Like all parents, city moms and dads care about the quality of their children's education, the safety of their neighborhoods, and their family's access to parks, playgrounds and cultural fun. In recent years, the city's high-end residential market has established another priority for parents who can afford it: buildings with fun and helpful amenities like children's playrooms, full-service gyms, catering kitchens, business centers and swimming pools. In the spirit of capturing a suburb-in-the-city feel, some also offer backyard areas, landscaped gardens, rooftop terraces and lots of storage space. What's next? In this season's line-up of new residential properties—which includes some established classics as well—some families won't even have to leave the buildings to access a school, a bowling alley…even a museum!

So whether you're actively looking to rent or buy—or just curiously browsing about the market—the following pages will help you discover a big variety of tempting options around the city.

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UPPER EAST SIDE

Azure (333 East 91st Street)

This 34-story luxury building features studios up to four-bedroom apartments with expansive windows offering views of the East River and Manhattan. "Azure is at the vanguard of a new way of family living in Manhattan," says Douglas MacLaury of the Mattone Group, one of the building's joint developers along with The DeMatteis Organizations. "It's a property that offers so much at such exceptional value." Azure also offers combination homes that allow families to customize their living space. Families will appreciate the building's amenities, which include a residents' lounge, a fitness center, a private dining room with catering kitchen, and a landscaped roof terrace. There's also a children's playroom, as well as a teen game room equipped with video games, billiards and foosball.

The Pavilion (500 East 77^th Street)

Just steps from John Jay Park and some of the city's finest schools, this historic rental building offers one, two and three-bedroom residences, designed with growing families in mind. "Because of our wide-ranging selection of spacious homes at The Pavilion, we often find residents moving within the building as their lives evolve," explains Steve Maschi, Vice President of Glenwood Management, the building's developer and management company. "It is not uncommon to see a family grow up within one of our properties, resulting in a very tight-knit community." 500 East 77^th Street remains one of the most recognized addresses in New York. The building offers a variety of amenities and services, including maid service, concierge service, landscaped roof decks, its own shopping arcade (including a hair and nail salon), a grocery store, laundry facility, and even a personal training facility. The circular driveway leads to an elegant lobby with two doormen. There's also an attended parking garage and shuttle service to transit and other shopping areas in the city.

The Touraine (132A East 65^th Street)

This new 15-story building, located in the desirable Lenox Hill neighborhood, was designed in a French classic style, featuring a stone facade and mansard roof. "What's unique is that it's new construction on the Upper East Side – there's not a lot of that," says David Von Spreckelsen, Division President of Toll Brothers City Living, the building's developer. "It's a boutique building, about 22 units, so it has that small feeling, yet all the amenities are [characteristic] of new construction and a bigger building." This includes a 24-concierge, a wine cellar, lounge, fitness center, massage and yoga room, library, refrigerated storage and bike storage, as well as a rooftop deck with a working fireplace. The units also offer lots of space for families – with high ceilings and some full-floor units, says Von Spreckelsen, for which keyed-off elevators open right into the home. Families can choose from two, three or four-bedroom residences, or a five-bedroom penthouse, all of which feature ornate molding and detailed floor work, he says.

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UPPER WEST SIDE

220 W. 93rd Street

In the heart of the Upper West Side, families will find classic pre-war elegance in this 16-story, 52-unit, pet-friendly building, which was converted to a condominium in 2006. The apartments are particularly spacious – comprising four to seven rooms totaling up to 2,126-square-feet. Families can choose between two, three and four-bedroom homes. "These apartments also have the ability to be combined," says Louise Phillips Forbes, Executive Vice President of Halstead Property Development Marketing. This can bring the total up to 2,900-square-feet and five bedrooms, she says. "With two apartments per floor, or even one in some cases, it's quite private," she adds. The building also has the capacity to do renovations, and many families who don't want to do it themselves can choose an upgrade package that includes granite countertops, ceramic and subway tiles, Sub-zero refrigerators, as well as Viking, Bosch and Miele appliances. The building's amenities also include a 24-hour doorman, live-in super, and laundry room. What particularly stands out, says Forbes, and is that the building's management calls upon its residents for feedback in its decision-making. For example, Samson Management had asked homeowners to lobby for amenities they wished to have, and as a result, they were able to get approval for bike storage sheds. Forbes says, "To me, that echoes that a community has been built."

The Aldyn ( 60 Riveside Boulevard)

Located on Riverside Boulevard, The Aldyn offers spacious apartments with one, two, three and four-bedroom homes (many of which offer spectacular river views) as well as duplex residences that offer their own pools and elevators. The building also offers over 40,000 square-feet of amenities. "The sort of guiding principle of the building is that it is housed around big areas where people can interact," says Beth Fisher, Senior Managing Director of Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group. She notes the numerous cafes and lounges, a Kidville-designed playroom under construction, and the spectacular Aldyn Athletic Club and Spa, managed by LA PALESTRA. "When you first enter, there's a 38 foot rock climbing wall…there's a full circuit of weight training, a bowling alley with a café next to it, and a basketball court." For even more recreation, the neighborhood also offers Hudson River Park and Riverside Park.

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BATTERY PARK CITY

1 Rector Park (333 Rector Place)

Walk out the front door of this building and you'll literally be standing in Rector Park. "It feels like somebody's front lawn," says Tricia Hayes Cole, Executive Managing Director of Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group. In this downtown neighborhood, she points out, it's an urban environment, but surrounded by 36 acres of open space, 13 parks, basketball courts, and the esplanade along the riverfront. This, coupled with the size of the homes at 1 Rector Park, makes it easy to see why families would want to live here. The building offers up to four bedrooms in seven or eight different layouts and a broad array of sizes, up to approximately 2600-square-feet. "There is flexibility in the way that the space can be used," says Cole, and many offer water or park views. The building also offers a great amenity package, including a children's playroom, Bar and Books lounge, as well as a fully equipped fitness center, business and homework center and adjacent parking garage.

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FINANCIAL DISTRICT

20 Pine The Collection (20 Pine Street)

This landmark building in the heart of the Financial District was the former home of the Chase Manhattan Bank headquarters. What has made the building unique in its conversion is its calming design, with interior furnishings by Armani/Casa. "The building is very classic; Deco in style," says Lori Ordover, President the Ordover Group, a consultant to the building's developer, Africa Israel. "Armani/Casa wanted to continue in that classic feel, but contemporize it." The resulting decor features an inviting color palette, mostly in beige with black and brown accents. The 409 loft-like condominium homes are also elegant, featuring kitchen with cabinetry-concealed appliances and bathrooms complete with rain showers, Turkish steam baths and soaking tubs. And, no two floors are alike. "The building sort of 'wedding cakes.' As it goes up, the floor plate changes," Ordover explains. That results in 67 different floor plans for families to choose from, offering up to three bedrooms and with oversized windows that let in plenty of light and unobstructed views that face south toward the New York Stock Exchange. Another selling point for families is that the building offers plenty of amenities space. "All of the kids meet at the swimming pool, and at the 25^th terrace they [can be found] playing outside," says Ordover. There is also a billiards room, a lounge area with two flat-screen TVs, a winter lounge, golf simulation room, and a spa and fitness center with full locker room and private showers. Residents can also take advantage of concierge service, in-house valet, bike room and storage, a Bright Horizons childcare center right in the building, and private subway access.

25 Broad Street

This recently renovated rental building in the heart of downtown offers one and two-bedroom residences in a variety of layouts, with all the finishings and amenities one could expect from a condominium building. This includes poliform cabinetry with under cabinet lighting, waterworks fixtures, and marble double sinks in the bathrooms. David Sigman, Executive Vice President and Principal of LCOR, the building's developer, says that 25 Broad Street is all about the space and amenities. The apartments are larger than most because of its original conversion from an office building (and three-bedroom units are planned for next summer). And, there are amenities for all ages. Kids will love the children's playroom, complete with computer stations, flat screen TV, stereo, Nintendo Wii station, and golf simulator, in addition to toys, puzzles and plush toys for the little ones. Parents can take advantage of the yoga studio, fitness center and catering kitchen. Valet and concierge service is also available, and an outdoor terrace will be a welcoming spot on the rooftop next summer.

New York by Gehry (8 Spruce Street)

Situated right on City Hall Park, and right on the border of both the Financial District and Tribeca, is the 76-story New York by Gehry. The tallest residential building in the western hemisphere offers great views of the island of Manhattan and the outer boroughs. "This building has over 200 unique apartments," says Cliff Finn, President of New Development Marketing at Citi Habitats. "The facade has a movement to it, so that each apartment is different in that the interiors reflect the way the facade moves." Families have plenty of two- and three-bedroom homes to choose from. The amenities space takes up three floors of the building, totaling 22,000-square feet. There's a children's room for younger kids as well as a "Tween Den" outfitted with plasma TVs, movies and Xbox; a 50-foot indoor swimming pool, a screening room, catering kitchen, private dining room and a salon. There's also a gaming room with golf simulators, billiards and ping pong tables. And soon kids won't even have to leave the building to go to school—an expansion of the PS 234 School will be housed on the lower floors.

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EAST VILLAGE

Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village

For families looking for a downtown luxury rental that's close to Gramercy Park, the Flatiron District and Union Square, Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village offer a great sense of community. Set in a private 80-acre park complete with a host of athletic facilities, playgrounds, walking and jogging paths, the grounds also serve as the site of outdoor concerts, movies, holiday celebrations and social events. The buildings at Stuyvesant Town offer one, two, three and five bedroom apartments for rent, featuring windowed-chef kitchens with separate dining areas, ample closet space and custom bathrooms. Its sister property, Peter Cooper Village, offers one, two and three bedroom rentals with city or park views, large windows and expansive dining areas. Both have the option of choosing modern or classic appointments. A host of amenities and services are available at both properties, including a seasonal greenmarket, concierge service by Abigail Michaels, 24-hour security, a children's playroom, state-of-the-art fitness center, lounge, screening room and study, as well as on-site parking and an on-site Zipcar rental service.

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HARLEM

5^th on the Park (1485 Fifth Avenue)

Families can find plenty to love about 5th On the Park, a high-rise located on Upper Fifth Avenue. The building contains a children's playroom, community room, two common outdoor terraces (including one equipped with grills), a 24-hour attended lobby, an underground parking garage, fitness center and a 55-foot indoor heated lap pool. "For most of our buyers with families, the indoor heated swimming pool and kids playroom will be big factors," said Stephen G. Kliegerman, Executive Director of Sales. "They also like the fact that they can get the space of an actual home, while having all the amenities that you can only get in a luxury condominium." The building's 158 units boast top-of-the-line appliances, including full-size washers and dryers, and afford residents some stellar views of the city.

1280 Fifth Avenue

At the intersection of art, nature, and residential living, this Robert A.M. Stern-designed, 116-unit condominium faces Central Park, and houses the city's newest museum construction—the Museum of African Art. With close proximity to many private schools, the Fifth Avenue bus line, and an express subway stop, the location is a major draw for families. But what set 1280 Fifth Avenue apart are its design, amenities, and green features. (Notably, over 20 percent of its building materials are made from recycled items.) "The sponsor of 1280 did not ask Stern to stick within the same traditional vocabulary," says Nancy Packes, President of Brown Harris Stevens, Project Marketing, referring to the playful aspects of 1280's design. In addition to large apartments, the building offers a garage, heated pool, children's room and a teen game room. What's more? "We have a beautiful lounge, private dining room and catering kitchen; and next to it is a card and game area. It's like having another home," says Packes.

The Gateway Tower (2098 Frederick Douglass Blvd)

Parents looking to live in West Harlem will discover that The Gateway Tower seems particularly designed with families in mind. Besides a full gym, sauna, patio, community room, and bike storage, there's also a large daycare center downstairs. And most of the 88 residences offer private outdoor space from 500-square-feet and up with spectacular skyline views. Families can choose from one to five bedroom homes, totaling up to 2600-square-feet. "We have the ability to combine the apartments either laterally or vertically," adds Norman Horowitz, Executive Vice President of Halstead Property, LLC. The units also offer "practical, working kitchens," says Horowitz, with stainless steel appliances and maple cabinets. And the neighborhood is particularly family-friendly. "Morningside Park is a block and a half away, and Central Park is three blocks away." He adds that retail options are also fantastic, with plenty of restaurants along FDB, and four subway lines nearby.

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TRIBECA

77 Reade

Families in search of spacious lofts in family-friendly Tribeca will find something special in 77 Reade. "This conversion project combines a pre-historic building with a ground-up new construction," explains Barrie Mandel, Senior Vice President with Corcoran Sunshine. An 1852 cast iron warehouse was combined with a brand new limestone structure, offering 29 two, three and four-bedroom lofts and duplex and triplex penthouses. "It's interesting because the buildings have that personality of being a bit unusual," says Mandel, adding that the character is different from each side. "It's not like you go to the sixth, seventh or eighth floor and it's all the same. The two buildings are not level." All lofts offer 4-foot, hardwood ash floors and 10- to 14-foot ceilings, along with expansive, seven-foot windows that let in lots of light. Some lofts also offer exposed brick, private terraces and fireplaces. Oversized storage units come with each unit. The building also qualifies for 421a Tax Abatement, one of the last available in the city. Amenities include a courtyard, a 2,000-square foot fitness center, two locker rooms, a full-time concierge and part-time super. Private parking will also become available.

Barclay Tower (10 Barclay Street)

This luxury, 58-story building offers a great option for families looking for loft-like apartments but want to rent. The 396 one, two and three-bedroom homes feature oversized bay or corner windows and offer nine-foot ceilings, as well as spacious eat-in kitchens with granite countertops and plenty of closet space. They are also arranged so there are no more than nine homes per floor, providing an intimate living environment. "We put a lot of attention to detail in this building," says Steve Maschi, Vice President of Glenwood Management, Barclay Tower's developer and management company. The elegant lobby features a grand colonnade, three-story entrance, French chiseled limestone walls and tranquil seating areas of Japanese Tamo and Teak. And there's no shortage of amenities. Families can take advantage of a 50-foot indoor lap swimming pool, a whirlpool and outdoor terrace, a spa, full-service gym and yoga room, party room with a kitchen, dining room and outdoor space, as well as a children's playroom featuring hand-painted murals. The neighborhood also has plenty of attractions, including Battery Park City's 36 acres of open space.

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MIDTOWN WEST

The Dillon (425 West 53rd Street)

This luxury condo offers four distinct residence types: flats, duplexes, penthouse duplexes and nine three-story townhouses. About 40 percent of The Dillon's spaces are larger residences with three or more bedrooms. The three- to five-bedroom penthouse duplexes feature private rooftop gardens, while each individual triplex townhouse has a street entry, parking space and a private backyard. For families, The Dillon boasts a children's playroom and a bike storage room; plus, "a lounge with a catering kitchen that opens to a Garden Plaza, which can be used for birthday parties and other events," says Elaine Diratz, Managing Director at Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group, which oversees the marketing and sales of the building. A cutting-edge fitness center, residents' lounge, private dining room, and 24-hour attended lobby complete the amenities.

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BROOKLYN

205 Water Street

This new condominium building features 65 loft-like two- and three-bedroom homes. Designed to preserve the character of the DUMBO Landmark Historic District and 19^th and early 20^th-Century architecture, the building features a post-industrial aesthetic, with a cobblestone pavement entrance, a cantilevered penthouse balcony that was inspired by the Manhattan Bridge, and black frame windows. But the interiors have a modern, European feel, with nice clean lines, says David Von Spreckelsen, Division President of Toll Brothers City Living, the developer. He adds, "Some [residences] have duplexes, with high ceilings and great views of Manhattan and the bridges." There are washers and dryers in every unit, and the building also offers amenities like a fitness center, indoor parking and bike storage. But what also stands out is the outdoor space. There are adjoining exterior courtyards, a landscaped reflecting garden, and some homes have backyards or private rooftop terraces. If families want even more outdoor space, they can take advantage of Brooklyn Bridge Park along the waterfront.

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QUEENS

The View (4630 Center Boulevard)

With every apartment in this new Long Island City condo designed to maximize outside light and the spectacular vista of Manhattan across the East River, it's no surprise that its developer, TF Cornerstone, called it The View. The building is literally situated in Gantry Plaza State Park, which means "children can go to a play area without even crossing the street," as Scott Walsh, The View's Director of Sales and Market Research, puts it. Inside, amenities abound with spacious apartments ranging to up to three bedrooms, featuring kitchens with Subzero refrigerators, spa chic bathrooms, and a sophisticated cooling and heating system. Plus, residents have access to fitness centers, an indoor rooftop swimming pool, party room, and fully attended garage in an adjacent building.