Considering moving to Manhattan? (Lawrence, Riley: cheap apartments, how much, find a job)

[kipp]

Where can I find the cheapest 1 bedroom apartments? And how much would these cost me?

And Is it hard to find a job there? I wouldnt think so being a college town, but I'm afraid if I get an apartment I wont be able to find a job. I'm not looking to make a killing - a simple restaurant job that gets the bills paid will do.

And I'm coming from the Dallas area, so if it doesn't work out, I'll be stuck a long ways from home!

[KSUgrad]

Hi,

For more info on Manhattan check out the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce's website: www.manhattan.org. For jobs, check out: www.nationjob.com/manhattan.

Best wishes!

[kipp]

Also, about how much does electricity and gas run per month? I imagine gas gets pretty expensive during cold winters...

[kodaka]

Here's the thing about jobs and Manhattan's economy. Employers like restaurants and retailers have an almost endless supply of cheap labor in the form of students and military spouses (from nearby Ft Riley).

Now, if you are a person able to work for the same wages as a student and don't have scheduling restrictions that a student will have, or the possibility of being suddenly transferred like a military family, you will probably appeal to such an employer. Having someone who is available for any shift any day of the week is a relief to a manager.

On the downside, the economy is hugely centered around the university and military base. That's not to say there are no other industries or jobs, just that it isn't a huge market. And there are always people who tag along with their student, professor, or military spouses who are looking for random jobs. So that is more competition for you.

Keep in mind too, the character of the town is largely student-oriented. I remember meeting someone in my last year there who had been transferred from Seattle for a cellular phone company call center. She'd been offered a handsome relocation package so she took it but was practically in tears over the lack of nightlife for young professionals. She asked me what there was to do on a Friday night and all I could say was 'go drinking' or 'go to a movie'. I totally understand if you just need a job and an enriching community or interesting nightlife are not your concern, I'm there myself, but I just thought I'd mention it.

For finding really cheap apartments, look in the K-State Collegian (the student newspaper). Landlords with cheap rents will be targeting students. Gas/electric I can't comment on. I always lived in basement and/or utilities-included apartments.

[Okey Dokie]

I agree with everything Kodaka said. My experience is Lawrence, not Manhattan, but I found the exact same situation. I said at the time, "Lawrence isn't so much fun when you aren't a student anymore."