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It's time to finally move out of the nest! I am looking to find a studio or 1BR in a decent area for about $1100 or less. I've lived in Upper Manhattan most of my life so it doesn't have to be the nicest area as long as it's safe for people who mind their own business.
I work in lower Manhattan so I am open to Queens and Brooklyn, preferably a 30-45 minute commute or less if possible. I'm a single young professional but I'd prefer to live in a quieter family-oriented neighborhood as the noise up here is finally starting to drive me insane where I live.
I've been looking at Astoria, Sunnyside and Bayridge. Does anyone know any reputable realtors in these areas?
Thanks! If this sort of post belongs in another subforum please let me know and I'll move it there
For that amount it's going to be an area in transition but with a little luck you might get an brand new apt in the governmentally assisted HPD units in Melrose, South Bronx.
It is possible, but you will end up spending half your paycheck on rent, if you want to do that.
For instance, 35 -40K after taxes is about $2000 -$2200 per month. So for $1100 rent it's half your paycheck. Unless you can find a good studio or basement apartment deal with cable and internet is included, don't expect to have much left over.
Your average costs:
Electric - $75-$85 on average
Cable / internet / Phone - $100-$150 depending on package.
Metrocard - $105 monthly
So right there is $1400 a month, not counting food, laundry, and any other expenses.
Astoria, not happening unless you're in a deserted part where you need to take the bus to the train (Upper Ditmars area) Sunnyside is questionable as well.
Bay Ridge you can probably pull off BUT considering yuppies and hipsters are starting to move into this area, I'm predicting rents will start to go up if they haven't already. Plus depending on what block you're on, it might not be quiet.
It is possible, but you will end up spending half your paycheck on rent, if you want to do that.
For instance, 35 -40K after taxes is about $2000 -$2200 per month. So for $1100 rent it's half your paycheck. Unless you can find a good studio or basement apartment deal with cable and internet is included, don't expect to have much left over.
Your average costs:
Electric - $75-$85 on average
Cable / internet / Phone - $100-$150 depending on package.
Metrocard - $105 monthly
So right there is $1400 a month, not counting food, laundry, and any other expenses.
Astoria, not happening unless you're in a deserted part where you need to take the bus to the train (Upper Ditmars area) Sunnyside is questionable as well.
Bay Ridge you can probably pull off BUT considering yuppies and hipsters are starting to move into this area, I'm predicting rents will start to go up if they haven't already. Plus depending on what block you're on, it might not be quiet.
Check Midwood, Gravesend and Ridgewood,
I think you are right about Astoria and Sunnyside. I started to take a look around for $1100 studios (online only) for a friend and was surprised to see that the rents have really gone up in the past 2-3 years and in most cases are higher than $1100 for a non-basement studio.
In the parts of Queens that are subway friendly, I think an $1100 studio in a building, not a basement, would be possible in Elmhurst, Corona and Rego Park. Not so much in Astoria, Sunnyside, Woodside or Jackson Heights. Of course it might not be impossible to find one, but my observation is that studios have gone up to $1200+ in these areas.
Rego Park, while kind of boring (IMHO), is a good under-the-radar place to live. Low-ish rents, tons of shopping esp. with the new Aldi, Century 21, Kohls, TJ Maxx, Costco, etc., and good transportation.
To the naysayers, it can be done. I was making about the same or a little more as the OP for years and have been living on my own (without roommates) since I was 17. It's not impossible to survive on that salary. You won't be eating out all the time, but you won't be living off ramen noodles either.
Bay Ridge you can probably pull off BUT considering yuppies and hipsters are starting to move into this area, I'm predicting rents will start to go up if they haven't already.
You're right and it's driving me crazy! Lately, I've had way too many hipster sightings recently for my liking. Even the Italian deli down the block, Piazza Mercato, changed their name to Artisan Food Valley. Same stuff, higher price! I wonder how long I have before they price me out of the neighborhood?
OP, you can make it here in Bay Ridge on your income, but honestly, I can't say for how long.
Last edited by makossa; 02-07-2012 at 10:47 AM..
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