What we're thankful for—NYC real estate edition

As we've learned here at BrickUnderground after six years of covering New York City real estate, there's so much about our living situations that go wrong. But there's so much that goes right, too. Part of what makes living in this city—and navigating its knotty real estate terrain—so challenging but also invigorating is that just when we think we've had enough, something happens to make it clear that there's so much to be thankful for, too—our neighbors, our neighborhood, the fact that we found an apartment we love in the first place. 

Today, our editors and contributors share all the reasons they're feeling grateful, because 'tis the season, after all:

Makeovers done right

"I am thankful that my renovation is over—on time and relatively on budget." —Teri Rogers, Upper West Side

Views for days

"I'm thankful for my building's roof, with a view so majestic and perfectly situated that I've considered building careers around it. I can call into 1010 WINS and give them George Washington Bridge traffic reports. If I ever pursued a path as a Superhero, no doubt I would cast a watchful eye from a Perch of Justice high atop my building. For now, I'm more than content with being a bit of a tour guide, bringing friends and family up there to take in the spectacle." —Dennis Golin, Washington Heights

"I live in a narrow four-story apartment building in Bed-Stuy with no other tall buildings adjacent to it, so I get three exposures from my tiny one-bedroom. From my room, the windows look out onto all the backyard brownstones below. It's an incredible view, one you don't often see in the neighborhood, and I get to watch the massive backyard trees change throughout the seasons." —Emily Nonko, Bedford-Stuyvesant

Neighbors who are more than neighbors

"I'm so grateful for my neighbors. I do get annoyed sometimes with the many unexpected knocks on the door from people who just want to say hi (really it's to gossip or complain). Yes, I even get annoyed at how pushy they are about sharing the CSA hauls (I have enough cabbage for the winter, thank you!). But I do love that we have such a tight community. If you ever need anything, you'll never have to go long without somebody coming to your aid. We visit each other in hospital, bring each other tea and cake, accept packages, check mail, water plants, you name it. One big happy, dysfunctional family." —Mayra David, Harlem

"I'm thankful that we've started to make friends in our building and potential playdates for the winter time, when leaving the house will feel like a major chore." — Lucy Cohen Blatter, Upper East Side

"I am thankful to live in a building that has a wonderful community. The kids are friends, the parents are friends and the babysitters are friends.  It takes a village and we are happy to be a part of this one. Plus, the private park in the back is a nice perk, too!" —Jill Urban, Lincoln Square

"In the frenetic realm of NYC real estate, what  am I most thankful for? First on the list would have to be my amazing neighbors--the ones I wrote about in a recent post for Brick—the ones who rallied when I fell and broke my elbow--the ones who make our building feel like a home. I am thankful, too, for our most gentlemanly, capable and soft-spoken super,  Mike,  whom I am happy to consider a friend. And, dialing back decades, I am grateful for the fact that I was able to move into my building when young families could still afford to live and raise their kids here on the Upper West Side, a neighborhood that was unquestionably rough around the edges then (dangerous even) but at the same time diverse, interesting and never, ever dull." —Marjorie Cohen, Upper West Side