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520 East 81st Street
Last updated on Feb 7, 2026

The Salem House,
520 East 81st Street

The Salem House is a 12-story condominium with 163 units and amenities including a roof deck, superintendent, garage, and laundry room. Located at 520 East 81st Street, it is pet-friendly and close to parks, transportation, and notable landmarks. Currently, 2 apartments are for sale.

520 East 81st Street Location Map
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Overview of The Salem House at 520 East 81st Street

The Salem House, located at 520 East 81st Street, is a 12-story post-war condominium building constructed in 1964 and converted from rental units in 1980. The red-brick structure contains 163 units and is situated on a quiet, tree-lined block between York Avenue and East End Avenue in Manhattan's Upper East Side.

The building offers a range of apartment configurations, from alcove studios to one-bedroom units. Many apartments feature separate kitchens, hardwood floors, and ample closet space. A notable characteristic across units is the presence of large windows providing natural light, with views varying by exposure. The building's studios are particularly well-designed, with deep alcoves that can be partitioned for privacy.

Residents enjoy full-service amenities including 24-hour doorman service, a live-in superintendent, central laundry facilities, and an on-site garage. The building's landscaped roof deck offers panoramic views of the city and East River. The Salem House maintains a pet policy allowing one dog up to 35 pounds per unit with condo approval.

The location provides convenient access to several neighborhood amenities including Carl Schurz Park, Gracie Mansion, and the East River Promenade. While not immediately proximate to major subway lines, transportation options include the Q train and several bus routes, including crosstown service on 79th Street. The area is well-served by various shops, restaurants, and cultural institutions.

Doorman
Full Time
Type
Condo
Year Built
1964
Converted: 1980
Apartments
Floors
12
Pets: Allowed
Neighborhood
Min Down
10%

Amenities

  • FT Doorman
  • Full Service Garage
  • Rooftop Terrace
  • Washer/Dryer in building
  • Elevator
  • Outdoor Entertainment Space
  • Bike Room
  • Live-In Superintendent
  • Terraces / Balconies
{ "key" : "AIzaSyDquABdSLhathmwfnoTcYwA1BY6coZZyZk", "lat": 40.77197, "lng": -73.94832, "marker": { "icon": "https://img3.cityrealty.com/neo/i/w/amenities/base.png" } }

Pros & Cons

  • Doorman
  • 24-hour doorman service
  • Sidewalk landscaping
  • Canopied entrance
  • Near Carl Schurz Park, East River Promenade, and cultural institutions
  • Convenient cross-town bus service
  • Landscaped roof deck with panoramic city views
  • Pet-friendly building (one dog up to 35 lbs allowed)
  • Generous closet space in units
  • Low monthly common charges and taxes
  • No health club
  • No balconies

CityRealty Rating

15
/44
Architecture
+
21
/36
Location
+
9
/39
Features
=
45
CITYREALTY
RATING
  • How is the CityRealty Rating calculated?

    Architecture
    • 30+ remarkable
    • 20-29 distinguished
    • 11-19 average
    • < 11 below average
    Location
    • 27+ remarkable
    • 18-26 distinguished
    • 9-17 average
    • < 9 below average
    Features
    • 22+ remarkable
    • 16-21 distinguished
    • 9-15 average
    • < 9 below average

Broker & Buyer Comments

This "well-managed" residential building east of York Avenue offers "budget-friendly" common charges and taxes, while providing "round-the-clock" doorman service. The "peaceful" residential block location and limited owner parking add to its appeal, though management response times can be "unhurried." A solid choice for those seeking doorman service without excessive fees.

Sales Summary

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Sales History by Apartment Size

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