We have to temporarily relocate to NYC for a job (anywhere 6 month - 2 years). We are looking at variety of options from unfurnished month to month rentals to furnished sublets to potentially buying a small 1-bedroom to be able to sell it later or rent it if unable to sell.
We would like to stay close to Madison Sq Park near the two subway stops, so we were looking at Chelsea, Gramercy, Flatiron, Murray Hill, Union Sq. Which of these areas you would recommend concentrating on given the following:
- our budget is 3K a month for a 1 bedroom place. But we would prefer a normal full size 1 bedroom with two separate rooms as opposed to a tiny converted studio. Is our budget realistic for Midtown? I have seen quite a few places in this price range that were nice enough, but not sure if it's possible to find with flexible lease options.
- we are in our mid 30s and work long hours, so we want a place that's in a relatively quiet area (side street) without bars/clubs too close and without too much heavy traffic / foot traffic in all hours of the night.
- we love outdoors and would like to live near some recreational trails - like parks, waterfront or streets friendly for joggers.
- we want to have proximity (short walking distance) to restaurants of different kinds (we will mostly be eating out or ordering take out). We would want to avoid areas where most restaurants are very expensive and high end and would prefer a 'mixed' type of food options, like cheaper ethnic eats for takeout as well as some nice restaurants for occasional nice dinner.
- We would like to have an area that has a good presence of smaller inexpensive gyms or yoga studios that we can join if the apartment complex doesn't have a fitness center.
- we love green spaces and would want to be in the area that's has more tree lined streets as opposed to just concrete buildings.
I am not familiar with midtown that much, only visited this area once some time ago, so your advice is greatly appreciated.
Also, how realistic do you think our expectations are with consideration to our budget?
We are open to other areas as well that are a very short and convenient direct subway ride in case we can't find anything within the walking distance. We prefer to stay in Manhattan, as we want to experience living in the city.