Lights, camera, action! You’ll hear these three words all over the streets of New York City as it continues to be one of the biggest TV/film meccas of the world. Whether walking the cobblestone streets of SoHo or the bustling avenues of midtown, the city is a living set piece where you’re bound to encounter a landmark or backdrop recognizable from your favorite shows and movies.
Onlookers may not realize that many of these famous landmarks are more than just a fictional backdrop. In fact, most are real-life residential properties that people actually call home. From Carrie Bradshaw’s Upper East Side flat to Monica and Rachel’s cozy apartment in Greenwich Village, here are 10 of the most iconic fictional apartments that are real-life residences in NYC.
- Monica and Rachel’s apartment from Friends
- Holly’s townhouse from Breakfast at Tiffany’s
- Carrie’s brownstone from Sex and the City
- Dana’s apartment from Ghostbusters
- The Bramford apartment from Rosemary’s Baby
- The Brooklyn townhouse from GIRLS
- Will’s apartment from Will & Grace
- The Corleone Staten Island estate from The Godfather
- The van der Woodsen penthouse from Gossip Girl
- The SoHo loft from Ghost
Monica and Rachel’s Iconic Apartment from Friends
When thinking of iconic TV apartments, Monica and Rachel’s spacious, two-bedroom home from Friends might come to mind. This recognizable pre-war building is located at 90 Bedford Street, right on the corner of Grove Street in Greenwich Village. Getting a glimpse of this iconic landmark tops many city goers’ itineraries. However, there’s more to the building than its on-screen exterior.
90 Bedford Street boasts sixteen residences, each displaying delicate craftsmanship and modern upgrades. Homes in this building offer custom Italian kitchens with state-of-the-art appliances, spa-inspired bathrooms, and wide-plank hardwood floors. However, they also display hints of their pre-war roots, with historic, exposed brick walls and double-paned sash windows. Safe to say that Monica and Rachel (despite their ever-changing employment statuses) were really living in luxury in this iconic building.
Holly Golightly’s Glamorous Upper East Side Townhouse from Breakfast at Tiffany’s
It doesn’t get more iconic than Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard rendezvousing on the stoops of 169 East 71st Street. From the famous 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, this stunning Upper East Side townhouse has become a renowned symbol for New York City glamour.
Selling for over $7 million in 2015, this elegant brownstone leaves nothing to be desired. It has a total of four bedrooms and five bathrooms – all split into an upper and lower duplex. These spacious living quarters, along with the home’s stunning kitchen, living room, library, private greenhouse, and more, make up 3,800 square feet of luxury city living.
Carrie Bradshaw’s Stylish Brownstone from Sex and the City
Ever wondered where Carrie Bradshaw stored all of her shoes? While her apartment interior, including her closet, was all a set designed by Sex and the City producers, the exterior of Carrie’s apartment is a real-life brownstone located on 64 Perry Street.
Built in 1899, this West Village home stood long before Carrie Bradshaw was written into existence. It boasts five bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a famously recognized 280-year-old white horse chestnut tree. Before selling for over $13 million in 2013, the brownstone had only been owned by three different families, reflecting the home’s exclusivity and value. Carrie certainly had an eye for exceptional homes—if only her taste in men were as refined.
Dana Barrett’s Haunted Apartment from Ghostbusters
New York City is home to several haunted residences from cinematic history, one of which is the home of Dana Barrett and her paranormal houseguests in Ghostbusters. Located at 55 Central Park West, this 19-story building may not house any ghosts but instead affluent city-goers who can afford one of its multi-million-dollar units.
The building is a staple of the Central Park West Historic District, and, along with its appearance in the iconic 1984 film, is widely recognized for its Art Deco-inspired exterior and grand lobby. While living here might not promise as-seen-on-TV paranormal activity, it will certainly give you a taste of luxury living in one of the most coveted locations in New York City.
The Eerie Bramford Apartment from Rosemary’s Baby
Sitting on the northwest corner of 72nd Street and Central Park West is The Dakota, a famous city landmark popularly known for its appearance in Rosemary’s Baby. Built in 1884, this elegant, gothic-inspired co-op is the complete antithesis of its cinematic depiction. Here, you won’t feel unsettled or frightened, but rather enchanted by architectural grandeur and luxury.
Along with its film appearances, The Dakota is also known for its celebrity occupants. Some of its most notable former residents include Judy Garland, John Lennon, and Yoko Ono. The building’s iconic reputation and prestige make it a hot commodity among New York’s most affluent, with some units selling for tens of millions of dollars.
The Hip Brooklyn Townhouse from GIRLS
If you watched the popular 2010s comedy-drama GIRLS, you might recall the storyline where Lena Dunham’s character Hannah has a whirlwind romance with a well-off doctor. While their chemistry was undeniably captivating, much of the attention shifted to the doctor’s stunning Brooklyn townhouse, where most of their rendezvous took place.
This memorable, 5,600-square-foot home, located at 52 South Oxford Street, is in the historic Fort Greene area and is reported to be the real-life residence of actor and screenwriter Billy Morrissette. Valued at over $5 million, this 19th-century estate is graced with five spacious living areas, seven bedrooms, a sprawling deck, and a gorgeous sunroom that is guaranteed to leave you breathless. You, too, may need a doctor after getting a glimpse of this stunning property!
Will Truman’s Chic Apartment from Will & Grace
Dedicated Will & Grace watchers will instantly recognize the exterior of Will’s Upper West Side residence. With its spacious layout and stunning Central Park views, what more could a successful lawyer like Will ask for in a Big Apple residence?
Located at 155 Riverside Drive, Will’s charming apartment is located in a co-op building on the southeast corner of 88th Street, across from Riverside Park. This 12-story residence was originally constructed in 1910 and is home to 60 apartments, each with a hefty price tag of at least six figures.
The Corleone Grand Staten Island Estate from The Godfather
New York’s TV/film landmarks aren’t limited to Manhattan. In fact, one of its most famous is across the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in Staten Island. Yes, we’re talking about none other than the iconic Todt Hill mansion that served as the Corleone family’s palatial residence in the 1972 classic The Godfather.
This sprawling, $3 million estate can be found at 110 Longfellow Avenue, sitting upon a luxurious 24,000 square-foot yard. If you visit this landmark today, you’ll find that its Tudor-style exterior hasn’t changed since being the backdrop of the 1972 film’s famous opening wedding scene. However, it has been reported that the interiors have been modernized, reflecting a more contemporary style than the home’s original 1930s design.
The Luxurious van der Woodsen Penthouse from Gossip Girl
Upper East Side properties are nothing short of extravagant and The Milan is no exception. This towering, 32-story Manhattan residence is famously recognized for its appearance in the hit 2010s drama Gossip Girl, where it was home to the glamorous blonde bombshell herself, Serena van der Woodsen.
In the series, Serena van der Woodsen and her family reside in the building’s lavish penthouse, the perfect home base for Manhattan’s most elite and opulent. Though the van der Woodsens are fictional, of course, it’s safe to assume that The Milan hosts many real-life, wealthy, and well-known figures, as its homes sell for well over a million dollars each.
The Trendy SoHo Loft from Ghost
Last on our iconic NYC apartments list is 102 Prince Street, otherwise known as the famous SoHo loft from the 1990s thriller Ghost. In the film, this trendy and spacious loft is home to Demi Moore’s character Molly and her ghostly boyfriend Sam, played by Patrick Swayze, who occupy a spacious, industrial loft reflective of 90s interior styles.
In real life, this stunning SoHo residence is over 4,000 square feet, boasting lavish home features like a private key-lock elevator, sweeping city views, 12-foot-high windows, and more. When put on the market in 2015, the home was reportedly listed for a whopping $10.5 million, cementing its status as a home worthy of the spotlight.
Explore Apartments for Rent in NYC on Apartments.com
If you've ever watched a movie set in New York City and found yourself enamored by the stunning apartments showcased on screen, then you're not alone. The city has some of the most iconic and sought-after apartment buildings, known for their luxurious amenities, spacious layouts, and breathtaking views.
While owning an apartment in NYC may seem like a far-off dream for many, renting one can be just as thrilling. With Apartments.com, you can browse through thousands of listings for apartments in NYC that will make you feel like you're living in your favorite movie or TV show. Whether it be a historic Brooklyn brownstone or a chic Manhattan high-rise, discover all kinds of NYC rentals on Apartments.com.
