Category: Uncategorized

So, you’re a budding home chef looking to take your culinary pursuits to the next level. You yearn to craft Instagram-worthy dishes that not only please the palates of your guests but look like refined pieces of art. While perusing Algin Management’s available no-fee luxury rentals in NYC, you realize that the kitchen is perhaps the most important aspect of a residence for you. 

Cooking is a pursuit that is dependent upon the tools of the chef. While there may be ways to get the best out of low-quality kitchenware, some essentials are incredibly important if you want to take your meals to the next level.

There may be no other piece of kitchenware more important than one’s pans. And again, as with the knives, the market is flooded with options. We highly recommend Tramontina’s Professional Restaurant Fry Pan. It is billed as a pan made for a professional kitchen and adapted to be used at home, and that’s what it feels like. Its cast stainless-steel handle and heavy gauge aluminum construction make it feel incredibly solid without weighing a ton. It can be used on all stovetops, comes with a lifetime warranty, and is truly nonstick, which makes clean-up easier.

Cooking nearly always involves cutting of some sort, so having a good set of knives is vital. There are many kitchen knife sets on the market, but we’re partial to the Calphalon Classic Self-Sharpening 6-Piece Cutlery Set. The set includes a paring knife, a Santoku knife, a utility knife, a chef’s knife, and kitchen shears. They are all made from fully forged, high-carbon German steel. What truly makes this set extraordinary, however, are the built-in knife sharpeners. The knife block—which utilizes their patented SharpIN technology—has a sharpener for every blade. If you cook often, your knives will inevitably start to become dull. Having to take out a sharpener is another step in preparing your dish. With this set, the sharpener is right there. Run the knives in and out a few times, and they’re ready to go.

If you’re going to be braising, roasting, or making soups, stews, and casseroles—if you’re going to be slow cooking at all—you need a Dutch oven. But not all Dutch ovens are created equal—not by a long shot. Le Creuset’s Dutch Oven is one of the most well-known brands, and for good reason. Le Creuset has been making Dutch ovens for just under a century. They know what they’re doing. This cast-iron beauty can do it all. It distributes heat slowly and evenly, ensuring that everything inside the pot coalesces just the way it should.

Now that you have the proper tools for a future that is filled with good food, Algin Management can help you find a new home (and kitchen) where you can create and host many feasts to come.

When it comes to making no-fee apartments in NYC feel like home, there’s a lot to consider. What kind of lighting does your space need? How should you arrange your furniture? Where is the perfect place to hang that beloved work of art? Few design elements, however, can multitask like the humble houseplant. Perennially underrated, a houseplant can purify the air, regulate humidity, and boost your mood — all while looking fresh and lovely. This may be why houseplants have enjoyed a surge in popularity, especially among Millennials. But indoor greenery has never really gone out of style. Whether you’re moving into a brand-new space or just want to revitalize and rejuvenate your home, indoor plants are a breath of fresh air — literally.

Clean air is a cause that most people can get behind, but for some, the idea of nurturing a living plant can be a little intimidating. But for those lacking a green thumb, there are plenty of low-maintenance, virtually indestructible plants — the kind that can withstand whatever hardships you may inadvertently impose upon them. Aloe, for example, can tolerate being watered every two to three weeks, and the snake plant “thrives on being ignored,” according to HGTV. The hardy pothos plant is an excellent choice for first-timers. When it needs water, it will begin to visibly droop, basically telling you, “I’m thirsty!” Once drenched, it will perk back up again.

Different plants have different needs, based on the climate found in their native environment. Tropical plants will crave humidity and warmth, while desert plants prefer dry, arid conditions. The key to nurturing a plant is taking these conditions and applying them to the three major elements a plant depends upon for life: soil, light, and water. Make sure the soil you use is composed correctly — depending on your plant, you may need to add sand, peat, or perlite. For light, refer to the guidelines that came with your plant, or hop online and do a little research. But it is also important to be responsive to the signals your plant gives. If the leaves begin to look singed around the edges, your plant may be receiving too much direct sun. Try moving it to a location in your apartment that offers bright, indirect light, and see how it fares there. Water may be the trickiest component of all. Some plants will drown or rot in an abundance of water, while others will quickly wither without enough of it. Guidance from your local nursery can help you perfect your watering schedule.

It may take a little work to get your indoor garden going, but the innumerable benefits of indoor foliage are worth the effort. Before you know it, your no-fee apartments in Manhattan will feel like a verdant paradise.

Explore our availabilities today and find your next home in classic New York.

Moving to New York City is a rush like no other. It’s one of those places, like Venice or the Giza pyramid complex, that inspires dreams and exceeds expectations. And so, when you move to the city into an Algin Management no-fee apartment in Manhattan, the question is not if you will meet new people and discover new things, but, with so many avenues for meeting life-changing friends and colleagues, and finding new wonders to explore, the question is: Where should you begin?

The key is to start with what you love. Are you an art buff, or someone who is thinking of becoming an art collector? New York is the art capital of the world — once you begin to tap into the network of artists and art institutions here, you will be astonished at how much there is to explore. Museums like The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum have such a wealth of programming that they are like their own miniature art empires amidst the bustling streets.

If you have more specific interests, be sure to check out Meetup, offering groups to join with people who have similar interests. From photography workshops to avid hikers, the groups are endless. If you can’t find one that fits you, try starting your own!

Another great way to meet people and build a community in NYC is to join a gym, yoga studio, or run club. You’ll meet people from your neighborhood while getting in the best shape of your life. The Central Park Track Club is one of the foremost running clubs in the city, and their “track,” most of the time, is in Central Park (as you might have guessed). This is an ideal way to connect with nature in the city and to meet other serious runners. Another excellent place to get your double dose of friendly faces and an outstanding workout is Orangetheory Fitness, a fitness club whose entire ethos is based on building community and on recognizing the enormous benefit of having personal training coaches overseeing your entire workout plan. Or try CorePower Yoga for equal parts sweat-inducing workout and mindfulness. You’re going to need both with what will soon be your exhilarating and ever-expanding schedule.

Explore our availabilities today and find your next home in classic New York.

If there’s one thing New Yorkers have in common, it’s that they love living in the city. And yet, despite the daily magic of life in no-fee apartments in NYC, even the most seasoned urbanite needs an escape now and then. Luckily, there are plenty of natural wonders within a few hours of the city that make for a refreshing weekend away. So, when the concrete jungle overwhelms, you can just pack a bag and go. Here are a few of our favorite destinations for a quick getaway, no matter the season.

The Hamptons, Long Island, N.Y.

The Hamptons is one of the quintessential New York seaside getaways, especially during the warmer seasons. Worth a visit for endless components – there are the long stretches of pristine white sand, the hulking dunes, and the uninterrupted views of the deep-blue Atlantic Ocean, for starters. If you want to stray from the beaten path, check out Two Mile Hollow Beach, a low-key, picturesque spot with vibes that tend toward the bohemian.

Asbury Park, N.J.

If your favorite part of going to the beach is strolling the boardwalk, perusing the seaside shops, and enjoying fresh seafood, Asbury Park might just be the place for you. The promenade has a distinctive, old-school feel; it’s one of the few remaining beach towns still full of arcades, theaters, vintage clothing boutiques, and infamous venues like The Stone Pony, where Bruce Springsteen played in his early days. Travel & Leisure recently declared Asbury Park “the coolest place on the Jersey shore,” but we’ll let you decide for yourself.

Shelter Island, Long Island, N.Y.

Nature lovers will find much to love at Shelter Island, the bucolic Long Island oasis. While Shelter Island has enjoyed renewed popularity in recent years, it remains a natural and quiet getaway, thanks to Mashomack Preserve. The preserve, a swath of land making up about a third of the island, covers “2,039 acres of interlacing tidal creeks, mature oak woodlands, fields, and freshwater marshes,” according to The Nature Conservancy. To explore it, take a stroll on one of the loops of the nine-mile-long Mashomack Preserve Trail, where you’ll see plenty of fascinating flora and fauna and get a healing dose of salt air.

Phoenicia, N.Y.

Perhaps your getaway inclinations pull you upward, toward the mountains. In that case, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a mountain escape with as many recreational opportunities as Phoenicia, N.Y. Set deep in the Catskill Mountains, Phoenicia is surrounded on all sides by natural playgrounds. You can head down Esopus Creek on an inner tube, hike to the dramatic, two-tiered Kaaterskill Falls, or take in miles of fall foliage from Giant Ledge. Afterward, stroll historic downtown Phoenicia, where you can shop for antiques or try the pan-fried trout alongside the locals at the famous Phoenicia Diner.

As your summer getaways come to an end, you can look forward to coming home to your homey apartment in the city. Explore our availabilities today and find your next home in classic New York.

Searching for a no-fee apartment in NYC can be an arduous task. It’s a highly competitive market; big decisions often must be made in minutes or your ideal apartment could slip away. But worry not, ambitious New Yorkers, we’re here to tell you that you can rise above the chaos and find your dream home — it is possible. Here’s how to do it.

Start Your Search Early (But Not Too Early)

This is always tricky in New York. You certainly don’t want to start too late, because the pressure of hurrying the process could cause you to make a rash decision — landing you in a less-than-ideal situation. Most NYC apartments are listed 30 days in advance, and some are 60, but it’s rare to find time frames longer than that. So, you can start two months before your moving date, but make sure to only search for apartments that are available for rent two months out. The last thing you want is to find a wonderful place and then discover that it’s up for rent in a month. Paying rent twice is far from ideal. We’d recommend starting anywhere from 30 to 50 days out. That way, you can get a good feel for the market and are more likely find something you really want.

Go in With a Plan

This is a must. Whether moving on your own, or with a partner or friend, make sure you know what you want in a residence. Sit down and make a wish list, and then decide which things on your list you can live without — and which things you can’t. When you search, aim high, but don’t be unwilling to compromise. If you’re looking for a two-bedroom with a roof deck, an eat-in kitchen, a parking space, natural light, and an in-unit washer/dryer, and you find a place that has everything but the roof deck, it might be time to pounce. Go in knowing which aspects of your future home are negotiable and which are carved in stone — it will make the whole experience far less stressful.

Understand Your Credit Score

Many listings will post a credit score or range that is needed to rent a residence. It’s important to know where you stand in this particular area to avoid surprises. Sites like Credit Karma offer free credit checks, and since they’re soft inquiries, checking the score will not impact your credit. If you find your credit score is too low for many apartments you desire, you may be able to have a guarantor co-sign for you. Not all buildings allow guarantors, but many do.

Be Ready to Act

Speaking of pouncing, being ready to act when your ideal place pops up is vitally important. You may only have a window of 30 minutes to lock down an apartment before it’s gone. Go in ready to rent, primed to get the ball rolling, or you might be left in the dust.

One way you can easily find a new NYC no-fee apartment is by exploring our availabilities today to jump on your new home in classic New York.

Regardless of the mode of transport, nobody likes commuting — it’s a hassle. Fortunately, many companies are now allowing their employees to work remotely, which means those frustrating, stressful trips into the office are a thing of the past. However, a laptop and a chair do not a home office make. To be able to effectively and efficiently work from home, you need a space that is designed for productivity.

Find a Space

The first thing to consider is where you are going to set up your workspace. You don’t need a lot of space for a home office, but you don’t want to be crushed into a closet, either. There are many no-fee apartments in Manhattan that offer layouts with half-bedrooms. Those layouts work quite well for a home office. Remember that it’s a good idea for your work area to be separate from the main living area of your home. Keep your living space for living and your working space for working — the separation will help you maintain regular hours and enhance productivity.

Let There Be Light

The lighting in your home office is vital. It’s pretty simple really: If your lighting is off, you will constantly be straining your eyes to see your work. This leads to a lack of focus. Also, inadequate lighting can zap the energy right out of you, and good lighting can do just the opposite. It’s wise to avoid harsh overhead lights and go with a floor lamp accented by a nice desk lamp. And always utilize natural light as much as possible. Some people say you shouldn’t have your desk facing a window, but we disagree — we’re all for it. Natural light is invigorating. Use it.

The Desk — The Epicenter of the Home Office

In most home offices, the desk is the centerpiece and the most important furniture purchase you’ll make when designing your workspace. If there’s any place to splurge a bit, this is it. Your desk needs to be functional and aesthetically pleasing or you won’t want to work there. Think of it this way: You will be spending a significant amount of time at this desk — you should love it. Moreover, we recommend purchasing a model that converts to a standing desk. Sitting all day is bad for your back, and having the option to stand and work helps break up the monotony. If you need fresh air, be sure to get out and enjoy a serene walk around your neighborhood, no matter where you live – whether it be Gramercy, Murray Hill, or the Upper East or West Side – a clear mind gets the job done.

The Importance of Comfort

This part is simple: Buy a nice chair. Along with the desk, this is the place to spend your money. Even if you purchase a convertible, standing desk, you will still spend hours seated, and you’re going to want to be comfortable. The last thing you need is for your home office to be an uncomfortable, unwelcoming place that makes you feel miserable.

Distractions and Design

Don’t put a television in your home office. Just don’t do it. It’s tempting, but remember: This is a work space. Having a television in your home office will only serve to distract you from your work. And again — we can’t stress this enough — the key to being productive when working from home is to create an office space that is separated from living space, both physically and in terms of what you do there. It’s also wise to keep the design cohesive. If you’re going modern, stick with that the whole way through. If you’re going traditional, the same goes. Cohesion will help the space feel like a separate, distinct entity. This is your chance to build everything to your exact specifications. So, shoot for the moon.

Explore our availabilities today and find your next home in classic New York.

Hard though it is to believe, Gramercy Park started out life as little more than a swamp. Indeed, its name is thought to derive from the Dutch for “crooked little swamp.” And how it has bloomed! The area is now one of NYC’s greenest, most desirable neighborhoods; people will do just about anything to live in a no-fee rental here. Read on, as we delve into Gramercy Park’s history, and discover how it flourished into prestige — starting with the touch of one man.

 

Samuel B. Ruggles: The Man Who Made Gramercy Park

They say that one million horse carts of earth were shifted when developer Samuel B. Ruggles oversaw the transformation of Gramercy Square in the early 1830s. Perhaps he’d gotten the idea to create an urban haven from observing the model of Hudson Square — it’s the only private square in New York City older than Gramercy Park. At any rate, 66 moneyed New Yorkers were lucky enough to purchase a parcel of the reclaimed land. And so, the area’s prestige was born. Since then, of course, new streets, churches, apartments, hotels, and bars have sprung up, burgeoning into the wider area of the current Gramercy Park neighborhood. But be sure to visit the flagstone at the west of the original gated park, which quietly remembers this area’s savvy founder.

 

Famous Gramercy Park Residents

As you might imagine, a neighborhood as appealing as Gramercy Park boasts its fair share of celebrity locals. Shakespearean actor Edwin Booth presides over Gramercy Park in statue form — perhaps keeping an eye on The Players, the club he founded in 1888. A young Preston Sturges — the man who would go on to become one of the great filmmakers of his time — stayed at The Hotel Irving. (His mother stayed uptown at the Ritz-Carlton!) Among the contemporary residents of the area are “Kill Bill” lead Uma Thurman, “The Tonight Show” host and funnyman Jimmy Fallon, singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright, and one of Hollywood’s true superstars, Julia Roberts. Have a no-fee apartment here, and, rest assured, you’ll be in good company.

 

Explore Historical Gramercy

Today’s Gramercy Park throbs with all the vibrancy of modern-day NYC — and has all the modern conveniences, to boot. Yet, throughout the neighborhood, you can still sense the history. Stroll the leafy streets, and find 19th century brownstones rubbing shoulders with former carriage houses. Marvel at the Gothic Revival Calvary Church, known for its charitable work in the community. Catch a show at Gramercy Theatre, a former cinema turned decadent music and comedy venue. When you’ve tired yourself out, call in at Pete’s Tavern — one of the oldest drinking establishments in the city — for a cold beer. The celebrated watering hole has been featured in everything from “Seinfeld” to “Sex and the City.” Of course, if you require some more upmarket refreshment, you can always order a whiskey at The Players. Provided they accept you as a member, of course.

Explore our availabilities today and find your next home in classic New York.

If there’s one thing Marie Kondo has showed us with her “spark joy” revolution, it’s that organizing your home is a creative act. When you live in an Algin Management no-fee rental in New York City, you are starting with the perfectly primed canvas to strike that balance between minimalist practicality and the pleasure of filling your home with the things you love. Those two ideas, however, are not mutually exclusive — streamlining your home is actually a way of highlighting what has meaning and eliminating what is just taking up space.

You’ll need to do some strategic shopping to find the organizational equipment to set up a home for maximum comfort and efficiency. A tall plant can anchor a room with a calm and verdant presence when its backdrop is a pristine white wall instead of a heap of clutter; a hamper can be an art object; and a desk organizer can provide a vintage accent that harkens back to the days of fountain pens and handwritten letters. Living in New York means having the most design-savvy versions of what sorts and holds your best-loved stuff. And part of the fun is discovering how aesthetically pleasing staying organized can be.

For organizing the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen, it’s hard to imagine living in a no-fee New York apartment and NOT paying a visit or two to The Container Store. With their fabric hanging shelves and Elfa shelving system, this is a place where you can become an organizational strategist and work out configurations for creating and saving space inside every closet and drawer.

For keeping your apartment spotless, there is nothing more helpful than a set of cleaning tools whose thoughtful design makes them as easy to use as they are to store. At Muji, you can find mops, brooms, dustpans, and dusters derived from a Japanese design sensibility that promotes elegance and simplicity, and might even make the act of cleaning its own kind of refreshing ritual.

For storage solutions that could double as home decor, head to ABC Carpet & Home where you can find a hamper that is handmade by artisans in Colombia, or a set of handwoven raffia baskets that can both hold and display items too beautiful to store out of sight, like fresh fruit or jewelry.

Perhaps there is no place in New York City that makes getting organized and productive a more delectable experience than Goods for the Study – McNally Jackson Store. There, you can grab a set of geometric photo stands whose elegance is almost a side effect of their space- and hassle- saving simplicity — change the pictures you display in them as the mood strikes — there will never be a need for bulky frames or for your photographic adornments to remain static. The wood tape dispenser is an elegant touch for your workspace. It’s a piece you’ll want to exhibit, which means you will never go hunting for the tape again. Do you need a Brass Curve Pen Tray? Once you realize it’s a sculpture for your desk as much as a place to keep your writing instruments, the answer is, “It wouldn’t be home without it.”

And if you really need more space, no need to rent a storage unit blocks from home, some of Algin’s buildings offer storage units for rent so all of your possessions can stay under one roof. Explore our availabilities today and find your next home in classic New York.

Want the upscale sophistication of Uptown with the carefree style of Downtown living? Well, look no further than Gramercy — one of New York City’s quintessentially “New York” neighborhoods. With tree-lined streets, a deep history, and a central location, it’s an ideal locale for anyone who wants to experience all that Manhattan has to offer, including the best and most luxurious no-fee apartments in NYC.

Since 1844, Gramercy has served as the verdant centerpiece of the city where its landscaping and architecture add an element of European appeal to this already appealing section of town.

Location

Gramercy affords residents the most picturesque of urban settings, but it also provides a location that makes it easy to get almost anywhere in the city for work or pleasure. Experience the shopping and street life of Union Square — just a five-minute stroll down Park Avenue. There, you’ll find shops like Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe’s, and The Food Emporium. And Chelsea is just a 15-minute walk to the west. Commuters who want an effortless way to get to work can just hop on the 6 train that will have them in Midtown or at Wall Street in under 20 minutes. Don’t want to wait for the train? Get anywhere quickly by taking advantage of the neighborhood’s plentiful Citi Bike stations. Medical professionals love the area since some of the top hospitals in the city are nearby.

Does this sound like the right neighborhood for you? Look for no-fee apartments that are well-maintained and spacious, just like Gramercy Park itself – your next home may already be waiting for you at The Liane or The Townsway.

Legends

Over the years, luminaries from the worlds of politics, business, arts, sciences, and fashion have called Gramercy home — including Oscar Wilde and industrialist Peter Cooper. In fact, Theodore Roosevelt was born in a house on 20th Street — now a National Historic Site. For those who want to celeb hunt, you’ll have no problem with bold-faced names like Uma Thurman, Jimmy Fallon, and Kate Hudson calling Gramercy their home.

Libations and Dining

Whether you want to have a few drinks with friends or one of the best meals of your life in one of the best restaurants in the world, Gramercy should be your home base.

From hidden gems to ultra-upscale eateries, this ‘hood has you covered. Since 1986, Friend of a Farmer has been at the forefront of the farm-to-table movement with grass-fed beef, local cheeses, and a strong focus on sustainability. You’ll be able to have a guilt-free meal no matter what you order. And for an evening to remember, try Maialino, Danny Meyer’s “love song to Rome.” This distinctive modern trattoria transports you to a summer’s night in the Eternal City, where you might indulge in a mouthwatering plate of carbonara in a little spot off the Piazza Navona.

How about a few cocktails pre- or post-dinner? The Gramercy Park Hotel’s Rose Bar is an excellent place to unwind with your favorite whiskey in a refined atmosphere surrounded by original Andy Warhols. Late-night fun continues in the hotel’s Jade Bar, where paintings of celebs are replaced by the subjects themselves who show up to party.

For a delicious nosh anytime of day, The Freehand Hotel offers a bevy of food and beverage options whether it’s breakfast and coffee at Smile to Go, a sumptuous seafood supper at Simon & the Whale, or handcrafted cocktails and warm evenings alfresco atop the hotel in the luxe confines of the Manhattan outpost of Miami’s popular Broken Shaker.

Wind down your night — no matter what time it might be — at L’Express, a 24-hour French bistro that might just have the best croque monsieur in the city. Then, head home to your luxury no-fee Gramercy rental – or, if you’re missing this essential piece of the puzzle, check out Algin Management’s current availabilities.

Looking for a great no-fee apartment in NYC? And how about living in a neighborhood with a truly distinctive character? You might want to consider a residence in Murray Hill. This picturesque part of Midtown Manhattan is steeped in exciting restaurants, great bars and pubs, cultural attractions, and, of course, transportation.

 

Walk This Way

New York City is a perennially wonderful place for a stroll, and Murray Hill’s tranquil, tree-thronged streets lend themselves to lazy morning ambles with your partner — or your four-legged furry friend. As soon as you step out of your no-fee apartment at Murray Park or Laurence Towers, you find yourself in a walking wonderland. Along the way, admire the brownstones, with their wrought iron balconies and wooden shutters, which characterize the neighborhood. Of course, Murray Hill edges onto the East River, too. Endless strolls along the waterfront await, providing a perfect opportunity to drink in vistas across the glinting water. And if you’re looking for something a bit more strenuous than a leisurely afternoon constitutional, round up a couple of friends and make use of the basketball and handball courts of St. Vartan Park.

 

Binge on Culture

Murray Hill contains many of NYC’s best-known architectural and cultural institutions. Whet your appetite for politics with a visit to the iconic headquarters of the United Nations, with its awe-inspiring Secretariat Building and General Assembly Hall. Practice your digital photography skills on the city’s instantly recognizable landmarks, including the Chrysler Building, the Rockefeller Center complex, and the Empire State Building. Call in to Grand Central Terminal to admire the celestial ceiling, devour fresh seafood at the Oyster Bar, and indulge in some quality people watching. For an off-the-beaten-trail escapade, explore the Sniffen Court Historic District, the picturesque cul-de-sac that was once a collection of stables, or get a taste of Nordic culture at the ever-informative Scandinavia House. No two days in Murray Hill are ever the same.

 

Eat, Drink, Be “Murray”

Where even to start with Murray Hill’s food and drink offerings? Perhaps a glass of something cold, effervescent, and refreshing at The Ginger Man, a craft beer bar boasting 70-odd drafts on tap — from lagers to stouts to sours. The Liberty, meanwhile, mixes classic cocktails in Old New York-style surroundings. For dinner, tuck in to a signature mutton chop at Keens Steakhouse, or tend to your Mexican cravings with lashings of smoky black bean soup at Baby Bo’s Cantina. Feeling like Korean in Korea Town? Hit the new 5-star restaurant, Atomix, for dishes as beautiful as they are tasty. Like your dishes loaded with even more spice? Immediately south of Murray Hill lies a thoroughfare of exceptional restaurants serving up the best Indian food you’ve ever tasted in NYC. It’s one of many reasons you’ll never want to move from your Murray Hill apartment.

Explore availabilities at Algin Management’s Murray Hill buildings and find your next home in lively and central New York.