April 27, 2006
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I went rollerskating today. Yep skating and not blading – people look at me funny when I roll by in my hot pink skates. Since we’re moving next week, I thought I’d enjoy the rest of the time I have in Battery Park. The best part about living here has definitely been the park along the Hudson – Mr. Bee and I have enjoyed many leisurely walks here.
I thought I’d do a pros and cons list of living in Battery Park in case anyone was interested in living here.
Pros
- The park along the Hudson that stretches from the southernmost point in Manhattan to the northernmost point. There’s tons of stuff here – a kids park, dog park, batting cage, basketball courts, tennis courts, a trapeze school…
- Close to many subway lines – A,C,E,1,R,W,4,5, PATH
- You get 50% off car rentals at Avis if you live in Gateway Plaza (the largest apartment complex in Battery Park and where I live). Plus there are always tons of cabs right in front of the building.
- One of every little shop you need – Chase Bank, Dry Cleaner, Pharmacy, Wine Store, Pet Store, Nail Salon, Hair Salon, Gristedes, Au Bon Pain.
- Large apartments. My friend said that my apartment was the largest Manhattan apartment she’d ever been in.
- Friendly doormen.
- World Financial Center – Bank of America atm, American Greetings, Starbucks, and some shopping like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor.
- Century 21 – If you’re looking for bargains on designer goods, this is definitely the best place in Manhattan. They also have lots of home goods.
- Movie theater within walking distance. It’s almost always empty so I love it.
- Gym inside Gateway Plaza with a pool, classes, sauna, jacuzzi…. It’s small but it has everything you need.
Cons
- Though the subway lines are pretty close, it’s still a 15 minute walk – considered very far for New York. Mr. Bee works late hours and walking home late at night sucks.
- Not a single decent restaurant here – I always have to cook.
- Nothing to do around here. I think we’re the only tenant on our entire floor that doesn’t have kids. It’s a very family oriented building and neighborhood.
I’ll add more as I think of them. It seems like there are a lot of pros, but to me the cons actually outweigh the pros. And though we’re moving into a tiny West Village apartment, I’m excited because I love the neighborhood. I’ll be able to take my laptop to nearby cafes and work, have a huge selection of restaurants and nightlife, be much closer to the subway, and live within walking distance to two friends!
Living in Battery Park seriously stifles my creativity because there’s nothing and no one around here! Sometimes I won’t leave the house at all for 5 straight days. While walking around in Union Square recently I had an epiphany… and I started this blog. I need to be in the center of the city! Besides, we’re not going to live here forever and I want to take advantage of all the city has to offer.
Comments (9)
i think u’re gonna have so much more inspiration to write living there. good luck! =)
did mr. bee rollerskate too?
Thanks. I’m trying to decide where to live, so I’ll cross Battery Park off the list, though I think my bf would love it when he visits. We can always hang out there on a Saturday afternoon.
why are you moving out of such a beautiful place? I think my cousin lives there but I don’t quite remember. She has a doorman and gym inside the building, and nearby tennis courts. So jealous.
we should have west village party once you and bear are settled. =)
…not crazy like the last one, but a nice quaint dinner or something.
walking 15 min is good for u, cooking at home is better than 10 sec rule, and nothing to do will save you money. now you got urself a nice place to live.
um, inquiring minds would like to know where the photos are of you roller skating in your hot pink skates? ahem. waiting!
how exciting!! maybe i should just pack up and move east!!