The outlook for Morningside Heights has never been rosier. Gone for good are the days where visitors to Columbia University were warned not to stray too far from campus if they valued their safety. With the economic upturn of the past five years, the entire area has become safer and more affluent.

There are numerous reasons to choose the Heights as a place to set down roots. There are two famous colleges (including the aforementioned Columbia), two notable churches, and the answer to a perennial trivia question all within walking distance of each other.

Probably the most impressive of the area's sights is the immense Cathedral of St. John the Divine. When completed, the church will be the largest domed cathedral in the world. More impressive than that is the fact that there is absolutely no steel holding up the structure-the completely stone structure supports itself! The painstakingly precise labor has taken its toll in time, however. First begun in 1892, the masons probably won't lay down their tools for at least another 50 years.

A few blocks away from the church lies Columbia University, Manhattan's contribution to the Ivy Leagues. The college's self-contained campus is both sizable and surprisingly verdant, with well-manicured lawns that rival some of the smaller parks in the downtown area. Standing at the focal point between Butler and Low Memorial Libraries presents a decidedly un-metropolitan view. Simply looking at it makes you feel a little smarter.

Directly adjacent to the Columbia campus is its "sister" school, Barnard College. Originally begun as an alternative to Columbia's now-defunct all-male admissions policy, the school is still strictly female. Substantially smaller than its counterpart, the college still manages to use both trees and a few well-placed lawns to make it seem a little larger.

About another block away from Barnard (we told you everything was in walking distance!) stands Riverside Church. Smaller and brighter than St. John the Divine, the church is usually noted for both its stunning stained glass windows and unrivaled view. Ride the elevator and climb some steps and you'll be able to see as New Jersey, the Bronx, and parts of Queens laid out before you.

Finally, the answer to the trivia question is: Grant and his wife, Julia. Grant's Tomb has recently undergone extensive renovation, and the domed structure is now free of the graffiti that had made it an eyesore. If you (or they) want to know more about the history of the monument, there are knowledgeable park service employees on hand willing to help. Like many of the sights in the area, touring the tomb is free.

Because this neighborhood is further removed from its downtown counterparts, it tends to draw less of the bridge and tunnel crew on weekends. The nearby campuses insure that (or this, whichever) things pick up when class is over for the week, and both St. John's and Riverside Church host numerous community events throughout the year. With all the area offers, it is fast becoming one of the true gems of the West Side.

Upper West Side Apartments

The Upper West Side appears to go through great pains to not draw too much attention to itself. There are no neon-lit billboards like you'll find in Times Square, no towering skyscrapers like those near Wall Street. So why are there so many people here?

The answer is that the Upper West Side is a fantastic residential area, especially for people thinking of starting a family. There are plenty of stores and markets, ample access to public transportation, great public schools, and two major parks within walking distance. There are some notable landmarks, but nothing that attracts scads of tourists like other areas.

One spot that does attract a bit of outside attention is Zabar's, on Broadway between 80th and 81st Streets. New Yorkers tend to have an elephant's memory when it comes to food. Once they find something they like, it goes on the short list of places to revisit. Judging by the crowds, this gourmet food market must have pleased plenty of palates.

For a different kind of sensory stimulation, Upper West Siders can take their pick of parks. And while Central Park may seem like a natural choice, but many residents here would prefer something a little less popular. For them, Riverside Park is the only choice.

Riverside Park may not be as wide as Central Park, but it is considerably longer, winding its way from 72nd Street all the way to 159th. Despite the fact that the West Side Highway runs almost directly through its center, Riverside has become a favorite with locals in search of a few moments of tranquility.

Most of the few landmarks that the Upper West Side has can be found in the park environs. For starters, there's the 79th Street Boat Basin. Here you'll find an exceptionally rare sight in Manhattan-people living on houseboats. Take one look at the view living here affords them, and you'll probably start thinking about it yourself!

Because Riverside is generally less crowded than Central Park, it's a natural place for residents to enjoy a peaceful stroll. If you want to work up more of a sweat, you can take advantage of the red clay courts near 96th Street. Or if you'd rather participate in a team sport, chances are you (or anyone else) can find a pickup baseball or softball game going on somewhere within the park's environs.

Hugging the curves along the park's eastern edge is Riverside Drive. While it doesn't boast the hairpin turns of San Francisco's Lombard Street, it is the only major thoroughfare in Manhattan to consistently deviate from the straight and narrow. The brownstones and apartment complexes that line Riverside Drive's east side are especially prized for their magnificent views of the park.

While it may not boast a park view, West End Avenue remains the neighborhood's most sought after address. The street is lined with beautiful buildings of varying sizes, each more picturesque than the last. And since most of the traffic in the area travels up and down Broadway, it remains relatively quiet no matter what time of day.

So it's understandable why people who have chosen to live their lives here don't go out of their way to advertise the benefits of their community. Of course, we know we can trust you to keep this a secret. Right?

Central Park West Apartments

Although many of Manhattan's neighborhoods have had their ups and downs, the majority of Central Park West is just as prestigious a place to live now as it was decades ago. Towering over Central Park like a vast wall of monoliths, the buildings present both a literal and figurative pinnacle in the quest to reach the top in New York City.

Of course, the main attraction for those who reside here is the unparalleled view of the park. While most other city denizens prefer to live close to the ground in order to avoid those grueling walk-ups, here the higher you are the better. The reason is instantly apparent once you look out over the swath of green all the way over to Museum Mile on the other side.

Central Park West begins as one of the offshoots at Columbus Circle. A clue to the glitz and glamour that begins here is the ultra-luxurious Trump International Hotel and Towers. Donald Trump purchased the decaying building in the early 90s, and completely refurbished it. Now it presents a reflective glass exterior behind which are housed a five-star restaurant, luxury apartments, and some of the poshest hotel rooms in the tri-state area.

A few blocks north of Mr. Trump's latest acquisition, comfortably nestled near the edge of the park is the often-filmed Tavern on the Green. The best seats in this restaurant are those that face the park, and they're the place to be come nightfall. The trees immediately surrounding the restaurant are adorned with thousands of tiny lights, creating a truly magical aura when they're switched on.

On the northwest corner of 72nd Street and Central Park West stands the Dakota. Although the castle-like building-complete with dry moat-has long been a favorite among the famous, it is now notorious as the place where John Lennon was shot.

A fitting memorial for this tragedy can be found directly across the street within the park itself in an area now known as Strawberry Fields. Named after one of Lennon's compositions, more than 160 countries contributed plants to this area dedicated to his memory. A marble mosaic with the single word Imagine asks all those who visit to honor his vision of world peace.

Walk further north and you'll soon come to the four-block sprawl of the American Museum of Natural History. The museum contains many reproductions of animal habitats and some truly monstrous gems, but the main attraction is most definitely the dinosaurs. Recently adjusted to reflect the latest information on the great lizards, these massive reproductions fascinate both young and old alike.

The greatest asset that residents enjoy aside from the magnificent location is the proximity of the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Those lucky enough to have a place by the parade route needn't worry about crowds or inclement weather, as the route goes directly past their windows. Many residents get into the spirit of the day by inviting their building neighbors over to watch the festivities.

Because of the combination of amenities and location, vacancies in the Central Park West are not the easiest to come by. Those willing to make the investment, however, will find the dividends more than make up for the expense.

Unlike the famous concert venue located on 57th Street, Carnegie Hall, this neighborhood is located far from the noise of midtown. One of the poshest areas New York has to offer, it is the place to go for the person who has everything, but it has much to offer the rest of us as well.

There's a very good reason that this area bears Andrew Carnegie's name. Near the turn of the century, when the area was considered the frontier of the city, Carnegie decided he would build himself a place to get away from the bustle of downtown. Unfortunately, the plan backfired. Other members of the upper class, seeing Carnegie's new mansion as a brave statement, followed him uptown.

Not long after moving to his new estate, the steel magnate found himself in the center of it all once again. Because of all the new money coming into the neighborhood, the character of it changed significantly. Gone were many of the row houses and tenements. In their place sprang up mansions and luxury apartment complexes.

Now, a significant portion of this section has been designated an historic district in order to prevent further development. Simply walking and examining the varying styles, from Federalist to Romanesque, it isn't difficult to see why these buildings should be preserved. Be sure to look carefully, as many of the facades contain intricate carvings that you won't see on most modern architecture.

It seems somewhat appropriate that like because of all the new designs that he brought into the district, that Carnegie's mansion is now home to a design museum. The Cooper-Hewitt Museum, part of the Smithsonian Institution, now uses the 64-rooms to demonstrate how design influences our lives on a day to day basis.

The Cooper-Hewitt is not the only famous museum to grace Carnegie Hill. The upper half of Museum Mile, which comprises a healthy chunk Fifth Avenue along Central Park, forms the western border of the neighborhood. It is easy to spend a whole day in this section and only view a small portion of the historically significant contributions to the world of art.

One of the most famous of the museums is the Guggenheim. The architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed the instantly recognizable building, and it is viewed by many as his crowning achievement. Inside, a single quarter-mile ramp spirals up its six stories past one of the best collections in modern art. The museum boasts, among others, works by such artists as Pablo Picasso, Paul Klee, and photographer Robert Mapplethorpe.

If viewing some of the Guggenheim's collection of Mapplethorpe makes you want to view other notable photographic works, the International Center of Photography is only a few blocks away. The museum boasts constantly rotating exhibits that focus on either a single photographer or photographic style, and is worth many return visits.

Recently, many upscale retailers have been taking advantage of the significant amount of buying power common for this area. The area on 86th Street now does a brisk tourist business on the weekends, as the well to do from miles around come here to make a contribution to the local economy.

Because the 4, 5, and 6 subway line is the only one to service the whole of the Upper East Side, most people who want to visit here need to make a concerted effort to do so. While the tourist trade is quite brisk on the major thoroughfares, it is virtually nonexistent once you walk a few blocks deeper. This makes Carnegie Hill an ideal section for those people who value their privacy, but also like to be close to the many conveniences that New York has to offer.

Yorkville Apartments

The neighborhoods that make up the Upper East Side-Carnegie Hill, Yorkville, and the Lower Upper East Side-are synonymous with the wealthy residents that have made this section of Manhattan their home over the last century. Only Yorkville, however, can state that they have what is probably the most sought-after address in all of New York City.

Despite its upscale appearance, part of this district had rather modest beginnings. With the construction of the Third Avenue elevated subway line near the turn of the century, the area became a second haven to many German immigrants who were being slowly displaced from their downtown residences.

Once the trains went underground, the area became a great deal more isolated. Eventually, the German section of Yorkville began shrinking. Although most of those former residents have since moved on, there is still a thriving pocket of inhabitants who speak auf Deutsch to this day.

One thing that the Germans have left behind for the rest of Manhattan to sample is their rich food heritage. Second Avenue between 84th and 86th Streets is still the heart of German cuisine. you (or them) can take your pick of sausages at Schaller and Weber, Black Forest Cake at Kramer's Pastries, or your choice of beers at Heidelberg.

Perhaps the most famous German immigrant to live in Yorkville was Carl Schurz. After being a minister to Spain, a Union Army general, and Secretary of the Interior under President Rutherford Hayes, Schurz moved back to Yorkville, where he worked as an editor for the New York Evening Post and Harper's Weekly. East End Park was renamed Carl Schurz Park in 1911 in his honor.

Speaking of His Honor, the most coveted address in New York City happens to be in Carl Shurz Park: Gracie Mansion. Home of New York City mayors since Fiorello LaGuardia first moved in during the Second World War, the property's significance actually goes back much farther.

George Washington commandeered this swath of land from its owner, Jacob Walton, so that he could fortify it against the British. Ultimately, Washington didn't fortify it enough, as the British bombarded the spot from across the East River. Walton's house was one of the casualties.

The Walton family subsequently sold the property to Archibald Gracie, a recent émigré from Scotland. Gracie built his famous mansion as a country home in 1799, only to sell it less than a quarter-century later. The City of New York acquired the property almost a hundred years later, and every mayor since LaGuardia has called it home while in office. If you'd rather not depend on the electorate to see its interior, the first floor is open to the general public.

Although it isn't known if the Mayor participates, there is a strong athletic community in Yorkville. Whether your interests run from basketball to softball or football, it's likely that there's an organized team in the area that could use another player. If you prefer exercising alone, Central Park is about a ten-minute walk. Or a five-minute jog.

Because of the successive waves of new inhabitants, the buildings in the neighborhood range from quaint townhouses to ultra-modern apartment complexes. Interior spaces also vary from the tiny to the cavernous. With all the different varieties offered, chances are there's a combination in this area that will fit your needs perfectly.

Lower Upper East Side Apartments

Ever since Central Park was first opened, the Lower Upper East Side has been one of the most coveted neighborhoods in which to live. It is notable for its palatial buildings facing the park, its stretch of Museum Mile, and some of the city's better private schools. Bill Gates not withstanding, it also comprises the highest concentration of wealth in the entire United States.

A fitting spot to illustrate this density of riches is at the Grand Army Plaza in the very southeastern portion of Central Park. Here you'll find a miniature block devoted entirely to the Pulitzer Fountain, which was donated by noted publisher Joseph Pulitzer. Facing the fountain is a statue of William Tecumseh Sherman, the Civil War General made famous by his march through the South.

On the west side of the fountain is the legendary Plaza Hotel. This historical landmark has appeared in a variety of films, from North by Northwest through Home Alone 2. Luminaries who have stayed here range from the Beatles to Eloise, the children's-book character whose portrait hangs on the first floor. The Presidential Suite simply defies description.

The block east of the fountain contains the General Motors Building. Kids, however, will be more intrigued by what's housed on the first floor-F.A.O. Schwarz. If the toy is on the market, chances are you'll find it somewhere here. Be warned, however, that getting yourself to leave is a lot harder than going in!

Follow Central Park north along Park Avenue and you'll soon arrive at Temple Emanu-El on 65th Street. The Temple can seat up to 2,500 people, making it the largest Reformed Jewish synagogue in the world. The limestone building is especially noted for its outside ornamentation, which combines both Art Deco and Moorish designs.

Further up the Park Avenue lies the undisputed crown jewel of Museum Mile, the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Western Hemisphere's largest museum boasts an amazing 1+ million square feet of exhibition space. Its constantly changing exhibits range from the present day all the way to prehistoric times.

It is literally impossible to see all of the Met in one day, unless you plan on running through each room without stopping to look. One item you will want to see, however, is the Temple of Dendur. This gift of the Egyptian government dates back to Roman times, and is displayed in a room that could easily fit a house.

For those looking for more modern accoutrements, Madison Avenue is highly recommended. The area between 59th and 79th Streets is now considered Manhattan's Fashion District. Here you'll find all sorts of tiny shops and unique boutiques filled with the latest runway trends. Of particular note is the beautiful Ralph Lauren store on 72nd Street.

Although many families in this area prefer to send their children to private schools, the public schools in this district are also exemplary. P.S. 6, on Madison and 81st Street, is highly regarded for its art and computer curriculum. Despite the fact that their K through 5 students consistently score high on standardized tests, there is still plenty of room for parents looking to enroll their children.

With doormen buildings facing Central Park, exceptional schools, and some of the best high-end shopping in the city, it really is no surprise that the Lower Upper East Side is one of the New York's most coveted spots.

Residents of the Lower Upper West Side have always been locked in a rivalry with other neighborhoods. They're either viewed as less ritzy than their Lower Upper East Side counterparts, or too flashy for the rest of the Upper West Side. The truth, as is usually the case, lies a little more firmly in the middle.

The neighborhood, however, has always been primarily residential. Initially settled by upper-class Jewish families, the area has long been a welcome haven for young professionals and those with an artistic bent. Because of this, the region is considered to be much more left leaning than the East Side.

Lower Upper East Siders, who have long been used to having the corner market on residential hot spots, may be succumbing to a case of sour grapes. But what of the their neighbors a few blocks uptown? Well, what they consider flashy is really just good business.

There have always been a number of shops and restaurants in this region, and the strong economy in recent years has only contributed to their proliferation. Both Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues are probably the best examples of this trend. Each thoroughfare does brisk business on weekends, especially during the summer months.

Compared to the manic pace of the West Village and Midtown West, however, the area is relatively placid. Besides, what would New York be without at least a little bit of the pageantry and glamour that people expect when they come here?

One thing everyone can agree on, however, is that this neighborhood contains one of the most important cultural centers on the entire island. Of course, this can be said of none other than Lincoln Center.

The land that Lincoln Center now occupies, between West 62nd and West 65th Streets facing Broadway, had its own claim to fame even before the marble buildings were erected. For it was in this area, back when it was considerably less safe, that West Side Story was filmed.

The Sharks and the Jets may not be around any longer, but the Center itself won't be going anywhere for quite a while. Five major performing groups call the three main buildings that face the fountain home. If that isn't quite impressive enough, then you should try gaining admittance to the theater and music school tucked away in the back.

The building that directly faces Broadway is the Metropolitan Opera House, home of the American Ballet Theater and the world-renowned Metropolitan Opera. The southernmost building is the New York State Theater, where you can see the New York City Opera or watch the famous Nutcracker Suite performed by the New York City Ballet. Avery Fisher Hall, to the north, houses the New York Philharmonic and Jazz at Lincoln Center.

It's possible that some of the future members of these companies are currently studying at the Juilliard School, just north of the Center. Not only does this school consistently graduate top performers in their chosen fields, they also host a number of inexpensive (indeed, some are free) productions throughout the school year.

Many of the aforementioned restaurants make it especially easy for people coming in to see a performance to grab a little nosh before or after the show. If you like star-gazing, chances are you'll catch more than a couple if you sit outside.

So let the other neighborhoods have their complaints. The residents of the Lower Upper West Side wouldn't have it any other way.

East Harlem Apartments

East Harlem is a district that has gone through quite a number of names throughout the years. Known primarily as Spanish Harlem outside of the neighborhood, it was more commonly referred to as El Barrio ("the neighborhood") inside it. Making this all the more interesting is the fact that Hispanics were not the first residents of the area.

The residences in East Harlem were originally built to be much more modest than the middle-class structures being erected in neighboring Harlem. Because of this, working-class families naturally leaned toward places they could afford. And the first ethnic group to take advantage of the area was Italian.

In the 1950s, the U.S. Government wanted to assist the people of Puerto Rico by alleviating the small country's problem of overpopulation by making it easier to emigrate to American. Numerous Puerto Ricans took advantage of the opportunity, and many of them eventually made the East Harlem area their own.

One of the traditions that Hispanic-Americans maintain in East Harlem is La Marqueta, or the Market. Extending from 111th to around 116th on Park Avenue, this open-air market has a little something for everybody. Whether you're picking up vegetables for tonight's dinner or a knick-knack for the folks back home, chances are you can pick it up here.

Those looking to delve deeper into Puerto Rican and Latin American culture should make a point of looking into El Museo del Barrio. What began as a classroom display in the late '60s is now a permanent collection of over 8,000 pieces, many of which date back to pre-Columbian times. The museum is significant for one other reason-it is the only one of its kind in America.

A broader history of the entire city of New York can be found a block to the south at Fifth Avenue and 103rd Street. The Museum of the City of New York traces the growth of the Big Apple since the time it was still being called Nieuw Amsterdam. A recreation of John D. Rockefeller's master bedroom is just one of the many noted items you'll find here.

Across Fifth Avenue in Central Park stands one of the most beautiful spots in all of East Harlem. The six-acre Conservatory Garden is set apart from the rest of the park as a formal garden. Come during spring to watch the tulips bloom, or drop by during the fall to get your fill of chrysanthemums. When the weather is warm enough, expect to see at least one newly-married couple stopping here to get their photos taken.

Perhaps the most important set of buildings in the neighborhood are those that make up Mount Sinai hospital. Aside from being one of the better hospitals in the city, this complex is also one of East Harlem's major employers. The originally Jewish facility was moved here in 1904, and now takes up all of 98th to 101st Streets on Fifth Avenue.

A significant sign that East Harlem is experiencing a greater influx of people is the planned opening of East River Plaza. When completed, this retail center on FDR Drive promises to be about 475,000 square feet. With more permanent jobs being created and easy access for commuters, the opening of the Plaza could be the beginning of a boom for the area.

As is true for a large portion of the city, the once isolated ethnic enclaves of the city are becoming more and more heterogeneous. With more and more interest being shown in El Barrio, it shouldn't be long before it joins its Yorkville and Carnegie Hill neighbors as one of the most coveted sections this side of Manhattan.

To most New Yorkers, the word 'Midtown' is synonymous with 'Work.' And, in fact, a lot of people do commute here for business during the day. But Midtown, and especially Midtown West, is packed full with more universally-known buildings then any other district in Manhattan.

Snuggled tightly in the bosom of Midtown West is the Theater District. Over 30 theaters make their home here, and the fare varies from long-running musicals to the latest highly-touted drama. No matter what kind of show you're looking to see, chances are you'll find it right by Broadway.

A recent reentry into the theater scene is 42nd Street. The 'Avenue I'm Takin' You To' had fallen onto hard times in the late '80s, with the movie theaters there either vacant or showing films that weren't exactly kid-friendly. Now many buildings have been either rebuilt or entirely renovated. And since Disney has taken an express interest in the Street, many of the new theaters will focus exclusively on children.

A mere block north of 42nd Street, where Seventh Avenue and Broadway intersect, is Times Square. This is where Manhattan is at its showiest. All around these blocks are massive billboards surrounded with tubes of neon in every imaginable color. It is here where hundreds of thousands of people gather every New Year's Eve to watch the ball drop.

If you want to catch one of the hot shows but neglected to get tickets in advance, you should plan on stopping at Duffy Square. Directly opposite Times Square, this little sliver of concrete plays host to TKTS, a discount ticket outlet. Shows that find themselves with empty seats will drop their tickets here on the day of performance, many times at a pretty hefty discount.

If you'd rather see a dance performance, a spot for discount tickets has opened up in nearby Bryant Park. While you're there, you might want to take a gander at this recently renovated marvel. Once the primary residence of drug pushers and the homeless, the park is now a favorite spot for midtowners to grab a quick bite in relative peace.

Face east while in the park and you'll see the rear of the magnificent New York Public Library. If you think the back is impressive, then you should walk around to Fifth Avenue and see the front. You'll find two large stone lions guarding the wide steps that lead up to the great bronze doors. Inside the books are spread out over 85 miles of shelves-many of them housed underneath Bryant Park itself.

On the west side of Fifth Avenue, between 48th and 51st Streets, are the buildings that comprise Rockefeller Plaza. Nineteen buildings make up the Plaza, almost all of which are connected by a series of underground passages. Also in the Plaza (at the corner of Sixth Avenue and 51st Street) is Radio City Music Hall, the world's largest indoor theater.

Stroll west from Fifth down the lovely promenade known as Channel Gardens to the Plaza's centerpiece, the gold-leaf statue of Prometheus that overlooks the Lower Plaza area. The Lower Plaza is given over to cafes during the summer, but come the winter months it is transformed into an ice skating rink. Every year around the holidays a gigantic live Christmas tree is stationed between Prometheus and the looming GE Building behind it.

Bustling with business people during the day, thriving with tourists and theatergoers at night, Midtown West is one area of Manhattan that barely pauses to rest. It is hard not to take in the lights and sounds here without feeling yourself infused with its energy.

Clinton Apartments

Many people have heard of the Artist Formerly Known as Prince. Now you can meet the Neighborhood Formerly Known as Hell's Kitchen. Actually, residents tend to use both terms interchangeably, but there are some good reasons that many people are taking the Clinton name to heart.

For many years after the Civil War, Irish gangs such as the Westies made this stretch of waterfront their exclusive territory. Because of rampant police corruption, the often-violent crimes perpetrated in the district went largely ignored. Anyone who didn't have adequate protection and was foolish enough to walk through Hell's Kitchen at night was taking a potentially lethal risk.

Eventually, however, the power and influence of the gangs who resided there waned. Unfortunately, the neighborhood didn't improve once the gangs had moved on. Never a pristine to begin with, the area descended into a veritable slum known primarily for its vast array of pornography shops. As is increasingly the story in Manhattan, this has only changed fairly recently.

The Worldwide Plaza was the first sign that people were once again starting to see Hell's Kitchen into which they could invest money-voluntarily. Built on a former site of Madison Square Garden, this complex takes up an entire block. Aside from providing both commercial and residential spaces, the Plaza also has a restaurant and one of the only discount movie theaters on the island.

A few blocks south of the Plaza is the famed stretch of eateries that maybe make up New York's Restaurant Row. Because of its relative nearness to Times Square, this block is a favorite with pre- and post-theater crowd. With over twenty restaurants located here, if you can't find a cuisine that speaks to your stomach, you're probably not hungry.

For those who would rather their theater a bit more on the intimate side, you might want to go directly from Restaurant Row to Theater Row. Located on 42nd Street between 9th and 10th Avenues, the theaters here are generally seat a lot less than their Great White Way counterparts. Then again, those seats will probably end up costing you a considerable amount less.

One of the city's transportation hubs also makes it home in Clinton, the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Not only do buses come in and out of the all through the day and night, but there is also a parking garage on the top floors. So you can put the car away for the day, and experience the excellence of the transit system yourself!

A destination frequently visited by business people is the colossal Jacob Javits Convention Center. The five-block Center boasts an amazing 1.8 million square feet of space that can be utilized by companies to display their latest products. Unsurprisingly, there is a convention (or two) occurring in the Center every week of the year.

Because of the way the area has been randomly both preserved and developed, there is no particularly prevalent building style. If you're not certain whether you would prefer a high-rise or a brownstone, chances are you'll be able to find it in Clinton.

The island of Manhattan is the heart of New York City. And though we love it, this island could be, well . . . bigger. About 2,000,000 people reside in our slice of the Big Apple, which only measures 23 square miles in size. The tight fit leads to a highly competitive real estate market.

Manhattan's coops, condos, and townhouses are some of the country's most expensive properties. Typical 2-bedroom apartments go for $300,000, on average, and 4-bedroom apartments frequently sell in excess of $1,500,000.

Brokers: The Traditional Path

Traditionally, options available to Buyers and Sellers in the Manhattan real estate market have been slim. Until the advent of the Internet, using a broker was the easiest way to view, locate, and buy new apartments. This has been true despite no state law requiring brokers to be involved in real estate transactions. However, for various reasons, brokers are not always the best option.

Competition Between Brokers Puts Buyers at a Disadvantage

In most major cities, brokers pool their apartment listings in a regulated service called a Multiple Listing Service, or MLS. Not so in New York. Here, brokers compete and maintain separate, independent apartment listings and only share them selectively. This puts Buyers at a disadvantage as they are forced to evaluate a large market in small fragments, on almost a broker-by-broker basis. With fewer options, it makes searching for all available apartments in Manhattan almost impossible.

How Window Shoppers Increase The Serious Buyers' Costs

Under the current brokerage system, casual, recreational buyers--or browsers--put serious Buyers at a disadvantage. They utilize and overburden a limited pool of broker resources. Since large numbers of non-serious buyers "window shop" with brokers at no cost, brokers have to increase their fees to recoup their time and business expenses. Buyers who do consummate deals with brokers end up covering those costs.

Better Service. They are engineered to give consumers the easiest, most comprehensive access to available Manhattan apartments. Our full-time staff updates our listings database seven days a week and it is accessible online, via fax and via e-mail.

More Listings. Imagine combining the resources of hundreds of the brokers, management companies, and apartment owners in Manhattan, then organizing them in an easy-to-use database for one low fee. They list apartments from three major sources: apartment owners, management companies, and brokers. This means that some of our listings are no-fee apartments and some are not. It also means that you can access a database several times larger than that of any broker, owner, or management company alone.

Individual Customization. They'll only show you what you want to see. They don't post misleading ads, and they aren't biased toward anyone but the customers. You choose how you want to conduct apartment searches - with a broker or on your own - and they arm you with the information you need to ensure success.

More Competitive. They makes you - the Buyer - more competitive. They save you time by organizing your possibilities and we save you money by helping you avoid broker commissions and inflated apartment costs. And they can educate you. With fewer casual buyers cluttering the market, more apartment owners have the time to show property themselves, which helps Buyers and Sellers negotiate a better price. With educated Buyers on the market, everyone will spend less time viewing apartments, and more time making deals.

Until now, there were four basic methods of finding an apartment in Manhattan: Going it alone (door-to-door research), word-of-mouth, classified ads placed by apartment owners and real-estate brokers.

The most common route was to use a real estate broker. Should you choose this path, there are two guidlines to follow:

Remember Brokers Represent Sellers, not Buyers. Because brokers provide a point of reference for the Buyer, help clarify the Buyer's likes and dislikes, and organize the Buyer's apartment viewing schedule, Buyers sometimes develop the sense that they are the broker's client.

However, it is important to remember that the Seller, not the Buyer, is the broker's client. The Seller, therefore, commands the broker's first loyalty. It is also the Seller who pays the broker's commission. To ensure you get the most from your contact with brokers, Buyers should work with several brokers, each of whom should maintain a different database of apartment listings.

So-called "Misleading" ads. Often a Buyer, who responds to an inviting newspaper ad placed by a broker, ends up viewing a very different apartment from the one advertized. This can be very frustrating.

In many cases, such is the pace of the real estate market in Manhattan, the apartment is sold by the time an advertisement appears in the newspaper. On other occasions, the ad may be a "generic" example of what a broker usually has for sale and not an actual apartment.

On the rare, though highly annoying occasion, the ad functions as a decoy to persuade the Buyer to view other possible apartments. Beware the latter. These unethical brokers give everyone in Manhattan real-estate a bad name.

• Credit Checks: A good credit history and timely resolution of obligation disputes will give you, the Buyer, a strong competitive edge.
• Independent Appraisals: Sellers usually contract independent, third party appraisers when deciding what price to ask for a piece of property. Also, independent appraisals are often required by banks who intend to finance a sale on behalf of the Buyer.
• Attorney Review: Sellers and Buyers often contract an attorney to review documents relative to the property purchase, such as board minutes, shareholder agreements, deeds, and financial statements. It's wise to contract an attorney to draft the closing papers as well.
• Accountant Advice: Buyers and Sellers may wish to have an accountant assess the optimal conditions for purchase and sale and to interpret related financial documents.
• Engineer Inspections: It's in the Buyer's best interest to contract an engineer to assess the structural condition of an apartment or building.