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I have a job lined up in Manhattan (working around 8th & 39th) to begin on May 3. Salary is $85K. I've seen all of the requirements for finding a place. I'm moving from the DC suburbs and will be looking at places this week and next. I'd liked to move on or before May 1.
I'm looking for rentals in Manhattan: a studio (or 1 BR) for $2100 or (preferably) less. Is this doable? I'd like a place in a safe neighborhood that's close to the train (for a short commute), but where I don't have to leave the neighborhood if I don't want to. (If it matters, I'm a 26 yo, single male, and live pretty simply.)
I've looked at Craigslist (no fee and by owner ads) and there are numerous listings, but I don't know if they are legit. How can I tell if a listing is legit? Are there any other sites that are good for finding a place?
I've also read several other threads on here (including the massive sticky thread), but I'm still overwhelmed. I'm not sure what neighborhoods to look in, and I don't know how legitimate some of these ads are.
You could live in Hells Kitchen, which is a short walk to your office, and probably find a decent place for $2000. It's a little grittier than other parts of the city, which is why it's stayed comparatively cheap. I did a film shoot in the neighborhood and I never had a problem walking through there at 3am (and I'm a girl). I'd focus on 43rd-50th between 8th & 10th. Restaurant Row is right there, and you'll have access to almost a dozen subway lines within a short walk. The Port Authority bus terminal is on 42nd and 8th, but I'd avoid living right next to it because of the traffic and the methadone clinic.
Craigslist is the main source. Operate as if everything is legit (which most are), but use the same kind of caution that you would anywhere. Personally, I think it's better to do everything by telephone, not e-mail, and then ask every possible question and listen carefully. Does the person sound like he knows what he's talking about? Is he forthright or evasive? Is he matter-of-fact or pushy? And obviously, run if anyone demands cash.
Hells Kitchen has had a face lift and is VERY NICE area now. fact it also changed its name to Clinton........far from gritty loads of High rise apts cafes, and high end shopping.
I've been looking all along the west side: West Village, Chelsea, Hell's Kitchen, UWS. I found a place in the WV on Christopher St. Seemed great during the day. At night, there are the nearby bars, which are somewhat loud, and also drug dealers on the block. Still safe? Filled out an application but now not so sure about signing the lease. (Went searching for some links and found these: Guardian Angels swoop down on pot dealer on ChristopherGay bars and neighbors say, ‘Anything goes’ has got to go )
I also found a place in Chelsea on 21st St between 7th and 8th. The block is quiet with mostly brownstones. I found this thread which rates this block as quiet and safe: //www.city-data.com/forum/new-y...0s-couple.html
Excuse my naivete. New to this urban thing. Anyone have any advice?
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