Considering the big move to NYC (Yonkers, Bronxville: to rent, student loans, schools)

[armykat]

Hi everyone, I've been reading the posts here all morning, and I'm impressed by what you know. I need some help. I was offered a job in the Bronx, near Fordham. I am totally useless in terms of cost of living, so forgive my stupidity. I'll just tell you that the salary is about $57K. I plan to work my ass off w/ part-time gigs to supplement that a bit (lots of student loans to pay off!), but I would definitely be living on that in the beginning. I need a place to rent that will be affordable, safe, and commutable. I do have a car, which I would like to keep, and the job might offer parking. I'd be mostly working in daytime hours, but there will be a few rare times when I'd have to be there after-hours. Although I'm open-minded and have a fair amount of street smarts, let's be honest in the fact that I look like a little white girl from Long Island, and I prefer not to be mugged or worse. I could tolerate up to an hour's commute. I've already lived in Manhattan years ago, so I don't need "the experience," although I would like to be able to get in on the weekends.

So, experts, where should I live? Thanks in advance for your help.

[nathan123]

I would try to find somewhere indoors.

[bmwguydc]

I would stay in the Bronx or Lower Westchester to minimize commute times, especially with a car, since that makes it much easier to get around from some places, though you do have the option of public transportation as well. I'd suggest looking in the Woodlawn area and greater Riverdale area, since you can probably (with some searching) keep housing expenses a little over $1000 in both locations. In Lower Westchester (assuming you don't need schools), look in the better parts of Yonkers that are adjacent to Bronxville. Both offer easy car commutes, and Westchester opens up MetroNorth, and Riverdale/Woodlawn the bus for days when you don't want to drive or if you don't have parking.

[armykat]

Thanks for the advice, bmw. I will start looking there. If it's ridiculous to consider the move with my resources, I'd like to hear that too.