The Rich and Their Manhattan Havens
Manhattan, the heart of New York City, is a metropolis known for its glamour, high cost of living, and homes that are magnets for the uber-wealthy. For those with extraordinary wealth, the neighborhood of Billionaire's Row stands out. This exclusive enclave is home to some of the most expensive real estate in the world, with condos costing upwards of 200 million dollars.
Billionaire's Row: Luxury Redefined
Billionaire's Row is a stretch of luxury high-rises stretching mostly south of Central Park, including the lower blocks of Central Park West and Fifth Avenue, as well as Park Avenue around 57th Street. Condos in these towers can cost upwards of 200 million, a testament to the taste and means of the elites who call them home. It's not just the prices that set these buildings apart, but the sheer number of properties owned by individual billionaires. For instance, Michael Bloomberg, with his vast fortune, owns at least seven properties, two of which are in Manhattan, and one in the Hamptons. Some of the foreign condo owners on Billionaire's Row have never even visited their properties, considering them more as investments or for tax purposes.
Scattered Wealth: A City of Riches
While the clusters of super-rich are most visible along Billionaire's Row, the upper echelons of wealth are spread throughout Manhattan. The Upper East Side and the Upper West Side are home to "old money" spots, known for their grand parks and opulent homes. However, the Lower East and West Sides cater to a younger, wealthier crowd, including celebrated celebrities and financial whizzes from Wall Street. Downtown Manhattan, particularly Greenwich Village, is another hotspot, famous for its artistic and eclectic vibe.
Expensive Living: A Global Standard
No matter where one is in Manhattan, the cost of living is high. The Upper East and Upper West Sides, which boast stunning views of Central Park, are particularly pricey, reflecting their historical and architectural significance. But even areas outside of the traditional luxury zones, such as near the Hudson River or in the outer boroughs like Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island, can command staggering prices. For those with vast resources, there are high-rises, exclusive condominiums, and opulent waterfront estates that make these neighborhoods livable.
Some of the elite, however, prefer to live in more secluded spots, like Scarsdale, a wealthy suburb north of Manhattan, where they can have space and quiet. Park Avenue and the surrounding areas, such as Sutton Place and Central Park West, are other favorite haunts, known for their luxury buildings and doorstep amenities like door managers.
For the rest, living in Manhattan may mean converting a small apartment into a larger space with additional rooms, splitting the rent with roommates, or opting for shared spaces with flexible layouts. In a penthouse apartment, which still has rats, one might be better off with a mansion on the water in Florida, suggesting that money can't always buy the perfect living conditions.
Living in Manhattan is more than just a financial status symbol; it's a lifestyle that combines luxury, exclusivity, and sometimes, the very basics of comfortable living. The rich in Manhattan find their havens in various neighborhoods, all offering their unique balance of glamour and demand for high-end living.