Listing Courtesy of Sothebys International Realty
$625,000
Potential Rebate: $9,375
Possibly the most gracious, well-located studio on the Upper West Side! Apartment 5A is a flexibly configured studio/one bedroom apartment in The Galaxy with approximately 512 square feet of old-world charm and all the modern conveniences. The Galaxy, an elegant 14-story co-op at 81st Street and Columbus Avenue, overlooks the Hayden Planetarium and the Museum of Natural History with its beautiful grassy park and weekly farmers’ markets. Currently used as an extremely spacious studio with windows facing west onto Columbus Avenue, Apartment 5A would convert very easily to a comfortable one-bedroom apartment (See Alternate Floor Plan).
This studio has many features more commonly found in larger apartments: 9 ¾’ ceilings; tall windows; a separate windowed kitchen large enough to comfortably accommodate a proper dining table and chairs; and a gracious entry hallway leading from the front door to the living space with a spacious hall closet and a large windowed bath on either side of the hallway. The living space benefits from hardwood floors and an easy-to-operate and very comfortable Murphy bed which would transfer with the apartment.
Residents of The (pet-friendly) Galaxy benefit from a full-time doorman as well as a live-in resident manager. The beautiful, planted roof deck with its panoramic views is available to residents for private use or entertaining. Other important tenant amenities include laundry facilities on every floor, bike storage and a package room. The Galaxy is currently in the process of replacing the carpeting and wallpaper in the upstairs hallways and refurbishing laundry and compactor rooms. These improvements have been fully financed through a recently collected assessment.
The Galaxy was built in 1905 with lovely pre-war detail including intricate window cornices and scroll work and a beautiful mosaic floor in the lobby. The 81st Street Park block is arguably one of the prettiest and "handiest" on the Upper West Side. Less than a block to Central Park, it is convenient to world-class specialty stores such as Zabar's; fine restaurants, boutiques and has ready access to multiple subway lines and the 79th Street cross-town bus. Apartment 5A at The Galaxy is in the beating heart of New York's art and cultural center with the opera, dance, symphonic music, jazz and film offerings of Lincoln Center in walking distance.
Ownership at The Galaxy is very flexible with pieds-à-terre, co-purchases, gifting and guaranteeing allowed on a case by case basis. Further, financing up to 75% is permitted as is sub-letting after one year of ownership with Board approval. There is a flip tax of $12/share payable to the corporation, $3,996 in the case of Apartment 5A (333 shares).
$4,118 per month
30 year fixed, 6.28% Interest
One-time rebate at closing
$9,375
Monthly savings impact
$26/mo
💡 Estimated at 1.5% of purchase price
The rebate is paid to you at closing and can help offset closing costs or other expenses.
Calculator Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Actual monthly payments, interest rates, taxes, and rebate amounts may vary. The rebate calculation is an estimate and subject to final terms. This information is not provided by the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY).
2.5%
Experience
Member
Listings
RLS IDX Data display by Real Estate Rebate Team. This information is not verified for authenticity or accuracy and is not guaranteed and may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. ©2025 The Real Estate Board of New York, Inc., All rights reserved. IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use and it may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing.
All information furnished regarding property for sale, rental or financing is from sources deemed reliable, but no warranty or representation is made as to the accuracy thereof and same is submitted subject to errors, omissions, change of price, rental or other conditions, prior sale, lease or financing or withdrawal without notice. All dimensions are approximate. For exact dimensions, you must hire your own architect or engineer and for no listing shall the number of bedrooms listed be considered a legal conclusion.
The Real Estate Rebate Team
Listing Courtesy of Sothebys International Realty
Data Source: TRESTLE #RLS20057909

Compare average listing prices and value metrics for Galaxy 51 against the surrounding Upper West Side market.
than the Upper West Side price-per-sq-ft average
Units in this building are listed below the neighborhood average, potentially offering better value per square foot compared to surrounding properties.
The Upper West Side (UWS) is the intellectual and cultural counterpoint to the East Side. Sandwiched between Central Park and Riverside Park, it is known for its brownstones, protected historic districts, and artistic legacy. For buyers seeking Upper West Side Manhattan real estate, it offers a relaxed, leafy, and quintessentially "New York" vibe.
Living in the Upper West Side feels like living in a movie. The streets are wide and lined with trees. As a beloved Manhattan NYC neighborhood, it attracts writers, actors, and families who value space, parks, and Zabar's.
The market for homes for sale in the Upper West Side is robust. It is famous for its pre-war co-ops along Central Park West and Riverside Drive, and its miles of brownstone blocks in between. Newer condos have risen in the low 60s and along Columbus Avenue.
It is a high-demand market because the housing stock is beautiful and protected. You can't build skyscrapers on the brownstone side streets, preserving the light and character.
The lifestyle on the UWS is casual and community-focused. Neighbors stop to chat at the Sunday landscaped market or while walking dogs in Riverside Park. It feels less formal than the East Side.
Cultural institutions like Lincoln Center and the Museum of Natural History anchor the community, infusing it with art and science.
The Upper West Side is served by the 1/2/3 and B/C trains. The express 2/3 makes getting to Times Square or Wall Street incredibly fast.
The West Side Highway provides easy car access for escapes to the Catskills or Jersey.
You are never more than two blocks from a park. Riverside Park offers sunsets over the Hudson, while Central Park offers the Great Lawn and the Reservoir.
Amenities are iconic: Zabar's, Fairway, Barney Greengrass. The food culture here is legendary. Schools are excellent, contributing to its reputation as a family haven.
The Upper West Side is best for families, dog owners, and creatives who want a beautiful, green, and relaxed neighborhood with deep cultural roots.

You can also call me anytime at +1 (315) 514-0164