Rents in Queens (rent, neighborhoods, landlord)

[morrowise]

I've seen $1000/mo rents (not very many) in Queens. Cheapest is usually $1400. That's for a small one-bedroom.

Would you say an advertised rent for as low as $1000 is either a scam or something is seriously wrong with the place (crazy neighbors, bad landlord, nothing is fixed, etc.)?

[Chava61]

$1000 a month for studio apt. in a rent stabilized building in Queens could be a great deal in a nice neighborhood.

[morrowise]

This would be for a 1-bedroom. That's what makes me cautious. I do occasionally see rents that low, but everyone there seems to say it's $1400 minimum for anything decent - beware of anything else.

[Henna]

It really depends on the neighborhood and yes, as Chava mentioned, whether the rent is stabilized. If it is stabilized and there hasn't been much turnover, the rent could be artificially low.

Neighborhoods that are close to Manhattan and on train lines like Astoria, Sunnyside, Forest Hills, etc. are not likely going to have one bedrooms for $1000. But any place that requires a bus to the subway is going to have cheaper rents so it may be possible. And there are huge parts of Queens that are not subway-accessible.

[morrowise]

This is good info - thank you for your help. I was hoping to live in Flushing, actually, and short walk to the train.

[Henna]

I'd say a good rule of thumb is: pull up ALL listings for one-bedrooms in flushing on craigslist. If the majority of one-bedrooms within walking distance to the train are in the vicinity of $1400 and you see a lone one or two ads for $1000 one bedrooms, then yes, listen to your gut instinct that it is "too good to be true" (bait and switch) or there is something really wrong with it.

[Chava61]

It is possible to find a small basement one bedroom in Jackson Heights for $1100.

[queensgrl]

Depending upon the neighborhood, it could be realistic. I've seen lower than $1000 in Queens. For example, it could be a converted space in a private house. Where is it?

[morrowise]

I honestly didn't look farther yet, so I dunno. It's imperative (with handicapped spouse) that I live close to the subway, though. I'm thinking Jackson Heights, Flushing, Woodside, or Jamaica. Not sure where to look for lowest rents and good transit.

[Chava61]

Originally Posted by morrowise

I honestly didn't look farther yet, so I dunno. It's imperative (with handicapped spouse) that I live close to the subway, though. I'm thinking Jackson Heights, Flushing, Woodside, or Jamaica. Not sure where to look for lowest rents and good transit.

I would add Rego Park to your list.