Post-holidays, Brick Underground readers were eager to gobble up news about New York City living and real estate. Below, a list of the top five stories of the week, from the Second Avenue subway's long-awaited debut to tips on renovating a house outside the city.

1. Early verdict's in: The Second Avenue subway was worth the wait

2. 2017 real estate forecast: The Trump effect, concessions-mania, Bronx hype, the battle for the BQX, and more

3. This sleek Upper West Side co-op is the rare studio with room for two

4. Rent in a former Bushwick convent for as little as $519/month—if you qualify

5. Here's how much it costs to renovate and expand a house in Hudson Valley, N.Y. (sponsored)