How Much Does a Room With a View in NYC Cost?

New York City buyers know that they face an expensive and competitive market. To acquire highly-desired amenities, like a view of the skyline, water, or other attractive element, New Yorkers can expect to shell out even more money. A room with a view can drive up the price point for a listing, but buyers should also consider how property’s floor plan, floor level, and additional amenities factor into an asking price.

Even partial views of the Hudson River, Central Park, and Manhattan skyline command a high price. Depending on a buyer’s budget, they may be able to find units with favorable views within their desired price range.

How New Yorkers Value a Room with a View

The price of an NYC home with a city view depends on a few key factors. The view itself, and a buyer’s possibility to lose the view, can influence how much a buyer expects to pay for their new home.

Type of View

While New Yorkers will enjoy views of the Hudson River, they’re more favorable to Central Park, The High Line, and a tree-lined block, according to Samuel Miller and the New York Times. Water views drive a higher premium in other parts of the country, but New Yorkers tend to appreciate the lower Manhattan skyline, internal areas of their borroughs, and greenery. They’re less favorable toward the Hudson River and views of neighboring New Jersey towns.

Minimal Possibility of Development

The thrill of a view can quickly wear off if a new development emerges and ruins the sightline. Therefore, many buyers wish to purchase a view with assurance that a new building will not develop. Those who purchase property directly across from Central Park or right on the water can therefore expect to spend more, as there likely will not be any developments in the near future.

Additionally, those purchasing on high up floors of tall buildings that neighbor shorter buildings can rest easy for the time being, as it takes many years to solidify a plan, deconstruct, and then build a new building that blocks their view. Miller arguest that a unit on a high-up floor can charge 25% more than a neighboring unit on a lower floor that’s partially obstructed by another building.

Active Listings with a View Under $1,500,000

There are a number of listings on RealtyHop showcasing some of the best city views in NYC for under $1.5 million. If you’d like to own a property with beautiful views without breaking the bank, check out some of the listings below. You can also conduct a specific search on RealtyHop by selecting your desired price point, NYC neighborhood, and preferred view (city, water, or park).

330 E 38th St #55B

This large, one-bed, two-bath condo in Murray Hill offers city views, including that of the Empire State Building. The unit features a large curved bay window in the living room, providing ample sunlight and scenery. In the bedroom, owners will find a walk-in closet and a private balcony that continues to overlook the downtown skyline. Across from the bedroom, residents can also use their private office, making it the ideal option for someone who works from home.

With a newly renovated kitchen and in-unit washer and dryer, everyday living in this beautiful apartment is as comfortable as convenient. The median price for a one-bedroom in Murray Hill is $799,900, which prices this NYC pad at about half a million above average sale price.

107-24 71ST RD #PH1A

Located in one of the Queens’ hottest neighborhoods, this two-bed, two-bath well-lit corner penthouse is a gorgeous place to call home. Featuring two separate exposures overlooking the Manhattan skyline, its new owner is sure to catch amazing views both day and night.

The unit sports a modern kitchen that is fully equipped with stainless steel appliances, as well as an island that’s perfect for hosting. The master bedroom has floor-to-ceiling windows, serving as a third angle of skyline views within the apartment. In Forest Hills, the median price of a two-bed, two-bath is $467,000, pricing this sunny condo well above the average price.

508A Lexington Ave #2

Although not a direct view of the Manhattan skyline, this Bed-Stuy multi-family unit offers beautiful views of Brooklyn’s historic architecture. Huge windows spread across the living and dining rooms, making for an open and well-lit entertainment area.

This two-bed, two-bath unit is located within a newly developed four-unit condominium. The kitchen features quality appliances such as a Fisher Paykel Range, Bosch Quiet series dishwasher, and a Blomberg refrigerator. The median price for a two-bed, two-bath in Bed-Stuy is $899,000, making this apartment a steal if you’re willing to trade in Manhattan skyline views for well-preserved collections of 19th-century row houses.

201 E 66Th St #PHP

This cozy studio apartment has three large windows, an oversized private terrace, and a windowed kitchen, allowing for multiple viewpoints of the Manhattan skyline. The kitchen features a white Summit fridge and Bertazzoni stove, complementing its clean, white aesthetic.

A glass terrace door leads to full views of the western, northern, and southern skylines. The terrace is large enough to host several small tables and chairs, making it an ideal entertainment area. Priced slightly above the median sale price for a studio in the Upper East Side, this co-op provides its new owner plenty of value.

501 Surf Ave #6E

For one-of-a-kind views of the Atlantic Ocean in New York, buyers can refer to this two-bed, two-bath condo in Coney Island. The condo’s private balcony is one of its major selling points, as it overlooks the water and the Verrazano Bridge.

Both bedrooms feature oversized windows and can each fit a king-sized bed. The pet-friendly condo resides in an amenity-filled building, complete with a swimming pool, courtyard, and garage parking. Located just a few minutes from the beach, this $554,000 falls over the median sale price of a comparable property in the neighborhood.

Does a Room with a View Cost More?

There’s no one way to determine how much more a room with a view will cost than a room without a view in NYC. However, units with more favorable views can even cost more than comparable units in the same building. For example, a one-bedroom condo at The Corinthian with Empire State Building views charges $570,000 more than another one-bedroom in the building with views of the East River. The specific view itself drives a premium, and buyers should prepare to pay more for a glimpse of a favorable skyline.

Conclusion

Buyers must consider several components when determining their budget for their next purchase. While size, location, and amenities can drive up a purchase price, so can a beautiful view. Those who fall in love with an apartment that has sweeping sights of Central Park should prepare to face a higher purchase price.