money makes (people frown?)

When I moved into my apartment, a little over ten years ago, the real estate market was in a deep slump, which is the only reason I could afford the place. The people in my building, which is a very nice building, were friendly and I quickly got used to the comparative luxury of a doorman, a dishwasher, a laundry room, and a quiet apartment. My previous apartments in the city were variously dark, loud, ramshackle, and with one exception, old and damaged. This is not to say that I minded; I was happy living in New York. But this apartment seems like true luxury to me in contrast.

In the last few years, as any city resident knows, real estate prices have gone sky-high. Is it a coincidence that the people who paid $1.3 million for their apartment, who moved in last year, never smile? They don't ever say hello, even to the doormen, and their small children look depressed. The same is true for the couple with the baby that paid $800,000 for a dark two-bedroom on the first floor.