Building: 10 Plaza Street East

This lovely co-op building on a stunning tree-lined block is directly across the street from the No. 2 and 3 subway trains and the 41 bus. Neighbor and pet friendly, it is a full-service building with 24-hour doorman security, a live-in super and two part-time porters. A laundry room, along with household and bike storage is in the basement. Near all shopping and restaurants, as well as Prospect Park, the Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Library and Botanic Gardens, the best of Brooklyn culture is right outside the door. Valet parking and Zip Car service is in the underground garage beneath the building, and 10 Plaza St. owners are guaranteed a parking spot. The building does have stringent entry requirements, however: 25 percent down is the rule, and four years worth of maintenance must show as having been in a bank account for at least six months. IRA and other investment accounts qualify. There is also a flip tax of $35 per share. The result, though, is a building with a sizeable reserve fund and low maintenace fees relative to other buildings in the area of its size and quality. For the growing family or empty-nester, this building of spacious 1- and 2-bedroom apartments—some with terraces and 2 baths—is a great place to call home for the long term.

Description provided by Audrey Edwards