What comes from Castle Rock, stays in Castle Rock

It’s Decision Day!

Our clients, Norris and Myra Ridgewick, are Castle Rock originals seeking a way out. Stephen King has scripted them into a life of suffering, public embarrassment, and resignation . They want out. Plus, their hometown of Castle Rock is cursed .

They’ve decided their best shot at survival is relocating to New York City .

Here’s what we know, followed by what they’ve seen .

The Ridgewicks have a $1,000,000 budget. They want to have two bedrooms — or a 1BR with room for an office — and light (something Castle Rock lacks in abundance). They don’t have a car and don’t mind walking , but don’t really know their way around. (Newbies!)

They’ll look to secure a conventional 30-year fixed-rate loan at 6.18% with 20% down . Here’s what they saw, along with our top picks for each borough based on the Ridgewicks’ criteria.

Bronx

Click here to jump back to see the Ridgewick’s Bronx properties.

In the Bronx, the Ridgewicks can be entrepreneurial with their stated budget .

Three properties are multifamily houses, i.e., they can collect rent and have a home , while three have more than 2,000 square feet .

We don’t know how many square feet the Edgehill Avenue property has, and it’s also been on the market for 100+ days — which could be a red flag . However, more of a concern — despite the obvious charm of this home — is that it has a generous driveway… for a couple of non-drivers

The pure “value” pick here is 2155 Walton Avenue. This 7BR home is new to market, and has had some recent updates to the interior . If the Ridgewicks select the Bronx, this one looks to be the standout .

Brooklyn

Click here to jump back to see the Ridgewick’s Brooklyn properties.

In Brooklyn, the Ridgewicks have a plethora of condo options — several of which are luxury and boutique , offering amenities that they won’t avail of in the Bronx. These include buildings with fitness centers , yoga rooms , children’s play centers , pet spas , and rooftop lounges .

Do they need these? Based on the stated criteria, offerings like pet spas and play centers fall outside of the Ridgewicks’ requirements.

Equally, the 1BR at 445 Fifth Avenue falls short , especially if they want a second bedroom or space for an office.

The best option for the Ridgewicks in Brooklyn is the Frost Street unit within the Elara. Here, they’ll have two bedrooms at the lowest price point within a boutique condominium that has private storage lockers and a video intercom system .

Manhattan

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In Manhattan, the Ridgewicks really only have three options from which to choose… and, regrettably, none are on the Lower East Side .

Both lower Manhattan apartments — 260 West 10th Street and 222 East Broadway — are 1BR units, so we’ll eliminate them . 324 East 112th Street has some attractive features, however, it has a 421a tax abatement that ends in 2031 , meaning they’ll have resale risk in five years — should they decide to retreat back to Castle Rock .

If our clients are okay living uptown, 463 West 142nd Street offers two bedrooms, two bathrooms, light , and one of the lower price points of this fivesome. The unit has been on the market for 100+ days , which could give reason to pause, but it’s the top option of the bunch.

Queens

Click here to jump back to see the Ridgewick’s Queens properties.

Queens provides some unique alternatives for the Ridgewicks. Here, they can choose between beachside , urban , and quasi-suburban living. That’s part of the amazing diversity that New York City offers .

Without spoiling their suntans , though, we have to eliminate the house on Beach 141st Street. Without any images of the interior , one has to suspect that something’s funny . (As their agent, though, I would check this home out first to ensure we don’t waste a trip to a construction site .)

84-17 Chapin Parkway is a compelling option, as it offers more than 2,000 square feet with four bedrooms and 3+ bathrooms . Despite the cozy-looking exterior , the interior looks dated — yellowy even — and possibly dark… one of their deal-breakers . This could be why it’s been on the market for 100+ days.

Not that Days on the Market has to be exclusionary . 58-01 Queens Boulevard has been on for more than a year , and this looks to be an attractive unit . Perhaps it’s just that the seller is asking above what the market will bear , which could present an opportunity… especially if they’re starting to experience fatigue .

Putting aside virtual imagery, 57-46 65th Street is the pick of the litter given its size (2,000+ sq ft) and condition . It’s been recently renovated, appears to be bright , and is located within the close-knit community of Maspeth .

Staten Island

Click here to jump back to see the Ridgewick’s Staten Island properties.

If you know me, this is where I put in some predictable — but still clever — jab at Staten Island and state that the Ridgewicks aren’t considering Staten Island because it’s Staten Island .

I’m not going to do that.

Staten Island actually has some intriguing choices , while also offering a softer landing for people unaccustomed to the rigors and realities of city living .

Saint Andrews Road, Arthur Kill Road, Mosely Avenue each offer between 1,500 and 2,200 square feet, three or more bedrooms , and similar price points, while also having remarkable architectural features . (It would be nice to have a clear image of the Saint Andrews’ exterior, of course .)

The Todt Hill property is similar to the Beach 141st Street home in Queens: No interior images . So, we’ll pass.

This leaves (the rather pricey) Bay Street Landing, which is the only real one to consider because, again, the Ridgewicks aren’t drivers . From here, they can catch the Staten Island Ferry and buses into Manhattan. But, overall, Staten Island isn’t great for people solely reliant on public transportation .

The Decision.

What did the Ridgewicks choose, you ask? Between 2155 Walton Avenue (Bronx), 221 Frost Street (Brooklyn), 463 West 142nd Street (Manhattan), 57-46 65th Street (Queens); and Bay Street Landing (Staten Island) they had plenty to consider .

In the end, though, no one makes it out of Castle Rock… including the Ridgewicks .

Thanks for joining us on the Haunted Homequest . We’ll be back on the LES tomorrow. Sigh .