Newly Wed Relocating to NY (New York, York: real estate, apartment, rental)

[aldatay]

Singaporean newly wed couple will be relocating to NYC in July 07 with the following:
1. annual pre-tax salary 145k without bonus
2. looking for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in NY
3. no intentions of getting a car

Questions:
1. Can we leave comfortably in NYC?
2. Where is the best area in NYC to live?
3. What is the average rental costs for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in NY?

[Manhattan-ite]

Hello,

145,000 dollars of pre-tex salary means you'll get around $100,000 liquid which is great for enjoying New York (moreover if you don't have kids).

1.- Yes you can live comfortably in NYC.

2.- If you've never been to NY, I would recommend you start living in Midtown, East or West. Where all the action and the offices and the entertainment is, and close to everything else.

3.- "Average" rental cost in NY is a tricky thing. Real estate papers will tell you that three or four thousand, but you can find a 1-bedroom for $2,000. It depends on your choice: luxury high-rise or old walk-up.

With your salary, I would go for a 1-bedroom and forget about a studio.

Cheers-

[aldatay]

Thanks for the information.