The Lower East Side was once home to factories and endless rows of tenement buildings. While it’s certainly changed over the years, the neighborhood retains much of its old charm. Many tenements are still around, now converted into rental units, while numerous luxury buildings have gone up as well. The median rent for the nabe is $3,120, according to the StreetEasy Data Dashboard. Here, StreetEasy editors hand-pick a selection of the best Lower East Side rentals on the market now, from a quaint studio to a luxury penthouse. Take your pick!

Price $5,995
Space 2 beds, 1 bath
Neighborhood Lower East Side
Borough Manhattan

Just look at that corner wall of windows! It’s no wonder this luxe penthouse is one of the top Lower East Side rentals on the market right now. It boasts two king-size bedrooms in addition to a loft above the living area. The open concept pairs perfectly with those floor-to-ceiling windows, which offer great city views. And there’s also a big balcony, to enjoy those views from the other side of the glass. Listed by Kierstin Kolle of Streetwise NYC.

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Price $4,000
Space 3 beds, 1 bath
Neighborhood Lower East Side

We stay on Essex Street for this 3-bedroom beauty. Grab a couple roomies and the rent here would be about $1,300 each — well below the neighborhood median. The renovated unit has vintage features, like exposed brick and wooden windowsills. But it also has pops of modernity, like the bathroom’s heated floor and the washer/dryer in the sleek kitchen. Listed by Eli Deitsch and Joe Safdie of Safdie Realty Group.

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Lower East Side Rentals Under $3,500 on StreetEasy Article continues below

Price $2,699
Space 2 beds, 1 bath
Neighborhood Lower East Side

Here’s a 2BR right near Sara D. Roosevelt Park, one of the few green spaces in the nabe. The two bedrooms are on opposite ends of the unit for maximum privacy, and the spa-like bathroom feels luxurious, largely thanks to a big standing shower with glass doors. Rent is net-effective based on three months free. Listed by Ariel Soudry and Sander Bromberg of Better Living Properties Management.

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Price $2,750
Space 1 bed, 1 bath
Neighborhood Lower East Side
Borough Manhattan

A stylish wall of frosted glass separates this Lower East Side rental’s king-size bedroom from its spacious living area and kitchen. Exposed brick and light wood trim create a timeless look throughout the apartment. Also timeless? A stainless steel dishwasher in the newly updated kitchen. Convenience never goes out of style. Listed by Michael Segerman of Dynamik Realty.

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Downtown Rentals Under $3,500 on StreetEasy Article continues below

Price $2,100
Space 1 bed, 1 bath
Neighborhood Lower East Side

This renovated 1BR has universal appeal, with French doors, built-in shelving and dark hardwood floors. A nook in the living room makes the perfect spot for a work-from-home setup. It also has a prime location on Chrystie Street between Hester and Grand, surrounded by restaurants and directly across the street from Sara D. Roosevelt Park. Listed by Michelle Wu of Triplemint.

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Price $1,750
Space Studio, 1 bath
Neighborhood Lower East Side

Last but not least is this cute Allen Street studio, which makes great use of its space. An angled archway separates the eat-in kitchen from the super-sunny living and sleeping area, elevating this unit over typical one-open-room studios. There are even windows in the bathroom and kitchen, too. And while this is a walkup building, the apartment is only one flight up. Listed by the Nolita Group.

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