Beekman

A fancy little enclave in Midtown East, Beekman draws the understated wealthy along with international higher-ups who work at the nearby United Nations.

Centered around the quiet, two-block street known as Beekman Place, the neighborhood offers million-dollar views of the East River and Queens from its array of prewar buildings. Elegant townhouses are the other housing option here -- but few, if any, are on the market at any given time.

Unlike most of Manhattan, Beekman has managed to largely avoid the onslaught of new construction. Still, new additions to the nabe include the Grand Beekman (400 East 51st St.), a 32-floor tower built in 2003, which has one-bedrooms from about $1.35 million. Also completed that year was the Beekman Regent (351 East 51st St.), a converted turn-of-the-(last)-century schoolhouse.

Though far from public transportation -- the nearest subway line is the 4, 5, 6 at Lexington Avenue -- Beekman Place is within walking distance of many of Midtown's offices, restaurants and amenities.