How expensive is it to live in NYC?- Page 2

[Sandy in Sable]

Posted: 3/8/06 at 7:23pm

Let me start by saying that I have always felt very safe in Manhattan, moreso than in D.C.
I've never been mugged, but sadly I have friends who have.
It helps to look like you fit in even when you don't. When you're in Sketchville, it is not the time for your spotlight whore of a friend to bust out his Liza on full voice. You shouldn't even be *thinking* about Liza.
Don't get drunk and fall asleep on the train.
When you're on the train late at night, don't get in an empty car and try to sit as close to the conductor as possible.
If you are mugged, God forbid ptui ptui, don't talk smack to your mugger.
It should be mentioned that a neighborhood's swank factor can have little to do with safety. Do any of you folks remember the Upper East Side rapist of '97?
Having said all that, no one should be afraid of New York. It's not all 42nd St. 1978 anymore. :)

[Calvin]

Posted: 3/9/06 at 9:46am

And, uh, when you're with your friends at a bar in the wee hours of the morning, and they decide to go home, don't keep on drinking alone. Seriously. And that would apply anywhere.

[Adoannie925]

Posted: 3/9/06 at 2:13pm

Try Washington Heights in Manhattan, East Harlem is somewhat affordable but not nearly as up and coming as the upper west side (west harlem), and even in the inwood section. Basically, look from 125th Street and up. In brooklyn, park slope is gorgeous, but the rent is the same is manhattan except you get way more space for your money. i'd say, look around sunset park in brooklyn and the kensington village area. in queens, astoria is getting pricey, but there's always long island city.

also, what about the north bronx like riverdale and such? does anyone know about wakefield/woodlawn? Updated On: 3/9/06 at 02:13 PM

Posted: 3/9/06 at 2:32pm

I"m gonna go ahead and add my $.02 to the Astoria-praising. Like robbiej, I moved there with my boyfriend over a year ago and we pay $1200 for a - by NYC standards - HUGE Pre-War 1-BR 2 blocks from the N/W. Yes, the N/W is a pain in the ass, but not as bad as other trains (cough, cough, 7, cough cough). Plus, the N will take you straight through Manhattan to most of the "convenient" locations in the city. Once you are on the train, it's about 10-15 minutes to 59th Street in midtown Manhattan. So from my apartment to Times Square - on the actual subway - is about 25 minutes. Very quick.

I, too, was a borough-phobe, but reality sunk in after looking at shoeboxes in Manhattan that were upwards of $1300, 15 minutes by foot from a subway, 5 floors up, etc, etc. Astoria was a better fit for my needs, financially and otherwise. It's inexpensive, extremely safe, and a very vibrant and ethnic neighborhood. It took me two weeks to find my apt, and I initially thought I could do so without a broker...big joke. I hired a broker in Astoria (www.gracerealtyny.com) and found my place that same day. Yes, I had to pay her a fee, but it was worth it.

Good luck to you! PM me if you need any additional info.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 3/9/06 at 3:11pm

I was mugged once at knife point almost three years ago. It was pretty scary, but it was only $8.

I live in a one bedroom (with living room and bathroom, and kitchen) on separate floors - it has three levels - and I pay a tad over $2000, plus utilities.

[EvelynNesbit1906]

Posted: 3/11/06 at 5:59am

Great thread. I still can't fathom the rent in NYC and I've been trying to move there for years. How crazy is it that publishing (an industry that typically pays between 18K and 32K even in New York for entry-level positions) is centered in the city but good, affordable housing is so hard to find? I have a friend at Random House who had three roommates and was sleeping on the floor in Manhattan. Of course like me, she's a big Broadway fan and was initially drawn to NYC for its theater scene, but now she can't even afford to make that a regular part of her life. Because I'm really uncomfortable with the prospect of not being able to have any fun in New York unless it's a rare free event, I'm actually considering work in related fields elsewhere.
Updated On: 3/11/06 at 05:59 AM