Historic white limestone buildings in Yorkville off the beaten path
East 84th Street typifies Yorkville, a quiet, residential Upper East Side neighborhood. Trees and brownstones line this peaceful side street near the East River. The mid-block, four-story buildings from 523-533 East 84th Street, between East End and First avenues, stand apart for their white limestone facades. The co-op dates to 1910, a time when the upper class preferred readily available limestone. As a well-maintained boutique building, with just 53 units and no elevator or door staff, it offers a private environment far from tourists. Yet it’s still close enough to restaurants, retail and transportation to make it convenient, while providing a neighborly feel.
Classic prewar apartments in a quiet building
Layouts range from studios to two-bedrooms; a number have been combined over the years. Prewar character is more evident in some units than others, such as arched doorways, oak floors with inlaid borders, crown molding and black-bordered yellow bathroom tiles. Other prewar details, like windowed galley kitchens, high ceilings and foyers, are more common. Renovations run the gamut, from kitchens and bathrooms that appear to have gone decades without any upgrades to those that have received complete overhauls, from swapping out appliances, cabinets, counters and tiles in kitchens to replacing bathtubs with walk-in showers and adding marble walls and floors. Window air conditioners are the norm.
Studios provide a tight footprint conducive to a Murphy bed, while some kitchens can only fit a mini fridge. Bathrooms are large enough for a bathtub, but floor space is only a little better than an airplane commode. Windows in the shower area are common. A studio last sold for $328,000 in 2024. One-bedrooms are often large enough for a queen-sized bed and a small office. In some cases, kitchens have been opened up and added breakfast bars and dishwashers. A 2025 listing priced a roomy, renovated one-bedroom for $590,000. Two-bedrooms typically include ample closets, a spacious living room, a separate dining room and a second bedroom that can fit a queen-sized bed. Many kitchens have also added built-in microwaves and dishwashers. The occasional two-bedroom has two bathrooms. Unusual layouts include a two-bedroom garden duplex apartment with a sunken living room containing a wood-burning fireplace, leading to a large patio and enough green space to garden. A two-bedroom with one bath last sold for $654,000 in 2024.
It’s not unusual for residents to combine units in order to stay here long-term.
Limited amenities but liberal policies
Like many prewar buildings, limited amenities include a laundry room, live-in super and bike room. Storage bins are charged on a yearly basis, pending availability. There is no lobby.
Maintenance fees are higher considering the few amenities, running almost $1,400 a month for a one-bedroom listed for $590,000 in 2025.
Pied-a-terres, gifting and guarantors are allowed, as is subletting after living in the unit for two years, pending board approval. Pets are allowed as well.
Residential section near the East River Esplanade
Yorkville is a less-crowded, family-friendly section with businesses lining York Avenue, including nearby coffee shops, restaurants, bars, an independent bookstore and dog daycare. Many more businesses line First, Second, Third and Lexington avenues and 86th Street, a major artery. For groceries, Fairway Market is located along the latter, and Whole Foods is a little further on 88th Street.
The co-op is just a block from Carl Schurz Park, a popular 15-acre park with a playground and dog runs along the East River Esplanade. (Gracie Mansion is also here, which functions as the technical home of the Mayor of New York.) The East River Esplanade is a favorite hangout for families, cyclists and runners, along with those who just wish to sit on one of the many benches and watch boats sail past. Asphalt Green is just north of the park, a sprawling family-friendly fitness complex that features an Olympic-size pool — a rarity in the city. The Chapin School is literally next door to the co-op, an elite, nationally ranked all-girls private school for kindergarten through 12th grades. It’s not uncommon for families to move to the neighborhood in order to be closer to the many private schools clustered here.
Proximity to express trains, buses and a ferry
The M31 bus stops around the corner on York Avenue, while 86th Street is best for crosstown buses to the Upper West Side. The nearest trains include the express Q at 86th and Second Avenue, an accessible station, and the 4, 5 and 6 trains at 86th Street and Lexington Avenue. It takes about 10 minutes to reach Times Square on an express train. In 2020, a ferry terminal opened at East 90th Street along the Soundview route; stops include East 34th Street and Pier 11/Wall Street. Drivers are close to FDR Drive, which is convenient for accessing other parts of the city or heading north toward the Westchester suburbs.
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Low Crime
Crime Score®
2/ 10
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
82/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
97/ 100
Rider's Paradise
Transit Score®
100/ 100
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Powered by CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks. Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Environmental risk data is provided by First Street Foundation® and is designed to approximate risk and not intended to include all possible scenarios.
Parks in this Area
Carl Schurz Park
4 min walk
Bike Trails
Dog Park
Fishing
DeKovats Playground
8 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
John Jay Park
9 min walk
Basketball
Picnic Area
Pool
Ruppert Park
13 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Rainey Park
11 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Dog Park
Playground
Hallett's Cove Playground
13 min drive
Basketball
Playground
Hallett's Point Playground
13 min drive
Jack McManus Field
14 min drive
Soccer
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Pony Field
15 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Schools
Source:
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