How are the Coop Boards on the West Side? On Central Park West, the boards are a bit careful. There is a tendency to require a 50% cash down payment and significant income – it’s somewhat like Park and Fifth Avenues or Sutton Place in that regard. As you go further west the boards are more flexible. You can generally expect a requirement of 25% cash down for most coops. Condominiums normally have no restrictions. How is access to the Parks? Bridged by two major parks – Central Park and Riverside Park – the West Side has easy access to the parks and a way to decrease stress, a vital component for living in New York City. You can go to either park at any time and see a wealth of people strolling, in the playgrounds, playing tennis or lying on the grass. Parks are a critical part to the joy of living in New York City. Even if you never go, knowing that it’s there is important. Are there any considerations to living on the West Side? There aren’t any. The West Side is safe. The West Side has ambiance, services, parks, museums, food and friendly people. It is one of the most livable parts of New York City. Some would say that the West Side is politically liberal, however I know lots of closet conservatives who love it here. The West Side loves everybody.