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I'm familiar with your work location, while I'm not a software engineer, I'm familiar with their working conditions. You will have to WORK for $135K. But this should be no problem as you are young and strong.
I am writing this with your information in mind that you have lived in other large world cities, so it shoulc be an easy adjustment for you.
However being that you have to WORK you need to live where it is convenient, near transportation, near restaurants, near other shopping for daily necessities. Also being that you are young and single easy to get to a night life, which may mean Manhattan, or easy access to it since a lot of young people that work in the FiDi live in Manhattan or easy access areas.
You also need quiet when you have rest time because the job will require you to be alert for the $135K they are going to pay. I stress the WORK because many people in the FiDi didn't understand WORK until they came to NYC
I wouldn't rule out the UWS, UES, and Tribeca if you want to live with roommates, you might even get lucky and get a rent stabilized that some one had previously for a long time, you never know, but chances are slim. Getting a space just for yourself in these areas, it will probably be small for that price, and you probably won't get a doorman building, maybe even a walk up.
Why settle when you can get more in many of the suggested areas like Dumbo and Greenpoint Brooklyn, Astoria and LIC Queens to name a few. This may be the best 2nd choice outside of the prime areas I just mentioned.
If you want to stay in Manhattan try Harlem below 125th St. You can get a nice quiet small garden floor brownstone apt. Below 125th there are more amenities. Above there are less, but you can get deliveries. Many young professionals have moved into Harlem, if you are at the subway station during rush hour mornings you would think that they are the majority living there now. They are not. Your block if you made this choice should be all brownstone to insure quiet. You can pay the required rent. You can get a cab in Harlem to anywhere, and you can get a cab home easily from anywhere when you need one. Stay below 153rd to get a nice brownstone apt. Takes about a half hour to get to the FiDi.
I hope the OP doesn't feel the same way.
If somebody makes 135k a year and wont give the doorman----THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON WORKING FOR THE BUILDING-- 500 bucks for the holidays, something is messed up.
Not saying I wouldn't pay up if I moved into a doorman building. I'm saying I don't know if I'll move into a doorman building because of the extra cost.
This is the dumbest post on the thread.
135k a year and your NOT going to live well?
"But you'll make it".
I dunno what your idea of 'living well' is, but it 100% can be done on 135 grand a year in Manhattan.
where? 178th? i'm not talkning about me, i'm talking about someone who thinks 135 means a lot
lets be honest, in manhattan, space is gonna be tight.
i'd imagine 1200 sq ft at best, walk up
Last edited by john_starks; 05-01-2012 at 06:45 PM..
Regarding some comments about working hard, If you're an experienced engineer and looking to make 135k base, then that should be a pretty run-of-the-mill finance job. Seriously, 9-5 type stuff. Any bonus potential?
If you're going to be working your ass off (60+ hours week) you could be making much much more, certainly north of 200k at your level (base + bonus). You could always goes the startup route, a heck of a lot more fun, pull in 110-120k, and have a shot at much much more with stock options.
My wife and I live in the UWS in a 1-bedroom on 150k and do pretty well. We probably spend less than most, but aren't crazy frugal or anything. Our savings rate (saved cash / take-home pay) is 35-40% most months. It took some searching, but we pay $2,300 for our 650sq ft 1 bedroom (3rd floor walkup).
In negotiations you might want to try to get a month or 2 in a corporate apartment as part of your relo package so your apt search isn't rushed.
I would suggest getting the cheapest studios you're comfortable with, then enjoy the extra cash. There seem to be some good deals on the west side of the UWS these days. StreetEasy is a good site to check things out.
Hi,
OP here, Not trying to revive the question of this thread but, I just wanted to really thank you all for your input!
After a few more job interviews with other companies, I was able to land a significantly higher salary than that! Just few days ago i signed the lease on my own nice studio for $2250 in midtown east at a doorman/elevator building. It's been an emotional rollercoaster trying to find an apartment during this time of the year, but I made it! And its a rental, without even paying a broker fee! I know I can even afford a one bedroom but there's no need, there's just too much fun stuff happening outside to stay home....I checked out Brooklyn as others suggested. Even though it felt like it has an amazing vibrant culture, I decided Manhattan is much closer to my taste and commute dynamics.
Thanks again...now im off to flood these forums with some more NY newcomer questions :-)
I live pretty well here. HOWEVER, I pay 800 bucks a month for an apartment (with 1 roomate), including ALL utilities.
Making more money but then paying 2k-3k for an apartment is like you're not making 135k. Having an apt serves 1 purpose: a place to sleep and ****/$hit (excuse my language).
Living in NYC, you'll rarely be at your apt. You'll be working, hanging out, or doing other stuff. You'll spend the least amount of time in your actual apt.
Consider this:
Apt + all utilities for me = $9,600/yr (assuming 800 bucks).
If you pay 2,500 for your apt + utilities, I'm going to assume about 200 (i guarantee you its gonna be more) so 2,700.
The point I'm trying to make is that anyone living in NYC should be smart about it. I would never pay more than 1k for an apt unless I'm buying it (then I'd spend up to 2k).
I'm rarely at my apt so it would never be worth paying more than 1k.
Oh and before I forget:
1. I live 25 mins from my job (midtown east)
2. I'm between the R, M, N, and Q trains. (AWESOME).
My 0.2 cents.
Last edited by YoungTraveler2011; 08-09-2012 at 08:20 PM..
Hi,
OP here, Not trying to revive the question of this thread but, I just wanted to really thank you all for your input!
After a few more job interviews with other companies, I was able to land a significantly higher salary than that! Just few days ago i signed the lease on my own nice studio for $2250 in midtown east at a doorman/elevator building. It's been an emotional rollercoaster trying to find an apartment during this time of the year, but I made it! And its a rental, without even paying a broker fee! I know I can even afford a one bedroom but there's no need, there's just too much fun stuff happening outside to stay home....I checked out Brooklyn as others suggested. Even though it felt like it has an amazing vibrant culture, I decided Manhattan is much closer to my taste and commute dynamics.
Thanks again...now im off to flood these forums with some more NY newcomer questions :-)
That's a terrific outcome for you wittgenstein.
Yes, I agree a doorman/concierge is a very welome addition to both safety and convenience...and an elevator goes without saying. Our tootsies get worn out after a day around this town.
And Manhattan IS and will ALWAYS BE the place to live, if you can pull it off.
I have had a doorman for the last 32 years. In this day of home delivery for nearly everything, they are almost a necessity.
With 24 hour doorman coverage and rotations among the three buildings, that is 12 doormen. A $6000 doormen tip ($500 each) is over the top, certainly for me and most people I know.
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i made it, thank you all
Our tootsies get worn out after a day around this town.
