Manhattan neighborhoods for a 25 year old (Murray: fit in, apartments, leases)

[nycroom]

I have read through some threads here, and I'd like to explain my situation and ask for some opinions on neighborhoods.

I am a 25 year old female from New Jersey. I'm looking to move to Manhattan this fall. I would describe myself as preppy, innocent, and conservative. I am generally interested in an area that has many people close in age to me and nightlife where I can just walk a few blocks and have tons of people in my age range hanging out at a strip of bars. (Not interested in clubs) I have read/heard that downtown areas like Soho and the Village are great for bars, shopping, restaurants, etc. However, I am not whatsoever into the art or music or any "hip" scenes. Are the majority of people downtown more artsy? I am just not sure if I would fit in there...

Going by that stereotype, I am more looking in the Upper East Side, Murray Hill, or Gramercy. Out of those three areas, which would most be the environment be what I am looking for? People at my office live in UES so I have asked them a little about it, but I know nothing about MH or Gramercy. I should also add that being by the 6 train is most convenient for my work, another reason I am concentrating on those areas. Also, what are some of the important differences between those areas?

Additionally, I have absolutely no friends in the city. Are any areas better/worse for meeting people?

Finally, are there any resources for finding roommates besides Craigslist? Since I don't know anyone in NYC, I'd like to live with others just for the occasional socialization (not expecting best friends)

I'd appreciate any input!

[nyhans38]

hello nycroom,

i am also looking to move into a place ASAP in those areas. I'm dealing with a relator right now. MH will probably be the area with the most people our age range (im also 25). their are many bars and resturants to go to. What are you looking for in an apartment besides being near the 6 train?

craig

[latikeriii]

Look around 2nd ave and 52nd street. There are a lot of bars in that area that cater to what your looking for. That area is expensive though.

[newtoli]

What is your rent budget?

[nycroom]

Originally Posted by newtoli

What is your rent budget?

I would say up to $1250/month, not including utilities. In total, like to stay below $1400/month. Of course, cheaper is always better

To answer another question, I am not sure I even know enough about apartments to know what I'm looking for. I would only want a walk-up below 4 floors. I'd like a common area. No lofted bed. Prefer a doorman (but I know that's when it gets really expensive). Non-smoking, non-drug using roommates. I think because I don't know much, I'd like to avoid signing a year long lease. I'd sign a lease or make arrangements to stay somewhere for up to 6 months. I just want to not be locked into a year somewhere I have no familiarity with.

[Viralmd]

Originally Posted by nycroom

I would say up to $1250/month, not including utilities. In total, like to stay below $1400/month. Of course, cheaper is always better

To answer another question, I am not sure I even know enough about apartments to know what I'm looking for. I would only want a walk-up below 4 floors. I'd like a common area. No lofted bed. Prefer a doorman (but I know that's when it gets really expensive). Non-smoking, non-drug using roommates. I think because I don't know much, I'd like to avoid signing a year long lease. I'd sign a lease or make arrangements to stay somewhere for up to 6 months. I just want to not be locked into a year somewhere I have no familiarity with.

Walk-ups don't have doormen. You're going to have a hard time finding a roommate situation without signing a lease. Usually it's the financial contributions of all the leaseholders that ensure the landlord that the rent will get paid. Six month leases are not common. With that budget you're going to HAVE to go with roommates, because that's not going to get you anything in Manhattan without roommates.

[daaaaave]

Originally Posted by nycroom

I would say up to $1250/month, not including utilities. In total, like to stay below $1400/month. Of course, cheaper is always better

To answer another question, I am not sure I even know enough about apartments to know what I'm looking for. I would only want a walk-up below 4 floors. I'd like a common area. No lofted bed. Prefer a doorman (but I know that's when it gets really expensive). Non-smoking, non-drug using roommates. I think because I don't know much, I'd like to avoid signing a year long lease. I'd sign a lease or make arrangements to stay somewhere for up to 6 months. I just want to not be locked into a year somewhere I have no familiarity with.

Look on craigslist. You probably have to go on the high-end, but there are a lot of $1500 or less studios available.

[nycroom]

No, I definitely want roommmates

[nycroom]

Originally Posted by Viralmd

Walk-ups don't have doormen.

Whoops, I realize my original statement was unclear. I don't care if it's a walk-up or not. I actually do not really want a walk-up, but if I had to, I'd want it under 4 floors. I'd more prefer an elevator building, especially with a doorman.

[ElysianEagle]

hey me too, i'm a 26 yr. old male moving to NYC in a month's time, looking to live with room mates...i think upper east side, east village in manhattan are good, and williamsburg in brooklyn is good too