Many thanks, Truth...My humor (or at least my stabs attempting it) pretty much keep me going.

Yes, I'm enjoying my 50s...or do I only THINK I am, because the dreaded "D" word is announcing its [premature] arrival?!? If that's the case, it may be a very good natural anesthetic to shield one from the "truth" (sorry-couldn't resist THAT one!)

In any case, I'll do my best to walk proud...if I can only muster the strength to do so...Oy... Is there still a stool (the kind you sit on) at The Townhouse?

It's alternative definition is already there, as referenced in my 1st loggorhea earlier today.

And people wonder why this board is "dead". The OP asked a simple question, and it is shameful the way some of the posters have responded.

Cruzemore: you must understand, you have some disaffected posters here who are waiting for the equivalent of some financial Armageddon in order to pick up prime manhattan real estate at pennies on the dollar (they are likely living in their parents' basement. In Hoboken or one of four people sharing a one bedroom. Also, these same posters are hoping for a mass exodus of retiring peeps from manhattan (struggling due to financial reversals). It is plain inter-generational conflict. So, you a 50 something moving IN TO manhattan disrupts their plans occupy the space you are seeking. It is the equivalent of asking a famine-starved community where is the best restaurant to eat in town.

So, with that in mind, welcome to NYC. It is a GREAT place for empty nesters (and also retirees). You are wise to rent first, you can purchase after you confirm that the lifestyle is what you are seeking. With all that said, you can't go wrong with the east side, 50s, 60s and 70s. Pick a street, not an avenue: the avenue traffic is considerably louder.

Welcome to NYC!

Similar situation here just slightly older. Definitely will not be renting though, that seems like a hassle for finding two places, moving twice, etc. Well be spending more time in the city though looking.
Problem we feel with upper east is unless you are on 5th or Park, you are too far away from greenery, plus even though your area could be busy, it isn't busy-vibrant like Lincoln Center for one example. Trying to be in the middle of activity, not the rat race.

Actually, much around Lincoln Center feels very much like the rat race - super crowded, narrow sidewalks,
lots of big box, chain stores. Then again, what feels "busy-vibrant" to one can feel "dirty, chaotic" to another. As they say "different strokes for different folks"

"Trying to be in the middle of activity, not the rat race."

You've been to Manhattan before, right?

You're new to NYC? Honestly, you should not buy. You should choose a neighborhood you think you will like, and rent for a year.

If you are new to NYC, you will have many surprises in your first year. Traffic noise drifting up through your windows, ice cream trucks who won't shut their music off, a subway station that's closed due to construction.

Get some experience of New York City living under your belt, then make the big decision on where to buy.

Best, GG

Truth: Not a bad suggestion-but let me tell you-it's been a VERY long time!!!

For today, just the AC & ANY cold drink.

Hope you, yours & everyone else here are staying as cool as they can (so please...no fighting & arguing today-ya'll hear? THANKS!)

We are in the same age bracket and situation. Much more fun and convenient living downtown.. Gramercy park, union square Chelsea especially if you want your children to visit you. It's a blast.

Truth: Good idea!

Alanhart: A VERY good idea!

Thanks caraldo1. We are definitely going to do some looking in a lot of the areas and think about what is going to be good for us, but also those that want to come and visit. My wife is really thinking the Clinton/Hells Kitchen area might be a good place to concentrate.

Your wife is wrong. Stay out of Hell's Kitchen.

Matt, what could possibly be wrong with Hell's Kitchen? The only problem is limited subway access if you are too far from the E/C at 8th and 50th (and you WANT to be west of 8th) or to all the trains at Columbus Circle. Otherwise HK is a great neighborhood with old and new housing options and lots of neighborhood and a few "destination" restaurants plus easy access to theater and proximity to Central Park. You may not like it if you are homophobic, but in that case you shouldn't move to New York and have other issues to solve. But assuming you and your wife are decent human beings, Hell's Kitchen is a great place to live.

We too came here as empty nesters three years ago and leased in Gramercy for a year to acclimate ourselves to the real estate market. With more than a little help and advice from this board, we bought a coop in Sutton Place and couldn't be happier. The neighborhood restaurant scene is growing, Whole Foods is opening, and we can easily walk anywhere.

"Matt, what could possibly be wrong with Hell's Kitchen?"

Tourists. Tourists. Oh yes, and the tourists.

Not to mention the insanity wrought by the density of bars that attract all the drunken 20-somethings, and the putrid smell of the garbage from the concentration of restaurants.

It's NOISE and FILTH 24/7.

Listen to rosina. Sutton Place is perfect for civilized 50-somethings.

OP here's a great test if you're in the right neighborhood for your age range and onward. Order a couple dishes at the local diners, chicken a la king or beef goulash are staples and will do fine. As long as you can swallow without chewing, you are set to go. Good luck!

We ruled out HK perhaps because we remember the old days. It is still nice to visit theaters though.
Sutton Place has its merits.

Sutton Place area is great for empty nesters. Good restaurants,lots of medical facilities and easy access to everything via the 3 bus lines that cross the area. We moved here 3 years ago, and could not be more pleased with the area. Some apartments have great views, and the prices are reasonable.

lots of medical facilities in sutton place - good point. This is something that hasnt figured in nabe tiering yet.