The Upper East Side is characterized by its classic architecture, tree-lined streets, and proximity to Central Park. While those attributes have given the neighborhood a rather expensive reputation, there are still deals to be found. Take our Deal of the Week, 236 E. 78th St. #4C, located in the Lenox Hill neighborhood. The Upper East Side 1-bedroom is bursting at the seams with quaint details. Plus, it’s centrally located in a lovely prewar building.

The Price: $395,000

This charming and cheerful Upper East Side 1- bedroom is a huge deal — literally! The median asking price for an apartment on the Upper East Side was $1.6 million as of May 2021, according to the StreetEasy Data Dashboard. That puts our Deal of the Week at about a quarter of the asking price for the neighborhood!

Buyers who go with the 20% minimum down payment of $79,000 can expect to see monthly payments of $2,286. The total includes a mortgage payment of $1,315 and a maintenance fee of $971.

Why You’ll Love It…

We’ve got to talk about this home’s aesthetics. All 400 square feet of this apartment are decked out in original details, like the picture molding on the walls, the windowed doors, and the fabulous high ceilings. Hardwood floors in the living areas and black and white tile in the bathroom are perfectly classic. And here’s a nice bonus: a built-in cabinet in the bedroom doubles as a closet.

The living area has enough space for living room and dining room furniture and is well-lit thanks to an extra-wide window. The kitchen is separated through a doorway and includes the basics: cabinetry, fridge, and a four-burner stove. Past the kitchen is the bathroom flooded with natural light thanks to a super tall window with a ledge, perfect for houseplants, candles, or your expansive skincare collection. The shower stall is lined with subway tile, offering a timeless look.

Enter the bright and roomy bedroom. It’s big enough for a queen-sized bed and some additional furniture.

This unit is located in a prewar building with a pet-friendly policy and a bike room. Plus, it can be leased out from the first day of ownership, making it a prime choice for investors. The building is located just a few long blocks away from Central Park, and along the way, you will find restaurants, bars, and cafes. It’s also near both the 6 and the Q trains — not to mention Museum Mile. You’ll indeed be in the center of the action!

… And Why You Might Not

Of course, every place has its flaws. This unit is located on the fourth floor of a six-floor walk-up building. Plus, at 400 square feet, it’s definitely on the smaller side. The kitchen and bathroom are a bit outdated and could use a bit of a refresh (hello, dishwasher!). There’s also no laundry in the building, but there are plenty of laundromats nearby. Still, in this neighborhood at this price point, this place is worth keeping on your list.

Check out the listing at 236 E. 78th St. #4C, listed by Guido Pompilj of Vivaldi Real Estate.