How many floors up to avoid Subway Noise?

I mean, if you're 10-15 floors up you probably won't notice any rumble. But it is all dependent on the exact construction of both the subway and the building. And remember -- there are so many other kinds of noise, and noise is a tradeoff vs all the other factors in selecting a place, so I don't think there is any apartment you should skip viewing because of worrying about subway noise. Just go!

I've lived on the "4th floor " that was really a third floor of a 1960s building over the broadway line downtown and it was barely perceptible and really only with the windows open. But I agree that a lot of this depends on the building, the line and your sensitivity to noise. I wouldn't worry about it above the 4th floor myself.

I'm on the 15th floor of a 1960s concrete building and get no physical rumble (vibration) , but do get some audible noise via the windows (which are pretty high quality, but not new). Mostly I don't notice it unless it's very quiet. But it's trivial compared to the rest of the street noise (sirens, horns, garbage trucks, etc.).

Don't buy this apartment: it is pretty much IN the subway:
http://streeteasy.com/building/200-mercer-street-new_york/1g

Don't buy this apartment: it is pretty much IN the subway:
http://streeteasy.com/building/200-mercer-street-new_york/1g

I would avoid all apartments directly above a subway line. It doesn't matter how high up. You will hear it and feel it. I lived in one and ended up leaving it because of noise.