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

Upper West Side

41 West 86th Street

$2,885 No Fee

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1

Turtle Bay

321 East 43rd Street

$2,853 No Fee

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East Harlem

2211 Third Avenue

$2,654 No Fee

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South Harlem

251 West 117th Street

$2,995 No Fee

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1

Upper West Side

240 West 73rd Street

$3,000 No Fee

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Upper West Side

740 West End Avenue

$2,928 No Fee

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East Village

231 East 4th Street

$2,995 No Fee

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Central Harlem

69 East 125th Street

$2,841 No Fee

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Hell’s Kitchen

408 West 57th Street

$3,000 No Fee

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Fort George

4650 Broadway

$2,863 No Fee

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Manhattan Valley

485 Central Park West

$3,000 No Fee

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Upper West Side

166 West 75th Street

$2,833 No Fee

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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

Crown Heights

948 Bergen Street

$2,795 No Fee

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Prospect Lefferts Gardens

317 Winthrop Avenue

$2,575 No Fee

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Flatbush

123 Linden Boulevard

$2,800 No Fee

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Flatbush

123 Linden Boulevard

$2,563 No Fee

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Flatbush

123 Linden Boulevard

$2,544 No Fee

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Flatbush

123 Linden Boulevard

$2,535 No Fee

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Prospect Lefferts Gardens

224 Hawthorne Street

$2,600 No Fee

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Flatbush

1503 Nostrand Avenue

$2,500 No Fee

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Flatbush

160 Clarkson Avenue

$2,669 No Fee

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Flatbush

160 Clarkson Avenue

$2,542 No Fee

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Ditmas Park

1111 Foster Avenue

$2,768 No Fee

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Crown Heights

931 Carroll Street

$2,700 No Fee

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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.