New York’s “The Wolf of Wall Street”

New York is where so many movies are filmed, and home to the most talented people in the world. It is also filled with sex, drugs and tons of money. These factors, along with actual accounts, allow New York to showcase the hedonistic lifestyles intertwined within the movie The Wolf of Wall Street. The film focuses on the high-life of Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio); a stockbroker who starts his career at the same time of Black Monday.

New York, New York

After the Stock Market crash, it is nearly impossible for anyone to find a job as a stockbroker. Unfortunately, Belfort is not immune to the downfall, but needing work, he heads out to a small shop that sells bonds to the “Average Joe.” The Penny Stock Market opens the way for Belfort to create wealth and start his own brokerage firm. His larger-than-life salesman style and vivid imagination afford him a lavish lifestyle that further pumps his bold personality.

All the filming locations in The Wolf of Wall Street are not authentic to Belfort’s life--some locations are substituted in the movie. During the scouting process, other locations were found and used to enhance the movie. Although, some changes were made to Belfort’s accounts, all of the New York locations are real. The city’s backdrop helps show the amount of wealth possessed by Belfort and his accomplices.

Nassau Street-New York Stock Exchange

One of the first filming locations in movie is actually set right at Wall Street, which immediately sets the mood for the movie. Nassau Street, next to the New York Stock Exchange, is one of the first places Belfort goes to find a job in the Stock Market. Nassau Street is famous for more than trades, including demonstrations from protestors, bombings, and the Market crash. Even today, Nassau Street is a prime location and the perfect backdrop for any movie focusing on financial means; it is a symbol of wealth and prosperity.

Long Island—Jordan Belfort’s Mansion

Long Island offers a place for New Yorkers to take a break from the city life and relax. The City always bustles with the noise of traffic, construction, and people. Heading to Long Island, takes city dwellers to a comfortable suburban setting that is full of green trees, groomed lawns and room to spread out and enjoy leisure time.

Long Island’s appeal wasn’t lost on Belfort; it was a way for him to prove that he had finally come into his own—that he was not a mediocre money-maker but in the Big Leagues. Belfort loved to flaunt his wealth and buying his mansion on Long Island was suitable for his tastes. He was able to enjoy the luxury of his money, while seamlessly blending with other affluent people.

Belfort’s mansion was indeed in Long Island; however, the filmed mansion’s location is at 39 Chestnut Hill Drive, in Oyster Bay. The immense Tudor Style home with its massive lawn and tennis courts was filmed in Oyster Bay. Over thirty years ago, Belfort’s actual Long Island home located at 5 Pin Oak Court, Old Brookville, sold for $1.55 million. With the accountability for inflation, the same home would sell for around $4.5 million.

Shalimar Diner

When Belfort was first starting his own brokerage firm, he and his new associates would meet for shop-talk venues at the Shalimar Diner. Shalimar Diner is located in Queens at 6368 Austen Street. Diners are common in Queens. Incorporating the Shalimar Diner into the movie adds an air of authenticity to the film. Diners are convenient, usually full of guests, and offer late night menus with fast service. On the lines of dining, diners tend to be everyday eateries and affordable.

By showing Belfort and his cohorts in the diner, it coincides with the level of their success. The more successful they become changes the location of where they meet and entertain.

Top of the Sixes

The upscale eatery is a well-known haunt for New Yorkers that offers impressive views of the City. This eatery is located on the 41st floor of the building located at 666 Fifth Avenue. This famous location is incorporated into the film, and was the home to the investment banking firm of L.F. Rothschild. This was the firm that Belfort started working for at the beginning of his career and is authentic to Belfort’s life. The company went under during the 1987 Market Crash, shortly after Belfort started his employment there.

The lovely views from this location could trick many to believe that it is the Windows to the World restaurant, which was located in the north building, on the top floors of the World Trade Center.

The Milan

The Milan is a full-service luxury condominium and home to some of the wealthiest residents. Its prime location at 300 East 55th Street is comprised of 31 floors and five buildings. The building has 119 units with selling prices ranging in the millions, and two rentals which are off the market within minutes. The Milan’s location is convenient for fine dining at five star restaurants, shopping at upscale boutiques, and quick transportation throughout the city.

Long Island’s North Shore

Belfort’s beach house is located on Long Island’s North Shore. The openness of Belfort’s get-away was a prime location for relaxed get-togethers, and where he meets his future wife Naomi (Margot Robbie).

At the turn of the twentieth century, Long Island’s North Shore was nicknamed “The Gold Coast” in regards to its affluent residents, which included the Vanderbilt’s, Roosevelt’s, J.P. Morgan, Charles Pratt, and F. W. Woolworth.

Scouting Belfort’s Location Now

It’s difficult to watch the movie and not wonder where Belfort lives now and what he is doing with his time. He served 20 months in prison. While serving his sentence he started his memoir of The Wolf of Wall Street and sold the rights for around a million dollars. He moved from the Gold Coast to the West Coast and currently lives in Hermosa Beach, California. He still lives on the beach in a luxurious 5,000 square-foot, four bedroom house located at 3423 The Strand. He no longer works as a stockbroker, but is a motivational speaker who travels teaching others how to make money.

The Wolf on Wall Street is a striking look at the world of the trading community, offering viewers a prime view of some of the most well-know areas within the stock market arena. The movie focuses on one individual who lives through a critical time during the Market’s past. With an unscrupulous addiction to money he survives when others are pulled under. The lavish lifestyles of the wealthiest people are shown throughout New York and easily accessible to anyone with a bus ticket.

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