Stuyvesant Town, Manhattan, NY
About Stuyvesant Town, Manhattan
Stuyvesant Town/Peter Cooper Village – or “Stuy Town” as it’s popularly known – is a large residential development on the east side of Manhattan. It comprises 110 residential apartment buildings and several shops and other amenities for residents of the complex. It’s a self-contained development that is larger than many Manhattan neighborhoods.
Stuy Town is bounded by First Ave in the West, Avenue C in the East and 14th Street to the South. The development runs alongside the East River. It’s a popular neighborhood for students and young working professionals because it offers internal amenities and easy access to popular neighborhoods. Stuy Town attracts a variety of residents from students to families who like the self-contained nature of the development. It offers both luxury apartments and bare-bones units for those looking for relative affordability. Stuy Town is a staple of housing in NYC and is a popular destination for residents seeking comfort and access to other areas.
History of Stuyvesant Town
The area that became Stuy Town was once where many gas storage tanks that fueled the streetlights and other utilities in the city were housed, earning it the name “The Gas House District”. The Stuyvesant Town Development was planned in the early 1940s as a solution to the housing crisis that plagued the city after the Great Depression. The first tenants moved into the building in 1947 and the development served as a housing project for veterans returning from WWII. The complex has changed owners several times over the years and is currently owned by the Blackstone Group and Ivanhoe Cambridge - a Canadian real estate firm.
Demographics of Stuyvesant Town
Approximately 21,000 people live in StuyTown. Significantly more women live in the development – 57% of the population is female and 43% male. This is due to the safety and self-containment the neighborhood offers. Ages are fairly evenly divided across demographics. Many young adults live in Stuy Town – 23% of residents are between the ages of 25 and 34 years old. There is also a significant population of families, as 12% of residents are under the age of 18 and 24% are between the ages of 35 and 54. The majority of residents of Stuy Town are white, with 72% identifying as such. However, Asian residents also make up 12% of the population. It’s an upper middle-class development, with the median income being approximately $112,000.
Transportation in Stuyvesant Town
Stuy Town is a self-contained development and therefore transportation within the complex is limited to walking. The L train makes a stop at the 1st Ave Station right outside of Stuy Town at the corner of 1st Ave and 14th Street. There are several Citi bike stations along 1st Ave that residents may pay to use and there is a ZipCar terminal nearby. Plus, The NYC Ferry makes a stop at Stuyvesant Cove, a park along the East River available to Stuy Town residents
Housing in Stuyvesant Town
All the buildings that makeup Stuy Town were constructed between 1942 and 1947. They are large, pre-war apartments that run the gambit from luxury to no-frills. There are over 11,000 units in StuyTown across 110 buildings that range from studios to 5 bedrooms. Popular amenities like a walk in closets and stainless-steel appliances are abundant in the development. The Stuy Town leasing department offers multiple finishes and layouts residents may choose from to find a unit within the complex that fits their tastes.
Neighborhood Life in Stuyvesant Town
Stuy Town is a quiet residential complex that is removed from the hustle and bustle of the East Village and the Lower East Side. Residents have access to all the bars, restaurants and shops these neighborhoods have to offer and Williamsburg is just a quick train ride away across the East River. Within the Stuy Town complex, residents may enjoy 80 acres of green space including playgrounds for kids, three fitness facilities, and community events like fitness classes and movies. The complex also features Laundry facilities and there is a Target and a grocery store along the outer boundaries of the building. StuyTown is a development for those who wish to be removed from the commotion of the city and have everything they need at their fingertips. Entertainment options are readily available outside of the development so residents may enjoy city living in a suburban-feeling neighborhood.
Similar Neighborhoods to Stuyvesant Town, Manhattan
Stuyvesant Town Real Estate Trends
The median sale price for a condo in Stuy Town is around 820,000 per year. This figure is slightly lower than the average in the rest of Manhattan and Stuy Town apartments tend to be spacious. The owners of the complex recently signed a deal to allocate 5000 units to be affordable housing and available through a lottery system. These apartments would be available to households that make less than 62,000 per year and would not exceed more than $1500 per month. The real estate development began as a planned community for middle-class families but has changed over the years to cater to a wealthier demographic. The affordable housing lottery system assures that some of the vacant housing in the development goes to the families Stuy Town was originally intended to help.
Is Stuyvesant Town Safe?
Yes, Stuy Town is quite safe. The building has a private security force that patrols the grounds and there are safety buzzers all over the complex. The NYPD also patrols the area and has noted a significant decrease in all crimes over the past decade. There are some housing projects in Alphabet City not far from Stuy Town that can get rough after dark. Residents are wise to be cautious when venturing into other neighborhoods. But ultimately Stuy Town is a quiet, secluded development that offers residents comfort and safety.
How are the Schools in Stuyvesant Town?
There are no schools in StuyTown itself, but several highly rated public schools are available to residents. Elementary Schools that cater to residents of Stuy Town include PS 19 Asher Levy School, PS M226, PS Franklin D Roosevelt, and The East Village Community School. The School of the Future, The Manhattan Village Academy, and the Baruch College Campus High School are all highly regarded public high schools available to Stuy Town residents as well. Not all residences within Stuy Town are zoned for the same schools, it all depends on the location of the residence within the development.
Popular Eateries Near Stuyvesant Town
Things to Do in or around Stuyvesant Town
Hang out outside in the 80 acres of outdoor green space available to residents of Stuy Town
Go see a show at DRAM on Avenue B, the performance art space hosts tons of awesome musical performances and DJ sets
Have a drink at Rue B, a hip dive bar and Jazz club on Avenue B
Attend a free event hosted by the Stuy Town management team, they offer community events like movie nights and yoga classes
Hang out alongside the water at Stuyvesant Cove, a 1.9-acre park between Stuy Town and the East River
Is Stuyvesant Town Dog Friendly?
Yes, Stuy Town is dog friendly. Almost all the units allow pets and there is ample green space to let canine companions run around. Stuyvesant Cove is a great place for owners to bring their furry companion to jog. The spacious apartments Stuy Town offers are perfect for dogs, especially small and medium-sized animals. Owners just need to make sure to clean up after their pets when walking them in common areas.
Is Stuyvesant Town Good for Cyclists?
There are several Citi Bike stations outside the entrance to Stuy Town. Bicycles are not common in the developments itself but Alphabet City and the East Village are both good neighborhoods for cycling.
3 Things to Know Before Moving to Stuy Town, Manhattan
The Stuy Town development has certain rules and bylaws about things like trash pick up and package deliveries residents must follow. The Stuy Town management team will be able to assist with letting residents understand expectations
The development attracts NYU students, so certain sections of the building may feel like living in a dorm room
The building is often mistaken for a housing project because of it's architectural similarities to New York City public housing.**