The doorman know which apts are available in every building. They'll hand you a card.

I agree with Landing Gear, don't get fussed about neighborhoods yet. Walk around and see what feels good and which gives you the apt you want at the price you want.

I live in Murray Hill and don't particularly like it. It's a snore. I was a "Chelsea Girl" for most of my adult life and love that neighborhood best, but we moved here when we couldn't get the kind of apt we wanted in Chelsea.