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-30 year old single male - no children
-Current income of 70K per year
-Grew up in South. Hate the suburbs. Love the city
My dilemma...
-I currently live about 5 mins from my job (Highland Falls, NY) which is absolutely great. Surrounding area is absolutely dreadful to live in. There is zero nightlife and very few if any single ladies. Takes 25 minutes to get to nearest supermarket and everything shuts down at 7 p.m.
My question...
Would it be outrageous to even consider moving to nyc next year and doing a 1 hour reverse commute. I talked myself out of it last year but I am to the point that I cannot take the boredom. I need excitement. I need entertainment options. Please help.
I am considering inwood/washington heights areas since they are closer to GWB and Tappan Zee Bridge. I would even consider white plains if there was a place where there was decent night life.
Please tell me if I am crazy for even thinking about the commute. I would be happy to find a decent studio or even room with someone. I just can't take the boredom anymore.
LOL!!!! Thanks for the insight. I am thinking of supplementing my income by teaching an adjunct class. What if I added another 4-6K to that? Is Inwood that expensive? I saw a few studios around the $1000 range on craigslist.
-30 year old single male - no children
-Current income of 70K per year
My question...
Would it be outrageous to even consider moving to nyc next year and doing a 1 hour reverse commute. I talked myself out of it last year but I am to the point that I cannot take the boredom. I need excitement. I need entertainment options. Please help.
I am considering inwood/washington heights areas since they are closer to GWB and Tappan Zee Bridge. I would even consider white plains if there was a place where there was decent night life.
Please tell me if I am crazy for even thinking about the commute. I would be happy to find a decent studio or even room with someone. I just can't take the boredom anymore.
That commute might be a little longer than 1 hr with traffic. As far as Washington Heights, 176 to 193 West of Broadway is safe and nice. The neighborhood is predominatly Dominican with a few Jewish, Asian, Black, and White folks. You have lots of restaurants, grocery stores (bodegas), supermarkets, chinese eateries, etc. There are some clubs but they mostly cater to Spanish folks. (hip-hop/american music is played but the census is mostly Hispanic). A one bedroom can range from 1200 to 2000. You might also want to search Washington Heights in this Forum for more threads on the subject.
IMO, the 1hr+ commute followed by trying to find a parking spot in NYC will get tiresome for you. Let's say you get out of work at 6pm, you will get to the heights around 7;20 to 7;30 (8pm the latest) and then you will have to find parking. Then hop on the train to the bars/clubs in UWS, Midtown, Village, etc.
With your salary 70K, you will have no problem living in Washington Heights. The commute, parking spot, traffic etc will be your only issue.
You should add Hoboken, NJ if you want nightlife/bar scene with lots of singles. It's 1hr 17 mins per google maps but you don't have to pay a toll. There are lots of bars, restaurants, parks, etc. You also benefit from the NJ tax rate. On the weekends, you can hop on the path train and be in NYC in less than 20 mins.
Can I guess that you work for the government (in West Point?)
Why not stay put, life is great with a 5 minute commute but arrange for your weekends or off-days to be spent in NYC. The once-a-week long commute beats the daily one.
These people are screwing with you. You'll do fine on your income if you WANT to move to Washington Heights. Be prepared for DRAMATIC change!
I think a better option w/b to move to one of the close to Manhattan suburbs. Some place in Westchester or Bergen county perhaps. 30 minutes outside the city will make the most of your salary and be the easiest commute. Also, Manhattan is just 30 minutes or less away by car, commuter train, bus or taxi.
Don't forget city resident income tax in factoring your decision. Lower Westchester would avoid that tax, and it can be as convenient as parts of Upper Manhattan, via MNRR. Westchester also removes much of the parking hassle you the city as well. If you do want the city, consider Riverdale as it is easier you park, closer to major transportation routes, and will afford a better apartment on $70k.
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All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages.
~William Shakespeare (As You Like It Act II, Scene VII)
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