Miss America Winner Won’t Just Take Home a Crown—She’ll Win the Keys to a Luxury High Rise Apartment in NYC

by Hannah Chambers

The Miss America Organization is gearing up to crown its 99th national titleholder. But this year, there’s more than a sash up for grabs—the winner will also receive a New York City pad.

Mallory Hudson, the organization’s Communications Manager, confirmed to Realtor.com® that this year’s prize package includes access to “the Miss America apartment.” The residence serves as a luxurious “home away from home” for the upcoming titleholder, who will remain based in her hometown full time.

Miss America 2026—the competition in which the reigning Cassie Donegan was crowned in Orlando, FL last September—marked the first time the impressive perk was offered to a winner.

The dwelling is in the 36-story Chelsea Landmark building, which sits within the vibrant west-side neighborhood of Chelsea, and is described by the organization as “a stunning apartment residence that will serve as the NYC base for Miss America as she fulfills her national duties.”

“As the role of Miss America evolves to meet the demands of modern advocacy and media, so too does the infrastructure around her,” a statement explains. “We’re opening doors to new partnerships, visibility, and moments that amplify our mission on a national scale.”

13th Annual Unbridled Eve Kentucky Derby Gala — The 99th Miss America will be crowned in West Palm Beach, FL on Sept. 6. (Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Unbridled Eve)

The apartment will serve as a “touchpoint for national press appearances,” official events, and any other crown-worthy business that may bring Miss America to the Big Apple.

Chelsea Landmark offers impressive digs, boasting quite the list of conveniences including around-the-clock attended lobby and concierge services, a fully-equipped fitness center featuring a yoga studio, and access to a gorgeous rooftop sundeck with unparalleled views of the city.

The upcoming titleholder will also receive access to the building’s “Club 3 membership,” which includes complimentary fitness classes and other curated events.

While it sounds like the future Miss America can expect to keep a busy schedule while staying in the city that never sleeps, there’s also a lounge with a pool table and a golf simulator and a library to enjoy.

For regular renters, Chelsea Landmark units start at $5,050 a month, with the most spacious dwellings tapering off around $14,000. According to Realtor.com data, the median asking rent for New York City rental units in the first quarter of 2026 was $3,616, so it’s safe to say this is quite a valuable bonus for the next Miss America.

Modern luxury apartment entrance featuring a glass-canopied revolving door framed by stone pillars, sleek metal trim, and contemporary sconce lighting. — This year's prize package includes the keys to a luxury apartment in New York City. (Chelsea Landmark)

Sunlit rooftop deck featuring dark wicker sectional seating, modern round coffee tables, illuminated planters, and panoramic views of the city skyline. — Chelsea Landmark boasts incredible views of the city. (Chelsea Landmark)

Cozy library reading nook featuring warm integrated bookshelf lighting, grey egg swivel chairs, classic brown leather wingback armchairs, and dark tiled walls. — The winner will have access to an impressive list of amenities in her stay at Chelsea Landmark. (Chelsea Landmark)

Spacious residential fitness center with grey tile flooring, ceiling lighting, cardio machines, weight equipment, and floor-to-ceiling windows. — The prize includes access to the building's gym and fitness classes. (Chelsea Landmark)

Landscaped rooftop garden courtyard with crushed gravel pathways, grey outdoor sectional couches, green ceramic stool tables, manicured lawn, and surrounding city buildings. — For those without a crown, Chelsea Landmark rent begins at $5,050 a month. (Chelsea Landmark)

In addition to the residence, there are a range of scholarships set to be awarded to the Miss America and Miss America’s Teen competitors this year, valued at over $300,000.

Miss America herself will take home a $50,000 scholarship, while runners-up will be rewarded scholarships ranging from $3,300 to $10,000.

“For more than a century, Miss America has empowered women through service-driven opportunities, education, and leadership,” an Aug. 18 Instagram post announcing the awards stated.

“These scholarships are more than financial support, they provide life-changing opportunities for young women to pursue their education, achieve their goals, and build the future they envision.”

Miss America started its tradition of awarding academic scholarships in 1945, and since, has become the largest provider of tuition-only scholarship assistance for women in the United States.

The American Heart Association's Red Dress Collection Concert 2026 - Backstage & Front Of House — Cassie Donegan, the reigning Miss America, was previously Miss New York. (Noam Galai/Getty Images for The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women Red Dress Collection Concert)

This year’s competition kicked off Aug. 28, with a series of preliminary events and ceremonies planned until the final competition on Sept. 6. The event will be held in West Palm Beach, FL, at The Kravis Center for Performing Arts and the Palm Beach County Convention Center.

Delegates from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are set to compete.

Donegan, the 98th Miss America, first took home the title of Miss New York 2025 before stepping foot on the national stage. Her pageant journey began years prior in her hometown of Smithfield, VA.

She moved to New York City after college to pursue a career in musical theatre, describing the Big Apple as “very different from Virginia” in an interview with The Hollywood Times.

“I like to say nothing truly prepares you for New York, but if you move here and you love her, she’ll love you right back,” said Donegan. “Living here truly prepares you for literally anything, especially as a performer.”

GET MORE INFORMATION

Name

Email*

Phone*

Message

By registering on this website, you hereby grant permission to Round Table Realty, its affiliates, and its agents to contact you via email, text message, telephone, and other communication methods, including but not limited to mass communication systems, unique communication systems, and automated or artificial intelligence systems. Such communications may be for the purposes of responding to inquiries, providing real estate services, marketing, or other business-related matters.

You acknowledge that these communications may include autodialed or prerecorded messages and that you consent to receiving such communications at the email address and phone number(s) you provide, even if your phone number is on a state or national Do Not Call registry. Message and data rates may apply.

This consent is not a condition of any purchase or transaction. You may revoke your consent to receive such communications at any time by notifying us in writing or using the opt-out mechanisms provided in the communication.

Florida-Specific Notice:
Pursuant to Florida law, you are hereby informed that your contact information may be used to provide information about real estate services, listings, and related topics. Round Table Realty complies with all applicable federal and state laws, including the Florida Telephone Solicitation Act (FTSA), and takes measures to ensure the security and confidentiality of your contact information.

For more information about our policies or to exercise your rights under applicable laws, please see our Privacy Policy.

By clicking “I'm Finished” or completing the registration process, you affirmatively acknowledge that you have read and understood this disclosure and consent to the above terms.