Is it out there? (New York, York: to rent, how much, cheap house)

[RachelFZJB]

I am in the early stages of planning my "BIG move" to New York and I am a little worried. I was attracted to New York because of my career the 2 best orginizations that I could ever want to work for are both based in NYC. However, I have a job that I love and it's something that I do because I am passionate about it not necessarily because it pays well. Of course I realize I will be paid more in NY than here in Wisconsin but I am still concerned...

Where is the closest place to New York City that is affordable to buy a home. (I have to buy because I have 4 big dogs, I don't even try to find places to rent anymore!) I need to find a place that is affordable for the average person. We could probably afford around $300,000 comfortably perhaps a little more. Is there anywhere near NY that a person could buy for around $300,000 and not spend 1/2 the day commuting?

[NJ Chutzpah]

Exactly how much can you spend of housing

The cheapest places near NYC will not be the nicest places.

The only cheap places around NYC are gonna be take time to travel to and from NYC.

That is the way it is around here.

[mead]

Most small houses in OK towns outside of NYC start at around $400k.

I'd consider ditching at least some of the dogs and renting a place until you can save more money.

[jeffcon0]

With 4 big dogs I assume you are looking for a single family home with a reasonable (not large) yard. Mead is right, homes even within an hour commute of the city in a decent town will START at $400k. Even then, $400k will get you a very modest home in a perfectly nice but not "tony" suburb. My coworker just spent $450k on a new 2 bedroom attached townhouse with a small yard about 45 mins by express bus from midtown in Northern NJ if that helps give you an idea on costs.

[DonnaReed]

There are no cheap houses in NYC

nor affordable if $300,000 is what you call affordable.

You can't get a house that needs work in South Jamaica for $300,000

Perhaps you could invest in a decent co-op, IF you didn't have the pets

If you find anything at that price, please let me know.

[Viralmd]

You need to realize that while you might earn more money on the books here, your cost of living, as well as taxes, will likely outstrip any increase in your earnings.