Popularity Of NYC Pied-A-Terres Demonstrates Less Can Be More

For generations, after every spike in gas prices, Americans dashed out to purchase gas-sipping economy cars, only to revert to garage-sized SUVs once gas prices fell again. Last year’s pandemic-fueled exodus to the suburbs demonstrated short-term thinking isn’t limited to rides, but can also apply just as readily to homes.

According to Uncast, more than 100,000 people fled their homes in Manhattan during the 2020 Covid pandemic, many seeking suburban houses with more room for social distances. What’s happened this year? Uncast reports the migration rate to Manhattan is twice as high as it was in 2019. For those seeking to retain suburban dwellings but still savor a Manhattan domicile for Tuesday-through-Thursday work weeks, a studio residence steps from a substantial office center provides the ideal pied-a-terre.

Here are a handful of cozy yet homey abodes that put the efficient in efficiency.

208 Delancey Street. Situated on the Lower East Side, this ODA New York-designed building offers a 460-square-foot studio that may be compact, but doesn’t skimp on luxuries. Eight-inch European Oak flooring, ceiling heights up to nine feet, full Miele appliance package and natural light-welcoming oversized windows are a few of the upscale features and finishes complementing the flexible living room layout. It’s a convenient 20-minute ride to Wall Street aboard the highly accessible J train.

Skyline Tower. The Hill West-designed high-rise at 3 Court Square in Long Island City features studios with awesome views and voguish interiors by New York design firm Whitehall Interiors. Though situated in a quiet enclave, this property is only 10 minutes via train or ferry from Midtown Manhattan. What’s more, it soon will allow Skyline Tower residents the chance to avoid wintry weather by entering Court Square subway station through a direct building-to-subway entrance.

5 Pointz. Also in Long Island City, this two-tower luxury property is home to Unit 2715, an inviting studio residence with spacious bathroom and the convenience of an in-unit washer-dryer. More than 90,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities, including an 8,000-square-foot fitness center, can help residents forget their backyard pools back in the suburbs.

Bloom on Forty Fifth. The heart of Hell’s Kitchen is the setting for this full-service residential condominium within steps of Manhattan’s Theatre District, Times Square and Midtown West. Intelligently-crafted residences and an enviable roster of amenities make this a preferred milieu for active professionals with a fondness for the footlights.

525 West 52^nd Street. Also in Hell’s Kitchen, a quick-minute from the Theatre District, this luxury property carves out multiple work-from-home spaces and offers a fitness center and yoga studio. The building also delivers exclusive programming by LIVunLtd., which furnishes an elevated hospitality experience through amenity space activation, fitness and wellness programming, spa management and high-end concierge services. Those choosing this home away from home likely will also appreciate the rooftop sundeck and lounge, sports lounge and billiards, Strand Book Store-curated library and pet care center.

AKA Hotel Residences. Centrally situated in Midtown Manhattan, this is a hotel residence brand known for weekly and monthly leases and flexible, turnkey living. Residences offer fully-equipped kitchens and wet bars, office desk and chairs and king-size beds. The brand provides similar accommodations in Central Park, Sutton Place and Times Square, all of them within a walk to Midtown offices. One Sutton Place resident comes and goes from the property to his primary Upstate New York home.

This post first appeared on Forbes.com. To see the original, click here.