BrickUnderground

There's something decidedly charming about this two-bedroom, two-bath duplex on West 80th Street a half-block from Central Park. Start with the touches that come with being tucked into the third and fourth floors of a townhouse: a period facade; a customized, non-cookie-cutter floorplan; slanted ceilings. 

1. 80/20 living gets trickier when you're a mom

2. An amenity trend we can get behind: car-sharing for the whole building

3. 5 things you didn't know about Jamaica Estates, Trump's former home in Queens

It might feel like ancient history now, in these inventory-short, market-hectic times in NYC real estate. But in the late 2000s, the market—ours included—was at a standstill, brought to its knees by the colossal popping of a housing bubble created, in part, by loose lending practices, speculation, banking products built around questionable loans, and lack of oversight. 

Yes, Bedford-Stuyvesant is known for its blocks of brownstones and townhouses. But its cache of apartments are pretty charming too (mostly). If you're in the market for one, you're in luck: There are more than a dozen of them up for open house perusing this weekend. Here, a handful to consider for your calendar:

Yet another reason to adore the holidays in New York: there is no shortage of events to get together and celebrate with your neighbors. From menorah lightings to tree-decoratings to sing-alongs, NYC is one big holiday love-in right now, and there are plenty of ways to join in the fun. Start here:

Carroll Gardens is an unquestionably coveted neighborhood in Brooklyn. This five-bedroom, four-and-a-half bathroom sits within its boundaries, but that's not all:  it's also just a few blocks from an equally beloved spot, Cobble Hill.