320 e 42 street--midtown east

Tudor City, you can't beat it for convenience to midtown. If you're familiar with Tudor City, it's an enclave in the middle of midtown, you could do worse. Surprised there are so many apartments, probably lots of very small units, good for single professionals working in the areas.

See http://nyre.cul.columbia.edu/projects/view/17673#images

It's almost all small studios, with a few one- and two-bedrooms on the 19th-32nd floors. The four corner studios had little kitchens, and the rest had kitchenettes-in-a-closet.

There were originally more than 500 apartments, so must be quite a few combos.

thanks for the replies. the view from the studio 16th floor was fantastic and the southern exposure gave the illusion of a much bigger space, so much light. i prefer the upper east side for a 24/7 neighborhood but i must say the studio i saw was appealing even if small. (no views of other buildings and of course the fire escapes many buildings further east have) this area did not seem to have the upper east side feel so on weekends what's there to do and my concern for the expense of such a big building, the maintenance and real estate taxes.

"my concern for the expense of such a big building, the maintenance and real estate taxes."

Just the opposite, all expenses are being shared by 500 owners, taxes and maintenance should be low.

The neighborhood is quiet on weekends, but you are only a 10 minute taxi away from the Upper East Side or the Village (15 or 20 minutes by bus). It's also great to be within walking distance of the theater district and all the great stores in midtown. If you work within walking distance of the building that's a definite plus.

I looked at 6 apartments in this building last Sunday. They were all unique, amazing views, kind of quirky and whispering "it's time to buy, time to buy, take out your wallet".

I also looked at many others in Tudor city with jaw dropping views of the river, the 59th Street Bridge (Koch, if you will), and the Chrysler building. I saw one that had views of all. I have to say, there was one apartment that stole my heart, BUT I kept feeling that I was looking at the city with this jaw-dropping view, but I wasn't actually IN the city. I worry it's too isloated and I will miss the UES. I'm going to the area tomorrow to get a sense of it at night. I was not able to find a comparable apartment for price on the UES.

BUT SOMEONE ON THIS SITE TOLD ME "LOVE THE NEIGHBORHOOD OR LOVE THE APARTMENT" and I think in Tudor City I would love the apartment.

thanks for your "view" on tudor........last week i went to see the 320 e 42 studio....the view was just staggering and i too had that whisper.........especially after an UES walk up and an elevator fire-escape open house overlooking the alley. ...so your...."love the neighborhood or love the apartment" has many complexities to it. the UES walk up was okay, didn't love it, but price okay and mtc really low and the area near the river and the park and cafes ..bustling, interesting, familiar. mid-town....now that was unique....to see nyc without even having to leave the apt., a vintage building, ..a totally new perspective for me....and could be an adventure, totally new venue to explore........interesting...still keeps me caught....

i also might have to add "love the bus to the UES." or get out the bicycle..(they say they have bike storage but a wait list at 320 e 42 perhaps not so at 5 tudor) i would enjoy hearing your feel for it at night, as i seem to be re--reviewing the whole visceral east river from actually walking along carl schulz park to this "new experiencing" from a "room with a view" and the quietness of the area with possibly (tourists?)

i have some to look at on sunday at 5 tudor city. the mtc seems lower than the 320 e 42. 5 tudor seems to have over 700 units.

Before you fall in love, ask people who live there about the management, the laundry rooms, pets and other quality of life issues. I have friends who have fled.

What were the issues that caused them to flee?

The studios I saw in 320 e 42 were very special...vintage, unique, adventurous, yes. I agree it is very complex, but "love the neighborhood or love the apartment" helped me get to a place mentally...that I will not get everything I want if I don't have a million grams of gold. (and maybe not even then)

I looked in 5 Tudor Place also. Keep in mind, there is an amazing view from some apartments in this building... of the East River, inclusive of the Pepsi-cola sign, there is also a sign that announces "Long Island", I don't remember seeing that before, and some of the Bridges. BUT you will notice a huge empty lot right below you and I was told by a broker that if they tell you they are not building there, they are lying. Sure enough, they told me they would not be building there and the guy seemed desperate. There will be a high-rise building there eventually, and there is a legal battle going on and when they win, there will be construction. And GOODBYE view. Reminded me of the 111 Fourth Ave building and NYU stealing the panormaic views. ruthless.

There is a park north of that ...the one the UN tried to claim, and they lost, and it doesn't look like that's going anywhere. And then North of that is the UN building which looks like it's having work done.

Also, I was told...the only Tudor City building with a land lease is 2 Tudor City, the only post-war building, and I think it is near 100 years.

Lastly, I think the west facing views of the city are breathtaking. Corner apartments even better. (and those casement windows!) Regarding management, I did see varying degrees of maintenance in the various builings, ie, doormen, lobby, hallways, etc. And the increasing maintenance seemed commensurate with increasing quality. But there is always more to know.

The feel at night is similar...its own neighborhood. The new construction is said to bring restaurants, etc. But you are 2 blocks from Grand Central, to where the LIRR is digging. And my favorite pub is in walking distance. So, it's still on the list. Good Luck! And please give a report on what you see...

i was disappointed at 5 tudor, especially when i was advised the parking lot below one studio was going to be developed and one studio with a view of the east river also overlooked a large empty lot below and perhaps would also be developed. eastern exposure has a different feel to it. the studios i looked at seemed a bit worn or the layout was just bland and the overall feel of the building, getting off the elevator onto the green carpeted hallways and getting lost trying to find the studio, felt like being in a hotel. one studio unfortunately faced the other exterior part of the building, high floor, had possibility but the lack of light was disappointing. the area was quaint and people were out and about with everything in bloom. benches to sit to look at the river. pets allowed at 5 tudor at least. sort of more residential feel. i still like the 320 e 42, southern exposure, but maintenance higher than i would want. i did get the UES bus and the change in the energy. everyone i talked to though liked tudor but many worked in the area.

Was looking at some units in this building. A poster mentioned management issues - not sure what it means. Any body have more specific info? Thanks