appliances, a pantry, and a breakfast bar.
The living space is cleverly designed with a built-in Murphy bed, which conveniently comes with the apartment. This allows for maximum flexibility, giving you ample room to entertain guests when needed.
As you make your way towards the bathroom, you'll pass the custom built closets in the dressing area. See floor plan and full details here.
Maverick (Douglas Elliman)
There are many options if you’re looking for an apartment near the Fashion Institute of Technology, but Maverick brings its striking design right across the street from the celebrated campus (which is getting a makeover of its own) and a short distance from the shops and showrooms of the Garment District. Students also enjoy easy access to Whole Foods and popular restaurants (a far cry from the dining hall!) as well as amenities like a state-of-the-art gym and indoor pool, a thoughtfully planned library, and a roof deck with lounges for studying and relaxing alike.
Maverick, #5A (Douglas Elliman)
From the Listing: Immaculately designed, this 1,115-square-foot split two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence features northeastern exposures with oversized tilt-and-turn windows, and seven-inch-wide white European oak flooring throughout. The open kitchen boasts a fully integrated Miele appliance package including a dishwasher and wine fridge. White oak cabinetry by Scavolini surrounds the space, finished with oil-rubbed bronze metal surround accents and integrated under-cabinet lighting, completed with a Dornbracht mounted kitchen faucet in a platinum matte finish. The primary bedroom showcases two exceptionally large bedroom closets as you make your way to the en-suite bathroom. See floor plan and full details here.
Morningside Park. Credit: Owen Hearey on flickr
The stately campus of Columbia University perches atop the hill on the other side of Morningside Park, which sits across the street from the 22-story One Morningside Park. Equally tempting is the verdure of Central Park, which comes in panoramic view from the upper floors. Nearby Harlem and the Upper West Side have got you covered in terms of quaint dining and nightlife, and the 110th Street-Cathedral Parkway station of the A, B, and C trains will take you to any destination in the city, academic or otherwise.
One Morningside Park, #19A (Realmart Realty LLC)
From the Listing: This is a large south-facing, high floor, corner 3-bedroom and 2-bathroom apartment with tons of light and wrap around balcony. Panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, Central Park, and East River. Large open kitchen done in a mix of contemporary aesthetic with white lacquer cabinetry, Luce De Luna countertops and a breakfast bar.
The primary bedroom has a large west-facing view of Morningside Park and includes a large walk-in closet and an en-suite bath. See floor plan and full details here.
Georgetown Plaza. Credit: CityRealty
Don’t let the no-frills facade of the 31-story housing block bum you out, for Georgetown Plaza, located near both Cooper Union and New York University, is happening both inside and out. Invite your friends to hang out on a balcony high above the city, chill on the large rooftop deck, take a dip in the outdoor pool, or step outside and seize the night in one of New York City’s liveliest neighborhoods for culture, dining, and nightlife.
Georgetown Plaza, #4K (The Corcoran Group)
From the Listing: This rarely available K-Line apartment has pretty architectural views which are well set back from the street, with wide-open sky, terrific light, and a surprisingly quiet environment. Designers cherish this apartment’s square-ish, corner footprint for layout flexibility. Every room retains nice proportions, and even the flex room has a window with enough room for a nursery, home office, or spare guest room. It has great closet space too. Some might even consider restoring the original two bedroom layout with its luxuriously sized, mid-century, L-shaped living room. See floor plan and full details here.
Flickr photo credits: Columbia University - S Kaya; Zeckendorf Towers - Dock Drumming; The Roosevelt Island Tram - Edgar Omar; Astor Place - Jeffrey Bary; Kips Bay Towers - Carl Mikoy; Chelsea Stratus - Andreas Komodromos; One Morningside Park - Owen Hearey
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