To move or not to move (from UWS-Washington Heights/Inwood) (transplants, sublet) - City-Data Forum

cherub1004 · 04-13-2012, 01:00 PM

I currently live in UWS, upper 70's, paying $1550. I absolutely love the location but I am not so happy with my studio apt itself. It is in a great, clean, elevator building but it is 12x13 with no sunlight. The sunlight has started to bother me. I've looked at some other places around UWS but couldn't really find one that I fell in love with within my budget, below $1800.

I need to stay on the upper west side of the city due to my work. I'm planning to look at an apt on 186th st on Bennett Ave. for $1650. Is this a good neighborhood? Any recommendations on a specific area? I've also read Seaman Ave in Inwood is a nice area.

I'm concerned that although I might get the sunlight I want, I'll lose all the things I love about UWS - Trader Joes, Fairway, Zabars, restaurants etc. Just all the convenience that I've gotten used to.

Do you think it is a good decision to move? Should I just deal with no sunlight and enjoy the awesome environment?

I just can't make up my mind!
Thanks in advance!

BearMM · 04-13-2012, 01:08 PM

Your current apartment is very cheap by UWS standards. It is very hard to find a studio in elevator building below $1800.

likeminas · 04-13-2012, 01:54 PM

I also used to live in an apartment like that years ago. My rent was cheap and it was in a nice neighborhood, but the 'cave' (that's what I used to call it) was pretty depressing.

Having a bright apartment, believe it or not, does affect your mood and overall mental health.

I don't know much about the area that you're planning to move to, but it won't certainly be like the upper 70's.

It looks like you'll have to make some trade-offs.

jcoltrane · 04-13-2012, 03:49 PM

You need to fully comprehend your circumstance:

Fact 1: a "nice" studio in a modern building with amenities cost $3000 or more, in the heart of the UWS, Yuppieville.

Fact 2: $1550 or anything below $1800 in the 70s will ONLY be something UNDESIREABLE.

Fact 3: you cannot afford that location!! Unless you take something no one else wants, except those who also cannot afford the UWS!

Fact 4: 186th Street is NOT the UWS, it is Washington Heights!! There you should be able to afford.

Fact 5: Convenience?? You cannot afford Manhattan conenience!!

Final Fact: In order to know where you are going, you NEED to know where you are.

Adjust yourself to Washington Heights and good luck. Btw, there is a Fairway, larger and busier than Broadway, over by the river a few blocks up from 125th St. There's also Dinosar BBQ, which is very popular.

Generally, the area is steadily, but slowly gentrifying Dominican ghetto, it helps to speak Spanish. You will find everything you need along Broadway, just that Dominicans dominate rather than Yuppie Transplants; YES, you will need to take more care at night than living in Yuppieville, but there are worse alternatives!

BinxBolling · 04-13-2012, 04:56 PM

Jcoltrane's description doesn't really apply to the part of Washington Heights you're looking at, which is not a "Dominican ghetto" at all but rather a mixed neighborhood of Jews, yuppies, and Dominicans. Jews especially predominate on Bennett Ave. It's very safe and quiet. It doesn't offer anything like the lifestyle you're used to on the UWS though. More of a sleepy residential community.

UpsonDowns · 04-13-2012, 05:08 PM

186 & Bennett is perfectly safe. It's a heavily Orthodox Jewish neighborhood. We lived nearby for nearly 10 years before a recent move to Brooklyn.

Yes, you will miss Trader Joe's, Zabars, etc. But you will be incredibly close to the the A and the 1 and it's pretty easy to get to the UWS for shopping. I know - I did it for years.

I agree that sunlight can be incredibly important. We stayed in a dark apartment for years because it was cheap, but it was truly depressing. A few weeks after moving to a sunnier place in Washington Heights my husband said to me, "I feel like we are on vacation!" I was thinking the same thing.

Henna · 04-13-2012, 06:57 PM

Could you afford a one-week sublet in the area you are thinking of moving to? It might help you decide. Check airbnb.com to see if there is anything available.

I lived in an apartment without much sun and it was truly depressing. On the other hand, living in an area without the vibe and amenities you are used to could be depressing too. I suppose if you are a real home-body, then you should choose the sunlight and if you like to be out and about, then just come home to sleep in the cave.