One of New York’s historically exclusive neighbourhoods, Gramercy Park is a slice of heaven to those who can afford it. Bordered at the south by 14th Street and at the north end by 30th, this eastside oasis surrounds a private park between 20th and 21st Streets. Only those who live in the 40 or so buildings that face the park are allowed entry.

The Flatiron District is a very small area neighbouring Gramercy, and is named for the famous triangular-shaped building at 23rd Street where Fifth Avenue intersects Broadway. It is mainly a commercial area, and is sometimes called the toy district thanks to the large number of toy manufacturers there. It is also sometimes referred to as Midtown South. The official Flatiron borders are 14th and 30th Streets, between Sixth Avenue and Park Avenue.

Accommodation

Gramercy Park is a mixture of small and medium apartments, co-ops and brownstones, but good luck finding a vacant place – people tend to stick around here once they manage to get in. It’s also very expensive to rent or buy property here. Some new residential accommodation is underway, although it is not clear when this will be completed.

Accommodation in the Flatiron District includes some lovely spacious, well-lit lofts, which are thankfully not as expensive as the ones you might find in SoHo or TriBeca. More recently, several high-rise apartment buildings have gone up in the area – these tend to be home to young professionals and medical students.

Shopping & Amenities

There’s plenty of shopping to be done in Gramercy Park, with an eclectic mix of luxurious food stores, art shops and boutiques. Flatiron is not set up to be a residential area, therefore residents will have to walk a bit to get food and other household items. In addition, there are no schools in Flatiron – children usually attend schools in neighbouring Gramercy. This is also true of hospitals and medical care.

Entertainment & Leisure

The park in Gramercy Park is an example of exclusivity: only residents of the buildings facing the park are allowed to have a key, and they have to pay $350 per year for the privilege. And don’t go thinking you can ‘accidentally’ lose your key (by selling it off to one of your friends): the fee to replace a lost key is a whopping $1,000. The park is also governed by a very strict set of rules that can make it feel a bit like being back at school: you’re forbidden to eat on the grass, jog anywhere but on the gravel path, or, heaven forbid, feed the birds or squirrels.

However, exclusivity and strict rules aside, this is where you’ll see residents strolling along with their Burberry-coated dogs, enjoying the fresh air and the scenery of New York’s only private park. If you can’t afford a place on the park, you could always treat yourself to a night in the Gramercy Park Hotel – they have a limited number of keys for guests to use. The Gramercy’s rooftop bar is amazing – a few cocktails here, with its ‘old New York’ quaintness and breathtaking views of the city, and you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world.

There are plenty of recreational activities in the Gramercy Park area, especially for children and families, including parks, bowling and libraries with daily story readings for kids.

There are great restaurants around Flatiron, but not actually in it. One of note, however, is L’Express, a 24 hour eatery on Park Avenue South at E. 20th Street (212 254 5858). There are also several nightclubs in the area, such as the Cheetah Club (212 206 7770), where you can dance till dawn to the latest club, hip-hop and reggae tunes.

Health

Quality healthcare is not far away in the form of Cabrini Medical Center (www.cabrininy.org), and the Beth Israel Paediatric Association. This children’s health centre offers excellent care for your youngsters, and is located in nearby Union Square, (212 844 8300). For more information or to find a doctor, check out their website at www.bethisraelpediatrics.yourmd.com.

Education

There are also several wonderful schools, including the renowned Friends Seminary (www.friendsseminary.org). Since 1786, Friends has combined a rigorous academic curriculum with the Quaker values of peaceful living and helping others.

Traffic & Public Transport

If you’re taking the train to Gramercy Park, you’ll need to get on the number 6 to 23rd Street. Trains to Flatiron include: R, W, N, and 6.

Safety & Annoyances

Gramercy Park is not easily accessible by train, and it’s expensive and exclusive (or so the ‘have-nots’ who can’t afford to live there will tell you). It is very safe though. In Flatiron you need to be a fraction more concerned about personal safety, particularly in the areas bordering the Garment District.