New York Habitat Blog

Pablo Picasso. Josephine Baker. Ernest Hemingway. The Montparnasse region of Paris has long attracted the creative and artistic. To this day the region continues to support the arts through its abundance of museums and theaters. Celebrate a rich history of culture and explore Paris with New York Habitat. This One-Bedroom Apartment near Montparnasse (PA-3048) could be your perfect starting point.

Bright, One-Bedroom Apartment in Montparnasse, Paris:

This modernly designed one-bedroom rental is located on the third floor of a contemporary building. The building (unlike many in Paris) is equipped with an elevator.

Also for your convenience, the owners of the apartment live in the building and have proven to be very helpful to tenants.

The windows stream in sunlight during the day and the modern lighting of the apartment warmly illuminates the space at night.

Located a ten-minute walk from Montparnasse, the rental is also conveniently near Line 13 (Plaisance stop) of the Parisian subway system.

Montparnasse, Paris:

The ancient Greeks believed “Mount Parnassus” to be the home of Apollo, the god of poetry, music, and beauty. In 17th century Paris, students began to gather on a small hill to recite poetry. The students nicknamed the area after the home of Apollo and soon the name morphed into Montparnasse.

Since its artistic inception, Montparnasse has continued to attract the truly creative. Patrons of the world-renowned cafes of Montparnasse have included writers such as Scott Fitzgerald and T.S. Eliot, painters such as Kandinsky and Modigliani, and directors such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Roman Polanski. In addition to cafes, the area boasts many shops, restaurants, and theaters.

Montparnasse is also home to the Tour Montparnasse, which was, at one time, the tallest office building in Europe. 

Why is this one-bedroom rental a Hidden Gem?

The warm lighting combined with the modern colors and designs of the décor are standout features of the apartment. When you add the nearby cultural and artistic hotspot of Montparnasse, this one-bedroom rental is uncovered as a hidden gem.

For more information on Paris, read:

• Paris in Song - “Paris – Picture Perfect”
• Paris in the Movies - Indulge Your Inner Film Buff

Feel free to post any comments or questions below.

“Have you ever been on a train that is delayed or stopped in a tunnel, and immediately passengers start to chat?” Roxanne Robertson asks New York Habitat bloggers.  “This cordial atmosphere goes on for hours on the Nostalgia Train, minus the delays.”  Ms. Robertson is the director of special projects at New York’s famed Transit Museum. 

The Transit Museum’s Summer 2007 Nostalgia Train excursions are among the most enjoyable leisure activities of the summer, and New York Habitat can help you find a nearby Brooklyn furnished apartment! 

The Nostalgia Train consists of a series of six pre-World War II subway cars that ride along existing New York City subway tracks—it is the merging of vintage with modern. 

On August 12, 2007, passengers will board on the Midtown-West side of Manhattan to travel nonstop to Coney Island.  With 1930s and 1940s ceiling fans, wicker seats and traditional era advertisements, this is truly a special subway ride.  The voyage is not merely a point A to point B experience and the ride is pleasant, social and scenic. 

“On the nonstop Nostalgia Train, passengers can relax, put their bags down and read — we even had a few knitters last time!” Ms. Robertson said. During the August 12 trip, passengers will do what they normally do on a subway ride, except that the train does not stop until it reaches the famed beaches and boardwalks of Coney Island.  

The trip will take place just in time for Coney Island’s last summer before a projected major revitalization takes place. Plans are in the works for redevelopment on the southernmost tip of Brooklyn, a spot that The Washington Post calls “the birthplace of the roller coaster and the American hot dog”.  Coney Island and the Nostalgia Train are not just for the kiddies, and families from all over the country and the world have taken the trip. “People that grew up here but moved away return and ride with us. The sights, sounds and smells of the vintage railcars evoke happy memories from their youth, those memories all come rushing back.”

The New York Transit Museum, located in Brooklyn Heights, began as a temporary exhibit in 1976, and then evolved into a permanent exhibit that attracts crowds year-round.  New York Habitat has furnished apartments available throughout various Brooklyn neighborhoods, including:

• 1-bedroom apartment in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn (NY-12278)
• 1-bedroom accommodations in Park Slope, Brooklyn (NY-12022)
• 4-bedroom rental in Park Slope, Brooklyn (NY-12276)

Tickets are now available at $10 for children ages 3-17, $30 for adults and $25 for museum members.  The Nostalgia Train’s August 12 and September 8 rides will accommodate up to 400 people each, and reservations are suggested but not required.  “Although everyone has a guaranteed seat, a lot of people like to stand, to walk around, to talk to people,” Ms. Robertson said.  For the specific Midtown meeting place and to reserve, call (718) 694-1867 or visit the Transit Museum’s website at www.mta.info/museum.  In addition to the Nostalgia Train excursions, the museum offers exhibitions, special events, and even children’s birthday parties.

For other Coney Island and Brooklyn blog entries, take a look at:

• New York In Song - Living In Brooklyn 
• New York Events: The Floating Pool at Brooklyn Bridge
• Apartment Rental Tips: Expand your search to other areas

Have you ever visited the Transit Museum, seen the Nostalgia Train roll by, or tried a Coney Island hot dog? Tell us below!

New York Habitat is proud to release the first in its series of semi-annual furnished apartment market reports. The first one covers the New York market and information on furnished apartments, vacation rentals and roommate share units our company has to offer. The report is available at the Furnished Apartment Market Reports section of our website.

“During its 18 years of service, New York Habitat has built a vast domestic and international clientele,” says Vice President François Roux.  “We are proud to present specialized information about furnished apartment rentals that is of interest to real estate investors, leisure travelers, corporate professionals and exchange students.”

The market report contains statistics and analysis about the first halves of 2005, 2006 and 2007. It includes information about the following market statistics:

• Average length of stay
• Average price by apartment type
• Percentage of apartments rented by type
• Percentage of apartments rented by neighborhood
• Price ranges by apartment type or neighborhood

New York Habitat has created a Furnished Apartment Rental Market Reports section on our website, where this and future reports will be available.  The next New York Market Report, to be released at the end of the year, will contain cumulative second half and full-year results.

The long-term goal is for this report to be an informative guide for owners who decide to lease, and vacationers and other renters who are looking for housing options during their stay in New York.

We anticipate that you will find this market report informative and look forward to reading your comments on the blog about any questions or items you would like to see in future New York Furnished Apartment Market Reports. You can also e-mail the market report team at marketreport@nyhabitat.com

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For information about the 2nd half and full year 2007 read: 2007 New York Furnsihed Apartment Market Report is published

Your company has flown you to Paris for a week on business and has set you up in a stylish apartment in the heart of the city with the help of New York Habitat. The days have been filled with appointments and the nights have been cut short due to early morning breakfast meetings. The end of your trip is approaching and while business meetings in a foreign country have been exciting, there is still much more you would like to see and do. The clear solution to this dilemma is to extend the trip. Luckily, New York Habitat is here with some tips to make this a task easily done.

Okay, first thing’s first … speed is key. The availability for any given apartment can change rapidly. Simply because your rental was available for the entire month when you arrived at your destination does not mean that it will remain that way through the end of your stay. Once the notion to extend your trip in Paris, New York, London, or the South of France pops into your head, get the necessary wheels in motion as soon as possible.

The first person you should contact is your agent at New York Habitat. Ensure that the apartment is available for the additional days that you desire. The two of you will also discuss and arrange the fees and paperwork necessary to make the booking complete.

If, however, the apartment is unavailable during those additional days, there are other options to consider. If the plan is to extend the trip for three days or more, then your New York Habitat agent will find another suitable apartment for the rest of your stay.

Always remember that the agent who completes your booking is your greatest ally. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions along the way. With your vacation rental easily booked for another several days, you are free to continue your exploration through a foreign destination. Enjoy!

If there are any questions you wish to have answered, feel free to post them below. Or you can check our list of frequently asked questions.

Four days ago, on July 14th, the French republic honored the continuing unification of the country and the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille.

Last Sunday, thousands of people gathered in the streets of New York to pay homage to French culture.

New York Habitat was on site at 60th Street to take part in the festivities, as well as to answer the questions of celebrants curious about vacation rentals.

60th Street, which is normally occupied by bustling New Yorkers, was transformed by the French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) into an attraction-filled street festival.

Revelers ping-ponged from the soccer games set up by Red Bull to the display of colorful Citroen cars, all while juggling the assorted treats and delicacies available throughout the day.

Beginner and intermediate players alike were able to benefit from the Pétanque demonstration and class, while other sports enthusiasts competed in a stationary (and far easier) Tour de France.

For those looking to enjoy a leisurely afternoon, the stage provided endless entertainment. Pascalito enchanted the female revelers with his Brazilian accent and fluid dance moves. Frank Muhel & Tessa tantalized the crowd with dances native to their home country of Martinique, proving the far-reaching effects that French culture has had around the world.

Keeping with tradition, New York Habitat agents were available to answer questions and meet our current apartment renters, as well as potential clients. Visitors to our booth walked away with useful knowledge and gifts!

For our many French agents living and working away from home, Bastille Day in New York is a terrific celebration of everything they hold dear.

New York Habitat would like to thank everyone who attended for another great Bastille Day and to encourage you all to come out again next year.

What were your favorite booths/attractions at Bastille Day New York? How did you celebrate 14th Juillet? Leave a comment below.

When I grow rich say the bells of Shoreditch …

Children all over London have grown up reciting the hopeful words to the nursery rhyme, “Oranges and Lemons.” Today, Shoreditch has achieved its goal.

The lively neighborhood has grown to become very rich in culture and personality. New York Habitat heralds the cultural ascent of Shoreditch by highlighting a modern, One-Bedroom Accommodation (LN-436) .

Groovy, One-Bedroom Rental:

Located only a short walk from the thriving cultural center of Shoreditch, this one-bedroom rental stands out as a Hidden Gem.

The apartment’s design is richly inspired by the mesmerizing colors and swirls of the 1970s, while still providing modern appliances and wireless broadband Internet.

The trendy décor is further amplified by the apartment’s trendy fish bowl and three goldfish. The ground level flat also leads to a private garden and deck.

Travel into the city of London is made simple by the use of the Old Street tube station, as well as a 24-hour bus system.

Shoreditch, London:

From early on in the history of Shoreditch, artists have been attracted to the area. The first playhouse in England, The Theatre, was born here in 1576. This playhouse was soon followed by the Curtain Theatre, both of which housed plays written by William Shakespeare. In fact, it was in The Theatre that Romeo and Juliet and Henry V gained their initial fame.

While neither of these theaters are standing today, Shoreditch has since become a breeding ground for galleries, studios, and workspaces. It was the lure of cheap rent that attracted scores of artists to the area during the early 1990s.

Since then, however, artistic bohemians are not the only crowd flocking to the area. More recently, Shoreditch has become a mecca for students and successful twenty-somethings. Shoreditch real estate has become a booming business.

Shoreditch, located in the East End district of London, is centered around a triangle formed by Old Street, Great Eastern Street and Shoreditch High Street. It is on Old Street and nearby Curtain Road that the largest concentration of clubs, pubs, and restaurants can be found.

For example, The Pool, found on Curtain Road, is a very lively bar that features dance parties downstairs on the weekends. Or perhaps, you can enjoy the sunny terrace of the Caffe d’Arte, which serves hot meals and sandwiches during the day.

What makes this one-bedroom a Hidden Gem?

A prime position in a culturally diverse and now fashionable area of London is the standout feature of this one-bedroom apartment. The clever and colorful décor, as well as the private garden also help to make this accomodation a Hidden Gem.

If you know of any interesting spots in Shoreditch or have any comments/questions, feel free to post them below.

Image courtesy of: Golf Punk

Coming to New York for your summer vacation or stuck in the city unable to make it to the beach this summer?

Check out one of New York’s innovative new attractions: The Floating Pool at Brooklyn Bridge Park.

The Floating Pool is a perfect attraction to visit during your time in New York. It offers 40,000 square feet of beach area, a great view of New York Harbor and is conveniently docked in Brooklyn Heights near the Brooklyn Bridge.

For those looking to rent an accommodation near the Floating Pool, New York Habitat has several options that are within a short walk or subway ride from the East River location. Some options include:

· 1-bedroom apartment rental in Brooklyn Heights (NY-12059) around 10 minutes walk from the pool
· 2-bedroom apartment rental (NY-5375) in Boerum Hill (Brooklyn), 2 subway stops from the pool

How to Get to the Pool:

The Closest subways are the 2/3/4/5 trains to Brooklyn Borough Hall or M/R trains to Court Street. The city is offering a shuttle bus or you can walk west down Joralemon Street to the waterfront.

For more great summer activities in New York, check out the events section of our Blog. For more details visit the Floating Pool website.

So, while staying in your New York City accommodation this summer, if you aren’t lucky enough to make it to the Hamptons or Cape Cod, check out the new Floating Pool in the East River at Brooklyn Bridge Park.

 You may have so much fun you will want to rent an apartment in New York every summer.