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Hi all,
I about to undertake a move from Dublin, Ireland to New York for a new job. The downside is that, compared to previous posts, doesn't exactly pay massive amounts.
The job itself is based in Irvington so I had been recommended to live half way between work and "the village" around Inwood. From what I read here I could be making a huge mistake in even looking around that area. A city dweller myself I have enough smarts to avoid trouble but then again gang crime isn't exactly a problem here.
The key point for selecting this region is the subway routes (1 and A) which, I'm told, would bring me to work or into the city in around 20 mins in either direction. I don't have a car and would only be looking after myself on around $45k a year, looking to spend approximately $850/mth on rent.
I would ideally like to avoid spending my life commuting to and from work, so I am looking for suggestions on where I should cast my net for possible places to live. I am under no illusions that I would be sharing for that price range.
Another handy bit of info would be where on the "interweb" to start my search as I have read that craigslist would be a speedy way to part a fool from his money as it were.
From what I saw many shared apartments include the amenities in the rental cost? Is this the norm, or am I being drawn in by a honey-pot scam?
Forgive my naivety, but I only have started to research this move and this forum seemed an oracle of knowledge.
Many thanks for taking the time to read my post and I look forward to your replies.
Irvington is in Westchester. You can't take the subway to Westchester. You have to go to 125th Street or Grand Central station to get the rail line to Westchester. Why on earth would you want to live someplace where you have to pay an extra income tax? Why not live in Westchester?
BTW, you're likely going to need a car in Westchester.
Honestly, if you're working in Westchester, you're better off living in Westchester near a MetroNorth stop for easy access to the city. $45,000 a year will get you a much better lifestyle than you would have in the city. You'll also be forced to pay extra taxes if you live in NYC, even if you aren't working there. Do you really want to pay extra for the privilege of living on the fringe of NYC?
For $45,000 in the city, you will be looking at a maximum of $1100 to spend on rent. That won't get you a share in a fun neighborhood. Inwood is ok if you're commuting to Midtown, but there's no easy way to get to Westchester from there. You could easily get your own place or a nice share in Westchester for that amount. Depending on where your office is located in Irvington, you may need a car to get there, and you won't be able to afford a car and a decent standard of living on your salary in NYC.
Here's the thing, even those of us who live in the city aren't going out every night. Weekends are a lot of fun, so why not live decently during the week and then come in for nights out on a weekend?
Thanks for the replies,
A car isn't really an option as the project in NY only runs for 3 years after which I will most likely be moving home or to another country.
The work place is close to the metro-north stop in Irvington so I was looking for a suitable place close to that line. I am not set on living in Manhattan but have just been recommended Inwood as a location where I would not need a car to travel about.
I have read previously that Yonkers might be a good spot?
I am totally open to suggestions of where to look, as long as I can get in and out of work in a reasonable time (<1hr) by train and also have decent access to the city.
The metro 30 day card seems like it's going to be best travel option for me.
The MetroCard for the NYC transit system isn't accepted on the NYC subway system. These are TWO DIFFERENT rail systems.
Yonkers has good and bad parts (you should post on the Westchester board about this) but has a city income tax.
Living in Inwood would be a ROYAL PAIN. First you have to get to the 125th Street MetroNorth Station, which is crosstown. NOT easy to get to. THEN you'd have to transfer to MetroNorth, the commuter railroad (NOT THE SUBWAY). And, of course, pay another fare. Same thing on the reverse.
Three years is a long time to try to exist in Westchester without a car. How about getting a used one?
Whoever suggested you live in Inwood gave you poor advice, in my opinion.
Yonkers or somewhere in The Bronx with metro north Hudson line stops could be your best bet.That way you have a straight shot to either Irvington( North) or midtown( South).There are numerous Hudson line stops in Yonkers and some are in ok urban areas where you could pretty easily live without a car.Finding a place in The Bronx along the same line would add the subway( 1 train) as an option if going downtown.There are metro north stops in Marble Hill,Spuyten Duyvil,Riverdale and University Heights.In the Bronx,I would concentrate my search around Marble Hill( actually part of Manhattan but we won't get into that now).There are some nice little pockets there West of Broadway that are quite affordable and walking distance to either the Marble hill metro North or the 225th st stop of the 1.
In Yonkers,I would look around the Ludlow stop first and then maybe downtown Yonkers.The character of neighborhoods can fluctuate from block to block but that's true anywhere.
You should find something affordable in any of these areas.You will pay an income tax in either Yonkers or The Bronx but anywhere else in Westchester will require a car, so you get to pick your own poison.
Going from Inwood to 125th Street Station could add 45 minutes before you even get to the commuter train. Depending where you are in Inwood, it would probably be faster to get Metro North in Marble Hill. You can take the 1 Train over the Broadway Bridge.
Going from Inwood to 125th Street Station could add 45 minutes before you even get to the commuter train. Depending where you are in Inwood, it would probably be faster to get Metro North in Marble Hill. There must be a bus the goes over the Broadway bridge and the station is right on the river.
Bx10 and Bx20 go over the broadway bridge
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Once again thanks for the advice.
It seems as if I have a lot more research to do. Thanks for the information on the difference between the two rail systems, I was under the impression they were all integrated and you could transfer from one to another. But you know what they say about assumption.
So the general consensus is to scrap Inwood and either look into buying a car to live in Westchester near the lab or live somewhere on the Metro North line i.e. Marble Hill, Spuyten Duyvil, Riverdale, Ludlow etc.
Looking at the maps these "burbs" aren't massive, is cycling a possibility in these places? Granted I know it'd be death during ice and snow, but is it an option to get around short distances?
I had originally ignored the option of cycling due to storage being a premium but perhaps further out from the city it might be an alternative.
Last edited by red/shift; 01-26-2010 at 11:56 AM..
Reason: removed a text format from a pasted name.
I was going to mention a bike. As you're doing a reverse commute, you can take a bike on the commuter train. You just have to get a bike permit (MNR Getaways).
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