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This is my first post on this forum, but I have been reading quite a bit.
I am currently a resident of Manhattan and have been for 5 years, but am ready to branch out (and save some money of course). My boyfriend and I are looking to move out of Manhattan, and we are open to Westchester, Queens, basically anyplace that we could keep the rent for a one bedroom at around 1600. I know this can be tough, but I was wondering if anyone on this forum had any opinions on the outlying areas of NYC! We just want to be able to start saving, and living in Manhattan is just not allowing that.
For 1600 you're looking at Bed-Stuy, Sunset Park, Astoria or Woodside Queens. You could also check out Harlem. I'm sure other posters will offer other alternative neighborhoods. Commuting via Metro North or LIRR will not save you a dime as the monthly passes on those trains are extremely expensive. Of course, I'm assuming you'll both continue to work in Manhattan.
Yes, the plan was to continue working in Manhattan. We have looked at Astoria as well as Forest Hills, so those are both good options. Definitely won't be looking in Brooklyn, because it seems to be just as expensive in any of the areas we would consider living in. Thanks for the feedback!
I'm surprised you've lived in Manhattan for five years and don't know about the other boroughs. My advice would be to visit each place, walk around, estimate your commute, and see how you feel. It's really a personal choice of "where" once you know your budget.
Check Jackson Heights. The transportation options are great (three stops to midtown on the E and F which run express in Queens) plus a few other trains. The historic district is very nice. Just take the train out and walk around. Concentrate on 37th Ave and 35th Ave from about 74th St. to 85th St. (37th Ave is commercial/residential and 35th is all residential)
I don't mind Forest Hills too but I guess it depends on what you are looking for. It has more upscale stores (chains) than Jackson Heights, ie Barnes and Noble, Gap, Anne Taylor, etc. but to me it lacks the energy that Jackson Heights has.
Try the Washington Plaza 73-12 35th Ave. I have heard good things about it and it's a quick walk to the main train hub.
Sunnyside is also a very good neighborhood and not to be missed during your search.
Your budget would also work well in parts of The Bronx, like Riverdale. Riverdale is very quiet, and almost sleepy, in comparison to popular Manhattan neighborhoods. The commute would be via Metro-North to Grand Central or express bus if you are separated from the subway, which happens to be most of Riverdale. The 1 is also a local, so that could be a consideration, if you were to take the subway and needed to commute far Downtown, such that the express bus might be easier.
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Yes, the plan was to continue working in Manhattan. We have looked at Astoria as well as Forest Hills, so those are both good options. Definitely won't be looking in Brooklyn, because it seems to be just as expensive in any of the areas we would consider living in. Thanks for the feedback!
First you must define where you work in Manhattan and then define the commuting time each of you will tolerate.
That will give you something of a curcular outer perimeter.
Is New Jersey okay?
How much space would you like? Will a small one bedroom do, or do you want a large Junior 2.
You can easily (well, nothing is easy when it comes to apartments and NYC) get a nice 1 bedroom for $1,600 here in Bay Ridge/Fort Hamilton. Maybe even a little less! Travelling to Manhattan is a bit of a pain, though. It's a safe, clean area, not as hip as some other places, but still a nice place to live.
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