Park Slope vs. UWS (New York, Hudson: real estate, rent, home)

[Pacino85]

Relocating to NYC this spring with my family (wife and 2 small children). Working in Midtown. Wife and I have narrowed our neighborhood decision down to either Park Slope or UWS. All other things equal, I would most likely prefer Park Slope for the family (wife will be staying home w/ kids), but I will be working long hours and don't want an (approx) hour commute each way. Thus UWS is appealing. Can spend about $2500/mo., need at least 2 bedrooms. Schools not an issue. Looking for a neighborhood that is family friendly with plenty of restaurants, shops, activities for little ones.

Any opinions or advice? Thanks in advance.

[Moderate Guy]

Originally Posted by Pacino85

Relocating to NYC this spring with my family (wife and 2 small children). Working in Midtown. Wife and I have narrowed our neighborhood decision down to either Park Slope or UWS. All other things equal, I would most likely prefer Park Slope for the family (wife will be staying home w/ kids), but I will be working long hours and don't want an (approx) hour commute each way. Thus UWS is appealing. Can spend about $2500/mo., need at least 2 bedrooms. Schools not an issue. Looking for a neighborhood that is family friendly with plenty of restaurants, shops, activities for little ones.

Any opinions or advice? Thanks in advance.

Don't know about Park Slope rents but I don't see you getting a two bedroom @ $2500 on the UWS. You'd be hard pressed to get a decent studio or walk-up one bedroom at that price in this area. Sorry.

[dixiecupdrinking]

The budget is doable in Park Slope. If commute is an issue, aim for north slope near Flatbush Avenue; B and Q trains can get you to Midtown in more like half an hour.

I feel like a broken record responding to all these Park Slope threads!

[lincolnparker]

$2500 could get you a half decent studio or small one bedroom apt, probably around 500 sf on UWS. Chances of landing a two bedroom within that budget in UWS is lower than hitting the jackpot even in this rent declining enviornment

[Pacino85]

So I guess this means that all of these UWS C-list postings for 2 bedrooms less than $2500 are total dumps or what? Or are they just much further north than I might prefer, but still technically UWS?

[Moderate Guy]

Originally Posted by Pacino85

So I guess this means that all of these UWS C-list postings for 2 bedrooms less than $2500 are total dumps or what? Or are they just much further north than I might prefer, but still technically UWS?

Bingo!

[bmwguydc]

Originally Posted by Pacino85

So I guess this means that all of these UWS C-list postings for 2 bedrooms less than $2500 are total dumps or what? Or are they just much further north than I might prefer, but still technically UWS?

Yes, the boundaries of New York real estate as quoted by those in the business tend to shift along with the prevailing rent that can be gained by stretching the boundaries of a nicer area.

If you don't mind traveling by MetroNorth from Grand Central, I would suggest that you look further along the westside, in Riverdale. You can take the train to Riverdale or Spuyten Duyvil and be there in less than 30 minutes. If you're not in walking distance to the station, or if you don't like the hills, there's a Hudson Railink bus that connects both Riverdale MetroNorth stations to the neighborhood. In terms of housing, you can find a nicer 2BR (potentially even some 3BRs) than the UWS, or what masquerades as it according to the puffery, in your price range. The neighborhood is good, has access to parks and shopping, and some buildings have beautiful river views. If you are keeping a car, it's pretty easy to do in Riverdale.