Renting in Chelsea

What it's like

Chelsea is where Manhattan stops being one thing. The eastern half around Sixth and Seventh is dense, commercial, and full of large post-war rentals with elevators and gyms. West of Ninth it goes quiet and low and expensive, with the galleries and the High Line and buildings that cost what a house costs.

It is one of the few neighborhoods where you can genuinely choose your building type rather than take what the block offers. That makes it a good place to hunt if you know what you want and a confusing one if you do not.

Who it suits

People who want an elevator, a laundry room, and a lease that does not require a broker relationship. Also anyone commuting to Midtown who refuses to live in it.

The catch

The big amenity buildings advertise a net effective rent with one or two months free. The number you will renew at is the gross rent, which is often three hundred a month higher. Make them tell you both.

Getting around

The 1, 2, 3 on Seventh, the C and E on Eighth, the F and M on Sixth, and the L at 14th. Penn Station is a walk. This is close to the best-connected residential position in the borough.

What to check at the viewing

• Get the concession in writing and ask what the renewal rent would be at today's numbers.
• In the older post-war buildings, ask whether the windows have been replaced. The originals are loud on Sixth and Seventh.
• Ask what floor the trash and recycling room is on if you are near it.