IT work - where to live (apartments, to rent, insurance)
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I am a 21 year old singly guy, currently exploring the option of moving to NYC. I don't know too much about the city right now, and am looking for any info you can offer.
Right now am working in Pittsburgh doing IT work for a fortune 500 company. I could expect at least $50-55,000 a year for the companies I am looking into. What are my options in terms of places to rent? I want to spend at the most 35% of my income on rent, so maybe around $1600 a month.
I am not too picky about the neighborhood, but I do want to be safe walking around after the sun goes down.
1600 will get you an apt. in Manhattan - you could find a one bedroom or studio for that price. Keep in mind though that apartments in manhattan are very small. If you want to start looking at what you can get for that price, go to craigslist.
As for neighborhoods, each one is different. I would say the only area you really want to stay away from is anything above 96th st. on the east side, and anything above 116th st. on the West side. The upper east side has a lot of people who just graduated from college and is usually cheaper. You may want to check out that area.
Also keep in mind that things in general are expensive in the city. You are not going to be living like a king on 50-55k a year, but you can certainly live decently.
Yeah broker fee is typically 15% of the annual rent. So on a $1600/month apartment, you'll need to lay out $2,880 for the broker, $2,400 for security, and $1,600 for first month's rent, plus $35-$125 application fee (a total of about $7,000 to get in the door). I don't know what type of lifestyle you're planning to live here, but on $55,000 you'll have difficulty affording $1600 rent. That'll be more than half of your take-home pay (assuming you withhold tax and insurance). My honest opinion, find a roommate to share a $2400 2-BR.
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