1999 vs. 2009? (apartment, rent, how much)

[regina george]

I moved to NY in 1999 and lived there for about 5 years. I'm considering moving back at the end of this year (or early 2010) and I want to know what new challenges I would face moving there now.

[SeventhFloor]

high rent, public transportation and cabs are also more expensive....the 3 off the top of my head.

[7 Wishes]

much harder to get a job, but that's true everywhere!

[regina george]

How much would say the rent has increased in the last 10 years?

When I lived there before, I was working customer service and restaurant jobs, if I move back, I'll have a degree so *hopefully* more opportunities. But I'm certainly not above taking the CS and restaurant jobs again until I get something using my degree.

[LIS123]

The city (and state) of NY are going through very difficult times. I'd think carefully before moving back. A recent analysis (I forgot the source) ranked NY as the state with the least favorable economic outlook moving forward. It's not wise to move there without solid employment prospects lined up in advance. Purchase prices are coming down, but I haven't hears as much about declining rents.

[regina george]

You don't remember the source? And NY state overall is a little different than the actual city.

[MikeInQueens]

How much would say the rent has increased in the last 10 years?

In 1999 I was paying $575.00 for a decent large basement apartment.
In 2008, I found one for $850.00, . . but it wasn't easy.
But both places where reported and the building inspectors wanted
to get in to see the place (both were illegal) and I had to move.

Now, you really can't find a place (even a decent size studio)
for less than $900.00.
My current place was listed for $900 when the landlord offered it.
He had people come down to fill out applications.
Some people offered him $1000 for it.
So I'm paying $1000 because of that.

[regina george]

Oh wow. That's a big increase. I assume you're in Queens because of your SN? When I lived there before, I was in downtown Manhattan, then East/Spanish Harlem and then the Bronx. When I move back, I'd prefer somewhere uptown Manhattan or Queens.