She Strengthens

The Unvarnished Truth About Living in NYC

A Cautionary Tale of Naivety and Overpaying

When I first made the move to New York City, I thought I had a decent grasp of the rental market. Boy, was I wrong. My partner Marc and I ended up taking the first apartment we saw in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and we’ve been paying a premium for it ever since. Our current rent? A whopping $2,500 per month, plus utilities.

The Cost of Convenience

We chose Williamsburg for its proximity to my office, but in hindsight, we should have done more research. If you’re considering moving to Williamsburg, be prepared to pay around $2,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Newer condos will set you back even more, around $800 extra per month. However, there are more affordable options in neighboring areas like Bed Stuy and Bushwick, where you can find decent apartments for around $750 per month.

Brooklyn Neighborhoods: A Breakdown

• Williamsburg: Convenient, but expensive and soulless
• Bed Stuy: More affordable, with spacious bedrooms and decent amenities
• Bushwick: Similar to Bed Stuy, with a more laid-back vibe
• Prospect Park: Comparable to Bed Stuy, with the added bonus of a beautiful park

The Queens Conundrum

Queens is often the most affordable option, but be prepared for limited public transportation access to certain areas of the city.

Downtown Delights (and Downsides)

• St Mark’s Place: A rare find, with one-bedrooms going for around $2,400 per month
• Stuy Town: One-bedrooms in shared apartments for around $1,000 per month
• Flatiron, West Village, East Village, and SoHo: Expect to pay top dollar (around $3,000-$3,500 per month) for convenience and hipness

Uptown Options

• Harlem, Washington Heights, and Morningside Heights: Affordable rents (around $750 per month), but be prepared for a longer commute and relative isolation

Our Next Move

As we’re tired of overpaying for our current apartment, we’re making the move to the Upper East Side in January. Despite its reputation, it’s become one of the most affordable areas of Manhattan, with nice one-bedrooms going for around $1,900 per month.

Lessons Learned

• Do your research: Ask people what they pay and how they found their place
• Don’t settle for the first option: Look at multiple places online and in person
• Consider all neighborhoods in your budget
• Set your expectations low and be prepared for surprises

In the end, finding the right apartment in NYC requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn from others’ mistakes.