DUMBO (which stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) is a neighborhood of lofts and views; DUMBO offers spectacular views of both the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges and the Manhattan skyline from many of its modern luxury condos. To take advantage of those views, the 33-story J Condo, the tallest building in DUMBO, offers an observatory deck as well as deep soaking tubs and a 24-hour doorman.

More For fun, DUMBO renters and owners head to St. Ann’s Warehouse, which hosts bands and performances; tour DUMBO art galleries, which showcase some of the work produced in those marvelous lofts, and enjoy the magic of Jacques Torres, who runs a chocolate factory in the area. Just to the north is the neighborhood of Vinegar Hill, which boasts nineteenth-century houses and Belgian-block streets. Despite the area’s historical name (after the site of a 1798 British-Irish military battle), there are modern luxury condos sprouting here in Vinegar Hill too. For example, 100 Gold Street, which bills itself as Vinegar Hill’s first “green” condo, offers such eco-luxury features as recycled glass tile, water-conserving fixtures, and compact fluorescent lights, along with a shared roof deck with great views. Transport from both Vinegar Hill and DUMBO is by subway (the F train at York Street and the A train at High Street) or by Water Taxi from the Fulton Ferry landing, making it a quick commute to downtown Manhattan. Less