Not to be confused with nomad, a wandering traveler. But if you must, wander into the charming and historic neighborhood of NoMad in Manhattan. Located north of Madison Square Park (NOrth of MADison), surrounded by the popular Flatiron District, Chelsea, Murray Hill and Rose Hill, this frequently overlooked neighborhood is a tiny gem hidden in plain sight.
The start of something new
What was once considered a no-man’s-land, between 6th Avenue and Lexington Avenue, stretching from 25th to 30th Street, is an answer to the city’s never-ending call for more housing. Previously a “Brown Zone” or wholesale district, the NoMad neighborhood is a refuge of beautifully renovated historical buildings that shelter charming pied-a-terres and apartments, swanky hotels, renowned restaurants, trendy bars, and retail shops. Now, a blossom of luxury residential developments is attracting smart buyers who are looking to invest in Manhattan’s next big thing.
What do the real estate trends say?
The real estate market in Manhattan favors a good revival story. After all, the job of real estate actors, investors and developers, requires foresight and a spark of imagination. In the past, NoMad has not always been thought of as a prime residential area – but that’s changing. With an ideal location on the border of Midtown and Lower Manhattan and a collection of high-end establishments, NoMad has never been more ready to welcome new residents to a neighborhood on the rise.
Buyers who are interested in living in a brand new apartment look up and around. Among the breathtaking sight of towering skyscrapers, you will find luxury at its highest: sleek, modern condos with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, boasting eye-to-eye views of the Empire State Building, and comfort and amenities beyond compare. It’s true, this is what dreams are made of.
An “It” neighborhood in the making
NoMad is in the process of creating its own identity. Of course, this doesn’t mean that it’s going to leave its past behind. Whether on foot or bike, passersby are surrounded by daily reminders: magnificent gray-brick turn-of-the-century construction line the streets; the gorgeous New York Life Building, topped with a gilded gold pyramid, still shines bright; the Grand Madison, is an extraordinary embellishment of Renaissance-Revival architecture; and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, the oldest acting school in America – whose alumni include Grace Kelly, Robert Redford, and Anne Hathaway – remind us what the Big Apple is all about: Making dreams come true.
Now let’s come back down to earth. The new image of this up-and-coming neighborhood is grounded in 2 important pillars. The first is situated on NoMad’s southern border: the timeless Madison Square Park, a 6.2-acre public space with landscaped lawns dotted with artworks, like the striking metal canopies, tilted Fata Morgana, by artist Teresita Fernández.
The second is the recent and ultra-trendy Ace Hotel, the neighborhood’s guiding light. The hotel acts as the neighborhood’s “living room,” which perfectly encapsulates NoMad’s place as an in-between area for after-work cocktails or grabbing a bite to catch up with an old pal. The neighborhood’s ambiance is calm – dare we say quiet? – as commuters, tourists, and wanderers pass through its streets, only stopping at a welcoming restaurant, lounge, or bar – of which there is no shortage. The result is the perfect balance of old and new, within minutes of the city’s endless activities, amenities, and amusement: an untapped residential resource.
To live in NoMad is to live well in the heart of the action and sleep better in a safe haven. Hurry! The time to settle down in NoMad, Manhattan is now.