Virginia K. Smith

A bunch of new apps and services launched this year to make life (somewhat) easier for renters (NYT)

12 of the city's most delightfully oddball museums (Thrillist)

This Greenpoint gas leak might be a cause for concern... (Greenpointers)

Good news for New Yorkers, especially those within a few blocks of subway stops: New research indicates that living near a transit line may actually be good for your mental health. So maybe it's time to lighten up on all our gripes about the MTA? (Yesterday's L train nightmare notwithstanding.) 

Applications are now open for affordable rentals as cheap as $494/month at 21 Commercial Street, part of the controversial new Greenpoint Landing development, per a listing on NYC Housing Connect.

Say hello to the 332: Manhattan's getting a new area code (WNYC)

Which neighborhoods have the best and worst tippers? StreetEasy and Seamless investigate (StreetEasy)

Even if the actual size of their kitchens leave something to be desired (and their "cooking" prowess consists of reheating Seamless orders), you'd be hard-pressed to find a New Yorker who doesn't take an avid interest in food, cocktails, or the blissful combination of the two. That in mind, we scoured our favorite NYC shops for perfect gifts for any NYC kitchen (or home bar):