Key tips for growing NYC families; +2-beds with walk-in closets and discounts

By CityRealty Staff | From Get To Know Saturday, May 3, 2025

126 Washington Avenue, #TH | https://cityrealty.com/n/I2723576

New York City is notoriously expensive, and new figures have emerged to show its impact: According to census data released in June 2024, the number of children and teenagers in New York City dropped by 9% from just three years earlier, the biggest drop in at least a decade. The authors of the study did not give a reason for the drop, but The New York Times suggests that factors like a shortage of affordable housing, a shift to work-from-home or hybrid work environments, and the desire for more parks and open spaces were at work.

However, that is not to say that it is impossible or inadvisable to raise children in New York. Between the parks, museums, and schools, the city offers incredible advantages. And while New Yorkers live in smaller homes than most other Americans, these homes can still be family-friendly. This article examines considerations all new and expectant parents should take before buying or renting in New York City, and presents a selection of listings with room to grow and ample storage space.

Access to an elevator

Even if you're young, fit, and determined to carry your child until they start walking on their own, you'll likely want to live in an elevator building. Carrying a child, stroller, diaper bag, and groceries up five flights of stairs in a walk-up only seems viable to most New Yorkers until they have done it.

Full service

Children love doormen, and why wouldn't they? Who doesn't want to get high-fived on the way home from school or soccer practice? But that's not why expecting parents should consider renting or buying in a doorman building. Having children means you'll be coming and going from your building many times a day, often with a lot of gear and packages. An attended lobby with another set of eyes minding all your packages and family members can make life much easier.

Amenities

If you don't have children, you may have little need for a community room. If you have a preschooler and are preparing to host ten other preschoolers and their parents in your living room, even the dingiest community room may suddenly take on the aura of a luxury amenity. If you have children, there are going to be playdates, birthday parties, and other special events that require you to open up private space on a fairly regular basis. If you're living in a small New York City apartment, the ability to host guests without cramming everyone into your actual apartment is a huge bonus.

Music room at 11 Hoyt

20 NYC condos with amazing children's playrooms to spark imagination

Undersea-inspired playroom at 200E20th (Douglas Elliman)

Noise policies

Different buildings are more family-friendly than others. If you're thinking about having a child or already having one on the way, ensure you move into a building with a relaxed attitude about noise. After all, you don’t want to end up living above a curmudgeon who can't handle the pitter-patter of little footsteps or occasional cry.

Room to grow

While an infant might fit nicely into a bassinet in the corner of your bedroom, and a toddler or young child may be happy to live in a dining nook flexed into a second bedroom, that's not a permanent solution: Children will need more space and privacy as they grow up. If you're already expecting or planning to have or adopt one more children in the near future, leave room to grow, even if it's simply buying a larger flat that can be creatively and legally flexed down the line.

Safety

Thankfully, most New York City neighborhoods are relatively safe, but once you have children, your sense of what "safe" means may shift. Likewise, once you have children, everything from fire escapes to loose electrical sockets will become a hazard. Take time to carefully assess your neighborhood, building, and unit with an eye to living there with someone too young to know what is and is not a hazard.

Parks

Until children reach middle school, trips to the playground tend to be a daily ritual. As a result, access to a safe local park is essential. If you don't already have children, get to know the neighborhood and ask about park access. It may not be on your radar yet, but it will be soon.

Not a scene from a public park, but the lush grounds of Lincoln Towers on the Upper West Side (Douglas Elliman)

Schools

New York City public elementary school placements are nearly always based on your school zone, which is determined by your home address. Middle schools and even high school placements also are generally based on your school district. If you are opting for the public system and care about the reputation and quality of your child's school, it is important to consider the quality of local schools before renting or buying. In fact, even if you don't have a child yet but plan to have one soon, especially if you're buying, you'll want to consider whether the local schools meet your expectations.

Neighborhood services and walk score

From social events to after-school activities to medical appointments, it is easy for parents of young children to spend several hours a day bringing their children to birthday parties, sports practices, music and art lessons, and doctor and dentist appointments. Living in a service-rich neighborhood where nearly everything is within walking distance can have a huge impact on one's time and one's sanity.

Storage

Babies and toddlers may be tiny, but this doesn't mean they don't take up a lot of space. From the "gear" (strollers, car seats, scooters, tricycles, and the list goes on and on) to all those little outfits, shoes, and toys they seem to be constantly needing, wanting, and outgrowing, small people tend to have a large footprint on one’s living space. If you're a minimalist at heart and don't want to adopt the aesthetic of a daycare, you'll want to live in an apartment with generous closet space or a building with private storage.

Two-beds and larger with generous storage space

126 Washington Avenue, #TH
$4,995,000

Clinton Hill | Townhouse | 4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths | 3,921 ft²

126 Washington Avenue, #TH (Nest Seekers LLC)

From the Listing: Following an exquisite renovation and rooftop extension, 126 Washington Avenue is the most extraordinary trophy property built for grand entertaining, casual day-to-day living, and everything in between. Arched windows and a bold cornice punctuate a timeless redbrick facade. The home spans five floors with 4 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, 2 powder rooms, and a central staircase that winds around a hanging garden. See floor plan and full details here.

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449 Bergen Street, #TH
$3,395,000 (-3%)

Park Slope | Townhouse | 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 3,674 ft²

449 Bergen Street, #TH (Compass)

From the Listing: Nestled on a vibrant, tree-lined block in prime Park Slope, this 25-foot-wide townhouse offers a seamless blend of original character and modern living. As you enter the parlor floor, you're greeted by soaring ceilings, beautiful original details, and an abundance of natural light flooding in through the oversized, south-facing windows. The gracious living room flows into the dining area and sleek kitchen, creating an open, airy space perfect for both casual living and formal entertaining. See floor plan and full details here.

Avery, #14N
$2,165,000 (-9.8%)

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,350 ft²

Avery, #14N (Nest Seekers LLC)

From the Listing: As you step foot into the gracious entry foyer, you'll immediately be drawn through the long gallery and into the show-stopping living room. This open and airy space features coveted south and west corner exposures that offer light, sky, and Hudson River views all day long, including gorgeous sunsets from your separate dining alcove. The windowed kitchen features a pass-through for easy conversation when entertaining and is replete with top-of-the-line appliances. See floor plan and full details here.

315 West End Avenue, #5C
$1,949,000 (-3.8%)

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

315 West End Avenue, #5C (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Spacious three-bed's entrance foyer leads to generously proportioned living/dining room facing north. There is a large, adjacent primary bedroom with double north/west exposures, renovated marble en-suite bath and large walk-in closet. The windowed, renovated chef's kitchen is outfitted with Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Bosch stainless steel appliances and abundant storage. See floor plan and full details here.

450 West 23rd Street, #E
$1,899,000 (-2.6%)

Chelsea | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths

450 West 23rd Street, #E (Compass)

From the Listing: Located on the top two floors of a well-maintained co-op, you will discover this fully renovated two-bedroom home which has been re-imagined to include custom details and smart design solutions throughout. Enter the main floor living area and find well-crafted built-in cabinetry with wine refrigerator, wood-burning fireplace with custom mantel and beautiful, impressively tall barreled and tray ceilings. Ascend the interior wood staircase to the second floor sleeping quarters, and go up one more set of stairs to your, quiet oasis, the sunny south-facing private roof deck. See floor plan and full details here.

No. 45E7, #4A
$1,895,000 (-5%)

East Village | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 927 ft²

No. 45E7, #4A (Compass)

From the Listing: Sun-drenched, south-facing two-bedroom, two-bathroom condominium in the vibrant East Village offers luxurious finishes throughout. Oversized seven-foot European picture windows fill this beautiful home with radiant light, enhancing the inviting open-plan layout that connects the kitchen, living, and dining areas. The modern kitchen features a premium Miele appliance package. A private seventy-five-square-foot balcony is situated just across the hall, and a dedicated storage unit is included with the sale. See floor plan and full details here.

158 East 22nd Street, #4
$1,825,000 (-5.2%)

Gramercy Park | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

158 East 22nd Street, #4 (Compass)

From the Listing: This beautifully renovated two-bedroom, two-bathroom duplex ticks every wish list item with loft-like proportions, designer finishes, two private outdoor spaces and an ideal location in the heart of Gramercy Park. A gracious entry flanked by a coat closet ushers you into the spacious living room, perfect for relaxing and entertaining alongside the warm wood-burning fireplace. See floor plan and full details here.

515 East 11th Street, #A3
$1,800,000 (-7.7%)

East Village | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,261 ft²

515 East 11th Street, #A3 (Compass)

From the Listing: This bright, airy home features three comfortable bedrooms and two updated bathrooms in a friendly rowhouse building. Enter through your private entrance to find a sunlit space with both southern and northern exposures, offering lovely views of gardens and bustling streets. The open kitchen is a chef's dream, equipped with a gas Viking range, Viking microwave, and stainless steel finishes, perfect for entertaining. See floor plan and full details here.

658 Washington Avenue, #2
$1,795,000 (-10%)

Prospect Heights | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,340 ft²

658 Washington Avenue, #2 (Nest Seekers LLC)

From the Listing: Introducing this brand-new, corner condo with sun-drenched interiors and a prime Prospect Heights address. Residents are greeted by a grand open-concept living room, dining room, and kitchen with engineered white oak floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, concealed Daikin split system A/C, and airy 11-foot ceilings. Just off the living area is a private guest room that can easily be used as an office or nursery. Includes private rooftop cabana with a 220V hook-up for an electric BBQ. See floor plan and full details here.

Houston Place Condominium, #5C
$1,745,000 (-2.8%)

East Village | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,086 ft²

Houston Place Condominium, #5C (Compass)

From the Listing: Step into luxury living in this meticulously renovated loft-style penthouse! The custom chef's kitchen seamlessly opens to an expansive living/dining room featuring two western exposures, high ceilings, recessed gallery lighting, a gas fireplace, and oak and poplar built-ins. Ascend the spiral staircase to the second-floor den with a skylight and sliding glass doors leading to a mint condition private rooftop terrace. See floor plan and full details here.

175W95, #19G
$1,725,000 (-5.5%)

Broadway Corridor | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 962 ft²

175W95, #19G (Compass)

From the Listing: This beautifully designed two-bedroom offers wide open views to the east and north including limited Central Park views. The living room features a wall of windows with dual exposures and a 111-square-foot private balcony. A brand-new finish package includes gorgeous wide plank white oak floors, brushed chrome hardware, and a dual Bosch washer/dryer. Sponsor unit - no board approval. See floor plan and full details here.

360 East 72nd Street, #A1410
$1,715,000 (-2%)

Lenox Hill | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

360 East 72nd Street, #A1410 (Elegran LLC)

From the Listing: This sprawling high floor home with north and east exposures giving you great light in every room, features a gracious entrance foyer that opens to an expansive living room with a corner balcony that is perfect for entertaining. Off the living room is a windowed dining area that can be converted into a spacious third bedroom, office or den. The windowed kitchen can easily accommodate a counter with stools or table and can be opened up to give a great kitchen dining experience. See floor plan and full details here.

Novo, #11B
$1,699,999 (-3.1%)

Park Slope | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,173 ft²

Novo, #11B (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: This airy, bright, home at Novo features an open living plan with two private balconies offering spectacular views and sunsets. Highlights include floor to ceiling oversized windows, oak hardwood floors throughout, washer/dryer in unit, amazing closet space, and PTAC systems for heating and cooling needs. An open corner living-dining room illuminated by walls of glass affords a perfect backdrop for relaxing or entertaining. A 25-year tax abatement is in place until June 2033. See floor plan and full details here.

Kips Bay Towers, #4C
$1,650,000

Gramercy Park | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

Kips Bay Towers, #4C (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: This meticulously gut-renovated home at the highly sought after Kips Bay Towers Condominium is a true standout, offering a level of design and craftsmanship rarely seen on the market. The condo features a state-of-the-art, open kitchen with a 9-foot island that has both under counter cabinetry and built in outlets. The bright, sunny and spacious living room overlooks the condominium's three acre private park, offering serenity, greenery, and quiet! See floor plan and full details here.

The Crystal House, #1201/1202
$1,600,000 (-5.6%)

Gramercy Park | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

The Crystal House, #1201/1202 (Serhant)

From the Listing: Southwest and northeast exposure are combined in this expansive 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom corner unit at Crystal House. The open living and dining area is framed by large windows with open city views, creating a bright, airy vibe. The kitchen is large enough for a chef and a sous chef, and provides plenty of counter space and storage. Each bedroom is generously sized, offering plenty of closet space throughout, so storage is never an issue. See floor plan and full details here.

The New York Towers, #18C
$1,585,000 (-3.9%)

Gramercy Park | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,200 ft²

The New York Towers, #18C (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: This high-floor unit has gorgeous sunlight throughout the day and inviting sunsets in the evening welcoming you to this spacious two-bed with your private terrace. Enter through the gracious entryway and foyer, which can be used as a gallery, and immediately be greeted with an expansive main space comprising a living room, a dedicated dining, and a galley kitchen which allows for generous living and entertaining. Thermostatically controlled air conditioning and heating as well as cooking gas are included in the monthly maintenance. See floor plan and full details here.

Carriage House, #14A
$1,549,000 (-6.1%)

Yorkville | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,044 ft²

Carriage House, #14A (Level Group Inc)

From the Listing: This triple mint condo with a balcony features an extraordinary new and meticulous renovation. The welcoming foyer leads to a spacious and luminous living room with a large dining area and an open kitchen filled with natural light pouring in from the south facing oversized windows. Both bedrooms have oversized south facing windows adorned with beautiful roman shades. See floor plan and full details here.

210 West 19th Street, #1G
$1,525,000 (-23.6%)

Chelsea | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,300 ft²

210 West 19th Street, #1G (Compass)

From the Listing: Experience the epitome of upscale living in this meticulously redesigned 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom duplex with a den and breathtaking outdoor sanctuary, nestled in the heart of Chelsea. The upper level unveils a chef's dream kitchen and an ample dining area, offering seamless access to your private landscaped garden oasis. Descending to the lower level, you'll find a spacious den, equipped with a stylish bar and an additional Sub-Zero wine refrigerator. Luxury amenities abound, including ample storage solutions, and central A/C for optimal comfort. See floor plan and full details here.

Lincoln Towers, #17M
$1,500,000 (-6.3%)

Lincoln Center | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

Lincoln Towers, #17M (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Perched on the 17th floor, this light-filled, corner two-bed with private balcony offers sweeping eastern views over the city skyline by day and a twinkling city landscape by night. The expansive 26-foot living and dining space is flooded with natural light from four oversized east-facing windows. A sunny oversized gracious living area with a separate large windowed dining alcove which is perfect for entertaining. Monthly maintenance includes all utilities (gas, electric, heat, and water). See floor plan and full details here.

35 West 90th Street, #2AB
$1,495,000 (-6.3%)

Central Park West | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

35 West 90th Street, #2AB (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Bathed in southern light, this lovely home offers the rare charm of pre-war architecture with tasteful, thoughtful modern updates throughout. Enter through a welcoming foyer - a quiet moment of arrival - with two generous closets for coats and everyday essentials, gently transitioning to the sun-filled living and dining room just beyond. The newly updated kitchen is a cook's delight, with a four-burner vented Wolf gas stove and oven, quartz countertops and backsplash, and a cheerful breakfast bar. See floor plan and full details here.

670 West End Avenue, #4A
$1,450,000 (-7.9%)

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

670 West End Avenue, #4A (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Enter this tranquil classic five through an elegant foyer flanked by a large living room and a formal dining room with a pass through to the windowed kitchen. The original layout and prewar features including two sets of French doors, high beamed ceilings, classic molding and hardwood floors with border trim are all preserved. A walk-in cedar closet, six additional closets, and a dedicated basement locker provide abundant storage. See floor plan and full details here.

177 East 77th Street, #3B
$1,350,000 (-3.5%)

Lenox Hill | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath | 1,057 ft²

177 East 77th Street, #3B (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Beautifully renovated two-bed features a large entry gallery, a bright, south-facing exposure, and gorgeous prewar details, including herringbone hardwood floors, beamed ceilings, and classic molding. The windowed kitchen has an abundance of cabinet storage, stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. A separate dining area is perfect for entertaining. See floor plan and full details here.

Lumina, #8A
$1,195,000 (-10.5%)

South Slope - Greenwood Heights | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 911 ft²

Lumina, #8A (Daniel Gale of Brooklyn LLC)

From the Listing: Stepping into this thoughtfully designed home, you’ll immediately appreciate an open-concept layout that combines the living room, dining area, and kitchen, all framed by south-west facing UV blocking, floor-to-ceiling windows that bathe the space in natural light. The contemporary kitchen is equipped with premium Fisher & Paykel appliances, custom cabinetry, and a spacious island with marble countertop. A transparent wrap-around terrace with panoramic skyline views will make you feel as if you’re floating amongst the city lights. See floor plan and full details here.

330 East 70th Street, #4EF
$1,095,000 (-4.8%)

Lenox Hill | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

330 East 70th Street, #4EF (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: A seamless combination of two apartments has created an expansive and meticulously designed convertible three-bedroom residence, featuring top-of-the-line finishes throughout. The chef's kitchen is a dream, complete with stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and a granite breakfast bar that opens to the spacious living area. See floor plan and full details here.

Would you like to tour any of these properties?

This is your member's center

In this article:

Access to an elevator

Full service

Amenities

20 NYC condos with amazing children's playrooms to spark imagination

Noise policies

Room to grow

Safety

Parks

Schools

Neighborhood services and walk score

Storage

Two-beds and larger with generous storage space

126 Washington Avenue, #TH
$4,995,000

Select which properties are of interest to you:

449 Bergen Street, #TH
$3,395,000 (-3%)

Avery, #14N
$2,165,000 (-9.8%)

315 West End Avenue, #5C
$1,949,000 (-3.8%)

450 West 23rd Street, #E
$1,899,000 (-2.6%)

No. 45E7, #4A
$1,895,000 (-5%)

158 East 22nd Street, #4
$1,825,000 (-5.2%)

515 East 11th Street, #A3
$1,800,000 (-7.7%)

658 Washington Avenue, #2
$1,795,000 (-10%)

Houston Place Condominium, #5C
$1,745,000 (-2.8%)

175W95, #19G
$1,725,000 (-5.5%)

360 East 72nd Street, #A1410
$1,715,000 (-2%)

Novo, #11B
$1,699,999 (-3.1%)

Kips Bay Towers, #4C
$1,650,000

The Crystal House, #1201/1202
$1,600,000 (-5.6%)

The New York Towers, #18C
$1,585,000 (-3.9%)

Carriage House, #14A
$1,549,000 (-6.1%)

210 West 19th Street, #1G
$1,525,000 (-23.6%)

Lincoln Towers, #17M
$1,500,000 (-6.3%)

35 West 90th Street, #2AB
$1,495,000 (-6.3%)

670 West End Avenue, #4A
$1,450,000 (-7.9%)

177 East 77th Street, #3B
$1,350,000 (-3.5%)

Lumina, #8A
$1,195,000 (-10.5%)

330 East 70th Street, #4EF
$1,095,000 (-4.8%)

This is your member's center

In this article:

Access to an elevator

Full service

Amenities

Noise policies

Room to grow

Safety

Parks

Schools

Neighborhood services and walk score

Storage

Two-beds and larger with generous storage space

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Listings in this article

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