Considering Job in Midtown, Need Help (New York, Murray: apartment, foreclose, rent)

[rollingtide]

I am a male in my mid 20's and I am considering a job in Midtown, making just over $100k. I think this means I could afford an apartment (or really, I like living in a tiny little studio just fine) up to $2,500. From browsing through Craigslist, it appears I shouldn't have too hard of a time finding something ok for this.

I currently live in downtown Seattle in a tiny studio with no car, so I am used to walking everywhere or taking public transit, and I like living that way, so there shouldn't be any problem there. I like Seattle pretty well, but it is too far from all my friends and family on the east coast, thus the reason for wanting to move back east.

The job I am considering in Midtown is near W 32nd St and Broadway (right near the Empire State Building) and I would really like to live less than a mile away, to allow me to walk to work if I so desire. I've been to New York several times, but I don't know the city that well, so I need a little help with the locations right around midtown.

1) I'm assuming it is safe to walk around Midtown, even at night, is that correct? Are there areas around Midtown that aren't safe to walk after dark (or during the day)?

2) I really want a very walkable area (that I can walk after dark safely) around my apartment that doesn't shut down at 8 PM. I'm not really into bars that much (though something like Fox Sports Grill is nice). However, I do love coffee shops, book stores, and reasonably affordable interesting places to eat (that don't close at 8 PM every night). Are there areas within a mile of Midtown that would fit this well?

3) I've considered the area around the Rockefeller center, since it would be located kind of centrally between my job and Central Park (I enjoy walking around, and would like having the park nearby, though it isn't essential). What is this area like? Do you recommend it?

4) I've noticed Murray Hill is within easy walking distance of the job, and I was curious how well it fit what I was looking for, and if it was a reasonably safe place to live and walk.

I would be willing to consider a really neat neighborhood that required a quick subway commute, if it fit very well the type of neighborhood I would like to live in (like I've heard good things about the Upper East Side, but it is probably above my pay grade, and a bit far for me), though I really would prefer to be within easy walking distance (typically ~1 mile or less).

I would appreciate any tips or suggestions you guys could give me here.

Many thanks!

[Moderate Guy]

Originally Posted by rollingtide

I am a male in my mid 20's and I am considering a job in Midtown, making just over $100k. I think this means I could afford an apartment (or really, I like living in a tiny little studio just fine) up to $2,500. From browsing through Craigslist, it appears I shouldn't have too hard of a time finding something ok for this.

I currently live in downtown Seattle in a tiny studio with no car, so I am used to walking everywhere or taking public transit, and I like living that way, so there shouldn't be any problem there. I like Seattle pretty well, but it is too far from all my friends and family on the east coast, thus the reason for wanting to move back east.

The job I am considering in Midtown is near W 32nd St and Broadway (right near the Empire State Building) and I would really like to live less than a mile away, to allow me to walk to work if I so desire. I've been to New York several times, but I don't know the city that well, so I need a little help with the locations right around midtown.

1) I'm assuming it is safe to walk around Midtown, even at night, is that correct? Are there areas around Midtown that aren't safe to walk after dark (or during the day)?

2) I really want a very walkable area (that I can walk after dark safely) around my apartment that doesn't shut down at 8 PM. I'm not really into bars that much (though something like Fox Sports Grill is nice). However, I do love coffee shops, book stores, and reasonably affordable interesting places to eat (that don't close at 8 PM every night). Are there areas within a mile of Midtown that would fit this well?

3) I've considered the area around the Rockefeller center, since it would be located kind of centrally between my job and Central Park (I enjoy walking around, and would like having the park nearby, though it isn't essential). What is this area like? Do you recommend it?

4) I've noticed Murray Hill is within easy walking distance of the job, and I was curious how well it fit what I was looking for, and if it was a reasonably safe place to live and walk.

I would be willing to consider a really neat neighborhood that required a quick subway commute, if it fit very well the type of neighborhood I would like to live in (like I've heard good things about the Upper East Side, but it is probably above my pay grade, and a bit far for me), though I really would prefer to be within easy walking distance (typically ~1 mile or less).

I would appreciate any tips or suggestions you guys could give me here.

Many thanks!

Right now in NYC we're dealing with a rapidly moving target where rents for decent places in decent areas are concerned. You are correct about $2,500 being the max rent on $100k salary for non-stabilized units.

Your being used to not having a car is a plus. You definitely won't be anywhere near desolate in any part of NYC and particularly in midtown or uptown or downtown Manhattan. I'd say the Rockefeller Center area or Murray Hill would be tough @2500, if alone. I'd recommend the UES at that rate for your own place - I don't suggest outer boroughs because your post would foreclose those as your desired options.

The UES is vibrant, walkable, safe between 60's - 90's on most Avenues/cross streets. There are tons of bars, coffee shops, eating establishments. Transportation via bus, subway, cab, foot is excellent.

Good luck.

[sinfree]

Thanks for the tips Miles. I'll be in NYC to check over some places this weekend, so with another recommendation for the UES, I may have to take a little trip over there and see what I can see.

[Viralmd]

The other problem with the Rockefeller Center area is that there are no services: no shoe repair, no grocery stores.

Murray Hill and the UES should be fine. Both very walkable.

[cirlin6]

I don't know of a grocery store either, but there's a shoe repair place in the Rockefeller Center concourse.