You've probably walked past 1328 2nd Ave in New York NY a hundred times without even blinking. It’s one of those classic Upper East Side buildings that blends right into the brick-and-stone scenery of Lenox Hill. Located right on the corner of East 70th Street and 2nd Avenue, this five-story walk-up is basically the poster child for "old school Manhattan meets modern convenience."
Location is everything.
But here’s the thing about this specific spot: it’s not just a random address. It sits in a weirdly perfect pocket of the city where the grit of the old 2nd Avenue Elevated tracks (which are long gone, obviously) has been replaced by the shiny, deep-tunnel efficiency of the Q train. Living here means you’re basically hovering over one of the most expensive infrastructure projects in NYC history.
Honestly, the building itself is a pre-war walk-up, which is a polite way of saying you’re going to get a workout if you live on the fourth or fifth floor. Built way back in 1910, 1328 2nd Ave has seen the neighborhood transform from a working-class enclave into a high-end hub for medical professionals working at nearby New York-Presbyterian or Memorial Sloan Kettering.
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The Reality of 1328 2nd Ave New York NY
Most people looking at this address are trying to figure out one thing: is the noise worth the commute? Since the 72nd Street Second Avenue Subway station entrance is literally a block away, you're looking at a commute that is, frankly, unbeatable. You can be at Union Square in twenty minutes. That’s a luxury in a city where the MTA usually feels like it’s conspiring against you.
The building usually houses small, efficient apartments. We’re talking studios and one-bedrooms. If you’re looking for a sprawling mansion, keep walking toward 5th Ave. This is for the hustle. It's for the person who spends most of their time at a desk in Midtown or in a lab at Rockefeller University and just needs a clean, reliable place to crash.
Why the 70th and 2nd Corner Hits Different
Lenox Hill is a vibe. It’s quieter than Murray Hill but lacks the "stroller-only" intensity of the Upper West Side. When you step out of 1328 2nd Ave New York NY, you have instant access to some of the best casual dining in the city.
Ever been to Boqueria? It's just a few blocks up. Or maybe you want a classic bagel? You’ve got options that don’t require a twenty-minute trek. The density here is high, but it feels lived-in. Not touristy. That’s a huge distinction for anyone who actually has to pay rent here.
The retail space on the ground floor is usually occupied by local staples. These commercial units are the lifeblood of the building's valuation. In Manhattan, a building like this isn't just a place to sleep; it’s a financial asset where the "tax lot" and "zoning" are as important as the plumbing. Speaking of plumbing—it’s a 1910 build. You have to expect some quirks. Sometimes the radiator hisses like a disgruntled cat in January. That’s just the New York tax.
The Numbers Behind the Brick
Let's get technical for a second because the real estate data for 1328 2nd Ave is actually pretty interesting. It falls under tax class 2, which is standard for these medium-sized residential buildings.
The lot size is roughly 20 by 75 feet. It’s narrow. This explains why the units are often "railroad style" or at least very linear. You won’t find many "open concept" lofts here unless someone has done a massive structural renovation recently. According to city records, the building occupies most of its lot area, which is typical for the era before modern setback laws changed the skyline.
- Zoning: C1-9. This is high-density commercial/residential. It means the air rights here are potentially worth a fortune, though nobody is tearing this down tomorrow.
- Walk Score: 98. Basically, you don't need a car. Ever.
- Transit: The Q, the 6, and the M15-SBS bus are your best friends.
If you're looking at property values in the area, the price per square foot stays stubbornly high. Even when the market dips, the proximity to the "hospital row" ensures a constant stream of high-income tenants. Doctors need to sleep, too.
What Residents Get Wrong
A lot of people think living on 2nd Avenue is going to be a non-stop sirens-and-exhaust nightmare.
It’s not. Well, not exactly.
Since the completion of the Second Avenue Subway construction, the street-level chaos has calmed down significantly. You no longer have massive green construction walls blocking your view of the street. The sidewalks are wider. The lighting is better. 1328 2nd Ave New York NY benefited immensely from this cleanup.
However, you are on a major North-South artery. If you’re a light sleeper, you’re going to need a white noise machine or some very high-quality double-paned windows. The M15 bus rumbles. It’s a fact of life.
The "Hidden" Perks of the Block
People forget that Central Park is only a ten-minute walk to the West. You get the benefit of the park without the "Gold Coast" prices of living on Central Park West or 5th Ave.
Then there’s St. Catherine’s Park right on 1st Ave. It’s great for a quick run or just sitting on a bench to remind yourself that trees exist. The convenience factor of 1328 2nd Ave New York NY really comes down to the "15-minute city" concept. Everything you need—groceries at Grace’s Marketplace, a quick drink at a local pub, or a pharmacy—is within a three-block radius.
Managing Expectations in a Pre-War Walk-up
Look, let’s be real. 1328 2nd Avenue isn't a "luxury" building in the way the new glass towers in Hudson Yards are. There is no doorman to take your Amazon packages. There is no gym in the basement.
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You’re paying for the zip code and the commute.
The interiors of these units often vary wildly. Because the building is over a century old, one apartment might have beautiful exposed brick and updated stainless steel appliances, while the one next door looks like it hasn't been touched since the 1970s. It’s the luck of the draw and the motivation of the specific landlord or management company at the time.
If you're viewing a unit here, check the water pressure. Check the outlets. Pre-war buildings weren't designed for a world where we plug in two laptops, a Peloton, and a giant air fryer at the same time.
Moving Forward in Lenox Hill
If you are considering moving to or investing near 1328 2nd Ave New York NY, your next steps should be practical.
First, visit the block at 10:00 PM on a Tuesday and 2:00 PM on a Sunday. The energy shifts. You need to know if you can handle the rhythm of 2nd Avenue. Second, check the heat and hot water history on the NYC 311 portal. It’s public record and tells you more about a building’s health than any glossy listing ever could.
Third, map your specific commute. If you work on the West Side, the Q train at 72nd Street is your golden ticket. If you work in the Financial District, you might find yourself walking over to the 6 train at 68th Street/Hunter College.
This building is a quintessential slice of New York. It’s not perfect, but it’s authentic, incredibly well-connected, and situated in one of the most stable neighborhoods in the world. Whether you're a renter or just a curious observer of Manhattan real estate, it represents the enduring value of location over everything else.
Verify the current "Maximum Allowable Rent" if the unit is rent-stabilized, as many units in this age bracket are. You can request the rent history from the NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR). This is the single most important document for any long-term NYC tenant.