Tudor Tower

The development's striking aesthetic of brick and filigreed stone embellished with elements including gargoyles, stained glass, lancet windows and coats of arms was inspired by the resurgence of the Tudor Revival style in the suburbs. Interiors continue the stylistic choice; Tudor Tower’s lobby features intricately carved wood, leaded stained glass windows, hexagonal ceramic floor tiles and even Medieval-style tapestries. "I've never heard people not like it," says Keller Williams New York agent William Krooss-Tadas. "They're always pretty enchanted by it." Even Hollywood is not immune to the complex's charms; "Taxi Driver," "Scarface," "The Godfather III" and three films in the "Spider-Man" franchise have filmed in Tudor City. In 1988, the neighborhood was designated a Landmark Historic District. As beguiling as the castle-like surroundings may be, it's the price points that usually pique buyers' interest, many of whom are purchasing a home for the first time. "You can own for less than it costs to rent," says Aimee Fink, an Elegran Forbes Global Properties broker. "You get a lot for your money here." For many, the conveniently located, compact apartments in the building make are ideal for pied-a-terres. People looking for an investment should probably search elsewhere, says Krooss-Tadas, who did his first deal in the complex in 2014, selling an apartment for $260,000. That same unit recently sold for $300,000. "The closing costs are greater than the appreciation by far," he says. "The value is in the living there. The main thing is you get to own."

Mostly studios and one-bedrooms, charming details, some efficiency kitchens

Homes in Tudor Tower range from studios to three-bedroom apartments, with most being studios and one-bedrooms. (Larger residences are typically combined units.) Studios can be as small as 250 square feet and list for between $250,000 and $400,000. One-bedrooms measure around 600 square feet and sell for up to $625,000, and two-bedrooms measuring up to 800 square feet ask as much as $1 million. As is the case with most of the homes in Tudor City, the apartments in Tudor Tower are small, but the building offers a wide variety of layouts, and units have an innate character. "Apartments are, for the most part, tiny," says Krooss-Tadas, citing the efficiency kitchens in many units. "Half of the apartments have hot plates." (Listings often refer to these as "two-burner electric cooktops”). However, units have an innate character. "You're not buying a typical cookie-cutter apartment," says Fink. "You can't create the charm that this building has." Apartments feature hardwood floors, beamed ceilings and large casement windows. The size restrictions of many of the homes inspire creative solutions to maximize the living space, such as Murphy beds, oversized mirrors, built-in shelving and multifunctional, sometimes mobile, furniture pieces.

Concierge, 24-hour door attendant and a roof deck with mythical stone creatures

Tudor Tower is staffed by a 24-hour concierge and door attendant. Utilities are included with maintenance and residents can join a gym in nearby Windsor Tower at a discounted rate. The building's furnished roof deck offers impressive views of the Chrysler Building and Midtown, plus features like striking stone griffins and decorative arches. There is a shared laundry room. Pied-a-terres, co-purchasing, gifting and guarantors are allowed. The co-op does not permit dogs. Conrad's Bike Shop, opened in 1971, has been a longtime ground-floor tenant of the co-op. The building also houses a nail salon.

On Murray Hill’s east side near the United Nations

Tudor City is located on the far east side of Murray Hill and is easily identified by the now-landmarked "Tudor City" sign that remains atop the complex's Prospect Tower. Grocery shopping can be done at Gristedes around the corner on Second Avenue, also home to a pharmacy, deli, bank and other retail. The neighborhood's two well-maintained parks, the Tudor City Greens, aka "The Greens," are private but open to the public from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Popular with area residents, the green spaces host seasonal community events and concerts. The neighborhood overlooks the United Nations, which can be reached by descending a wide stairway known as Sharansky Steps, and its pedestrian bridge, the Tudor City Overpass, is one of the best spots for catching the bi-annual Manhattanhenge, when the setting or rising sun aligns with the east-west grid of Manhattan. Across First Avenue, Robert Moses Playground offers athletic courts and a dog run, while New Wave Pier along the East River has a walking path and seating areas.

Close to Grand Central, commuter rail and major roadways for travel by car

Public transit options include the 4, 5, 6 and 7 trains and the shuttle to Time Squares at Grand Central Terminal, which can be reached in 10 minutes on foot. The Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad also depart from the terminal. A crosstown bus on 42nd Street provides access to points west. The FDR Drive is one block east, and the Queens-Midtown Tunnel connects to Queens and Interstates 495 and 278.