Loft Life: 6 Apartments in New York for a Like-a-Local Stay

“Independent coffee shops, brunch dates, and peaceful local parks, New York life is often more about enjoying the simple things than the big tourist attractions. Yes, Central Park and the major museums are must-sees, but so are the city’s hidden art galleries, gourmet food trucks and intimate jazz bars.

The neighbourhood you choose to stay in plays a part in this – it makes a big difference to the kind of Big Apple you’ll discover during your visit. Experience big city life like a local at one of these New York apartments.

Habitat 101, Brooklyn, NY
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While Williamsburg’s hipster vibe is tempting to tourists wanting to get a taste of Brooklyn life, further north Greenpoint is the up and coming place to be for an authentic local experience. This area is laid back, artsy and has a distinct Polish influence, so expect to eat fresh pierogis accompanied by chilled Polish beers.

On the edge of it all, the loft apartments at Habitat 101 are in a converted warehouse, with exposed brick walls, stripped wooden beams and space to stretch out during an extended stay in New York. From here, you can explore the independent shops and wander to McCarren Park to join locals enjoying the green space and playing ball games.

Sanctuary NYC Retreats, Stanton Street, NY
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To immerse yourself in the local nightlife and foodie scene of one of New York’s trendiest districts, plan a stay at Sanctuary NYC Retreats on the Lower East Side. Once upon a time this area welcomed generations of immigrants who brought with them a tasty mix of cuisines from around the world – which you can reap the benefits of today.

So, while you’ll have a fully equipped kitchen in your suite, you may not need it as being so close to all sorts of restaurants – think Italian meatballs, and Greek goodies – could prove hard to resist. Buy take away and relax in your apartment before a night out – you’re never far from cocktails, live music and dancing.

NYC Townhouse & Private Roof Deck, 74^th Street, NY
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If you’ve got the budget to live like a local on the Upper East Side, then NYC Townhouse & Private Roof Deck has the style to suit and enough space for a large family. This area is the kind of luxurious New York seen in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Sex in the City, with tree-lined avenues, elegant cafes and historic townhouses that are home to some of the city’s wealthiest residents.

Expect doormen manning the marbled lobbies of grandiose apartment blocks and ladies who lunch in designer sunglasses and fine jewellery. Basing yourself on 74^th Street means you’re also within walking distance of the Museum Mile on Fifth Avenue and the attractions of Central Park.

Onefinestay – Upper West Side private homes, NY
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The Upper West Side is a residential neighbourhood with quiet, tree-lined streets housing New York’s affluent young families. It’s exactly how you imagine the city to be, with rows of 19th-century brownstone townhouses and leafy waterfront walks among joggers and baby strollers.

Onefinestay has several New York apartments in varying sizes dotted around the area. Settle in before joining your new neighbours for brunch at one of the artisanal coffee shops or buy a picnic at a local deli to enjoy along the Hudson River. Nightlife here is highbrow compared with other areas, with jazz and classical concerts at the Lincoln Centre, the New York City Ballet and the Metropolitan Opera all within a short walk.

Harlem Garden Apartment, Harlem, NY
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As New York apartments go, the Harlem Garden Apartment is in an excellent spot for seeing daily life in the city. Harlem has a lively atmosphere, friendly locals, and plenty of soul-food restaurants. Despite some gentrification, the area maintains its historic African American identity and is the first choice in New York for late-night jazz sessions.

While the big tourist attractions are also within easy reach, there’s enough to keep you busy in Harlem with The Studio Museum, El Museo del Barrio and the Jazz Museum. At the end of a day’s exploring, retreat to the apartment’s backyard for an alfresco evening drink having already picked up dinner supplies at a local grocery store along the way.

Chelsea West 30^th Street, NY
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With the late-night clubs of Chelsea on one side and Times Square on the other, the apartment at Chelsea West 30^th Street is within easy reach of both fashionable local life and the main tourist attractions. Start by exploring Chelsea’s flea markets and contemporary art scene, then spend your evening sipping cocktails at a prohibition-style speakeasy.

Locals here also enjoy the High Line, a one-and-a-half mile long elevated park that has outdoor art installations as well as views across the district. It’s the perfect route to walk to the food hall at Chelsea Market to fuel your time visiting major sights nearby, like the Empire State Building, shopping at Macy’s and seeing a Broadway show.”