AUGUST LINX Extreme Thrills And Chills In NYC

When it comes to danger, without the threat of imminent natural disasters or even indigenous poisonous critters that many other major metropolitan areas of the US enjoy, for decades, crime was really all New York City ever had to make living here exhilarating in that death-defying sorta way.

But now that the FBI has rated NYC America’s Safest Large City for several years running, your cozy Manhattan apartment or twee Brooklyn condo may no longer be the thrilling residential experience you’d been pumped for.

But fear not! There’s still fear to be had in NYC if you're willing to take your fear-mongering 'tude to the extreme!

EARTHQUAKES!
According to the New York Times, new research has revealed there is “some danger”:

“New York City may seem immune to earthquakes, at least compared with its West Coast megacity counterpart, Los Angeles. But there is some danger.”

But if you’d like to find a New York City apartment in a neighborhood where you can maximize your earthquake potential, move to Coney Island and prepare to have your dishes righteously rattled every 100 years!

“[A] magnitude-5 earthquake in or around the city occurs on average once a century… The historical record includes three earthquakes of magnitude-5 or larger, the most recent in 1884. That quake originated offshore near Coney Island and toppled chimneys in the city.”

FLOODS!
A new storm surge modeling system can help you find NYC real estate designated as future beach-front property with this graphic.

“If a category-3 hurricane hit NYC, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers estimates that nearly 30% of the south side of Manhattan would be flooded.”

But if you’re mega hardcore and want an awesome rush, city officials recommend a Brooklyn or lower Manhattan apartment within 10 blocks of the water:

“If you live within 10 blocks of a coastal area, it is more likely that you will be directed to evacuate before a severe coastal storm or hurricane.”

BLOODSUCKERS!
No, not the sad-eyed, misunderstood undead like Edward and Lestat. Think smaller. And itchier...

According to the New York City Health Department, there have been six cases of West Nile Virus in humans and one fatality so far this year, down from 18 cases and six fatalities this time last year. But just because there's less virus to go around this summer, doesn't mean you can't open every window and every screen in your NYC apartment and feel the intense rush of risking infection to the max!

And be sure NOT to follow these other buzz-killing recommendations by the NYC Health Department for avoiding infection:

• Use an approved insect repellent containing DEET
• Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts when and where mosquitos are most active.
• Eliminate or clean standing water

Dude, that would be like doing motocross with a helmet, totally not extreme...


GHOSTS!
Lots of people die in NYC apartments every day... But knowing how hard it can be to find a great place, can your really blame them for not wanting to go?

Apparently horror writer H.P. Lovecraft—dead since 1937—has no intention of giving up his huge, 2-bedroom Brooklyn apartment, even though his lack of affection for his neighborhood was evident in his short story, "The Horror at Red Hook." But nor do the apartment’s living/paying tenants have any intentions of moving on, despite the creepy and apparently bigoted ghost’s best efforts to make them leave. After all, truly great NYC real estate deals don’t come along all that often.