apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I've had amazing luck with Manhattan Apartments. When I first moved to NYC, they found me a dog-friendly, rent stabilized one BR in the West Village, and more recently found me a coop. I've referred many people to them over the years -- almost all of them have landed happily in downtown, rent stabilized situations. Also, having all your financial information in one place makes working with a broker much easier.

www.manhattanapts.com

Lately most people I know are moving to the Upper East Side. Find Studios ranging from $1200-$1600. But are very small. Plus the commute to UE isn't always the best. Park Slope is the new Williamsburg, so quite trendy and the prices are starting to jump up. Also a good place to look is yes, in Queens: Astoria. I also recommend Jersey City, but just not Journal Square. Path Train is only $1.50, cheaper rents, utilites and groceries.
Rents there basically going up everywhere including JC and Astoria, because no one can afford a one bedroom in Manhattan anymore.

Is the company hiring you providing any relocation services? Sometimes, large companies will provide the services of a broker (and sometimes) absorb the cost. Also, if you're still neogotiating, some companies will also provide a monthly rent stipend to offset your first year's drastic change in cost of living.
The good news is you probably won't have a monthly car payment anymore!

You can get a great 1 or even 2 bedroom apt in Washington Heights for under $2,000. We had a really nice apt on Bennett (1 br) for 1,200 and its right near the A train

I moved from the Show-Me State 10 years ago and have lived in a few different boroughs. You can't beat Manhattan for the convenience. Take a look at Eberhart Brothers website: www.eberhartbros.com Their apts. are clean, great use of space in their design, and their crew is a joy to work w/. PLUS no broker's fee just the normal application fee. BTW -- what you see on their website is exactly what you get -- I've had bad luck w/ other services showing great looking apts on line but they're dirty and disgusting in person. Good luck (p.s. give yourself at least 6 months to get use to the city -- it's an unbelievable place to call "home".)

There are many larger apartments to be had within walking distance of the ferry terminal in Staten Island in the $1200.00 range. The area is enjoying a bit of a renaissance lately with new ferry terminals on both sides, all new boats on the way, museums galleries and restaurants opening as well as a multimillion dollar re-development project on the way. Many former NYC people are moving to this (my) neighborhood. If you're going to work in lower Manhattan, it's a snap of a commute as well as a bargain rent-wise. Plus, Staten Island is much more laid back feeling and less claustrophobic than manhattan...also quieter...it depends what you like.
Try the Staten Island Advance newspaper listings or Eileen at Show Me Homes agency in Stapleton. She's a character but knows about the good apt's in the area. Good Luck !

I just moved from Chicago and went through a *nightmare* of searching for a place. I would really say that Brooklyn is your best bet, even just for the fact that there is more space and feels more like a Midwestern city to ease you into NYC. I would really reccommend Cobble Hill-Carroll Gardens area of Brooklyn, North-west of Park Slope (the commute to Park Slope can be a bit long, the areas closer to downtown Brooklyn are faster to the city). You can find great space for $2000.

Definitely consider upper Manhattan -- it's the new lower Manhattan! Well, probably not, but it's certainly a great place to live, and a one-bedroom for under $2000 is way-doable. Look near Ft. Washington and 190th Street -- river views, beautiful parks nearby, A train to midtown in 20-30 minutes. The realtors call the area Hudson Heights. I've been living there for four years and I don't think I would move even if I could afford to live downtown. :)

MRoman's recommendation of Jersey City isn't anything to scoff at. The neighborhoods to look at are listed as Downtown/Grove Street, Van Vorst Park, Harsimus Cove, Hamilton Park and Paulus Hook in ads. There are beautiful 1 and 2BR apartments in brownstones for 1000-1300, lots of great food (there're bakeries, butcher shops, Korean greengrocers and fish shops like you'd expect in a proper city neighborhood, as well as two-star restaurants like Marco & Pepe), and the PATH service is reliable and fast to get downtown. Everybody resists when I recommend the neighborhood until I get 'em to come down and have brunch and walk around. I miss my apartment on Mercer Street SO much...

try hoboken,nj - www.hobokeni.com (under classifieds) is a good place a start.

it's a mile square city, lots of nice brownstones and newer apt buildings, lots of places to eat and drink, and it's a 5 minute subway ride from Hoboken to Christopher Street. and it has the movie-skyline-view of NYC...

but its still not manhatten.

Have to agree with the posters about Washington Heights - we moved there eight months ago, and you cannot beat the space for money equation anywhere else in Manhattan. Beautiful parks, friendly people, and it takes me about 20 minutes on the 1/9 to get down to work in Times Square. Plus the cafe con leche is 65 cents and beats the pants off Starbucks. The drawback is that, at least in my part of WaHi (157th street), we're still waiting for decent services (there are some drycleaners, but they're not very good, no shoe cobblers, no little nabe bistros yet, drug store is a hike up about 10 blocks). Try Orsid realty (www.orsidr.com) for some no-fee places in the area. Good luck!

I'd recommend my new neighborhood, Fort Greene/Clinton Hill in Brooklyn. You can definitely find a one-bedroom for $1500 and maybe even a 2-bedroom for $1700. The buildings are mostly brownstones so you may be lucky and get a yard. Craiglist has some decent postings.

I'm conveniently located near every subway line, except for the L, and the Long Island Railroad.
My work commute to the Wall Street area takes about 15 minutes.

Depending on what you like to do at night or in your spare time you'll find restaurants, a big park with a farmers market on the weekends, shopping (Target just opened up), and the Brooklyn Academy of Music that has dance, music, film, etc. Also, you can easily access the trendier neighborhoods of lower Manhattan, Park Slope, Williamsburg, etc.

This neighborhood is definitely in transition, so be sure to walk around the area at different times of the day to feel comfortable. Good luck.

I have ton of questions??

I am moving to Miami Beach, Florida in 3 months!
I have a bedroom set which is in wicker furniture. I want my bedroom to look in between morden/contemporary/asian style (nice and simple and all in white.)

I just like the wicker dresser, night table and trunk b/c is very simple and not too big. Also I am not bringing my wicker lamp I want to find something simple in stianless or something in white! What kind of lamp should I get that goes with the wicker furniture!

What should I do with my queen size bed without the wicker headboard. I hate wicker headboard, it is so tacky! I mean the wall will be plain and I have no idea what should i do!!

What store should i go to get a really nice sofa bed in the living room I don't like big sofa and hard. I wanted comfortable. I am planning to put light hardwood floor. I wanted the living room and the dining room look the same and of course all in white!!

Please helpme out!!!!!

thanks
Melissa

I agree with the poster regarding Eberhart Brothers. I just moved in Sept, and found a great one bedroom that looked just like the pictures. The building is well maintained, the office staff is really nice, the rents are decent, and the UES is a great area. The subway in the morning is nuts, but what can you do?

Don't kid yourself! Manhattan Apartments stinks big time. They are not to be trusted. Someone from their office must have posted that comment, because it couldn't possibly be true. I went through at least 5 different agencies and Big Apple is singularly and definitely worth a try. It's like you've entered Oz. They're nice and honest and relatively cheap. You assume brokers in Manhattan are sharks and most of them are. These guys are not. Looking for an apartment in Manhattan is a rigorous and mostly nauseating experience. Best of luck; perseverance is the best advice.

If you're moving from a distance (even when you already live here) you need to have a great resource that will allow you to see a wide range of apartments online and that can give you detailed neighborhood information. You also want to work with a company who has knowledgeable apartment advisors who can educate you on ABCs of renting in NYC.

I totally recommend www.Rent-Direct.com. Not only do they have a huge inventory of apartments at all price ranges, you will SAVE 1000s of dollars in broker fees by using them. They help lots of folks find apartments and they save you much time and money.

You can search their database for free to see what they have for you. Check it out!!!

Try Brooklyn. It's the new Manhattan -- innovative one of a kind stores instead of mega mall stores, great restaurants, greater diversity, and friendlier environs all around. Depending on where you find yourself in Brooklyn, you can have extremely easy access to Manhattan, especially downtown. If you are renting, your dollar will go further and buy you more space.

My building in upper chelsea has 800sf 1 bedrooms going for around $2000 a month, and 550sf studios from 1400-1800. Many of the apartmeents have great views, concrete or wood floors, and some have 12ft ceilings. I like the building so much i just bought a place in it.

You don't have to live in the boonies to get a deal; just on the fringes of other neighborhoods.

My GF and I got a studio apt with a wall divider in it on E 29th for $1400 a month. I think it's a good deal for the area. We rent from Homefront Realtors. I think they only own 1 or 2 bldgs in Manhattan but they also own a number in Brooklyn. The best part - no fees! Check them out.

Washington Heights is the best- try Ft. Washington avenue 181st and up (to Ft. Tryon Park). I have a corner 2BR 950 sq ft apartment for 1620 a month. 5th floor walkup, but it has a washer dryer.

And, you're really a sucker if you pay a broker. I moved back here 3 years ago and have lived in two places without paying a broker. They're thiefs! You'd be better off paying the mob protection money, because they at least you'd be able to call someone if someone was messing with you.

I would recommend a short term sublet when you first move here, and take the time the look around and check neighborhoods. Check out everything, even the village voice, craigslist, talking to people, and walking aroun and talking to supers and maybe even shopkeepers (depends on how much time you have I suppose). The key element is time, not money.

I need a 2 bedroom under $1,000 (really less than that...)in the Pelham Bay Section of the Bronx, does anybody hear me????

Ugh. The "comment" by Rick for Rent-Direct is so obviously an ad. Who talks like that? brokers like that are exactly the kind of guys you want to stay the HELL away from. Slimy bastards.

Another great no fee agency is City and Suburban at 78th and East End. The apartments are nice and you won't pay a fortune like you would if you were closer to the park.

Help! I'm desperate. Veterinary Technician needs
apt under $1000.00 on Long Island that is pet friendly--dogs, birds.

Pleeeze ! Thank you.

i really need to find an apartment 1000.00 or under quick! my boyfriend will be joining the police academy in july and we were hoping to get an apartment around E. 20th street for 1000 and under. Help me PLEASE!!!!!!

The best kept secret in the new york city metro area is Weehawken, NJ. My husband and I bought a large two bedroom apartment in a great neighborhood and we are literally an 8 to 15 bus ride to midtown. Rental are cheap too and it has the best view in the metro area. The view will make you scream!

Yes, I am a broker and these are all good places to look for no-fee apartments. Too bad some of you have had bad experiences, but there are bad apples in any industry...just look at your own profession.
The reason we exist is most landlords do not want to pay a staff to deal with all the applicants. There are tons of apartments in Central Manhatan (translation: below 96th street) for under $2000.
I know it can be stressful, but try to be positive when you go out with the broker (if you choose that route). Remember, we don't like to be with negative people all day either. I can tell you as many horror stories about clients as any of you can about brokers. Just remember there are at least 2 sides to every story - and in Manhattan Real Estate there can be as many as 5 sides to a story.
Best of luck to you who are searching...and if you want a 'no fee' apartment tell a broker that as well. Right now there are some excellent deals, but the management companies are not advetising to the general public...only to the brokerage community. Now none of you can never say you did not get something for nothing from a broker.
Cheers

And yes...I meant there are tons of ONE BEDROOM apartments for rent below 96th for under $2000.00

Are there any agencies that will take you around to apartments to see??? I need an apartment under 900 in Manhattan or Brooklyn!!!!

It sounds like Brooklyn is a great place for newby moving to NYC. Are there any areas that shouldn't be considered? We are moving from Texas and trying to find something online and have absolutely no idea what the different neighborhoods are like. Any help would be great. Thanks!

Thank you for your help

Hi,

I have seen your posting on internet. Looking for 1 bedroom unfurnished apartment/studio in area around 40th street or below and before 5th avenue in village - soho area from June 5th to Aug 15th.

Please reply with full details by email or call 201-867-8500 ext: 219 and ask my name Utkarsh or if not available then ask for Sanjana.

Thanks.

Utkarsh

I am looking for a short term furnished rental in the city or nearby. Are there firms that specialize in short term < 6 months?I have a budget of $2000 per month.

Hey,

I'm moving to New York in a few years time all the way from Birmingham, England and there is no way i can comute from here to NYC to look for apartments in the meantime. Is there anywhere on the internet i can really trust to help me look for apartments - also where is the best place to live? I'd prefer the hustle and bustle of Manhattan but i don't think my small student budget would allow it!

Help me, my poor Brittish brain can't handle this American way of moving!

Hi I am moving to Manhattan on September 16, 2006 for a new job and am looking for an apartment for under $1500.00, even a studio would be fine, preferrably in the lower Manhattan area, maybe it is not possible but I do need a place in this area as my job requires me to be. Please contact me if there is anything available, as you may notice I am not too familiar with New York, but am looking forward to living there very soon.

thank you, Joyleen

Let Me tell you Where NYC'S "Hidden Jewel" is. It's a small place called Roosevelt Island. RI is between Manhattan and Queens. There is a train, The F Train, that runs on the island as well. You can get to this island by bridge and also by cable car. (If you've seen spider-man, you'll see the cable car) The apartments are EXTREMELY affordable. I have a 3 bedroom apartment on the 13th floor where you wake up to see sunrise shining down on the east river. The island is also where many people who are disabled or aged go because it is such a beautiful, clean and healthy place to live. Since these apartments are very affordable. They are hard to get. I was lucky and have waited only a year. Please Sign up immediately. There is a HUGE waiting list of people who want to live on RI. The view, the people, the environment. Everything is spectacular. It may take years so you should try now.*You might be able to bribe them to push you up on the list*
Good luck!

OK - NYC sounds great for singles or (without baggage), but what can I do? Single mother (w/16 year old daughter) 2 dogs, 3 cats. Being transfered in Sep/06+ to NYC/Bus Dist. Looks like I'll be making a commute, but where is a comparable community to (don't mean to sound snootie) my current home in Scottsdale, AZ?

Hi,
Moving to NYC area in less than a month and am looking for 2BR in NYC or Jersey City. Would like to keep rent at or below 2,500. Suggestions would be welcome!!!

I AM LOOKING FOR A APT, IM A SINGLE PARENT, AND NEED A BREAK, LOOKING FOR SOMETHING PET FRIENDLY AND UNDER A THOUSAND A MONTH, ONE BEDROOM, NICE AREA.

Relocating to NYC from Miami on or around December 15th. Need a really nice studio or 1 bedroom in Harlem or Morningside. Love the rich culture and diversity of the area. Will pay $1000 a month (utilities gas/heat) must be included.

Also have a one bedfroom apt. (1 & half baths, marble down/hardwood up) on the water in Bal Harbor 2 blocks walking from beach and Bal Harbor Shops for swap or sublet. You may renew lease in July.

Okay here it comes Bay Ridge, Brooklyn very nice place to live if you work in Manhattan. I work in Manhattan more than 5 years and I live in Bay Ridge for 5 years as well. I walk every morning 3 minutes to the bus stop. X 27 which takes me to Grand Zero (WTC)in 10-15 minutes

Forgot to mention

1Bdr - 800ft approx. will cost you 1100 a month all included.