Expected square footage for an apartment (New York, York: appointed, rentals, loft)

[SOON2BNSURPRISE]

What is the amount of square feet that you want in an apartment? For example how big is the bedroom, living area, kitchen, bath room. What amenities could you not live without? I want to know what your expectations are in an apartment. What changes would you make if you were married or have children? Is 500 square feet acceptable or do you need 2,000 square feet? Are you single or married? How much space would you need if you have kids? What I want to know is what is acceptable to New Yorkers for a living area.

[Moderate Guy]

Originally Posted by SOON2BNSURPRISE

What I want to know is what is acceptable to New Yorkers for a living area.

Unless you live here, you'd be surprised how much one can do with a closet measuring 350 square feet.

[crisp444]

Studio apartment: 450 square feet
One bedroom apartment: 650 square feet
Two bedroom apartment: 850 square feet

For a couple with one child, I would say that 850-1000 square feet would be ideal. I grew up in a 1070 square foot space with two parents and a sister and it is totally manageable. It blows my mind that there are families in places like Atlanta and Las Vegas who want more space when they already live in 3000 square foot homes!

[neodorian]

I'm single and will be living with my girlfriend. I am fine with a place that looks like one of those Ikea demo rooms but she wants *space*! I feel like our apartment hunt will be a compromise between me wanting to stay affordable and in a good location with her desire for lots of space. So far I have been placating her with talk of how lots of the smaller places have loft storage above the bedroom

[Desco]

Originally Posted by neodorian

I'm single and will be living with my girlfriend. I am fine with a place that looks like one of those Ikea demo rooms but she wants *space*! I feel like our apartment hunt will be a compromise between me wanting to stay affordable and in a good location with her desire for lots of space. So far I have been placating her with talk of how lots of the smaller places have loft storage above the bedroom

I feel like your apartment hunt will end with her being disappointed.

[neodorian]

Well, she won't listen to me when I try to explain how big the average places are. I feel like as long as we can find something in the 550-650sf range it will be OK. If the layout and location are good I imagine something smaller will work as well. She is just annoyed at having to get rid of things whereas I see it as a good chance to simplify and make some money yard-sale style. When we come down to hang out next weekend I seriously need to go out to a bar, strike up a conversation with someone and get them to explain things to her. Maybe we will even get a first-hand look at a well-furnished small apartment.

I feel like as long as I look around and have cash and references in hand there are deals to be had these days. I just ran across another rental by owner at 88th and Broadway. 700sf and $2200/month. She could even keep her king sized bed.

[iGlenn]

Originally Posted by neodorian

Maybe we will even get a first-hand look at a well-furnished small apartment.

If your here for the weekend you should check out a few open houses.

[neodorian]

I'm thinking about it. I've debated emailing/calling some of these landlords on craigslist because I'm really curious how they stack up to their ads. I've been looking at one nice ~700sf place at 88th and Broadway for $2200. Location looks good. 2 blocks to the subway, 2.5 long blocks to the park. Just within my range. I wonder how it actually looks when you get inside

[Viralmd]

Originally Posted by iGlenn

If your here for the weekend you should check out a few open houses.

They don't have open houses for rentals...good ones go so quickly they'd never make it through the first hour! For those looking to buy, this can be a good way to see how big 500 square feet really is!

[SOON2BNSURPRISE]

It blows my mind that there are families in places like Atlanta and Las Vegas who want more space when they already live in 3000 square foot homes![/quote]
I think most of the people in the south western states buy and build bigger homes all the time. That is how I grew up as well. My parents added on to the home a couple times. In my part of California a small home is in the 1,300 range. Most people seem to want at least 2,000 or more square feet. Lets say you have a 4 bedroom 3 bath home with a family room, living room, dining room, kitchen, laundry room, and a home office chances are you will want 2,000 square feet easy.

Apartment sizes seem to be comparable though. My last place was a 900 square foot 2 bedroom 2 bath apartment. ($1540 a month)

What about holiday parties? How do you have a gathering in a place that is 500 square feet? I guess you all have the parking thing down though, Not sure how many people need a car in New York City area.