rsd v. cpw

257 cpw is $180,000 more expensive ($1,679,000 vs. $1,499,00), and the maintenance is $270 per month more ($2,504 vs. $2,234). They both are about the same size (2 bed 2 bath) and 257 cpw is 1300 sq. ft. and 5 rsd is 1250 sq. 5 rsd is 34% financing and 257 cpw is 50% financing. They are both nice neighborhoods so it depends which of those areas and apartments you prefer.

I am always biased towards river views, so if it were me, I'd choose 5 RSD hands-down. I also like how light and bright 13c is--the CPW unit tilts north so would likely feel darker. The layout of 13c is also pretty good, especially since it looks like you could use the foyer/gallery space as a dining area.

It's hard to tell which unit is in better condition, but I'd guess from the photos that the CPW unit is relatively newly renovated. Of course, their style may not be yours, so you'd have to factor in alterations if that's the case.

You might be interested in the following article by Noah at Urban Digs about views--it is really something to consider when comparing these two properties (no question that 5 RSD easily wins on that front).

http://www.urbandigs.com/2008/04/the_importance_of_views.html

And do you factor in the complete schlep to the subway or any transportation from RSD...yes gorgeous views but I'd take CPW any day of the week. You're smack in the middle of everything ...walking a tiny bit to all. Gorgeous River views for sure...ease in the city CPW!

Leslie, you may be confusing Riverside Drive with Riverside Boulevard.

5RSD is half an east-west block from WEA, then another long block to Broadway and the 72nd St express station. There're stores and restaurants at 72nd and WEA, and on the rest of that block to Broadway.

I'd say that's pretty much an ideal location.

257CPW, on the other hand, is 2.5 east-west blocks from Broadway. 86th street doesn't have much in the way of stores on the first block. The train is closer, though, if you happen to want the C/E local.

And as bramstar points out, a full-on river view beats a side park view.

I'll take 5 RSD, and it isn't close.
- Much better layout (look at the position of the 2nd bath at 257CPW).
- Much better views (really not River vs. CP; it's direct River vs. 262 CPW side CP).
- Works better for a family of four, based on room size/layout and school catchment;
- Building feels more like a home than a converted hotel.
- Location is a wash: 257 is central and has the subway downstairs; 5 has Fairway/Trader Joe's/Citarella (and a great bike shop) vs. Gristede's.

257 probably has an edge on condition and kitchen space, though the reno appears to pre-date the 2007 sale. 257 would be a good downsizer; I just think it has narrower appeal.

Sorry I meant 5 rsd is 66% financing

I'm a view person too, but I'm also a person who lives in a building from the era of 257.

257 would be better suited for the way a lot of people live, because the bigger and more open kitchen flow creates a very easy-to-use public space. The built-ins in the MBR are not to my taste, but that's an easy correction. The W/D is nice. It has better closets (your utility closet for 5 is where, exactly?) and it's also a nice touch to have the double sinks in the master.

To go slightly off-topic, I wonder about the use of social media to do "A vs. B" threads concerning any but the most easy-going co-operatives. If I were trying to get into a 50% down building, I would plead that it was my first choice, and I wouldn't want to have any electronic records to the contrary.

I'd be interested in hearing what board members think about this issue, whether they agree or whether I'm just a big ol' paranoid.

ali r.
DG Neary Realty

Not cofusing anything at all. Been a NY'er for over 25 years. Lived on 1st on East side, CPW, thoght about River Side Drive...walk the walk the walk all the time with and without kids...it's a personal preference. Good luck on whatever you decide. CPW wins hands down for me. Regards....Leslie and completely not confused about where things are in NYC.

Leslie, sorry, my own preference blinded me to the idea that anybody'd prefer 86th & CPW over 73rd & RSD (everything else being equal.)

CPW does offer a better walk through the park to midtown, and I suppose other advantages.

I am normally a "view" person but 257 looks significantly larger with a better layout, has a washer/dryer (a huge plus), and instant access to my favorite park.

Ali, good point about being consistent in the "I've always loved your building the most" story to the board. Do you see more board members googling/ACRIS'ing people? I get the feeling it's more common but don't really know, having learned a long time ago that discussing it -- with the inference that you've checked *them* out -- can be a bad idea.

I concur with West 81st. Riverside hands down.

-- Feels more like a HOME more than a converted hotel (or one of those "corporate" residences).
-- Layout, light, and views much better than the CPW apt.
-- CPW has that dreadful "kitchen in the living room" thing going on.
-- It's not THAT much of schlep to the subway, and the line you're closest to (1) runs more frequently and is more reliable than the B/C.

I would, however, get permission for a washer and dryer in writing IN THE CONTRACT. $1.5 million and no washer/dryer is a dead deal as far as I'm concerned.

NWT, we have seen two deals die because of Facebook -- one a rental, one a sale (neither my deal). I haven't heard of a board member using SE, but it doesn't seem like too much of a leap to google your own building.

Please note that the ideas and experience expressed are my own, so I don't want to see them end up on an aggregator site as an "anonymous" good idea.

ali r.
DG Neary Realty

^^ that last not directed at you, NWT, but you know who it is directed at.

ali

"Do you see more board members googling/ACRIS'ing people?"

Board member here. Yes, we Google applicants. Why would we not?

One of the many reasons I bought a condo and not a co-op.

Just out of curiousity, how would an anonymous posting be linked to an applicant?

Not at all, if you're careful. Then again, sometimes people think they're painstaking in covering their tracks, but slip up without knowing it.

Generally, we accumulate lots of little facts about one another over the years, with no intention of doing research, and then one little revelation, one bead dropped, will be definitive in establishing identity. I've done that just a few times, though, so wouldn't say it's frequent.

Anyone like to guestimate at what price these two apartments will trade?