Suburban life seems inseparable from the single-family home, but lesser discussed is our area's vast and incredibly diverse stock of co-ops, condominiums and townhouses. We thought we'd shake up the stereotype by showcasing some attractive alternatives to standalone homes in New York City's northern suburbs and their lightly urbanized/occasionally countrified neighbors. From converted castles-on-Hudson to sleek seven-figure penthouses, there's something to appeal to any lifestyle:
WHITE PLAINS | 5 Renaissance Square 32E | $1,695,000
Perched atop the tallest structure in Westchester, the penthouse floors at the Ritz-Carlton Residences offer luxury even exceeding their elevation. The building made headlines in January with a record-breaking $10.5 million sale, the largest (and priciest) condo in the county's history.This particular unit was designer-decorated with fine furnishings, a gourmet kitchen and spa-inspired baths. All residents enjoy access to a health club with steam sauna, a resident lounge, business conference room, outdoor terraces and a 24 hour concierge with Jitney to the train. It's like living on a private jet that never lands—with about 2,500 square feet of legroom.
See more of 5 Renaissance Square 32E
GREENWICH | 233 Milbank Avenue #8 | $1,795,000
Merging the finest elements of both a small village and world-class city, Greenwich is a town unlike any other in the New York Metropolitan area. Two short blocks off "The Avenue," Milbank Court affords the unique opportunity to live within walking distance to world-class shopping, dining and an easy train ride into Metropolis with its discrete collection of boutique townhomes—offered in limited release. Each of these cosmopolitan residences is meticulously designed with naturally-flowing living space; open rooms are graciously framed and punctuated by rhythmic ceiling beams, creating an atmosphere of warmth and tradition. Careful landscaping by internationally renowned landscape architect Rutherford Associates unifies Milbank Court while creating private outdoor spaces for each home.
See more of 233 Milbank Avenue #8
COLD SPRING | 3 Main Street #2 | $725,000
If you've visited Cold Spring and walked from town to the waterfront, chances are you've passed these Colonial townhomes with some degree of envy, and rightfully so: they're modern (2006), classic-looking and occupy a prime location steps from the Hudson River, Metro North and one of the most beloved Main Streets in the Hudson Valley. Framed by beautiful views of sailboat masts, Storm King Mountain and West Point, this spacious maintenance-free residence comes accessorized with radiant heat, central vacuum and a/c and all the high-end fixings, a rocking chair porch and a fireplace-fitted master suite. Where else in the world can you walk to kayak launch points, world-class hiking trails, quirky antique shops or bespoke artisan organic locavore retailers and be in Manhattan in about an hour, all without ever getting in a car?
POUGHKEEPSIE | 80 North Water Street 3C | $750,000
Somewhere between TriBeCa and the New Girl loft, this swoon-worthy former piano factory brings downtown loft living to the Hudson Valley with all the essentials: exposed brick, ductwork and a spiral staircase leading to a library nook. Out its windows, you'll see Walkway Over the Hudson and the mighty river below it, both of which are also a short walk out the door with no car needed. It's walking distance from Amtrak/Metro North and Poughkeepsie's revitalized downtown, with hip shops, studios, eateries, performance venues, microbreweries, waterfront recreation—we could go on (but we'd rather invite friends over and see how many platters of organic artisanal locavore cheese, charcuterie and chutney we can fit on the spacious countertops of that dreamy kitchen).
See more of 80 North Water Street 3C
GARRISON | 60 Dicks Castle Road | $2,190,000
Condominiums aren't exclusively urban conventions. In Garrison, the tony neighbor of Cold Spring famous for its renowned Hudson River views and masquerading as turn-of-the-last-century Yonkers in the 1969 Barbra Streisand film adaptation of Hello Dolly, Dick's Castle offers unwavering luxury amidst simply indescribable grandeur. What begun as a financier's ambitious attempt to replicate a medieval Moorish cloister was completed by a 1980s condo conversion (barring the gondolier canals Mrs. Dick envisioned to escort guests inside), dividing the sprawling manse into a boutique offering of townhomes sharing the property's sweeping southern and western exposures over the Hudson Highlands. The imposing edifice sits immersed in a natural wonderland planned by acclaimed landscape designer Robert M. Toole, making it a manageable alternative to a standalone weekend home that's also within daily commutable distance from Gotham.
See more of 60 Dicks Castle Road
WHITE PLAINS | 27 City Place THB | $1,175,000
What you see above is essentially a chic Manhattan brownstone figuratively forklifted into a highrise in the heart of downtown White Plains. With a two story townhouse-style floorplan, sunken living room and 11' ceilings, this stylish four bedroom unit is thrice the average New York City apartment at half the price.The master bath is arguably larger than some downtown studios, and the amenities are everything you'd expect from a Trump building: security, concierge, swimming, tennis and basketball courts, indoor and outdoor pools, a gym and more. With express service to Grand Central in just over 20 minutes, the commute is darn competitive with the latest hip outer-borough neighborhood, especially when L train service goes out for six weeks at a time.
YORKTOWN | 504 Trump Park #412 | $509,000
While it's hard to trump the train commute from White Plains, the northerly development of The Donald's organization pairs its legacy of luxury with scenic surrounds. Like a grand country resort, the Trump Park Residences Yorktown rises from the treetops of peaceful Northern Westchester, flowing with the expected perks of a shared library, lounge, fitness center, pools, banquet room and concierge service. The Mediterranean villa-inspired complex glows with marble, Juliet balconies and garden landscapes, crafting an idyllic setting for buyers looking to enjoy the convenience of full-service living in the beauty of natural surroundings.
Click here to browse more condominium and cooperative listings