Moving Out to Astoria (real estate, apartments, rental)

[Vihzel]

Does anyone have any advice on the best method to search for an apartment in Astoria? Would you recommend using a real estate service?

I currently live in Manhattan, but I would like to escape the high rents and move out to Astoria. I was originally looking at somewhere in NJ but decided that it would just be easier to move to Astoria since it'll be easy N-train access to NYU (where I study).

[Henna]

Google "Astorians" and also "Why Leave Astoria" and click on their real estate sections.

[WhatTheHellMan]

I don't have any current advice for renting in Astoria as I had a very lucky scenario happen for me, but hello from a fellow Astorian (or you will soon be one..!) who is also an NYU student!

[likeminas]

when I was apt hunting in Astoria, I gotta admit that it was tough to see, let alone rent any places without a broker. Actually most of the places I saw, were through a broker.
But in the end I found my rental on craigslist. It's on the second floor of a private house.
you gotta be prepared though and have all your paperwork ready, so if you like something you can jump in right away.


@ Henna; Thanks for sahring those webstie.

[Miss J 74]

Check padmapper.com. I found this site to be very helpful when checking for apts.

When I was living in Astoria, I found my apt on Craigslist through a broker. There are a LOT of brokers in the area, so if you decide to go that route, there's no shortage there. I think there's 2 or 3 just in a 3 block radius of Astoria Blvd. and 31st St. alone.

[Biskit]

Originally Posted by likeminas

when I was apt hunting in Astoria, I gotta admit that it was tough to see, let alone rent any places without a broker. Actually most of the places I saw, were through a broker.
But in the end I found my rental on craigslist. It's on the second floor of a private house.
you gotta be prepared though and have all your paperwork ready, so if you like something you can jump in right away.


@ Henna; Thanks for sahring those webstie.

I recommend this route and setup. Craigslist, private house rental, month to month. Sure you'll pay a brokers fee, but if your landlord likes you, you might not get a yearly rent increase...ever. Plus, you're covered if you have to suddenly move out since most landlords in 2 family homes prefer not to enter into any written contract. The apartments in private homes tend to be much bigger and nicer than most of the apartments in the pre wars in Astoria. The modern apartment buildings in Astoria are nice, but they are much, much more expensive. You can find a nice 1 bedroom in a 2 family house for as low as a $1000, but most tend to be $1200 - $1400. Whereas the modern apartment building 1 bedrooms tend to go for $1600 and up.

[likeminas]

Originally Posted by Biskit

I recommend this route and setup. Craigslist, private house rental, month to month. Sure you'll pay a brokers fee, but if your landlord likes you, you might not get a yearly rent increase...ever. Plus, you're covered if you have to suddenly move out since most landlords in 2 family homes prefer not to enter into any written contract. The apartments in private homes tend to be much bigger and nicer than most of the apartments in the pre wars in Astoria. The modern apartment buildings in Astoria are nice, but they are much, much more expensive. You can find a nice 1 bedroom in a 2 family house for as low as a $1000, but most tend to be $1200 - $1400. Whereas the modern apartment building 1 bedrooms tend to go for $1600 and up.

I saw two apts in private houses, and both of them required to sign a lease. I think most L/L's do this regardless if it's a private house or not as it gives some sort of protection to both; L/L and tenant.

As for prices, you'd be hard-pressed to find a 1br for 1k anywhere in Astoria, including in private houses AND next to the projects. But I do agree with you that in a private house you'll get more bang for your buck.


I think prices are more or less as follow;

1br 1,300-1,500

2br 1,500-2,000

3br 2,000-2,800

and so on.