Pre-pandemic, it seemed like the real estate world was all about large-scale projects with over-the-top amenities. Now, for many, finding a place to live revolves around buildings with fewer residents, reduced frequent touchpoints, and more private outdoor space. Walk-ups are suddenly more alluring and in-unit washers and dryers are quickly going from a nice bonus to a must-have. Yes, thanks to COVID-19, the ability to avoid personal interactions has become the most highly sought-after amenity of all. That’s why first-floor apartments — sometimes considered less desirable — are suddenly catching the eyes of home hunters. In fact, they have many more benefits than you might have thought. Here’s everything you need to know.
Brooklyn Rentals Under $3000 on StreetEasyArticle continues below
Flatbush
1675 Nostrand Avenue
$2,495No Fee
2 |
1
Weeksville
1738 Pacific Street
$2,729No Fee
2 |
1
Flatbush
2913 Snyder Avenue
$2,756No Fee
2 |
1
Canarsie
1322 East 87th Street
$2,990No Fee
3 |
1.5
Greenwood
238 26th Street
$2,500No Fee
1 |
1
Flatbush
18 Fairview Place
$2,750No Fee
2 |
1
Bergen Beach
1253 East 69th Street
$2,890No Fee
3 |
1.5
Kensington
4310 18th Avenue
$2,650No Fee
1 |
1
Sheepshead Bay
2001 East Ninth Street
$2,800No Fee
2 |
1
Bushwick
63 Beaver Street
$2,500No Fee
1 |
1
Brighton Beach
363 Neptune Avenue
$2,750No Fee
2 |
2
Ocean Hill
1269 Herkimer Street
$2,800No Fee
2 |
1
What Exactly Is a First-Floor Apartment?
Not all first-floor apartments are created equal! Here are a few things to keep in mind when on the hunt for one.
It might seem like a silly question, but in NYC real estate, nothing is ever straightforward. Like all NYC apartments, first-floor apartments come in all shapes and sizes, some with more benefits than others. Some may face the rear, thus being quieter and more private than street-facing units, and some are even coveted duplexes.
“There are post-war condos, prewar coops, townhouses, and other varieties of structures with charming first-floor apartments,” says Noemi Bitterman of Warburg Realty. “A first-floor apartment overlooking the river in the Beekman area has a very different feel and vibe than a first-floor apartment on 34th and Sixth.”
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Lenox Hill
220 East 60th Street
$3,200No Fee
Studio |
1
Carnegie Hill
160 East 91st Street
$2,500No Fee
Studio |
1
Yorkville
206 East 81st Street
$2,750No Fee
1 |
1
Hamilton Heights
454 West 145th Street
$2,499No Fee
1 |
1
Upper West Side
101 West 77th Street
$2,675No Fee
Studio |
1
Hell’s Kitchen
408 West 48th Street
$2,550No Fee
1 |
1
Hamilton Heights
1760 Amsterdam Avenue
$3,316No Fee
3 |
1
Upper West Side
162 West 75th Street
$3,200No Fee
1 |
1
East Harlem
164 East 112th Street
$3,250No Fee
2 |
1.5
Central Harlem
58 West 129th Street
$3,200No Fee
1 |
1
South Harlem
111 West 113rd Street
$2,950No Fee
1 |
1
South Harlem
2054 Adam C Powell Boulevard
$2,800No Fee
2 |
1
Benefits of First Floor Living
There are a lot of positives to living on the first floor.
Steering clear of elevators: “One perk is that there is no need to share the elevator with other residents,” says Bitterman. “Walking straight into your apartment feels like you are walking into a house.” No buttons to push or squeezing into tight quarters with strangers sounds pretty good these days.
Avoiding stairs: This can be particularly beneficial if someone has mobility issues or small children. “Plus, walking right into your apartment with heavy grocery bags, with no need to wait for an elevator or climb a flight of stairs, is a big plus,” says Bitterman.
Paying less (potentially): In some instances, first-floor apartments are less expensive than other similar units in the same building.
Enjoying cooler summersand even more comfortable winters: Heat rises, which means first-floor apartments tend to be cooler. This can be a major bonus during hot NYC summers. It can be a perk in the winter too if a building provides too much heat.
Having higher ceilings: While it’s not the case for all units, many first-floor apartments have higher ceilings than other units in the building. Says broker Gerard Splendore of Warburg Realty, an owner of two first-floor units: “My experience is that ceiling heights are a bit higher, as the first floor was originally commercial space.” Christopher Totaro of Warburg Realty adds, “One of the benefits of a first-floor apartment, especially downtown, is that you are more likely to find a space with high ceilings. And by high, I mean 14 to 16 feet or more. In my own space, I was actually able to build a second floor.”
Of course, there are some downsides to living in a first-floor apartment too. For example, there’s potential for more street noise and less natural light. But there are usually fixes for those. “Without a doubt, invest in shades that drop from the top, allowing light to enter the apartment while maintaining total indoor privacy,” says Bitterman. “Another tip is to get plants: Putting them on your windowsill can make up for a street view.” When it comes to noise there are plenty of tricks for soundproofing your apartment.
Queens Rentals Under $3000 on StreetEasyArticle continues below
Flushing
39-16 Prince Street
$2,850No Fee
1 |
1
Astoria
30-47 38th Street
$2,700No Fee
1 |
1
Ditmars-Steinway
20-30 26th Street
$1,900No Fee
1 |
1
Astoria
10 Halletts Point
$2,924No Fee
1 |
1
Long Island City
29-28 41st Avenue
$2,800No Fee
Studio |
1
Rockaway All
227 Beach 122nd Street
$1,800No Fee
1 |
1
Sunnyside
48-11 45th Street
$2,695No Fee
2 |
1
Jamaica Hills
83-15 Parsons Boulevard
$1,995No Fee
Studio |
1
Astoria
26-41 3rd Street
$2,799No Fee
Studio |
1
Jamaica Hills
83-15 Parsons Boulevard
$1,885No Fee
Studio |
1
Elmhurst
41-22 75th Street
$3,000No Fee
2 |
1.5
East Elmhurst
24-02 93rd Street
$3,000No Fee
2 |
1
Tips for Picking the Best First-Floor Apartment
Pay attention to the floorplan: “Take careful note of the apartment layout and where it faces,” says Bitterman. To ensure a peaceful night’s sleep, for example, you’ll want the bedrooms to face the rear of the apartment and the common living space to face the street.
Stay away from possible noise: “The unit’s location should be as far as possible from any ‘noise generators,’” says Splendore. These could include a doorman’s desk, elevator, recycling room, package room, mailroom, or lobby seating area where people may congregate. “And if the apartment is too close to the building’s entrance, it could be loud or drafty,” he adds.
Search for an elevated first floor: In some apartments, the technical first floor could be six or seven feet higher than street level. This provides a nice separation from the outside world. A listing description will often note that variance, and you can always ask the broker to clarify.