New York City has long been a magnet for celebrities, from Hollywood A-listers to chart-topping musicians and business moguls. While some prefer the privacy of secluded estates, others embrace the luxury and convenience of NYC’s most exclusive residential buildings. If you’ve ever wondered where the rich and famous call home in the Big Apple, here’s a list of the top buildings where celebrities live in New York City.
1. The San Remo (145 Central Park West)
Towering over Central Park with its distinctive twin spires, The San Remo is one of the most recognizable residential buildings in Manhattan. This historic co-op has housed legends like Steven Spielberg, Bono, and Diane Keaton. Known for its strict co-op board, simply having the money to buy an apartment here isn’t enough—you’ll need serious connections and an impeccable reputation to get approved.
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Famous Residents: Steven Spielberg, Bono, Bruce Willis, Diane Keaton
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Why It’s Iconic: This twin-towered pre-war co-op offers breathtaking views of Central Park. With strict co-op board rules, getting in isn’t easy—even if you have the money.
2. The Dakota (1 West 72nd Street)
Perhaps the most famous apartment building in New York, The Dakota is steeped in history and tragedy. John Lennon lived here until his assassination outside its gates in 1980, and Yoko Ono still owns multiple units. Other notable residents have included Billy Joel and Judy Garland. With its Gothic architecture and old-world grandeur, The Dakota remains one of the most exclusive addresses in the city.
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Famous Residents: John Lennon (formerly), Yoko Ono, Billy Joel, Judy Garland (formerly)
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Why It’s Iconic: One of NYC’s most storied buildings, the Dakota is famous for its Gothic architecture and tragic history (Lennon was murdered outside). It remains one of the most exclusive addresses in the city.
3. 15 Central Park West
Dubbed the “Billionaires’ Building,” 15 Central Park West is a modern classic designed by Robert A.M. Stern. Its lavish condos have attracted A-listers like Sting, Denzel Washington, and former Yankees star Alex Rodriguez. With its prime location across from Central Park and impeccable service, it’s no surprise this building has become a magnet for the ultra-wealthy.
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Famous Residents: Sting, Denzel Washington, Alex Rodriguez, Daniel Loeb
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Why It’s Iconic: Dubbed the “Billionaires’ Building,” this Robert A.M. Stern-designed tower is one of the most expensive and sought-after addresses in NYC.
4. 443 Greenwich Street (The TriBeCa Penthouse)
Once an industrial warehouse, 443 Greenwich Street has been transformed into one of Tribeca’s most coveted residential addresses. Taylor Swift famously owns multiple units here, combining them into a sprawling penthouse with private outdoor space. Other stars like Harry Styles and Meg Ryan have also called this building home, drawn to its loft-style living and downtown cool factor.
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Famous Residents: Taylor Swift, Harry Styles (formerly), Meg Ryan
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Why It’s Iconic: This converted warehouse offers massive lofts and penthouses with private rooftop spaces. Taylor Swift famously bought multiple units and combined them into a mega-home.
5. The Woolworth Building (One Park Place, 8 Spruce Street)
While most know the Woolworth Building for its iconic Gothic architecture, its luxury residential portion has quietly become a haven for celebrities. Jay-Z and Beyoncé reportedly own a unit here, and Jerry Seinfeld is another high-profile resident. Blending historic charm with modern amenities, this building offers a unique mix of old and new New York.
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Famous Residents: Jay-Z & Beyoncé (reportedly own a unit), Jerry Seinfeld
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Why It’s Iconic: While the Woolworth is mostly offices, its luxury residential portion attracts high-profile buyers looking for historic charm with modern amenities.
6. The Beresford (211 Central Park West)
Another prestigious pre-war co-op, The Beresford is known for its grand terraces and sweeping views of Central Park. Glenn Close, John McEnroe, and Jerry Seinfeld have all lived here, enjoying the building’s timeless elegance. Like many of NYC’s elite co-ops, The Beresford’s board is notoriously selective, making it one of the hardest buildings to get into—even for the rich and famous.
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Famous Residents: Glenn Close, John McEnroe, Jerry Seinfeld
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Why It’s Iconic: Another prestigious pre-war co-op, The Beresford boasts stunning terraces and Central Park views. The board is notoriously selective.
7. 56 Leonard Street (The Jenga Building)
With its striking, stacked design, 56 Leonard Street (nicknamed “The Jenga Building”) has become a Tribeca landmark. Former residents include Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel, who lived in one of its ultra-luxurious penthouses. The building’s high-end amenities and dramatic architecture make it a favorite among celebrities who want a modern, statement-making home.
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Famous Residents: Justin Timberlake & Jessica Biel (formerly), Channing Tatum
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Why It’s Iconic: Known for its striking stacked design, this Tribeca skyscraper offers ultra-luxury living with private pools and sky-high views.
8. The Sherry-Netherland (781 Fifth Avenue)
Overlooking Central Park, The Sherry-Netherland blends old-world charm with five-star hotel service. This historic building offers a mix of hotel suites and private residences, attracting stars like Sofia Vergara and fashion mogul Tommy Hilfiger. Its prime location near Fifth Avenue shopping and Midtown’s finest restaurants makes it a top choice for those who want classic New York luxury.
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Famous Residents: Sofia Vergara, Tommy Hilfiger
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Why It’s Iconic: Overlooking Central Park, this historic hotel-condo hybrid is a favorite among wealthy elites who want a classic NYC experience.
9. One57 (157 West 57th Street)
One of the original “Billionaire’s Row” skyscrapers, One57 redefined luxury living in NYC. Tech billionaire Michael Dell and retail tycoon Silas Chou are among its elite residents. With its soaring height, panoramic city views, and white-glove service, this building has become synonymous with extreme wealth and exclusivity.
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Famous Residents: Michael Dell, Silas Chou, hedge fund billionaires
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Why It’s Iconic: One of NYC’s first “Billionaire’s Row” skyscrapers, One57 offers ultra-luxury condos with panoramic city views.
10. The Greenwich Lane (110-130 Fifth Avenue)
Nestled in the heart of the West Village, The Greenwich Lane offers a more low-key but equally luxurious lifestyle. Julia Roberts and Gwyneth Paltrow have owned units here, drawn to its blend of historic charm and modern comforts. With its cobblestone streets and boutique vibe, this building is perfect for celebrities who want privacy without sacrificing luxury.
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Famous Residents: Julia Roberts, Gwyneth Paltrow
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Why It’s Iconic: Located in the heart of the West Village, this high-end development combines historic charm with modern luxury.
Final Thoughts
From historic landmarks like The Dakota to ultra-modern towers like One57, New York City’s most exclusive buildings offer privacy, luxury, and prestige—making them the perfect homes for celebrities. If you ever find yourself strolling through Central Park or Tribeca, look up—you might just spot a famous face behind one of those coveted windows!
