Post: #1

I'm trying to decide whether I should get a studio in UES/Harlem/Wash. Heights or get a spot in LES with roommates. Will the better logistics be enough to justify having roommates? I've always wanted to have own studio/bachelor's pad, but how sketchy are those areas with affordable rent. I'm looking to spend no more than $1600.

Post: #2

$1,600 is too low to live in Manhattan unless you want a shitty walkup with roommates and possibly rats

Post: #3

There are a decent amount of studios in Washington Heights for around $1500-1600 but you better be cool with living in not fully gentrified neighborhoods and real near some no-go zones. I wouldn't live there personally. Some people like it though because it reminds them of the NYC of yesteryear when it was more gritty. Too long a train ride/taxi to lower Manhattan and a lot of chicks won't be down with going that far uptown.

UES - As in upper upper, has some stuff around $1700 for studios.

You should do some homework; there are some really solid NYC focused rental sites out there that could have broken this down for you in 2 minutes.

That said, you really need to up your rent budget to $2000 if you want to open up some more possibilities. I would forego the roommates and try to find someway to up the budget. Having your own studio in lower Manhattan is like having cheat codes in the US when it comes to banging endless amounts of decent looking women. It really is that stupid easy when compared to anywhere else in the states. Are you gonna let a few extra grand a year screw you out of some the best logistics in the US for endless pussy?

Personally, I'm not a fan of NYC for various other reasons. But if I were to do it, I'm doing it right or I'm not doing it at all.

Post: #4

I've been checking streeteasy and those neighborhoods are the only that come up in this price range. Maybe Yorkville if I get lucky.
That being said, with the 40x rule, I don't think I can pull something more expensive even if I wanted to. 80x guarantor option is not viable.

Post: #5

70k net?
That's pretty good

Post: #6

If you want my advice, seek out something in chinatown. Landlords there are starting to renovate for the middle class. It's definitely not top tier, but depending on your tolerance levels, its unbeatable for location and price. RVFers should in any case be used to working with second and third world conditions. Chinatown is miles above this still because it has basic US amenities such as gas burner, large fridge, constant hot water, etc. So what's the problem? Studios can be found there for cerca $1200 monthly.

Post: #7

$1200 studio in Chinatown? Do they not advertise online? I've never seen one for this much

Post: #8

$1200 might be a lucky find. But my basic point is: keep chinatown on your radar. You will get better prices because the middle class think its dirty. This market is just opening up, so these opportunities might not be available through traditional avenues. This is to your advantage, because it keeps the prices low. Look at local university accomodation listings. Maybe even local chinatown papers; I'm less experienced in searching that way though.