Bostonian looking to move to NYC and in need of advice! (New York: fit in, condo) - City-Data Forum

ewatts418 · 01-14-2011, 09:05 AM

Hello,

I am planning on moving from Boston to NYC upon finishing a Masters Degree this May. I have been doing some research and think that Brooklyn is the place I would like to settle, but with no familiarity with the city and so many neighborhoods to choose from, I could use some help/advice as to which one I would be best suited for.

I will need to be in close proximity to public transportation and would like to be no more than a 30 minute commute to Manhattan. I am a 27 year old female (will be looking for a roommate). I am looking for an area that has many shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, as I am a very social person and plan on going out often- within walking distance preferably as I am not going to have a car. I am not a hipster, but do like that scene/artsy environment, but not sure I would fit in living in that type of neighborhood. I am in marketing/advertising so I would like to consider myself somewhat of a creative and would like to live somewhere that reflects this vibe.

Any advice as to specific neighborhoods you think I should look at would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Henna · 01-14-2011, 09:32 AM

Budget, please! Many neighborhoods are really great but it's no use suggesting them if you can't afford them. If your budget is $800 per month for a room ($1600 for a 2-bedroom) that's very different then $1200 ($2400 for 2-bedroom).

If you can afford them, look into Cobble Hill, Boerum Hill, Carroll Gardens, Park Slope and Fort Greene.

ewatts418 · 01-14-2011, 09:43 AM

Thanks! I would be looking to spend around $800-900.

PortRichmonder · 01-14-2011, 10:37 AM

Please leave any and all Red Sox/Celtics/Patriots/Bruins allegiances home. Besides that, good luck!

Chava61 · 01-14-2011, 02:29 PM

I think you should also consider Astoria in Queens.

grimace8 · 01-14-2011, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PortRichmonder

Please leave any and all Red Sox/Celtics/Patriots/Bruins allegiances home. Besides that, good luck!

Buahah. Did you know there's a bar where they all hang out in the Village? http://www.yelp.com/biz/riviera-cafe-new-york

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chava61

I think you should also consider Astoria in Queens.

Great suggestion.

PortRichmonder · 01-14-2011, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grimace8

Buahah. Did you know there's a bar where they all hang out in the Village? Riviera Cafe - West Village - New York, NY

I've heard, I've heard. Doesn't mean I have to condone it though. Wait... you're not... one of them... are... you...?? =/

Henna · 01-14-2011, 04:43 PM

You can look into the neighborhoods I mentioned above, but I am not sure you will find what you want on that budget. Possibly in Fort Greene. Other areas to check would be Prospect Heights and Greenpoint. A bit cheaper but still nice (further out from Manhattan) are Ditmas Park, Kensington and Bay Ridge.

Astoria in Queens is also a good suggestion and you would be able to find something in your budget.

grimace8 · 01-14-2011, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PortRichmonder

I've heard, I've heard. Doesn't mean I have to condone it though. Wait... you're not... one of them... are... you...?? =/

Heck nah. My brother and I thought Johnny Damon was public enemy #1 years ago 'til he joined us (which upset my brother at the time) - Then when the 2009 playoffs began I had a feeling he'd be a New York hero and I was right.

OP: I suggest Murray Hill. During my few visits to Kensington, I did not see one cafe. The whole area looked dingy to me. Be aware that for the northern part of Prospect Heights, they're constructing the Barclays Center (a large sports arena for the NBA I think) so there might be noise issues. Both the neighborhood and the sports arena have their own Wikipedia page. Kensington too. In fact, most NYC neighborhoods are on Wikipedia. If you look at the Barclays Center Wikipedia page, it looks like a Little Debbie snack-cake and who knows how long it will take to complete. Just be careful.

Henna · 01-14-2011, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grimace8

Heck nah. My brother and I thought Johnny Damon was public enemy #1 years ago 'til he joined us (which upset my brother at the time) - Then when the 2009 playoffs began I had a feeling he'd be a New York hero and I was right.

OP: I suggest Murray Hill. During my few visits to Kensington, I did not see one cafe. The whole area looked dingy to me. Be aware that for the northern part of Prospect Heights, they're constructing the Barclays Center (a large sports arena for the NBA I think) so there might be noise issues. Both the neighborhood and the sports arena have their own Wikipedia page. Kensington too. In fact, most NYC neighborhoods are on Wikipedia. If you look at the Barclays Center Wikipedia page, it looks like a Little Debbie snack-cake and who knows how long it will take to complete. Just be careful.

I do understand the negativity about Kensington, as it tends to be quiet, however, you really think OP can find a 2-bedroom in Murray Hill for $1600-1800 a month? When you are on a budget, there are usually pretty serious compromises to be made in terms of housing