The patch of downtown Manhattan from East 14th Street to East 18th Street and between Irving Place and Second Avenue shape-shifts to suit the mood of brokers trying to sell their properties there. If they want to exude refinement, they call it Gramercy; others choose to glom on to the hipster vibe of the East Village or capitalize on the poised-for-luxury rep of Union Square. Whatever its nom de guerre, the nabe's worth a visit, both for the chance to troupe in and out of all sorts of buildings — the housing stock is diverse, including high-rises, low-slung tenement-style buildings, prewars, and townhouses — and for the hope of finding the perfect apartment. Fuel up at the Greenmarket at Union Square when your energy flags. Here are some spaces to check out.

Studio

211 E. 17th St., Apt. 8
Sunday, 11:00 a.m.–noon
$299,000

205 Third Ave., Apt. 6A
Sunday, 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
$435,000

142 E. 16th St., Apt. 14F
Sunday, noon–2:00 p.m.
$439,000

One-Bedroom

211 E. 18th St., Apt. 2J
Sunday, 1:00 p.m.–2:15 p.m.
$519,000

200 E. 16th St., Apt. 4K
Sun, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
$625,000

201 E. 17th St., Apt. 14J
Sunday, 12:30 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
$629,000

200 E.16th St., Apt. 5D
Sunday, 12:30 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
$659,000

142 E. 16th St., Apt. 3E
Sunday, noon–2:00 p.m.
$679,000

205 Third Ave., Apt. 17R
$700,000
Sunday, 3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.

318 Second Ave., Apt. 4
Sunday, 12:30 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
$799,000

Two-Bedroom

242 E. 19th St., Apt. 7B
Sunday, noon–1:30 p.m.
$1.195 million

201 E. 17th St.
Sunday, 1:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
$925,000

Four-Bedroom

211 E. 18th St.
Sunday, 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
$1.15 million