Apart from being one of the most interesting cities on the planet, New York City holds a special place in the hearts of pop culture geeks. The amount of series, movies and albums that have NYC as their theme or backdrop is so vast, that it could give us material for many new articles. One such phenomenon is the Candance Bushnell-inspired series Sex and the City.
Nearly a quarter of a century since “Sex and the City” first graced our screens, the charm of 64 Perry Street endures, synonymous with the fashionable and fabulous Carrie Bradshaw. The 10-episode revival on HBO Max (albeit without Samantha Jones) revives interest in this iconic New York address. This is the place where the magic of Carrie’s life in the city began, an address that encapsulates the essence of New York’s fashion and flair.
In this article, we delve deeper into the history of the apartment of the fictional character Carrie Bradshaw from the hit TV series “Sex and the City.” Located at 64 Perry Street in the picturesque neighborhood of West Village, this charming brownstone has become a must-visit for fans around the world.
The History Of The Apartment At 64 Perry Street
Located in the heart of NYC, 64 Perry Street stands as a shrine for the show’s aficionados. Used as Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment in the first three seasons, this brownstone’s facade witnessed the birth of a New York fairy tale. Remarkably, the character afforded this gem on a freelance writer’s budget, paying just $700 monthly for her rent-stabilized abode. As we read this in 2024 we can only weep, since nowadays Carrie would need more than her column earnings. With median rents around $2,430 and buying prices at $1,595,000, it’s a stretch for most New Yorkers, let alone a freelance writer.
Another fun fact is that after three seasons of filming, the producers moved to the adjacent building (66 Perry Street) for the series’ needs.
West Village, the actual location of 64 Perry Street, commands even higher costs. Here, median rents hover around $3,100, and buying a 1-bedroom could set you back about $1,649,500. The West Village, particularly Greenwich Village, exudes a quintessentially residential feel, dotted with picturesque apartment buildings and brownstones. The steps leading to what is known as Carrie’s apartment have become almost as famous as the character herself, thanks to their frequent appearances on the show.
Beyond Carrie Bradshaw, 64 Perry Street has housed other notable figures. Fashion guru Tim Gunn once called it home, and Woody Allen used it as a backdrop for his 1990 movie “Alice.”
If you find yourself wandering through the area, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Magnolia Bakery. This is the very spot where Carrie and Miranda indulged in cupcakes in Season 3, Episode 5 of “Sex and the City.” Renowned for its delectable frosting, a visit to Magnolia Bakery is a must when in Greenwich Village, especially for any fan of the series.
Some Useful Information For Visitors
Visitors are advised to respect the privacy of the residents. Even Sarah Jessica Parker, who played Carrie Bradshaw, faced repercussions for using the steps for a commercial without permission. The steps are off-limits, but fans can legally take photos from the public sidewalk.
As expected, tourists and fans continually flock to Perry Street, drawn by the allure of the iconic steps of both 64 and 66 Perry Street. While the influx of visitors has led to calls for increased privacy, the charm of these locations remains unspoiled. Fans can still embark on tours that feature memorable spots from the series, including the famous stoop, a sight that still evokes images of Carrie Bradshaw’s vibrant life in the city.
Born and raised amidst the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple, I’ve witnessed the city’s many exciting phases. When I’m not exploring the city or penning down my thoughts, you can find me sipping on a cup of coffee at my favorite local café, playing chess or planning my next trip. For the last twelve years, I’ve been living in South Williamsburg with my partner Berenike.