Can a Single Working Mom make it/Bay Ridge (coupons, to rent)

[Allison23]

Hi,

I am a single mom and have an opportunity to work in manhattan for $80,000 ish a year salary. I would need to pay for full-time daycare. Is there anyone out there is my boat? I am looking to live in Bay Ridge, but don't know if I could make ends meet in that area, given my circumstances. Any advice out there? Any personal experience? Thanks so much!

[nycangel]

Easily

[makossa]

You'll do well here in Bay Ridge on 80K. I believe the average income for BR is about 65K.

[Allison23]

Thanks. It's the daycare that worries me mostly. It can be $1300 a month. Thanks for the feedback. Any more would be welcomed too!

[WhatTheHellMan]

Where will you be working in Manhattan? Bay Ridge can be doable if you're in Lower Manhattan but if you're working on the UES or even Midtown, perhaps a neighborhood like Astoria or Long Island City or even Elmhurst?

[Lital_The_Best]

You're good.

[Allison23]

I would be working in the village

[grvthang]

Bay Ridge is definitely affordable. I've been here since 1984. I don't think the cost of daycare would be much different than other areas of the city. I know plenty of single moms in Bay Ridge.
The only downsides to BR, to me, are parking (but how many areas in NYC don't have that problem?) and limited public transportation options (the R train is the only line that runs through, and it's a local).
If you're working in the Village and live near the x27 express bus line, you can sit in a comfortable upholstered seat rather than in a stuffy, crowded subway car. It runs up 6th Avenue through the Village. It's $5.50 each way, but definitely worth it.

[skilldeadly]

80k is still pretty rough. The problem like you say is Day Care. Finding a good one that works for you and isnt eating up most of your paycheck. If you are bringing home around 4k a month then throwing 1500 to day care and 1400 to 1600 to rent there goes most of your paycheck.

Average income stats are fine, but it's more how much would you want to live on. Clip coupons and search for deals? Live in a small place? Less access to public transportation? Everyone says easily but really that's based on your debt, your spending habits, and your comfort with certain amenities.