NYC neighborhood, easy access to Midtown (New York, Cortland: houses, neighborhoods, salary)

[intrepid_m]

I have recently been asked to relocate to NYC for work. I only make $40K annually and they will not be increasing my salary. Thing is, I would much rather live in NYC than in DC. I am from Chicago and I want a more urban feel. Anyway, where should I look for housing? I need to have my own place, but I can handle very little space as I don't own a lot of stuff.

Brooklyn? If so, which areas? Are they safe for a woman in her mid-20s that is living alone -- possibly taking the train home late at night? Please help. Anyone's opinions will be helpful. Thanks.

[mead]

Thats going to be difficult on 40k. Are you looking to live with a roomate at all?

Even a 1br in decent neighborhoods of the Bronx will set you back at least $900 a month. Brooklyn and Queens usually start around at least $1,000 (usually more) for a 1br. Manhattan is pretty much out of the question.

[lhf1979]

if you don't mind queens, look in places such as fresh meadows around 188th street. there's not subway access but an express bus that runs frequently into midtown and a bus (Q-17) that connects with the Seven Train in downtown Flushing.

[Freak]

Van Cortlandt Village, Bronx, has a huge population of folks who work in Midtown (mainly because a huge number of the people here used to live in Manhattan). The BXM3 bus takes you to Midtown in 30-45 minutes and comes as much as 4-5 times an hour during commuting hours.

[Elvira Black]

I see lots of Bronx listings for rooms--usually in two family houses, I think--for 100 a week and up. Can't vouch for how safe/unsafe they are, but they are probably the cheapest alternative around. Other folks here might have a better idea. Maybe there's some in Brooklyn that are also affordable. Check out the NY Daily News online classifieds for more info.

Van Cortlandt Village sounds nice, but have no idea of the rents--what say you, Freak?

[Elvira Black]

Here's a link for furnished rooms in Brooklyn. Looks like they range from about 160 a week and up, usually share kitchen and bath. At first glance, the areas may not be the safest, but folks here can tell you more about areas that look promising. Of course, the more expensive, the "nicer"--depending on what you can afford. Probably longer commute to Manhattan too, but might be worth a look.

New York Daily News

[Freak]

Van Cortlandt Village sounds nice, but have no idea of the rents--what say you, Freak?

I live in a three bedroom and my family and I only pay $1100 a month. Seriously. My parents have been living in the building since 1982 and we recently moved from a two bedroom to a three bedroom in the same buidling, and only have to pay $100 more because we've been here so long.

I think you can find studios for as little as $700, 1 bedrooms for $850-$950, 2 bedrooms for $1100-$1300, and 3 bedrooms for $1550+. Not sure what the deal is around the amalgamated area, though.

[intrepid_m]

I already spend $1,200 a month in D.C. so that would be fine.