desert dykes moving to NY - overwhelmed or lazy (New York: for rent, how much) - New York City - City-Data Forum

EJ-Ink · 04-09-2008, 05:58 PM

I realize that everyone seems to be posting these rather vague 'help me' messages, so I will try to be more specific. I am starting grad school at Sarah Lawrence in the fall. My partner and I will be moving to NY late this summer. I tried to figure it out on my own, but now I'm either overwhelmed or getting lazy...

We have very little money. Right now (in Albuquerque, New Mexico - yea, the place Bugs Bunny mentioned once) we split $550 for rent and utilities. Seems like there, $1000 a month is cheap. Do the jobs pay to make up for the difference?

We are an interracial lesbian couple. NY is supposed to be the *****, international mecca. Still, I imagine that there are neighborhoods where we would be more or less comfortable.

We don't need the yuppie thing but, you know - I like coffee and cool little spots to hang out. Bookstores, not expensive handbags. You get the idea.

Any suggestions for somewhere affordable and reasonably safe (for us) ?

Thanks. I do appreciate your knowledge and experience.

EJ

Henna · 04-09-2008, 06:47 PM

I almost didn't click on this because the title was so enigmatic. And even though you may have tried to write a cohesive post, it's really not clear what you are asking.

How much do you want to spend on rent? Where exactly is Sarah Lawrence located and how long are you willing to commute and via what form of transportation? Where does your partner plan to work?

What does it mean to say that you are an inter-racial lesbian couple, that NY is the ***** but that there must be neighborhoods where you would feel comfortable? I don't even get that. I can't even guess.

And no, the salaries - esp. for new hires - do not make up for the insane cost of rent around here.

Sorry if this post sounds a little harsh, but to get good advice you need to ask better questions.

drkman · 04-09-2008, 07:19 PM

I assume you mean Sarah Lawrence College which is in Bronxville, New York (Westchester County). If you are attending school in that area, the Bronx is probably the best fit, as far as borough is concerned. You can catch buses from certain areas in the Bronx that can take you near the college (I think). Only thing that I can suggest is to not look for a place in Brooklyn, Queens or Staten Island as that would put your commute at a long distance, and it may make it more expensive since traveling to Westchester will involve catching NYC Transit and then a bus or the Metro-North train.

I can't help with Bronx neighborhoods as I have not lived in the Bronx in years, and when I did it was Wakefield, which would have none of the amenities that you speak of. Nice neighborhood but very residential and not much to do. Search the threads for "Moving to the Bronx" or somethhing like that and investigate the neighborhoods that are fairly close to Westchester. Wakefield is one but I don't think it fits your criteria, as I stated above. Woodlawn would be another area, maybe Pelham Bay. Also, it is going to be rough. I am not one that thinks you need a great deal of money to live in New York but rent will be considerably more than 550.00 and when you factor in utilities, phone, transportation, food, books, other educational expenses etc., it will be a big difference then your expenses in New Mexico. Best of luck on your search.

woofenstein · 04-09-2008, 08:32 PM

Hmm... Cheap AND safe AND accepting of your lifestyle AND coffee shop-esque amenities...AND within reasonable commuting distance to Bronxville? I'm not sure how to finagle that one.

My first instinct is to agree with the poster above and recommend trying the Northern Bronx. I don't know the Bronx too well, but I know there are neighborhoods up there, i.e. Riverdale and parts of Kingsbridge(?), that are quiet and safe and still reasonable in terms of rent. You'd be closer to Westchester and still be able to take the subway into the city to, er, drink coffee and read and stuff. And don't forget Barnes & Nobleses are everywhere nowadays!

As far as neighborhoods that are KNOWN for being "accepting" and having lots of stuff to do, these places are very expensive and/or very far from where you'll need to be. But since you asked for my opinion--sort of--I say, don't distract yourselves with that issue to much, just say f--k it to what other people think. Having said that, I would imagine that people may mind their business more in a quietish neighborhood in northern Bronx/lower Westchester, whereas in an area like, I dunno, the South Bronx may find yourself being followed and taunted by vagrant teenagers while going for a romantic stroll with your significant other. However, this can and does happen everywhere. Even in the Village!

And I'm sure you know by now that you should expect your rent to be at least double what it is now. But maybe if you're lucky, search assiduously, and stick to the less popular places (popular places being in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and parts of Queens anyway), you can find a decent studio/1-bdrm for less than $1100.

mead · 04-09-2008, 10:28 PM

Nope she's not going to find what she's looking for in the North Bronx. This place isn't tragically hip and there arent' coffee shops around (unless you're counting Dunkin Donuts).

Pete Piper · 04-10-2008, 08:07 AM

Whether or not you have a car is a big consideration. Since money is tight I'd assume you'd try to do without it. In that case find out if you'd get to Sarah Lawrence by Metro North or by bus. Woodlawn may be a good choice because it's on the border of Westchester and you may be able to get to the bee line bus from there, and there's also a metro north stop. I agree with Mead that you won't find what you're looking for in the Bronx. There are no coffee shops or little book stores. Here you'll have to save your money and go to the library if you want to read. I don't see same-sex partners walking around holding hands in my neighborhood, maybe Mead can speak for Woodlawn. Hopefully no one would give you a hard time. Good luck.

mead · 04-10-2008, 08:12 AM

Nope Woodlawn definitely isn't a good choice for the "desert dykes." Don't see that working out at all.

I would suggest on-campus housing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete Piper

Whether or not you have a car is a big consideration. Since money is tight I'd assume you'd try to do without it. In that case find out if you'd get to Sarah Lawrence by Metro North or by bus. Woodlawn may be a good choice because it's on the border of Westchester and you may be able to get to the bee line bus from there, and there's also a metro north stop. I agree with Mead that you won't find what you're looking for in the Bronx. There are no coffee shops or little book stores. Here you'll have to save your money and go to the library if you want to read. I don't see same-sex partners walking around holding hands in my neighborhood, maybe Mead can speak for Woodlawn. Hopefully no one would give you a hard time. Good luck.

newtoli · 04-10-2008, 08:28 AM

Have you thought about renting in Westchester? What is your budget? You could rent in Bronxville or White Plains and still be close to the city.

NooYowkur81 · 04-10-2008, 08:32 AM

Try Westchester or Riverdale for commute reasons, but honestly your gonna have to travel to Manhattan or Brooklyn to experience the city a bit more.

purrfectplace · 04-10-2008, 10:03 AM

Yeah I don't see you being able to afford Westchester, and without a car...You would have to go for the Bronx. You won't find cool cafes, or "cheap handbag stores"...mostly bodegas/and the occasional Barnes and Nobles if any. If you are looking for that ecclectic NYC experience little shops/boutiques you need to look in NYC or Brooklyn/Queens....and then pay may be better if you are working in Manhattan but working part time might still not garner enough for rent. I am just speaking relatively as I am not an expert on westchester/Bronx...and don't mean to be so negative. There may be that neighborhood for you out there...and hopefully someone who knows the area more fully will elaborate. Hope it works out for you! i hope you came to visit first before you make the move. The Bronx, and even Westchenster/Bronxville/Riverside may be far from what you imagine it to be.