Does anyone know about this building? It's in Chelsea, an area I'm looking to buy in. I met the agent who lives in the building and has most of the listings. He told me that for a 400 sq. ft. studio (tiny) with an asking price of $550,000, one needs 4 times the amount of the asking price in liquid assets to be able to buy into the building. Can this be true or did he just not like me. I've heard real estate in Manhattan is difficult, but this seems preposterous, because it's not exactly a Fifth Avenue building. Please give me your thoughts.

I think the problem is that I have a lot of cash (just sold an expensive apartment in San Francisco), but my only income is from social security. That makes me look bad, but with a high bank account, I would have thought that would not have mattered. Also, it's a very GAY building, and since I'm 66, maybe they think I don't fit in. Very disappointed because I would have loved to purchase that apartment: tiny, but magnificent view. Should I ask again? I HATE rejection..................... And thank you all for your comments. New Yorkers are the best, which is why I want to move from San Francisco. It's beautiful here, but we have no theater. I hope you all know how lucky you are to be living in the greatest city in the world. I'm not trying to brag, but I've lived in Rome, Barcelona, London, Amsterdam and Munich, and New York is absolutely the best.

Riccardo: You sold an expensive apt in San Francisco and you are afraid that you have too much cash? Is it under your mattress?
Aren't you getting a return from that money somewhere?

Thank you, all, for taking the time to respond. Sounds like one obstacle after another. Perhaps I should consider renting???? If landlord's were to see a large amount in the bank and stocks and bonds, would they reject me as well???? I'm afraid living in New York is just a magnificent dream....................

E24 and lad, thank you so much. That makes my dream seem more attainable. I'll be really honest here: social securiy equals $36k, and yearly from IRA is $24K. On top of that, I would have even 10 years in liquid assets for maintenance. I'm sure I would qualify for rental of a studio. You know, I don't need a lot of space: that tiny studio at 300 w 23rd was really cute, and I could see myself living there. The thing I LOVED was there was a subway right under the building, the crosstown across the street, and the M10 (?) which took me up 8th Avenue to the theaters. My last two days there I found you could take the subway only 3 stops, and voila! you were at 50th, closs to all theaters. I'm coming back for 2 weeks in July and would love to meet with an agent. Any suggestions????? Someone honest and nice??????

Riccardo: you sure do love N.Y. and you will be so happy living here.

I must have said something wrong: the yearly income is correct, but the IRA and sale of my apartment here is over $1 million. Perhaps I indicated that I had ONLY enough for 10 years in maintenance, but there's a lot more in the bank. Is that still poor in Manhattan? Senior housing is not for me. Your comment is somewhat disrespectful. I wonder how much YOU have in liquid assets, apartment boy.................

Thanks for the reality check. Could you recommend a place to look for rent? I would like an alcove studio with a nice city view. Doesn't have to be in Chelsea, as I said, that place is full of all the pretty boys with no brains: not for me and I'm DEFINITELY not for them. Are there other areas close to the Theater District that are charming? Tudor City I've heard about. Would you recommend renting there? I could definitely walk to the theater disrict. And thank you so much, every one, for your help. This is why I want to live in New York.....................

Thanks, kyle.
see, Riccardo? Take it step by step. You love N.Y. so much you want a place to live and be happy. Good for you that you don't ask for much because you also enjoy the best things in N.Y. that are free (or almost free).

Wow, I just can't believe the time and thought you all put into these responses. They are extremely helpful. You know, after the theater (as I said, last visit I saw 10 shows in 11 days!!!!!!), I frequently ended up on quaint little places on 9th avenue, close to the theaters. That must be Hells Kitchen? I LOVED it. As you all indicated, very gay, but gays interested in the theater or getting into it, so lots of good people to converse with, involved in the arts and very intelligent. And I felt NO discrimination regarding my age. Now, can anyone suggest where I start looking. I am in a agreement that I should look for a rental, but I have a lot of bautiful furniture, so unfurnished would be better. Can someone recommend an agent who knows that area? Again and again, thanks for your time in responding to a perfect stranger. I'm telling you, it is very different here in Califoornia.

Thank you all, again, for your kindness and helpfulness. I did some research and find that area to be very promising. Does anyone know why it is sometimes called Clinton? Is that to soften the name of Hell's Kitchen? Also, front_porch, might you be able to help me with a search for a rental (even though I still prefer to buy)??????

If you say yes, I'll look you up on the internet so we can talk in person.

I'm going to start a new thread, so again, thanks to everyone: I feel I've gotten quite an education from all of you.

Hi Ali: I'm rushing to an appointment, so must be brief. I'm delighted to have found an expert who is willing to help. Based on the recommendations here, I located two buildings, 430 and 433 West 34th. They had very generous layouts, particularly the more modern one, and although I kinow the front apartments would be hideously noisy (my taxi driver always brings me up that tunnel and I see all the signs about honking horns), the back ones were beautiful and had gorgeous views. I know the area isn't chic or hip, but might that be a good place to start???? Rentals there are very cheap.....................

If you liked it Riccardo, you can rent it without ali. If you wait to see more you may find something you like better.
Look in some other neighborhoods. Also look at the block around the building at night. See if you feel safe.

The rents in that building are low because of their location over on the west side.

Dear Truth: Is that a bad area? I stayed in the New Yorker at 34th and 8th, and it was really sleazy, but didn't seem dangerous at all. I guess I'm spoiled by 300 west 23rd because of its location and all the transportation. At 433 west 34th, I'd have the crosstown, right? And is a subway near? Although I'm 66, I walk fast and am very fit, so I'm not usually afraid of people and I keep my distance. Still, I find New Yorkers so very friendly -- on the subway, in the park, on the street, people talk to you and I love that. Here in San Francisco, people are not so friendly and generally keep to themselves, and have little cliques.

Riccardo:
Back in the bad old days the areas closest to the river on the west side were not safe.
Manhattan has changed a lot since then. It's not the most desirable area but some are perfectly happy living there.

The N.Y.C. transit system is wonderful as you know.
We have "local" buses that stop around every few blocks and "Limited" buses that stop only at the cross-town transfer locations. "Limited" buses usually have an orange sign in the front window: "LIMITED".
Those buses run on crosstown routes, which are river-to-river, east-to-west side. Also uptown and downtown. If you are going North, we say: "Uptown" , for South: "Downtown".
The dividing point between East Side and West side is Fifth Ave. (from the Village up to Central Park) at Central Park, the park itself is the dividing point.

The cross-town 34th Street buses are now on a trial program called "Select buses", where you must first go to the machines on the sidewalk next to the bus-stop signs and dip your MetroCard into it and get a little white receipt out of the machine. Then you can enter those buses through any door -- BUT HANG ON TO THAT LITTLE WHITE RECEIPT! because it's ridership on the honor system. If Transit inspectors board the bus at any stop for a receipt check of all passengers-- and you don't show it to them, it's a $125. fine. Just hang on to it until you leave the bus and are walking away on the sidewalk (the inspectors are also stationed outside the bus doors and check for the white receipt when passengers depart the bus.)

If you transfer to a cross-town bus from an uptown or downtown bus,( and vice-versa) you must use your metro card again at the machine on the sidewalk near the bus-stop. The white receipt will have "Transfer" on it. Hold onto it as you ride and have it ready in case of inspectors.

Regular non-SELECT buses are boarded at the front bus door with your metro card or coins (exact fare)
as payment. A transfer will automatically be credited to your metro card and when you dip it in the next bus, the bus meter will read: "Transfer". If you pay with coins, you must ask the driver for "a transfer". Use the transfer the same way as a metro card at the next bus. You don't need to dip your metro card again.

Those Select buses are also running uptown on First Ave. and downtown on Second Ave., they may be all around the city one day. The Select buses have a blue sign on top of the front bus window: "SELECT".

You can go online to check the various bus routes. The crosstown buses run on Canal Street, Houston St., 8th st.,14thst., 23rd st., 34th st. (that's your crosstown bus), 42nd st., 49th/50th st., 57th st., 68th st., 72nd st., 86th st., and more uptown.

I suggest the Lexington Ave.#103 bus (the buses are identified by numbers , also found on the bus signs on front of bus.) On some lines there are more than one bus route. The #103 goes all the way down to City Hall and there's good sightseeing on it. The other Lexington Ave. buses are the #101 and #102 which follow the same route but only go as far as the East Village to their last stop, right outside Cooper Union. The Fifth Ave. and Broadway buses are also good for sightseeing.

I don't take the subway, although it's nicer than in the bad old days.I prefer the bus and take extra time to get where I'm going. There is a subway on 8th ave., I believe. (other se folks will correct me if there is one more nearer you to the west.)

People are friendly in N.Y. just be cautious as you would in any big city known for tourism. There are bad guys out there who will try to scam you out of , well, just about anything. So be aware of who is talking to you and don't fall for any hard-luck stories about needing money.

also Riccardo:
I'd like to suggest that you join some Broadway-related charities such as The Actors Fund. You can go online for info. They hold very nice events throughout the year including shows and after-parties for members only in the Theater District. Tickets are tax deductable.
You will find friendly people there ( fans and actors, Broadway theater musicians) that share your interests.
You can root for them at the Central Park softball fields when they play ( a very big N.Y.C. thing. Broadway actors from each show form teams and play against each other, law firms play against other law firms, you get the picture).

and get membership at the great museums. Their benefit parties are wonderful. Go to museum art lectures.
Check out Cooper Union for N.Y. architectural history lectures. Walking tours are also offered. (check the New School and architectural groups such as the Art Deco Society for more.)

Don't miss Bette Midler's annual Hulaween Ball. It's the most fun charity benefit event of the year, IMO.

Dear Truth: I can't believe you went to all the trouble of educating me on these important New York necessities. I'd love to email you apart from this site, if possible, so all the others won't be bothered by the things that they already know. I hope it's not prohibited, but I'd like to give you my email and I'd love to hear from you, if you care to: riccascio@comcast.net.

Again, thank for all the useful information. As I believe I told you, I love the buses, but obviously the subways are great if one is in a hurry. I wondered why they wouldn't let me on the 34th street bus!!!!! Now I know! Have a great Memorial Day!!!!!

Love, Riccardo

LOL, Riccardo!
Will e-mail you.

Ottawa: The discussion boards are powered by whisky these days and so you just hit the reply button 6 times wondering what the bikes and doughnuts were up to.

Ottawa is correct -- it's not the most desirable -- that area around Port Authority is the last hold-out of sleaze in the area.

Relax, West34.
I said some people are perfectly happy living there you are obviously one of them.
The fact is that the area north of Port Authority is nicer in terms of what Riccardo likes to do.
He can walk to the theater (and home) without passing Port Authority.
He can walk to Central Park.

The point is that he hasn't looked at that many apts and wanted to know if that area is a good place to start.
If he doesn't find something he likes better he can return to look at that apt or another in the area.

Riccardo has had a wonderful career in the Arts.
His enthusiasium for N.Y.C. and his decision to live here has provided us with insight into a non-jaded, non-cynical newcomer to the se discussion boards.
His questions have been polite and his appreciation for Manhattan and those of us who have given tips on his apt hunt, is delightful.

He has been doing research of his own and also enjoys chatting with the se commenters.

kyle is indeed so patient and informative. Others on this thread have also given advice without complaint.
He is welcome to share our little corner of cyberspace.

So, all of you with your wonderful comments and suggestions, my research shows what I initially thought: I want and WILL live at 300 west 23rd. With the sale of my apartment, and with an increased monthly (income) distribution from my 401(k), I can, indeed, afford to live there. 400 sq. ft. is a stetch, and makes the word "downsizing" a reality beyond words. But standing at my stove, cooking chicken scarpariello looking at the magnificent Empire State Building, and knowing that I can catch the C or E and be at the theater district in 2 minutes says it all. And I don't know if you guys know (sure you do): on every street corner in Chelsea, there are vendors with carts selling the most beautiful fruit and vegetables immaginable: artichokes, cauliflower, manilla mangoes, and the list goes on. I wish I could shake everyone's hands. And believe it or not, you WILL see me on Broadway (in bit parts, but that's cool).

Love and good energy to you all. Truth especially.

another satisfied customer!

"Manhattan Mini Storage". For those who need to downsize but have items they want/must keep.

Thanks everyone. I agree that the price is ridiculous. The only thing I really like about that apartment is the view and the sleeping area. The agent told me there are two lines of studios where combining two closets is possible to create a sleeping area. The current renos for that apartment: I hate them. The apartment currently looks iike an office, not a comfy living space. I have met a friend who will let me stay indefinitely at his place in Penn South across the street, so I can wait until a more affordable place opens up at 300 w 23rd. I've looked and looked, and I just LOVE that location and the transportation.

Finally, I made the mistake of giving out my email address, and now I have two people writing me telling me they are "truth." I trust neither, so I am blocking both from my personal email: please, don't waste my time or yours. There are so many lovely people who have given their time and thought to my search. I thank you all who have been sincere.

Riccardo

Hey NYCMatt: Can you help me with a strategy? Should I contact the broker via email and say that I want to present an offer? I don't know how New York works, but here in SF, banks look at comps (comparables) to determine whether the property is really worth the asking price. But since I'm paying all cash, does that make a difference? I've looked extensively via this site, and I don't see anything (other than the D line, which is considerably larger than the other lines) over $400K. But maybe I should be more flexible and look at other lines. I noted the J, L, and C lines, which eiher have a 4th window or the possibility of cretaing the sleeping area. But I don't know what they view. A nice city view, even without the Empire State Building, would be lovely. In fact, I see that a lot of them sold for the mid 300K, not even one for the mid-400K. Should I just put in the low offer and see what the owner thinks? It would seem that she is not very motivated since it's been on the market for a long time.

Thanks for your help.

I e-mailed Riccardo early in the morning before the imposters contacted him.

There is only one Truth.
I also e-mailed the most recent newspaper column which has an item about Levon Helm and it quotes me by name.
That is the same name that Riccardo received e-mail from.
That column was e-mailed to me from The Post, to my e-mail address.

Riccardo was warned that others might try to claim they are Truth.

huntersburg: Who do you think the imposters are?

Please, whoever you are, leave me alone. That's all I ask. Others have been forthright. Please don't ruin my impression of New Yorkers. I will certainly NEVER give out personal information. I should have learned this by now, but I'm old.

Thanks everyone else.

They thought they would get to Riccardo before I had the chance to e-mail him.
I happened to be up early: 8:43am is early for me. 9:am is early and 11:04am is early.

So it didn't work. The drunken losers that post comments here (and those who "left" but continue to post comments under other names) are making fools of themselves again.

Beware of "truth"; I think she/he is a fraud......................

Sorry you had to find out the hard way. She's a nut job.