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Hi- My husband and I are contemplating a move to NYC in early 2009. We have two young children (both under 2). We are doing preliminary research on areas/neighborhoods in which to live.
We will be comfortable spending up to 4200/month on an apt. We are open to Brooklyn- but want to enjoy the city as much as possible. We would ideally want to be in Manhattan, but need at least 1000 sq. ft and preferably a 3 BR apt. Is this reasonable?
What is the commute from Brooklyn to Manhattan like? Where is a good place for a young family to be? We
Having children in the equation is going to make you look for good schools. In Manhattan that can be a tricky proposition. I really think that for the budget you have, getting a 3 bedroom apartment is going to be difficult, if not impossible, in an area with a decent elementary school. I don't know if you realize how TINY 1000 sq feet is for four people. Many nice 1 bedrooms are about 800 sq feet...Apartments where schools are good are proportionally more expensive.
Middle schools, in Manhattan, are generally not good and for high schools, unless it's Stuyvesant or Bronx Science (which isnt in Manhattan, obviously) and perhaps Hunter High (which starts at 7th Grade) - all of which have admission by competitive examination - it's not going to be great. Or even good.
Private schools are pricey - starting at around $20,000 for kindergarten and ending up in high school at $30,000/year. Admission is by examination (the ERB) and interview, as well as required references. And the competition for admission is cutthroat.
You might do better in Brooklyn: Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights (pricey!). Or in Queens: Forest Hills, Kew Gardens.
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