Manhattan Townhouse Buildings
Townhouses offer more space than the average Manhattan apartment—that “house” part isn’t a joke—but they require a larger financial investment, too. It’s easy to see why Manhattan townhouses are among the biggest prizes (and often fetch some of the highest prices) in New York City real estate. They offer more space and privacy than any other type of Manhattan residential listing, and have an aesthetic all their own.
Typically, living in a townhouse means that, instead of being surrounded by neighbors above and below, you’ve only got the folks next door—or on the other side of the wall, in the Manhattan townhouse next to yours, if you want to be precise about it. Privacy is only one of the many charms of townhouse living, though. Many Manhattan townhouses are of pre-war vintage, and even those of newer construction offer the sort of spacious floor plans, high ceilings and classic Manhattan touches—crown moldings, fireplaces, that sort of thing—that can be difficult to come by even in luxurious pre-war apartments. All that added space is typically put to good use, too, with separate dining rooms and kitchens, large living rooms and baths, and—in many instances—private backyards. Relative to the number of Manhattan apartment listings on the market, townhouse listings are comparatively scarce, and competition is fierce. But if you’re looking for a single-family home in Manhattan that feels legitimately homey, townhouses are tough to beat.