Bedrooms: 2½ Bathrooms: 1½ Square feet: 1,977 Common charges: $510 -- This nearly 2,000-square-foot, true "family-sized" duplex gives you "brownstone charm" along with "state-of-the-art" renovations. There's plenty of light inside, thanks to the "sun-drenched" solarium-like extension, or you can head outside to the balcony, deck and small yard. Agents: Jerry Minsky and Jacqui Howard Sicignano, The Corcoran Group, (718) 210-4010 and (718) 210-4052.

Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1 Square feet: 650 Maintenance: $989 -- In this duplex loft, you'll get "dramatic" space - 13½-foot ceilings in the living room - and architectural details like exposed brick, plus a renovated kitchen and bathroom. And the location, in a doorman building on East 12th Street near Broadway, is just "steps" from Union Square. Agent: Stacey Max, Bellmarc, (212) 627-3000, ext. 208.

Bedrooms: 0 Bathrooms: 1 Square feet: 400 Maintenance: $474 -- OK, so there's no bedroom in this "sleek" top-floor co-op studio on East 90th Street, but you're just "a short walk" to Carl Schurz Park, the windowed kitchen is large and the closets are plentiful. Also, there's a chance to buy 360 feet of roof rights, so you can upgrade without moving. Agent: Gregory Hall, The Corcoran Group, (212) 848-0460.

Bedrooms: 0 Bathrooms: 1 Square feet: 812 Common charges: $200 -- Converted in 2004, the Toy Factory Lofts building combines prewar proportions with the joys of 21st-century living. Which means this loft condo with 11-foot ceilings, a marble bathroom, a Jacuzzi tub, an open kitchen and access to a roof deck and fitness room is probably a pretty fun place to live. Agents: Eric Marrus and Neal Patel, Prudential Douglas Elliman, (212) 321-7112 and (212) 321-7169.

Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2½ Square feet: 2,130 -- Located on a "historic, tree-lined street" (they have those in LIC?), this 1881 brownstone on 45th Road, renovated in 2006, is currently arranged as two rental apartments, with more than $51,000 in yearly income. That said, it could be converted to a "gracious" single-family home, where you can privately enjoy the 50-foot-deep garden or build on it (it's zoned to allow for a structure of up to 1,800 square feet). Agent: Michael Arkin, Warburg Realty, (212) 327-9673.

Touted as a "regal entertainment palace," this custom-designed Ranch on 2-plus "sprawling" acres offers a beautiful in-ground swimming pool and patio (with an outdoor fireplace) where you can host friends and family. As for the four-bedroom, 3½-bathroom, 5,033-square-foot house, it was built in 1953 but still remains "architecturally unique." And its access to the highly regarded Jericho public schools makes this property all the more attractive. Agent: Michelle Cohen, Century 21 Laffey Associates, (516) 625-0944, ext. 111.

This stone-and-shingle "vintage" Colonial, built in 1936, sits on more than 3½ "magnificent" acres that include a barn (that's so vintage), a pool and full landscaping. The home has been "totally" renovated. All systems (heat, electric, plumbing), the roof and the windows, cabinetry and appliances are updated. There are five bedrooms and four-plus bathrooms in its 6,051 square feet of living space, which doesn't include the walk-out lower level with a family room, office and mud room. Agent: Susan De Felice, Prudential Holmes & Kennedy, (914) 238-3988, ext. 106.

The historic Prasada, on Central Park West, was built in 1907, but this 2,700-square-foot corner co-op is distinctly modern in feel. There are great original details but also an open layout that resembles a "New York loft." Included are four bedrooms, three bathrooms and, of course, "spectacular" views of the park, especially from the 435-square-foot living room. Other features include 48 feet of windows and a formal dining room, library, home office, wet bar and laundry area. There's also a large eat-in chef's kitchen, recently renovated. And if you have another $5 million or so to spare, the adjacent unit is also on the market. For a total of $11.5 million, you could own a 6,000-square- foot home with more than 100 feet of direct park views. Agent: Jaylin Ramer, Bond New York, (212) 672-6356.

Why let bygones be bygones, especially when it comes to this "genteel and casual" half-acre waterfront estate that "hearkens back" to another era. The "stately" shingled home is set above Five Mile River and includes terraced stone patios leading down to a private deep-water dock on Long Island Sound. Inside, the living room and dining room (both with fireplaces) provide water views and a wonderful layout for entertaining. The four bedrooms and four bathrooms - including not one, but two master suites - offer grand private spaces as well. Agent: Sheree Frank, Kelly Associates, (203) 655-8238.

Manhattan EAST VILLAGE $399,000 115 E. Ninth St. Renovated studio co-op, 400 square feet, with wall of windows, western exposure and city views; building features doorman, garage, laundry, storage and bike room. Maintenance $488, 52 percent tax-deductible. Asking price $399,000, on market 15 weeks. Broker: Jon Varnedoe, Prudential Douglas Elliman HUDSON HEIGHTS $510,000 880 W. 181st St. Prewar two-bedroom, one-bath co-op, 1,100 square feet, with washer/dryer and Hudson River views; building features elevator. Maintenance $590, 42 percent tax-deductible. Asking price $520,000, on market 18 weeks. Broker: William Vilkelis, Barak Realty NOHO $5,715,000 40 Bond St. Three-bedroom, 3½-bath condo loft, 2,617 square feet, with walk-in closets, oversized windows, modern kitchen with dishwasher, washer/dryer, imported materials and N/S exposures; building features cast-iron façade, cast-aluminum gate, doorman and concierge, exercise room, garden, valet parking, maid service, laundry service, answering service, video security and private storage. Common charges $1,861, taxes $195. Asking price $5,700,000, on market 512 days. Broker: Chris Poore, The Corcoran Group UPPER EAST SIDE $1,245,000 170 E. 87th St. Two-bedroom, two-bath condo, 1,100 square feet, with wide-plank wood floors, walk-in closets, marble bath, through-the-wall AC, balcony and southern exposure; building features doorman, garage, gym, pool, laundry, video security and playroom. Common charges $820, taxes $840. Asking price $1,295,000, on market 10 weeks. Broker: Laurie Lewis, Citi Habitats WASHINGTON HEIGHTS $315,000 854 W. 181st St. Prewar one-bedroom, one-bath co-op, 600 square feet, with eat-in kitchen, entry foyer, window AC and deck; building features courtyard, roof deck and elevator. Maintenance $560. Asking price $329,000, on market four months. Broker: Nick Rafello, The Corcoran Group Brooklyn CARROLL GARDENS $760,000 91 Douglass St. One-bedroom, 1½-bath duplex condo, 1,131 square feet, with open living/dining room combination, kitchen with stainless-steel appliances, dishwasher and built-in microwave; new-construction building features back yard. Common charges $402, taxes $14. Asking price $760,000, on market two months. Brokers: Sandra Dowling, Dowling Realty Group and Brooklyn Heights Real Estate GERRITSEN BEACH $440,000 13 Lois Ave. Renovated three-bedroom, three-bath duplex on a 45-foot-by-80-foot lot, with eat-in kitchen and finished basement that can be used as legal rental; property features deck, pool and private driveway. Asking price $479,000, on market 10½months. Broker: Tracey Real Estate Queens BAYSIDE $420,000 18-15 215th St. One-bedroom, one-bath co-op, 900 square feet, with dining alcove, maple floors, open kitchen with high-end appliances, granite countertops and maple cabinets, marble bath and bay views; Towers at Waters Edge complex features parking, on-site shopping, fitness center, heated Olympic-size swimming pool, basketball court, tennis courts and refreshment pavilion. Common charges $1,090, 50 percent tax-deductible. Asking price $430,000, on market four weeks. Broker: Bay Benjamin & Baybridge Real Estate The Bronx HIGHBRIDGE $231,000 1020 Grand Concourse Two-bedroom, one-bath co-op, 900 square feet, with balcony; building features doorman and garage. Maintenance $1,049, 33 percent tax-deductible. Asking price $249,900, on market one month. Brokers: Marjo Benavides, Ariela Heilman Real Estate and Mary Stevenson, Prudential Douglas Elliman Staten Island PRINCES BAY $580,000 36 Excelsior Ave. Three-bedroom, 3½-bath two-family Colonial, 2,171 square feet, with three-bedroom, two-bath duplex with walk-up attic that can be converted into fourth bedroom, cherrywood kitchen with granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances, family room, cathedral ceilings and central AC; home features basement with studio apartment, garage, laundry area and deck. Taxes $1,400. Asking price $604,000, on market 144 days. Broker: Scott Dobrin, Scott Dobrin Realty Long Island PORT WASHINGTON $645,000 53 Park Ave. Prewar three-bedroom, two-bath Colonial on a 4,000-square-foot lot, with formal dining room, eat-in kitchen with dishwasher, wall-to-wall carpet, central AC, basement with playroom and washer/dryer, walk-up attic, deck, private driveway and garage. Taxes $9,826. Asking price $659,000, on market 54 days. Brokers: Kathleen Christie and Rita Sorrentino, Century 21 Laffey Associates Westchester RYE $1,250,000 16 John Jay Place Five-bedroom, three-bath Colonial, 3,900 square feet, with formal dining room, fireplace, eat-in kitchen, family room with cathedral ceilings, basement with playroom, washer/dryer, central AC, deck and two-car garage. Taxes $30,318. Asking price $1,399,000, on market five months. Brokers: Prudential Rand Realty and Houlihan Lawrence New Jersey WEST ORANGE $420,000 21 Ronald Terrace Four-bedroom, two-bath split-level Contemporary on a 0.24-acre lot, with eat-in kitchen, family room, foyer, walk-in closets, basement with rec room, washer/dryer, central AC, deck and garage. Taxes $12,244. Asking price $424,900, on market 176 days. Brokers: Colin Dibley and Donal Patterson, Jordan Baris Realtors

When former Upper West Side residents Pamela Franklin and James Guerra went shopping for a condo, they wanted all the frills: high ceilings, crown moldings, a fancy bathroom and a kitchen with stainless-steel appliances. But they also had specific needs. A single-level residence was necessary because Franklin had recently undergone hip-replacement surgery. And Guerra, a retired fashion executive, would be spending a fair bit of time at home, so he needed a clubhouse with lots of activities. Last August, the couple found their ideal home: a two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit with a den for $799,000 at Trump Park Residences, an active adult community for those 55 and older in the Shrub Oak section of Yorktown in northern Westchester. Active-adult communities are age-restricted developments that usually start at 55 and older. Aimed at empty-nesters and retirees, they range from affordable housing to luxury developments - although it is only recently that high-end properties are popping up in the metro area. Most of these developments offer amenities like clubhouses and a gym. But walking trails, indoor swimming pools, entertainment rooms and valet services are the latest features. Some active-adult communities include assisted-care facilities. The first active-adult community created by Donald Trump and Westchester mega-developer Louis Cappelli, the 141-unit Trump Park Residences includes 64 villa condos. They range from 1,000-square-foot one-bedrooms starting at $536,000 to 2,072-square-foot three-bedrooms going for nearly $1 million. Fifty percent of the condos have sold since the development opened in the fall of 2006. And while Franklin and Guerra didn't set out to buy in an active-adult community, the combination of amenities and the 45-minute commute by Metro-North to Manhattan sealed the deal. "It gives me peace of mind to know there are neighbors who will keep an eye on James because I'm away 12 hours a day," says Franklin, 61, who works as a credit support officer in Midtown. "There's a real sense of simpatico among residents in an adult community." These days, many of New York's graying boomers are less interested in buying into Florida's depressed housing market. Instead, they're opting for sophisticated active-adult communities within the metro region. These include Christie Place, a 42-unit condo in Scarsdale, and the Glassbury Court communities throughout Westchester and Putnam counties. "This is the 'if not now, then when' buyer," says Barbara Kleger, president of 55 Plus Consulting in Philadelphia. "They might need to scale down, but they're not willing to take a step down." And that means these buyers expect luxury and lots of amenities. At Trump Park Residences, the clubhouse is outfitted with stone fireplaces, and includes a library, movie theater, business center and game room. There are indoor and outdoor pools, a gym and biking/walking trails throughout the 50-acre site. Owners also have the option of a membership at the Trump National Golf Club in nearby Briarcliff Manor. A smaller but similarly high-end adult community is Christie Place, a 42-unit, English Tudor-style development in Scarsdale. The two three-story buildings, now under construction, offer a concierge and a rooftop plaza with fountains, tables and an herb garden. "It's an elegant, newly constructed building that is close to shopping and transportation," says Alex Wechsler, 70, who sold the Riverdale condo he's lived in for 30 years to move to a two-bedroom condo at Christie Place. Wechsler and his wife, Doina, are eager to make new friends and live in a place where all the conveniences they desire are right at their doorstep. But most of all, they are looking forward to living close to family. "We wanted to be near my daughter and our four grandchildren [who live in the area]," he says. They plan to move in this November. Prices at Christie Place range from $839,000 for a 1,000-square-foot one-bedroom to $2.5 million for a 1,945-square-foot two-bedroom with a den. The largest apartments have roof terraces. Fifteen units have sold. At the recently opened Glassbury Court at Cold Spring, buyers can choose from 90 eco-friendly carriage houses in a 40-acre park. Amenities include a heated pool, tennis courts, trails and a clubhouse with a theater. Prices range from $480,000 to $630,000. Gaining approval from towns for large-scale development is easier for active-adult communities because they do not place additional burdens on schools. And developers believe that building for residents 55 and older during a downturn in the market is a safe bet. "The active-adult market is not affected to the extent that the general market has been affected," says Bill Balter, president of Wilder Balter Partners in Elmsford, which has built several communities in Westchester. "These buyers are not victims of the mortgage crisis." ON THE HORIZON * The former St. Agnes Hospital's 23-acre campus in White Plains is being transformed into a community of 355 "flats" for those 60 and older, while the old hospital itself will be rehabbed for 92 assisted-living units and 20 units for people with Alzheimer's. Market-rate prices will range from $400,000 to $900,000, but 6 percent of units will set be aside as affordable rates. * IN Chappaqua, a 278-unit active-adult community and office complex named Chappaqua Crossing is planned for vacant land at the Reader's Digest Campus. The project, which is still pending approval, will have the publisher keeping its headquarters in a portion of the grand building and leasing the rest of the space.

ASK Hemant Phul where he lives, and you won't get an entirely accurate answer. "I invariably say I live in New York City," says the owner of the Earth NYC nightclub in Chelsea. "That's when they pry, and they say, 'Where in Manhattan?'" That's where the smoke and mirrors come in. " 'Well, it's not exactly Manhattan,' I say. 'It's the other side of Manhattan.' " To say the least. Phul and his wife, Bhavana, have just moved into a $700,000-plus, two-bedroom condo in the massive, mixed-used Gull's Cove development - in Jersey City. But Phul is on to something when he says it's the "other side of Manhattan." Geographically speaking, the Jersey waterfront is a heck of a lot closer to Manhattan than, say, Park Slope. And even as the broader real-estate market looks wobbly, New Jersey's Gold Coast - located directly across from New York City on the Hudson River - has seen thousands of condos, rentals and townhouses steadily hitting the market. And units here have sold well, despite prices that are very high by New Jersey standards. Numerous new luxury buildings in Jersey City and Hoboken have been luring buyers like the Phuls into choosing Jersey apartments over similarly priced units in areas like Brooklyn and Manhattan's Financial District. And if you look at the major projects that have risen along the Jersey waterfront in the last few years, you'll find brisk sales and few price reductions. Last year, for example, the still unfinished 77 Hudson in Jersey City set a state record when it sold a $6 million combined condo unit. The Beacon development, also in Jersey City, has sold 90 percent of the apartments in the first two of its five buildings (the third went on the market last weekend with units starting at $340,000 and going up to $2.1 million). The W Hoboken, which is part-condo, part-hotel, sold all 40 of its condos at around $1,100 per square foot. Also in Hoboken, Hudson Tea (with one-bedroom units starting at $475,000 and duplexes going as high as $2.3 million) has sold more than 90 percent of its units in the two buildings that have been released. Down the road at Maxwell Place (with prices from $600 to $1,350 per square foot), its entire first building sold out and the second, 372-unit phase, including 10 townhouses, is more than 90 percent sold. While sales might not be as swift as they were in 2004 and 2005, "Our 2008 prices are significantly higher than 2004 or 2005," says Benjamin Jogodnik, senior vice president at Toll Brothers, which is building Maxwell Place and Hudson Tea. "We have had no price reductions." In addition to New York-level pricing, "There are top architects and designers like Andres Escobar and Costas Kondylis and Rem Koolhaas," says Jackie Urgo, president of the Marketing Directors, which is selling Trump Plaza Jersey City. The 55-story Trump Plaza tower, the tallest residential building in New Jersey, has sold 385 of its 444 units, with some units going for more than $1,000 per square foot and prices averaging more than $700 per square foot. Another Trump Plaza Jersey City building, with around 400 units, is planned. And Trump Plaza is just one of the big boys on the block. Both Kondylis and Escobar had a hand in Jersey City's 50 Columbus, a fully leased 400-unit rental development; Koolhaas is working on a 1.2 million-square-foot mixed-use project at 111 First St. in Jersey City. But those are small compared to enormous projects like the Upper Grand in Hoboken, a mix of rentals and condos that constitute 15 different buildings and 2,500 homes on 32 acres. And there's Liberty Harbor and Port Imperial, which are as much planned neighborhoods as they are developments. Liberty Harbor will include 7,000 to 10,000 homes over 80 acres of Jersey City; Port Imperial sprawls from Weehawken to West New York and has upscale developments within the development like Henley on Hudson, which has one- and two-bedrooms starting at $499,000 and townhouses priced up to $3 million; and 55 Riverwalk Place, with 348 luxury rentals starting at $1,970 for a studio. So how has the Jersey waterfront managed to keep its head above water? Part of the reason is that cheaper land has allowed developers to throw in all sorts of extras. Many projects are right along the water, and many have retail and restaurant space. Buyers simply get more for their money here. But it's also important to note that while buildings like Trump Plaza, the W and the Beacon have done well, they were all set in motion long before the credit crunch hit. "Credit's very tight right now," says David Barry, the president of Applied Development Company, which developed the W Hoboken. "I think [the W] sold for very fair value. But, obviously, I'm happy we sold them a year ago and not today." Nevertheless, Phul isn't worried about a downturn. "For Gull's Cove, if everything goes well, there's going to be 750,000 square feet of retail space; it's like a completely planned neighborhood," he says. "I only see this place appreciating . . . it's a long-term investment." And maybe in a few years, he won't be embarrassed telling people where he lives.

DIAMOND BEACH Long Branch When we reported on Diamond Beach last June, the building was under construction and sales were hovering at around 25 percent. But the recent opening of 10 model homes, a fitness center and a cyberlounge should help move things along. To date, 34 of the 86 two-bedroom, 2½-bathroom condos have sold, as have four of the 10 duplex penthouses. Units start in the mid-$400,000s, with pricing dependent on the views (ocean or "sunset") and size (1,639 to 2,518 square feet), while penthouses are $1.4 million and up. Amenities include a heated ocean-view pool, 24/7 concierge service, underground parking and a rooftop garden. (866) 534-2666, diamond-beach.net PIER VILLAGE Long Branch This enormous rental and retail waterfront community had just announced its second phase when we checked in about a year ago. Now, 216 new rental units will begin leasing in early June, with occupancy on Sept. 1. The 140 one-bedrooms start at $1,400; the 60 two-bedrooms begin at $2,500; and $3,000 will get you one of 16 three-bedrooms. As well, a hotel/condo with 24 units is slated for completion in the spring of 2009, with prices to be announced. For its third (and final) phase, expect another 200 rentals, 75 condos, a 100-room hotel and 20,000 additional square feet of retail. Currently, all 320 residences from the first phase are rented. (732) 923-0100, piervillage.com NORTH BEACH Asbury Park This three-tower oceanfront condo project has been selling briskly, with 50 percent of its 157 units now sold; most available units are in its newest building, the Monterey. The one- and two-bedroom residences, which start around $500,000 and top out at more than $1 million, range from 1,000 to 2,000 square feet and feature luxury touches like granite countertops and Kohler bath fixtures. Top-floor duplexes offer the best views, but all units feature terraces. This is the first season that all of North Beach's common amenities - including the lobby, swimming pool, sundeck and the landscaped courtyard - will be open. (732) 776-6200; northbeachasbury.com WESLEY GROVE Asbury Park Much of Asbury Park has been revitalized of late. The restored Paramount Theatre will open in late June, pavilions have been updated, new restaurants have sprung up. And move-ins have started at Wesley Grove, a mix of condos, duplexes and three-story townhomes that are within walking distance of both the beach and downtown. The first phase of the project, the 91-unit St. James, is already 50 percent sold. One- to three-bedroom condos go from 1,124 to 1,823 square feet, while two- and three-bedroom duplexes measure 1,353 to 2,827 square feet. Most units have terraces with views of the ocean or of the quaint neighboring town of Ocean Grove. Townhomes start at 2,195 square feet and feature roof terraces. Prices range from $469,900 to $799,000. Future phases are still in the planning stage, but a total of 500 units is projected. (732) 869-0600; wesleygroveasbury.com

Here is a first look at the planned Nobu Hotel and Residences in the Financial District, which will rise in a 62-story glass tower at 45 Broad St. Kent Swig of Swig Equities has announced that the nearly 650-foot structure will include 77 "super-luxury" condos on floors 41 through 62, as well as a 128-room hotel and approximately 13,000 square feet of retail space on the ground level and second floor. There will be a Nobu restaurant on the third floor. David Rockwell and the Rockwell Group have designed the interior, while the firm of Moed de Armas & Shannon designed the glass exterior with oblique curves. There will be a six-story base with a transparent glass facade. The eco-friendly building will include a health club and spa, open to both residents and hotel guests, with an indoor pool and outdoor sun terrace. Partners in the project include Robert De Niro, Nobu Matsuhisa, Richie Notar and Meir Teper. Drew Nieporent is also a partner in the restaurant. Howard's end Hillary Clinton's communications director Howard Wolfson was insisting yesterday that his candidate's campaign "continues on." But his days as a New Yorker have come to an end. Wolfson and his wife, Terri McCullough, who's chief of staff for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have sold their seldom used condo at 455 Central Park West (at 104th Street) for $1.91 million. They bought the condo in 2005 for just under $1.8 million. The two-bedroom, 2½-bath apartment on the 20th floor measures just over 1,300 square feet. It includes views of Central Park, a large terrace off the living room and a 43-foot-long balcony connecting both bedrooms. The Wolfsons first put the unit on the market last July for $1.995 million, then reduced it by $100,000 two months later. "We love living next door to the park, and the view from the building is really wonderful. Plus our new baby will finally get a room of her own," Wolfson told us at the time of his purchase. The couple, who had previously rented a one-bedroom on the East Side, now live full time in Washington, DC - a few blocks from Hillary's manse. Cone zone Former Mets and Yankees pitcher David Cone is looking for an in-town apartment. The Cy Young Award winner, who is now a Yankees color commentator for the YES Network, was recently spotted in the Miraval Living condominium sales office on the Upper East Side with a broker in tow, openly discussing the option of combining apartments. The configuration would amount to a three-bedroom pad for close to $3 million in the building with luxe amenities, including the famed namesake spa. Cone, who pitched a perfect game in 1999 after suffering a career-threatening brain aneurysm three years earlier, lives with his family in Westport, Conn. He could not be reached for comment.

WHEN I'm at my beach house on the weekends, I'm not planting complicated flowerbeds or building an elaborate koi pond. I might pot up a few vegetables and annuals with my son, but in the summer we like to spend our time playing in the back yard or at the beach. This doesn't mean I can't also have a beautifully landscaped lawn, though. Trees and shrubs are low-maintenance (once they are in the ground and established, I don't have to fuss over them). They also attract birds and add incredible value to my home. In fact, a recent study by the American Nursery & Landscape Association found landscaping increases property values by 7 to 14 percent. I love color, so I favor trees that offer a spring show (like dogwood, cherry and red bud) or trees that have fall foliage (like silver maple and ginkgo). To create fast-growing evergreen screens that block out nosy neighbors, Thuga Green Giant is a good choice. It's tall and elegant and can grow five feet a year. Shrubs can brighten up smaller urban patios and balconies - even container gardens. Flowering almond and azalea (pictured) are two of my favorites. Flowering almonds sport beautiful pink blossoms in the spring, and azaleas come in a range of colors - from white to purple to orange. All of these plants can be found at large nurseries or home centers. So this weekend, plant some trees or shrubs - and spend the summer enjoying your great new view. If I can do it, so can you! Barbara K is hosting DIY summertime seminars at J & R Music World. Visit jr.com for more information.