Experience buying south or central Harlem (1.5-2M) considering moving from Tribeca
Young family (M (33) F (32) and our 1 yo daughter) considering buying a condo (1.5-2m budget) in south and central Harlem moving from Tribeca… we are seeing exceptional units in our price range in luxury apartments with way more amenities and space (especially private outdoor spaces) than we can get in downtown Manhattan. I’ve lived on 116th and Lenox and 135th and Lenox in college (Columbia) (years ago) so I know the experience was different as I’m considering our growing family. I’ve lived downtown for almost 10 years and my wife about 4 years. We are mixed race, I’m mixed Asian and my wife is white. We are aware of the history of gentrification and are specifically looking at areas that have existing townhouses and luxury condos already. That tension is a concern for us overall in the sense of are we part of the problem and does that pose any daily issues for residents who moved into these luxury buildings? We are used to a full-time doorman building. There are units that are virtual doorman. Is this an issue that anyone has experienced in terms of safety? Our broker has even advised there may be a adjustment in neighborhood but we also love the history, more residential feel and believe there’s long-term appreciation in the future but my family safety and community engagement is important especially as our family grows. We’ve felt very safe traveling and visiting open houses and seeing units that are phenomenal but we know these are very short experiences and not reflect living there daily. Also, we are aware of when there are issues in the city. We know the city and services are very responsive. Has anyone experienced any issues like this like snow on the ground longer than usual and I guess is it really blocked by Block? Any info would be helpful to decide if this is a good move for our family.