Photo: John Nacion/WWD via Getty Images; Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival; TheStewartofNY/GC Images
New York City real estate tells stories. Walk through certain neighborhoods and you’ll spot homes that belong to some of the most talented people in entertainment, sports, and the arts. Keke Palmer and Carmelo Anthony are just two names who’ve created spaces that reflect not just wealth, but taste. Their homes offer a window into how Black creatives are shaping what luxury living looks like in the city.
From a ballet dancer’s elegant Manhattan apartment to a former NBA star’s art-filled Westchester estate, these properties showcase personality, sophistication, and the kind of design choices that take time to curate. Whether it’s Keke Palmer‘s Brooklyn kitchen or Jon Batiste’s serene studio space, each home tells you something about who lives there.
Misty Copeland’s NYC Apartment
Barrier-breaking ballet dancer Misty Copeland’s Manhattan home reflects the precision and elegance you’d expect from someone of her stature. The apartment balances clean design with thoughtful art and curated furnishings. It’s a space that moves with intention, much like Copeland herself.
Dining Room Elegance
White furniture and natural light work in harmony here, a smart move for any New York apartment where every inch of illumination counts. The approach opens up the space and gives the dining area a calm, understated luxury.
Art Collection
It’s clear Copeland collects art that speaks to her. Every piece on the walls has been thoughtfully placed, creating layers of visual interest throughout the home. The home reads as an extension of her artistic life.
The Closet
This closet has everything: ample space, smart display options for statement pieces, and a seating area to take your time getting ready. It’s functional and fabulous.
Carmelo Anthony’s Westchester Home
Carmelo Anthony’s estate in Westchester proves that athletes can be serious collectors. Walking through his home, you understand immediately that he’s invested time and resources into making it more than just a place to live. The art on the walls tells stories.
The Green Room
Named for its striking wall color, this room doubles as a music and entertainment space. Anthony’s art collection here is particularly impressive, with pieces that anchor the room and give it personality. It’s a space designed for both relaxation and conversation.
The Entryway
First impressions matter. Anthony’s entrance sets the tone immediately with a dramatic staircase and a striking Muhammad Ali portrait. It’s a bold statement that speaks to both history and taste.
The Office
The office continues the art-forward approach seen throughout the home. Thoughtful color choices and curated pieces make this a workspace that inspires rather than intimidates.
Keke Palmer’s Brooklyn Apartment
Keke Palmer’s Brooklyn apartment strikes that rare balance between being Instagram-worthy and actually livable. The space feels both fabulous and functional, a reflection of Palmer’s own approach to her career and life.
The Kitchen
Marble slab countertops elevate this kitchen from practical to stunning. It’s the kind of space that makes you want to cook, or at least spend time looking at how beautiful it is.
City Views
The building’s architecture and Brooklyn’s skyline work together here. Having views like this from your home is part of the New York appeal that never gets old.
Seating Area
You can never have too many comfortable places to sit. This lounge area is exactly what New York living should feel like: relaxed, stylish, and inviting.
Outdoor Space
A balcony this size in Brooklyn is a luxury. Palmer’s outdoor space extends the living area and includes room for dining, making it an essential part of the home’s flow.
Jon Batiste’s Brooklyn Home
Jon Batiste and his wife Suleika Jaouad created a Brooklyn home that prioritizes peace. The design philosophy here is minimalist without feeling cold. It’s a place built for creativity and recovery, a sanctuary in the middle of the city.
The Dining Room
Simplicity and elegance define this dining space. The minimal approach allows natural light and clean lines to take center stage, creating an atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and serene.
Painting Studio
Batiste’s creativity extends beyond music. Having a dedicated studio space for painting shows how the home supports all aspects of artistic life. It’s a room filled with potential.
The Lounge
This lounge is the definition of a retreat. Cozy but not cramped, it’s the kind of space you’d want to disappear into when the outside world gets too loud.
Honorable Mention: Alpine, New Jersey
If you want to live near New York without the Manhattan price tag, Alpine, New Jersey has quietly become a haven for Black celebrities and athletes. Lil’ Kim, Mary J. Blige, and Tracy Morgan have all called the area home. It’s close enough to the city’s energy but far enough to offer space and privacy. Alpine delivers on both luxury and proximity.
★TR★
