It’s not as if New Yorkers are moving away to the sunshine, either. Many are moving within commuting distance to the city. Those relocating to New Jersey, Connecticut, the lower Hudson Valley and Long Island swelled from 187,034 in 2015 to 223,423 in 2016.

Once out of the Big Apple, your buck goes a lot further. According to City-Realty’s year-end report, Manhattan apartments priced at $10 million and above made up 18 percent of condo and co-op sales in 2017. The average sales price was $2.2 million. In the suburbs that amount of money guarantees the kind of space and luxury unimaginable in NYC.

Greenwich, Connecticut

If it’s complete opulence you’re after, earlier this year a Greenwich, Connecticut mansion went on the market with a newly slashed $12 million price tag — a discount of almost $20 million from when it was first listed in 2007.

The 18,307-square-foot, six bedroom mansion on Taconic Road has 10 bathrooms, a handcrafted wood-paneled library, a billiards room, a first-floor guest suite with a separate entrance, and a 3,000-bottle wine cellar. There’s also a home theater and an indoor pool, according to the listing with Jason Kinard of Kinard Realty Group, who is handling the sale. In fact, in recent months the luxury market in Greenwich, CT, where many Wall Streeters call home has seen a lot of activity. The average sales price of the top 10 sales in the market rocketed up 68.7 percent year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2018 to average $8.92 million and a median of $6.46 million, according to a recent Douglas Elliman report. However, the same report also states that overall, luxury homes have been moving  in the area because of more realistic pricing compared to 2 or 3 years ago.

Chappaqua, New York

Another affluent NY Suburb, Chappaqua, home to Bill and Hillary Clinton, has a few spacious spreads on the market just below and above the $2-million mark. For instance, 71 Leroy Rd, priced at $1.795 million, is a 4-bedroom, 5-bathroom 6,250-square-foot home with a total of 14 finished rooms. 66 Haights Cross Rd, is a 6-bedroom, 8-bathroom 7,693-square-foot home priced at $2,275,000.

Bucks County, Pennsylvania

If buyers don’t mind moving further out from New York, Pennsylvania is where they get the most bang for their buck. A 90-minute commute to the Lehigh Valley almost doubles the square footage of the kind of luxury property available in tonier parts of Westchester. At 1721 Wildberry Rd in Bethlehem buyers can purchase almost 10,000 square feet of property with 5 bedrooms and 6 baths on a 2 acre lot, for $1,950,000. It has a pool, multiple livable rooms and a gym, though it is a slightly older home.

An area best known to New Yorkers wishing to get away from it all is Bucks County, PA with its country spreads, rolling hills and progressive outlook. It’s the closest liberal New Yorkers can get to their own mindset, without having to live in a city.

“Bucks County has been a draw for New Yorkers for decades,” says Michael Strickland, a realtor with Kurfiss/Sotheby’s International Realty. “ I am an ex-NYer myself and refer to Bucks Co as NY’s best kept secret. It is literally easier to get to than the Hamptons or Upstate NY — 90 minutes from the city. The Recession slowed down the buyer traffic from NY, however, I have definitely felt an uptick in my NY client base since the recovery began and the numbers of NY clients continues to increase. Lower property values, lower property taxes and proximity make it a viable alternative for full-time living with a daily commute to the city.”

For the average price of a Manhattan apartment — $2.2 million, Strickland says worn out Manhattanites could buy “a 50+ acre pristine equestrian property with an award-winning, energy-efficient 6,000-square-foot home in the Lehigh Valley or the quintessential 200-year old Pennsylvania County stone farmhouse on 10 acres in Central Bucks”

As for a perceived lack of culture, Strickland says, not so fast.

“We have a thriving arts community with numerous galleries in New Hope, Doylestown, Bethlehem and Easton, as well as museums such as the Michener Museum. The world-renowned MusikFest is an annual occurrence in Bethlehem. Fine dining, quaint country inns and avant-garde eateries can be found everywhere.”

The post New Yorkers Are Flocking To The Suburbs In Search Of Luxury appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

When clients come to you with an idea of what they want, how do you help them refine their criteria prior to finding a match?

I take great pride in understanding the wants of my clients.  At our initial meeting, I ask my clients some basic questions to that help me take in the wants and needs of people. The preferred area and size of home that my clients are looking for are very large components.  School District is big one, especially if they have little ones and are seeking the best schools in the area.  And Lastly Price, Price is probably the number one criteria point.

What is the most important thing you look for when purchasing a home for yourself?

The most important thing I look for when purchasing a home is the location of the home.  I think that has to be the number 1 on my list.  No matter how beautiful the home is, if it’s in the right area, it’s worthless.  I strive to advise my clients to focus on premier areas, where you they will always be ahead of the game

If you had to choose one piece of advice for first-time home buyers, what would it be?

If you had to choose one piece of advice for first-time home buyers it would definitely be to find a local broker in the area that you are seeking.  So many times I meet clients that were looking to buy a home in a certain area and chose an agent who was not familiar with that location.  In this business one must be knowledgeable and experienced in his field and area.

If you were not selling real estate, where would you be today?

If I were not selling Real Estate, I really don’t know what I would be doing.  I grew up being submerged in Real Estate.  My Father has been a Realtor for more than 35 Years.  So I have lived and breathed it all my life.  I absolutely enjoy what I do and couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

What would you say is your most proud accomplishment as a real estate agent so far?

I would say that my proudest accomplishment in Real Estate thus far has been the reputation that I have attained in my area.  The awards are great, don’t get me wrong.  But knowing that when people think of Real Estate, your name comes up, there is no better feeling!!

What property do you currently have listed that you wish more people would see?

I presently have a few beautiful listings which are absolutely Phenomenal.  One in particular is my gorgeous Estate in Huntingdon Valley.

3900 Buck Rd Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006   

$2,799,900

Presented by Joseph B. Bograd

Immaculate estate home on 5+ acre lot. As you approach the gated entry, you will take notice of the arched limestone entry, courtyard formed by pavers and a four car garage. Custom and luxurious interior amenities include Gourmet Kit with pro appliances, custom marble work, flared brass main stairs & custom millwork t/o. Formal Cherry library, Master Suite w/FP, vaulted ceiling & marble bath. Daylight LL is finished with professional theater, wet bar & arcade game rm. The outdoor living boasts flagstone terraces, sitting walls, outdoor custom lighting w/custom pool and hot tub. Home is a Must See!!

The post Bucks Starts Here: Advice From Seasoned Professional Joseph B. Bograd On Bucks County Real Estate appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.