Real estate is a good investment no matter where you're planning to buy, but, if you're in the market for a new apartment in Manhattan, and you want to find an area that is near some green space, then you need to narrow your search. Many neighborhoods in Manhattan are completely landlocked and there are no parks of any reasonable size nearby. Luckily for you, however, there are some really nice neighborhoods that are close to beautiful parks and will afford you lots of open green space to enjoy. Most people are familiar with Central Park, but there are other neighbors to consider. Here are three of them to mention to your real estate agent and ask them to check out for you.

Inwood

If you are on a budget, but really want to confine your search to Manhattan and not venture into the other boroughs, then Inwood is the perfect spot. It's the neighborhood located at the norther most point in Manhattan. It's also one of the most green areas. There is a huge park called Inwood Hill Park. The park is one of the more lush and interesting ones in all of the city. There are even old caves that were used by Native American tribes. The park has huge open fields that sit right on the Hudson River where you can picnic, play Frisbee or just lay out during the summer and tan. Also, there are cool hiking and jogging trails.

Chelsea

If you prefer to live in a more "hip" spot, then you will love Chelsea. It's located on the West Side of Manhattan, above Greenwich Village, but below Midtown. The green space that you will find here is actually not a park in the traditional sense. What you have in Chelsea is The High Line. This is a an old elevated subway that ceased running many years ago. Instead of tearing down the old structure, it was turned into a elevated garden with flowers, decking, bleachers to sit on, and overlook spots. It's one of the cities coolest spots.

In addition to The High Line, you have the West Side park right on the Hudson River. This has been developed by the city and turned into part of the "greenway". The area has jogging sections, lots of trees, and sectioned off areas where cars are not allowed. You can hang out and look at the water, roller-blade, jog, or ride a bike.

The Upper East Side

Of course, if you have the budget, you should suggest your agent show you places on the Upper East Side. The area is rightly considered one of the nicest spots in the city. You will be close to Central Park, the crown jewel of the NYC park system. The park has an amazing open space (The Great Meadow) that is popular during the spring and summer. There's also a beautiful lake.