A NYC doorman keeps a vigilant eye on the building and the neighborhood. Source: Timothy Krause via Flickr Creative Commons.

The debate over whether or not to live in a building with a doorman is one for the ages. Passionate discussions  have taken place on StreetEasy’s message boards and we all have our preferences. Let’s explore some of the pros and cons of living in a NYC doorman building.

The Pros of a Doorman Building

Luxury service: A doorman is a luxury. Having someone who opens the door for you and greets you at the concierge desk is associated with living in a full-service building. Want to judge a building by the first impression you get? Start with the doorman and concierge service in the lobby.

Deliveries: With online shopping taking over, buildings are receiving deliveries on a regular basis. Having a doorman will ensure your package gets accepted without you having to wait at home for UPS.

Keeping strangers out and keeping you safe: Don’t want unexpected visitors wandering the hallways of your building, or loitering outside? A doorman is a sure bet to keep unexpected guests out of the building and away from your front door. A doorman also keeps track of people coming and going, and will get a good sense if illicit activities are taking place.

Preventing illegal alterations: In a doorman building, a contractor won’t be able to easily get into an apartment to start a construction project that hasn’t been approved by management. Illegal alterations could damage the unit under construction as well as surrounding units.

Se Manhattan Rentals With Doormen Under $3,000 a Month Article continues below

Financial District

1 Wall Street Court

$2,998 No Fee

Studio |

1

Lenox Hill

399 East 72nd Street

$2,995 No Fee

Studio |

1

East Village

338 East 14th Street

$2,829 No Fee

1 |

1

Murray Hill

288 Lexington Avenue

$2,950 No Fee

Studio |

1

Yorkville

319 East 93rd Street

$2,895 No Fee

1 |

1

Financial District

3 Hanover Square

$3,000 No Fee

Studio |

1

East Harlem

215 East 124th Street

$2,875 No Fee

1 |

1

Lenox Hill

399 East 72nd Street

$2,850 No Fee

Studio |

1

Lenox Hill

326 East 74th Street

$2,995 No Fee

Studio |

1

Hell’s Kitchen

325 West 45th Street

$2,999 No Fee

Studio |

1

Financial District

90 John Street

$3,000 No Fee

Studio |

1

Financial District

90 Washington Street

$2,965 No Fee

Studio |

1

The Cons of a Doorman Building

Privacy: Maybe you’re a private person and don’t want someone knowing the ins and outs of your personal life. In a doorman building, the doormen will get to know your routine and see the people with whom you keep close company. You might not like that.

Gossip: In any doorman building, some residents will become extra chatty with the doormen — maybe even confide in them. While you would hope that doormen will keep a tight lid on everything they hear and see, they might share some things with other residents. This could make them sources of gossip, which may be harmless but could turn toxic in a hurry.

Cost: A doorman is not a free luxury. You’ll pay for a doorman as part of your rent or your building maintenance fees. Also, you’ll need to tip them during the holidays. Don’t want to tip them? You could then land on their bad side.

The Pros of a No-Doorman Building

Lower cost: Without a doorman, expect your rent or common charges to be lower than in a building with a doorman. With those savings, maybe you can afford more space, or just save money.

Privacy: Come and go as you please. Invite whomever you please. Do whatever you please, whenever you please. You won’t be bothered by anyone, unless of course your activities start raising a red flag with your neighbors. Then you may be hearing from management.

See Brooklyn Rentals With Doormen Under $2,800 Article continues below

Midwood

1792 Ocean Avenue

$2,429 No Fee

1 |

1

Windsor Terrace

829 Greenwood Avenue

$2,769 No Fee

1 |

1

Williamsburg

185 Havemeyer Street

$2,550 No Fee

Studio |

1

Crown Heights

1010 Pacific Street

$2,775 No Fee

1 |

1

Crown Heights

931 Carroll Street

$2,658 No Fee

1 |

1

Bushwick

668 Bushwick Avenue

$2,778 No Fee

1 |

1

Prospect Park South

50 East Tenth Street

$2,550 No Fee

Studio |

1

Flatbush

840 New York Avenue

$2,600 No Fee

1 |

1

Flatbush

157 Erasmus Street

$2,645 No Fee

1 |

1

Flatbush

123 Linden Boulevard

$2,585 No Fee

Studio |

1

Crown Heights

931 Carroll Street

$2,700 No Fee

1 |

1

Stuyvesant Heights

874 Willoughby Avenue

$2,700 No Fee

1 |

1

The Cons of a No-Doorman Building

Delivery problems: People who live in buildings without a doorman likely won’t have anyone present during the work day to sign for their packages. While the majority of smaller items can easily be sent to one’s place of work, it becomes much more challenging for larger shipments. Expect to miss some days at the office while you’re sitting at home waiting for that delivery.

Nobody nearby to communicate with about issues: Have an issue with your apartment? Maybe a clogged pipe or something not working with the AC? You would probably mention those issues to the doorman, who would in turn mention any issues to management or the superintendent. Without a doorman, you’ll need to rely on making phone calls and sending follow-up emails to the super or manager.

Safety: It would be absurd to claim that doorman buildings are always safer than no doorman buildings. However, a doorman certainly helps keep out people who shouldn’t be there.

Overall

So which is it going to be — doorman or no? Remember that the choice you make today doesn’t need to be the choice you make next year. Celebrities often have to compromise full service for privacy when living in a city like New York. I recommend trying out both choices and seeing what better suits your style.