Traditionally, a penthouse refers to the top-floor unit of a luxury residential building, often set back from the building’s edge to allow for private outdoor space. It’s defined more by position than square footage—though many are sprawling. Some are just one-bedroom homes with terraces that rival the apartment itself. Penthouses usually feature higher ceilings, grander layouts, and elevated finishes compared to lower-floor units in the same building.
In new developments, the term “penthouse” often applies to multiple top-tier residences—labeled PH1, PH2, and so on—not just the single highest unit. That’s the case at 2101 Frederick Douglass Boulevard, where the floor plans are compact but the views over Morningside Park feel utterly luxurious.
But beyond the technical definition, the word penthouse conjures something else entirely. It’s the fantasy of living above it all: floor-to-ceiling windows framing skyline views, sunlight pouring through glass walls, morning coffee on a private terrace as the city stirs below. For many, a penthouse represents the ultimate in privacy, prestige, and peace—a serene retreat in the sky.
Of course, Manhattan offers so many options that every buyer must define what penthouse living really means. For some, it’s indoor-outdoor living that feels almost unimaginable in NYC. For others, it’s the quiet of being above the fray—or simply the bliss of having no upstairs neighbors.
Whatever your version of luxury, I thought it would be fun to take a tour of current penthouse offerings that just might elevate your summer.
Today, there are over 300 penthouse apartments on the market in Manhattan, with prices ranging from $315,000 to $75,000,000. So clearly, there’s something for everyone dreaming of an elevated lifestyle—no matter your budget. Here are five that caught my eye:
West Chelsea’s Elevated Masterpiece
List Price: $75,000,000
Perched atop 551 West 21st Street, this full-floor penthouse is a masterclass in scale, privacy, and precision design. Recently renovated over three years, the 5-bedroom home spans 6,500 interior square feet with over 4,500 square feet of private outdoor space—including the building’s entire rooftop and NYC’s largest private outdoor pool. With 18-foot floor-to-ceiling windows, a custom chef’s kitchen by Jean-Georges, smart home systems by Osbee, and refined finishes throughout, this residence defines uncompromising luxury.
Penthouse West at The Henry, Upper West Side
List Price: $26,880,000
The Naftali Group has been busy bringing new luxury to the UWS, and The Henry is no exception. This 5-bedroom, 5-bath duplex offers over 1,000 sq ft of outdoor space, Hudson River views, and interiors by Robert A.M. Stern (RAMSA fans, rejoice!). The 41-foot great room, windowed kitchen, and rooftop terrace with fireplace create a timeless elegance. Amenities include the city’s first indoor pickleball court, a bowling alley, cinema, spa, and a hidden porte-cochère.
A Rare Fifth Avenue Legacy Penthouse
List Price: $10,000,000
Located in Carnegie Hill—one of my favorite Manhattan neighborhoods—this is a rare opportunity (especially now that Barbara Corcoran’s penthouse has already been snapped up). On the market for the first time in over 60 years, Penthouse A at 1050 Fifth Avenue is a true legacy property perched above the Gold Coast of the Upper East Side.
This elegant 8-room residence spans three to five bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and features three private terraces with sweeping views of Central Park, the Manhattan skyline, and the Met. Inside, you’ll find a gracious corner living room with terrace access, a formal dining room, a windowed kitchen, and a flexible bedroom wing perfect for a library, office, or guest suite. The sun-filled primary suite includes its own terrace, a walk-in closet, and a windowed en-suite bath.
With in-unit laundry, generous closets, and through-wall A/C, the home is perfectly livable as-is—but with the scale and layout to become something truly extraordinary. (That’s broker speak for: it needs work, but oh, the potential.)
Penthouse A at 219 Hudson, Hudson Square
List Price: $4,500,000
Climb to the top of the corporate ladder—and live there. This full-floor, 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath penthouse offers 2,013 sq ft of sleek design in Hudson Square, now home to creative giants like Disney, Google, and Publicis Groupe. A private elevator opens to a sunlit interior with 10-foot ceilings, a 200-sq-ft wraparound balcony, and a chef’s kitchen with Miele appliances and smoked oak cabinetry. Boutique amenities include a fitness center, virtual doorman, and private storage—steps from SoHo, TriBeCa, and the Hudson River Greenway.
Light-Filled Duplex in Central Harlem
List Price: $2,650,000
Six blocks north of Central Park, this 4-bedroom, 2-bath duplex at 23 West 116th Street offers nearly 2,000 sq ft of interior space plus a 651 sq ft private roof deck. Triple-pane windows, 10-foot ceilings, and south-facing exposures flood the home with light. Wide-plank oak floors and a sleek open kitchen make entertaining easy, while the primary suite offers a walk-in closet and spa bath. Bonus: a 25-year tax abatement and full-service building with a concierge, gym, and garage.
Ready to Elevate Your Lifestyle?
Whether you're drawn to rooftop pools, East River views, or a private oasis in Harlem, there’s a penthouse that fits your version of luxury. If you're curious about one of these listings—or wondering what your current home could sell for in today’s market—I’d love to help.
Reach out to explore what’s available or schedule a private tour.
Let’s find your place above it all.
