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I am a 21 year old Irish student who will hopefully be traveling to NYC on a J1 Visa this Summer. At the moment it's 90% certain that I will be going alone. I am looking to get roommates, and would hope to spend less that $1000 a month on rent. Craigslist makes it look like it's possible
From my research and experiences of others, Brooklyn seems like a reasonable place to live, with reasonable rent. "Hipster" as it is, Williamsburg appeals to me. I study the arts and am involved in my local music scene here at home.
What other neighbourhoods can you recommend, in any part of New York City (not just Brooklyn!). I'm obviously looking for good value, without compromising too much on personal safety. I am from Dublin City so am not totally naive to city living, so am not expecting a quiet leafy street! Willing to travel around the city within reason for work. Have 2 years experience in a top-end retail store.
Many thanks, looking forward to hearing your suggestions.
Greenpoint has a bit an overflow of the Williamsburg crowd and is cheaper. I had friends who lived there and they paid $750-$800 each for a decent size place though not in the best condition.
Greenpoint has a bit an overflow of the Williamsburg crowd and is cheaper. I had friends who lived there and they paid $750-$800 each for a decent size place though not in the best condition.
Great cheers, I'll look into that! Despite the condition, they found it ok, yeah?
Quote:
Originally Posted by KatieQRS
Do you except to have Irish/English food cravings? mmm Club Orange or Crunchie bars...
I live in Sunnyside, Queens for a couple years - lots of Irish in the area (North side off Queens blvd.) & with a import grocery store (Butcher Block)
Crunchie smashed up over ice cream, stuff of dreams! But absolutely do not expect it! I'm going away for the NY experience My cousin took a J1 to Boston, lived with 4 other Irish J1s, they all worked in AE together and socialised together. Would have been cheaper to stay at home
Thank you for the recommendation and link, I'll have a look see!
Honestly, I'm not actively looking for an Irish neighbourhood. If the area I choose so happens to be a strong Irish one, that's cool. So any recommendations on nice, but not too expensive areas are most welcome, Irish or not.
Just want to update this thread! Three weeks until I arrive in New York, and I do not have accommodation yet. I think the biggest issue is getting a furnished bedroom. All I want is a bed and a closet!
I haven't really strayed outside Brooklyn in my research. Can anyone recommend anywhere in Manhattan? How is Washington Heights? Ideally I would like no more than a 30 minute commute to "city center", and to spend about $800 a month.
ETA: What about Harlem/Morningside?
Thank you all very kindly! I'm looking forward to my NYC adventure!
Last edited by J1_Summer; 05-12-2011 at 10:22 AM..
Honestly I'd probably skip Harlem/Inwood/Morningside Heights. The few friends I have there have explicitly forbade me from going there at night on my own... Not so safe for a girl on her own. Since you want roommates, the price you quoted should be doable. Look on the Upper East Side - it can be a bit of a walk to the subway, about ten mins - but it's generally the most affordable area that's still safe. It might be hard to get accepted without people meeting you in person though is the only thing. I'd stay below 96th st on the Upper East.
Upper West side is good too, and you can go up to 125th st there and it's a great neighborhood, lots of fun with great transportation.
Astoria would be a nice place to look into.
Also, if you go online to "the Irish Echo", they often have listings for room mates and apts. Maybe it can be a way of connecting with someone who understands about leaving Ireland with a deadline for the summer Visa since you're 3 weeks away from the move.
I'd take a look at Harlem/Morningside Heights. If it's so dangerous, someone forgot to remind all of the Columbia University and City College students living up here.
Have you tried looking at any of the neighborhoods in Queens or the Bronx?
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My cousin took a J1 to Boston, lived with 4 other Irish J1s, they all worked in AE together and socialised together. Would have been cheaper to stay at home 
