All articles by Dana Schulz

The history of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, a NYC holiday tradition

The 1931 tree, courtesy of Tishman Speyer

December 3, 2025

The history of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, a NYC holiday tradition

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The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, considered the "worldwide symbol of Christmas," will be lit on Wednesday, marking the 93rd tree lighting ceremony. Ahead, learn about the history of the iconic spruce, from its start as a modest Depression-era pick-me-up for Rockefeller Center construction workers to World War regulations to its current 900-pound Swarovski star.
More on the history here
11 classic New York songs that capture the spirit of the city

Photo by Maxim Klimashin on Unsplash

November 25, 2025

11 classic New York songs that capture the spirit of the city

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Type "New York" into a Spotify search, and you’ll get a list of hundreds and hundreds of titles (and those are just the ones with the city name in their title). Of course, the greatest city on Earth has inspired countless songs. After all, it’s the birthplace of hip-hop, punk rock, and disco, and was the launching pad of Billy Joel, Lady Gaga, and Jay-Z, to name just a few. But some tunes have made a more indelible mark on city life than others, which is why we’ve put together this list of 11 classic New York songs that capture the spirit of the city.
listen to them here
The 7 absolute best pastrami spots in NYC—and the stories behind them

A pastrami sandwich at Katz’s Deli. Photo by City Foodsters on Flickr

November 18, 2025

The 7 absolute best pastrami spots in NYC—and the stories behind them

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Other than the $1 slice of pizza, a bagel with lox, or a street cart hot dog, is there any food more synonymous with New York City than a pastrami sandwich on rye bread? The classic deli staple has been featured on Seinfeld, Saturday Night Live, and, of course, who can forget that famous scene in Katz’s from When Harry Met Sally? But pastrami’s legacy in the Big Apple began long before these pop culture moments.
order up!
Turning cubicles to condos: The pros and cons of office-to-residential conversions in NYC

SoMA at 25 Water Street is the largest office-to-residential conversion in the U.S. to date. Rendering courtesy of Streetsense

November 13, 2025

Turning cubicles to condos: The pros and cons of office-to-residential conversions in NYC

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Across New York City’s five boroughs, office space occupies 730 million square feet (600 million of which is in Manhattan), according to CoStar data obtained by New York City Comptroller Brad Lander. This is the most of any North American city; runner-up Los Angeles has only 432 million square feet of office space. So, it’s no wonder that the conversation around post-Covid commercial real estate vacancies is such a hot-button issue, especially considering that Manhattan’s residential vacancy rate is just 1.2 percent.
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15 NYC food banks and soup kitchens accepting donations this holiday season

Photo courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

November 7, 2025

15 NYC food banks and soup kitchens accepting donations this holiday season

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Throughout the day, I’ll think about what I’m going to have for my next meal. Maybe I’ll step out and grab a salad for lunch, and then choose a fun recipe to make for dinner. And I’m the first to admit that I can easily lose sight of the number of people who don’t have that luxury. Instead of arguing with their partner about whether to order pizza or Thai, they’re worrying if they can afford to buy food for their family's dinner. To put this in perspective, the New York City Council reports that New York City’s poverty rate is nearly twice the national average—23 percent compared to 12 percent. The most recent data shows that 20 percent of NYC residents are enrolled in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), a number that jumps to over 40 percent in the Bronx. This means that nearly 1.8 million residents of the five boroughs were affected by the Trump Administration’s refusal to release federal SNAP funds last month. If you’re wondering how you can help, we’ve rounded up some of the biggest NYC food banks, pantries, and soup kitchens accepting donations to support New Yorkers now, as well as throughout the holiday season.
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The 3 biggest NYC real estate scams—and how to protect yourself

Photo by Joshua Armstrong on Unsplash

November 4, 2025

The 3 biggest NYC real estate scams—and how to protect yourself

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On any given day, there’s a decent chance you’ll be targeted by scammers. Maybe it’s a text about a fake unpaid toll notice, or an email about your Amazon account being hacked. And don’t even get us started on the phone calls! For the most part, these are easy enough to spot, but now and then, a shockingly convincing claim sneaks through that makes even the savviest among us scratch our heads. For example, several real estate scams in New York City are currently targeting innocent and unsuspecting renters and buyers. Ahead, hear about these scams firsthand and learn how you can protect yourself.
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Path to profit: Why Jersey City condos are competing with Brooklyn brownstones

99 Hudson Street is the tallest building in New Jersey. There are over 780 condos across 79 floors; current availabilities start at $778,000. Photo courtesy of COA 99 Hudson, LLC

October 16, 2025

Path to profit: Why Jersey City condos are competing with Brooklyn brownstones

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I lived in New York City for 15 years and swore I’d never leave. But when my then-fiance and I found ourselves crammed into an Upper West Side studio (along with two rambunctious cats) when the pandemic hit, we knew we had to make a move. And when we came across a $2,600/month one-bedroom apartment in a brand-new luxury building in Jersey City—complete with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lower Manhattan skyline, two outdoor pools, barbecue grills, and a gym—we simply couldn’t resist.
learn more
From TikTok to townhouse: How social media is driving NYC’s real estate trends

Photo by Nicolas Solerieu on Unsplash

October 9, 2025

From TikTok to townhouse: How social media is driving NYC’s real estate trends

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As much as I hate to admit it, TikTok and Instagram know me well. My feeds get flooded with new-to-market apartment listings and swoon-worthy townhouse tours—and I love every second of it. But this got me thinking: How is social media affecting the real estate market in New York City? After all, a lot of people scrolling aren’t real estate journalists like me. Many are actually in the market for a new home. And after speaking with some of the city’s top agents, it's clear those videos and reels are making a huge impact on the market.
do likes turn into sales?
10 picture-perfect farms near NYC for pumpkin and apple picking

Photo courtesy of Lyman Orchards

September 17, 2025

10 picture-perfect farms near NYC for pumpkin and apple picking

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Several surveys show that fall is by far Americans’ favorite season. And anecdotally, a scroll through Instagram certainly backs this up. Entire accounts are devoted to fall foliage views and autumnal decor, while influencers started posting seasonal recipes and DIY projects long before summer was over. But you don’t need a social media account to enjoy all the season has to offer. There are plenty of places within a short drive or train ride of New York City to enjoy apple picking, pumpkin picking, and so much more, in real life. Read on for our 10 favorite fall farms.
fall farms we love
8 best hiking trails near NYC to see beautiful fall foliage

All photos © AllTrails

September 9, 2025

8 best hiking trails near NYC to see beautiful fall foliage

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Sad that summer is over and you won’t have the beach as an excuse to get out of the city for the day? Fear not: Fall is just as beautiful a time to rent a car, hop on a train, or catch a ferry out of town to enjoy the crisp air, mild temperatures, and stunning fall foliage. To help you plan your autumnal itinerary, we consulted the experts at AllTrails to compile a list of the best hikes near NYC for leaf peeping.
READ MORE
New Jersey development is a blueprint for neuroinclusive housing nationwide
August 18, 2025

New Jersey development is a blueprint for neuroinclusive housing nationwide

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Neurodivergent individuals comprise between 15 and 20 percent of the U.S. population, according to the American Enterprise Institute. Yet, some estimates say that up to 40 percent of this population faces unemployment, partly because there is a significant shortage of supportive housing for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), specific learning disorders (LD), and other diagnoses. This is why a new, first-of-its-kind neuroinclusive apartment building currently under construction in Red Bank, NJ, is such an exciting development.
details this way
Everything old is new again: Why NYC buyers are choosing pre-war apartments over new developments

This pre-war co-op at the Oliver Cromwell, designed by Emery Roth, asked just under $6 million this year. Photo courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens.

August 11, 2025

Everything old is new again: Why NYC buyers are choosing pre-war apartments over new developments

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Today’s real estate headlines are typically dominated by new renderings of geometric glass towers designed by big-name architects and the latest record-setting penthouse sales. But not all New Yorkers are in search of floor-to-ceiling windows and rooftop pools. Some prefer ceiling medallions, cozy fireplaces, and creaky floorboards. And these nostalgia seekers are a bigger part of the real estate market than you might imagine.
get the scoop
The rise of the next Williamsburg: How Gowanus went from eyesore to eye-popping prices

Photo by LogicalRailfan on Wikimedia

August 5, 2025

The rise of the next Williamsburg: How Gowanus went from eyesore to eye-popping prices

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It’s been 20 years since The New York Times reported that city officials voted "to let developers turn the decaying north Brooklyn waterfront, with its relics of Brooklyn's industrial past, into a neighborhood of residential towers with a parklike esplanade along the East River." In the two decades since, this version of Williamsburg was replaced by the first generation of "hipsters," glassy condo towers with Manhattan views, and throngs of Manhattanites crowding the L train to hit up Union Pool and Maison Premiere. Now, a new rezoning is putting another Brooklyn neighborhood on the same path. This time, the waterfront is the once-toxic Superfund-designated Gowanus Canal.
there goes gowanus?
New commute, new demand: NYC Ferry fuels housing boom on the waterfront

Two and Three Williamsburg Wharf. Photo courtesy of Naftali Group

July 29, 2025

New commute, new demand: NYC Ferry fuels housing boom on the waterfront

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It’s been eight years since the city’s first commuter ferry set sail, and in that time, it’s completely transformed the way New Yorkers think about real estate. "The NYC Ferry has absolutely shifted the real estate landscape, especially in pockets of the city that weren’t always considered commuter-friendly," says Michelle Griffith, luxury real estate broker at Douglas Elliman. "Eight years ago, some of the waterfront neighborhoods like Red Hook or certain areas of the Rockaways felt much more remote. But once the ferry became a reliable commuting option, we started seeing renewed interest from buyers and renters who wanted that lifestyle balance: scenic, slightly quieter neighborhoods with direct access to Manhattan."
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What $1 million gets you in 2025: A borough-by-borough breakdown
July 3, 2025

What $1 million gets you in 2025: A borough-by-borough breakdown

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Remember the days when owning a $1 million apartment signified that someone was “rich?” Now, it’s hard to find a decent condo for much less, especially if you need multiple bedrooms or want to be in a desirable neighborhood. But there are hidden gems if you know where to look, and are perhaps willing to sacrifice a few items on your wishlist. Ahead, we’ve found $1 million listings in each borough that might surprise you.
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Priced out of NYC? These are the best commuter suburbs, according to real estate experts
June 11, 2025

Priced out of NYC? These are the best commuter suburbs, according to real estate experts

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Since the pandemic, it’s become increasingly expensive to put down roots in New York City. According to data from CityRealty, condo prices are the highest they've ever been, increasing 16 percent since July 2020, while co-ops have jumped 6.4 percent over the same period. Many people are even being priced out of rentals; Douglas Elliman's Jonathan Miller reported earlier this year that the average monthly rent in New York City is now roughly $5,194—more than a mortgage payment in many places. And it’s this financial conundrum that often becomes the impetus for many young professionals and families to relocate to the suburbs. They can get more space and a yard, access to beaches and hiking trails, and send their kids to public schools without a second thought. But what’s the best place to achieve this small-town fantasy? For that answer, we turned to the pros. Ahead, hear from real estate experts about the best commuter suburbs outside New York City.
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The bank of mom and dad: How parental co-buying is affecting NYC real estate

Photo © Jose Luis Stephens / Adobe Stock

May 28, 2025

The bank of mom and dad: How parental co-buying is affecting NYC real estate

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It’s not uncommon for today’s younger generations to rely more heavily on their parents for financial support than in the past. Perhaps they move back home after college to save, or they need a guarantor to rent their first apartment. Some are even fortunate enough to get help with the down payment on their first home through parental co-buying, a trend that realtors are seeing in New York City more and more.
get the details
Moving Day: When all New Yorkers moved on May 1

Moving Day (in Little Old New York), Unknown Artist. (1827) Courtesy of The Met, via Public Domain

May 1, 2025

Moving Day: When all New Yorkers moved on May 1

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From colonial times up until World War II, May 1 was Moving Day, the one day a year when people in New York City moved. It's said the tradition came from the Dutch, who set out for Manhattan on May 1 and therefore celebrated each year by swapping homes on this day. Later, landlords had to notify tenants of rent increases on February 1, which would take effect three months later at 9 a.m. Tenants waited until May 1 to move, and the streets would be filled with "moving vans," Long Island farmers' wagons led by horses, clogging up the city streets and creating complete pandemonium.
More on this curious history here
The best places in Central Park to see fall foliage

Photo of the Mall courtesy of Central Park Conservancy

October 11, 2024

The best places in Central Park to see fall foliage

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Some of the most breathtaking fall foliage can be found outside of NYC, but when it comes to autumnal bliss within the boroughs, not many places can compare to Central Park. The park experiences a different fall foliage season than other parts of the city because of the tall buildings that surround it and cast shadows on its trees. According to the Central Park Conservancy, the trees have a "distorted sense of the seasons," creating a later foliage season for Central Park. To make the most of this beautiful season, the Conservancy released its annual fall guide, complete with ideas for exploring the park, and their handy fall foliage map, which lets you know the best spots to see the park's 18,000 trees in all their yellow, orange, and red glory. Ahead, find eight spots that take the lead for leaf-peeping.
Get the guide to the best foliage spots
A history of the U.S. Open in New York: From the West Side Tennis Club to Arthur Ashe Stadium

Photo by Jeff Horne on Flickr

August 22, 2024

A history of the U.S. Open in New York: From the West Side Tennis Club to Arthur Ashe Stadium

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U.S. Open fever has again swept New York City. Although nowadays it's all Coco and Djokovic and Honey Deuce cocktails and lobster rolls, there's a long history behind the world-famous event. Ahead, take a look at how the international tournament made its way from an elite, private club in Newport, Rhode Island to Forest Hills' West Side Tennis Club and finally to its current home in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, even uncovering a little connection to the 1964 World's Fair.
All the tennis history right this way
10 places to find mooncakes in New York City

Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich on Pexels

September 28, 2023

10 places to find mooncakes in New York City

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This year, the first day of the Mid-Autumn Festival falls on Friday, September 29. Also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, the Asian holiday celebrates what is considered the brightest and fullest moon of the year, as well as the fall harvest. In China, where perhaps the holiday is most popular, it's similar to Thanksgiving, with families gathering for a meal, accompanied by lantern lighting. Symbolizing the harvest moon, the round-shaped mooncakes are another important component of the holiday. The pastries are traditionally filled with red bean or lotus seed paste and wrapped around a salted duck egg. They're then pressed into a mold to emboss the top of the pastry in detailed designs, which all have different meanings. Ahead, find a few of the best places in New York City to find all varieties of mooncakes, along with a few options for ordering online.
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12 best spots to see cherry blossoms in New York City
March 22, 2023

12 best spots to see cherry blossoms in New York City

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New York City might not be known for its cherry blossoms like D.C., but we've still got our fair share of pretty pink buds. We haven't quite hit peak bloom season yet, but with spring officially here, we're getting close. Ahead, we've rounded up the best places across the city to see cherry blossoms, from standbys like Central Park and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden to smaller spots like Sakura Park and the New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden.
Check out the full list
A history of the New York City Veterans Day Parade

The 369th Infantry (old 15th National Guard of New York City) was the first New York regiment to parade as veterans of Great War; Photo via National Archives / Wikimedia Commons

November 10, 2022

A history of the New York City Veterans Day Parade

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New York City's Veterans Day Parade, known as "America's Parade," is the perfect way to honor our servicemen and women; it's the country's largest event marking the November 11 holiday. Like most events in New York City, the parade has a history all its own, so 6sqft decided to explore that a bit further as our way of saying thank you to the brave veterans who have fought for our freedom.
Find out the history of the NYC Veteran's Day parade here
A history of the Village Halloween Parade: Puppets, performers, and NYC pride

Photo via John St John / Flickr

October 12, 2022

A history of the Village Halloween Parade: Puppets, performers, and NYC pride

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The Village Halloween Parade may not be as completely outrageous as it once was, but this annual holiday extravaganza is quintessential Greenwich Village. Though many parade attendees are there to show off their costumes and check out those of others, there's a large number of guests who revel in the nostalgia of a New York tradition that's marched downtown since 1973. But there's a lot more history to the parade than most people may know. For instance, it didn't always go up 6th Avenue, and there's an entire art form behind those supersized puppets.
All the history right here
How the Times Square Ball is made

The 2007 Times Square Ball during construction. Image courtesy of Focus Lighting.

December 30, 2021

How the Times Square Ball is made

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When midnight hits this New Year's Eve, the Times Square Ball will dazzle people just the same from five feet away or on their television. Making this magic happen is no easy feat, though. To learn a bit more about how the nearly 12,000-pound ball was created, we chatted with principal designer Christine Hope of Focus Lighting, the architectural lighting design firm that conceptualized the current ball more than 10 years ago. From engineering a new system to make all 2,688 Waterford Crystal triangles sparkle to dreaming up the magical light show that plays leading up to the ball drop, Focus Lighting shares the inside scoop on this world-famous tradition.
READ MORE
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