The novelist, the urban planner, and the $2M terrace hunt

We’ve followed Emma, the Wilsons, Herman, and the Garcias on their home searches—each drawn to the energy of the Lower East Side. Now, meet the Kostopouloses: a couple intentionally relocating from Astoria to the LES.

Nicos Kostopoulos is an urban planner who grew up in Astoria. His wife, Elena, is a celebrated fantasy novelist. She spends long stretches writing at home—developing characters, world-building, and occasionally pausing to stare off into the distance (ideally from a terrace) as she gathers inspiration for her next book.

So yes, a terrace is non-negotiable.

Beyond that, the couple's must-haves:

At least 2 bedrooms
Minimum 1,000 square feet
Budget: under $2 million

Within those guardrails, the shortlist is tight—but promising. What’s really at stake here isn’t just square footage. It’s how the Lower East Side can become the backdrop for their lives, careers, and creativity.

Here are the terraced contenders we’re showing the Kostopouloses:

199 Bowery #2D
179 Ludlow Street #2
50 Clinton Street #6D
265 East Houston Street #4
577 Grand Street #F1904
330 Grand Street #2B

Next up: we’ll break down each unit—what you get, what it costs, and what makes it unique in the ever-changing LES landscape.