New Yorkers have some things to look forward to in '09

By Jason Fink

New Yorkers looking to put a tough year behind them and indulge in a little optimism about 2009 can take heart.

amNewYork has come up with five reasons to look forward to the coming year.

• Real estate a good bet

After months of dismal news on the housing front, recent reports that prices in New York City have dropped by as much as 20 to 30 percent in the past year means 2009 may be the time to get back into the market for an apartment.

And with interest rates plunging, buyers are sure to be calling the shots.

“There are new options out there, especially in the new high-rises,” said Danielle Varvaro, 27, of Union Square, who is looking to buy a new place next year.

• New direction in politics

For Republicans, the exit of President George W. Bush from the White House brings a chance to rejuvenate the party and start grooming the next generation of leaders.

Meanwhile, President-elect Barack Obama has vowed to shake up Washington, and his supporters see a bold plan to put people back to work and reposition America on the world stage.

“Many people hope that something is going to change,” said Anna Henriquez, 18, of the Lower East Side.

• Football keeps getting better

After a stinging end to the ’08 NFL season, the Jets are reportedly in talks with former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher, who has shown that he can lead a team to a Super Bowl title.

“They need a motivator,” said Robert Stash, of Manhattan.

And while the Giants have hit some bumps in the road, they are still favorites to return to the big game, where they will aim for back-to-back titles.

• New baseball stadiums

The Yankees and Mets, flush with a bevy of new high-priced stars, will each get a new address. Though ticket prices will be higher, both Yankee Stadium and Citi Field will have modern amenities the old ones lacked.

“It will give a lot of people something to do and the revenue will be great for the city,” said Adam Hamilton, 27, of Flatbush.

• The New York City spirit

New Yorkers, as resilient a bunch as there is, know that sometimes it’s darkest before the dawn.

“People, for the most part, are optimistic about next year,” said Harvey Urbieta, 29, of the Upper East Side.

Though freelance journalist Robbie Wallenstein is unemployed, he said his luck has no where to go but up come 2009.

“I don’t have money so how can I lose it?” said Wallenstein, 28, of Morningside Heights.

Marlene Naanes and Aline Reynolds contributed to this story.

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