Photo-Illustration: Curbed; Photo: Alan Lerner Realty
For under a million dollars, one can find all sorts of housing configurations: park- and subway-adjacent studios, one-bedrooms hidden in carriage houses or former shoe factories, and even the occasional true two-bedroom. We’re combing the market for particularly spacious, nicely renovated, or otherwise worth-a-look apartments at various six-digit price points.
We ask ourselves this question about once a month, and now we’ll put it to the rest of you: Riverdale? It’s far, yes. It’s sleepy, yes. But we have lost track of how many times people with two kids and hybrid jobs have asked where they can afford some space in the city. It’s Riverdale. Two- and three-bedrooms still trade there for under $500,000. Johnson Avenue is cute. The 1 is unforgivably bad, but the hourish express-bus ride into midtown is luxurious. There are also so many outdoor pools? This week, we’re focusing on two-bed, two-baths (or bigger).
640 West 237th Street 5D
As shown in this listing photo, the living room of this two-bedroom condo has multiple exposures to let in lots of natural light.
Photo: Alan Lerner Realty
The Solaria — what a name. This two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo is windowed like crazy with treeline views that could be digital but we also kind of believe. The open layout makes the apartment’s nearly 1,500 square feet feel even bigger, and the placement of the bedrooms, at opposite ends of the unit (along with its use of “solid core doors”), is ideal. The kitchen’s appliances are unnamed but “high end,” per the listing, which also refers to the cabinetry as a “sexy” cherry wood. Amenities include a full-time doorman and concierge, fitness center, playroom, lounge, and an “amazing panoramic roof-deck.” Also visible from your panoramic roof-deck: the express bus that stops at the corner.
3755 Henry Hudson Parkway 14A
As shown in this listing photo, this three-bedroom co-op has a large kitchen island that can be used as a dining area.
Photo: Compass
The use of penthouse here might be a bit suspect, but it is a lovely top-floor unit. Kitchen size rivals something in Westchester, with an island big enough to use as a dining table, and adding to its pseudo-suburban charm is an in-unit washer and dryer. The main bedroom is also a roomy 22 feet long with a walk-in closet and a double-vanity sink in the en suite. Maintenance is a bit ouch at just over $1,980 (with a $177 assessment fee tacked on), but the building is trying to make it worth your while: There’s a 24-hour doorman, a gym, a library, a conference room, and a playroom.
5601 Riverdale Avenue, 4O
As shown in this listing photo, this four-bedroom co-op has a spacious living and dining area.
Photo: Trebach Realty
Corner-unit alert. Also a four-bedroom — no bed-size closets here, it seems. Speaking of closets, the apartment has eight of them. This co-op has a balcony large enough to do some gardening, or you could just head to Wave Hill, which is tantalizingly close. (Ride your bike there in less than five minutes like some kind of nature god.) The kitchen looks updated with quartz countertops, “undercounter lighting,” and Liebherr and GE appliances. Bring your pets! Maintenance is a bit high again at more than $2,000 a month, but maybe two laundry rooms is worth the price of entry to you.
3601 Johnson Avenue 6H
As shown in this listing photo, one of the bedrooms in this two-bedroom co-op is spacious and has multiple exposures.
Photo: Douglas Elliman
Another top-floor corner unit, this time in Spuyten Duyvil. An apartment we appreciate for looking like an apartment! We also appreciate a $1,022 monthly maintenance fee. A sunken living room and a kitchen you could possibly leave alone — those lights are charming! There’s also a dishwasher. This one is south- and east-facing, so you get the sunrise and the good light all day long. Bicycle storage for your rides to Wave Hill — or Van Cortlandt Park, if you prefer.