37/Lexington or 54/2nd Ave Better For Living?

37/Lexington is the better location. I used to live at 36/3rd ave, now live on 2nd ave at turtle bay, wouldn't mind moving back to Murray Hill.

The 2nd ave strip in the 50s is ok by itself, but it's small and isolated - third ave is quite commercial, lexington has hotels, and there's not much happening on first. From 37/Lex, you can get to grand central, murray hill, kips bay, union square, and it's all nice and continuous, no dead patches.

Only problem with Murray Hill is a lack of green space. 54th and 2nd is much closer to the Central Park. 50s between 2nd and Park is underrated and offers good value. Better to go as high in the 50s as you can. Night life is much better in Murray Hill area.

I am not a rabid fan of Whole Foods but it's now at 57th/2nd and it really beats the food shopping in Murray Hilk

Green space in Murray Hill is not brilliant... but there's Bryant Park, Madison Square, Union Square not too far away. 54/2nd is closer to Central Park for sure - but not that close.

The whole foods at 57th/2nd is good, but Murray Hill/Kips Bay now has the Trader Joe's on 3rd ave, and the Fairway on 2nd.

Basically, when it comes to green space + groceries, I don't really see a difference. When it comes to overall connectedness with the rest of manhattan, I do.

I vote for the East 50's, you're a short walk to Bed, Bath and Beyond, TJMaxx, The Container Store, Bloomingdales, Home Depot and as mentioned, Whole Foods. Also D'agostino's and Morton Williams on First Avenue. There are several vest pocket parks along the river in the E. 50's, with 57th St. being the most popular, also better access to the Upper East & West Sides. Also check the rush hour traffic on both locations, 37th maybe to close to the Midtown Tunnel. As to appreciation, you're guess is as good as any, it's based on the neighborhood but also the market when you're ready to sell, the particular building, the particular apartment, the price you're paying, and a host of other variables. Buy the apartment and neighborhood you like now and don't worry about future appreciation, if you like what you buy you may be their for many years and no one has a crystal ball. Both neighborhoods are well established and my gut tells me there won't be much difference regarding appreciation. Good luck.