She Strengthens

The Art of Compromise: Finding the Perfect Apartment in NYC

As I reflect on the recent signing of our new lease, I’m reminded of the immense effort and deliberation that went into finding the perfect apartment in New York City. It’s a daunting task, especially when considering the numerous factors that come into play. Our new place marks a significant milestone – not only is it our first apartment in NYC that we’ve had the luxury of choosing, but it’s also our first office space for The Financial Diet (TFD).

The Challenges of NYC Real Estate

Moving in NYC can be a financially draining experience. With broker fees reaching as high as $4,000, it’s essential to make the right decision. Over the past few months, I viewed approximately 10 apartments in person and hundreds online, determined to find the ideal space. However, the reality of real estate is that you never know when the perfect place might be just around the corner. Making a decision can be difficult, but we finally pulled the trigger, and we’re thrilled with our choice.

Defining Our Priorities

As we began our search, we identified our non-negotiables. A two-bedroom apartment was essential, as TFD’s operations had outgrown my bedroom and dining room. Separating our work and personal lives was crucial for our mental health, and having a dedicated office space was vital. With Lauren recently moving to New York, we needed a room for her to work comfortably. This meant we required a spacious apartment with two reasonably sized bedrooms, one of which could function as a home office and guest room.

Budgeting for Success

We set a reasonable budget, knowing that spending at the top of our income would be unsustainable. By shaving off $400 a month, we could afford a larger space in areas like South/East/Central Brooklyn, Queens, Harlem/upper Manhattan, or New Jersey. After exploring these options, we decided to focus on Harlem, which offered a unique blend of history, culture, and affordability.

Our “Want” List

As we viewed apartments, our priorities became clear:

• Good lighting
• Close proximity to an express train
• Spacious bedrooms
• Spacious, well-lit living space
• Renovated, open kitchen

However, it soon became apparent that we wouldn’t find an apartment that checked every box. We had to make compromises, and I revised my list, considering our unique situation. Since neither Marc nor I commute to work, the proximity to an express train became less important, opening up more options in Harlem.

The Final Choice

After viewing several apartments, we narrowed down our options to two: a well-lit apartment with traditional two bedrooms or a duplex with a studio downstairs that would function as an office/guest suite. While the duplex seemed like the obvious choice, I was hesitant due to my previous experience with poor lighting. Ultimately, the duplex won out, offering a great separation of work and personal space, its own bathroom, and plenty of room for growth.

Lessons Learned

Finding the perfect apartment in NYC requires compromise and honesty about your priorities. It’s essential to evaluate your lifestyle and decide what you’re willing to sacrifice. While it’s challenging to find the absolute best place, being realistic about your needs can lead to a happy and fulfilling living situation. As I gaze upon our new spiral staircase, I’m reminded that anything is possible with patience, persistence, and a willingness to adapt.