There’s a reason why the Upper West Side is featured so heavily in media, from Seinfeld to Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building. Its truly a picturesque neighborhood with convenient access to parks, transit, and some of the best eateries in the city. But with all that luxury comes a high price tag. Luckily, we found a deal: 44 W. 96th St. #4D. Our Deal of the Week is a pre-war, one-bedroom apartment featuring charming details and an updated kitchen – all less than one block from Central Park!

The Price: $550,000

The median asking price for a home on the Upper West Side was $1.8 million this February according to the StreetEasy Data Dashboard. That makes our Deal of the Week less than a third of the median asking price for the neighborhood!

Buyers who stick with the 20% minimum down payment of $110,000 can expect to see monthly payments of $3,420. This includes a mortgage payment of $2,301 and a maintenance fee of $1,119. Plus, it’s less than the median asking rent on the Upper West Side of $4,000 per month.

Why You’ll Love It…

Upon entering this unit through its extra-long gallery, you’ll be welcomed by tall ceilings and stunning hardwood floors. At the end of the foyer is the living room, complete with corner built-ins that can hold a TV or act as storage.

The renovated kitchen’s breakfast bar is semi-open to the living room, providing a perfect spot to eat or get work done. The windowed kitchen is also decked out with stainless steel appliances, including a dishwasher!

Just down the hall are the entrances to the bathroom and bedroom. In addition to accommodating a king-sized bed, the bedroom features both southern and western exposures for maximum light.

So much of what we love about this unit is actually outside the unit. It’s located in a pre-war elevator building that’s pet-friendly and offers both bike storage and a laundry room. Not to mention the tranquil rooftop deck! Best of all, the building is situated just feet from the B and C trains at 96th Street, as well as a major entrance to Central Park. Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods are both nearby on Columbus Avenue.

… And Why You Might Not

Unfortunately, the apartment doesn’t have a lot of storage space. There’s only one closet in the bedroom and the built-in storage in the living room. Plus, the place is on the smaller side, meaning there’s no room for a dining set – the breakfast bar will have to act as your main dining area. Lastly, the bathroom is a little outdated and doesn’t have a ton of storage, either.

But for this price and location, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better deal on the Upper West Side!

Check out the listing at 44 W. 96th St. #4D, listed by John Antretter and Brigitte Pays of Triplemint.