If you're ready to shell out $2,500-$3,000 for a 1BR, you will find some ridiculously nice places. Most people who have "Stockholm's Syndrome" in NYC are people who are living on modest means and are forced to accept what's given to them. When you're looking in the amounts above, you really have an abundance of choices throughout Manhattan. I recommend hunting in August/September. At the moment, vacancies are at an all time low. This translates into brokers and landlords having better leverage. But stuff starts freeing up around August/September, and that's where you get more wiggle room to negotiate lower broker fees.rayiner wrote:New Yorkers are like people in abusive relationships. Check out this idiot:
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"They also installed blinds, however, the windows are single pane and somewhat drafty. This is to be expected in an older building, but I will go into why it is a problem later."
Sure, to be expected...
"The first three days I spent in my apartment, I had my heater on only at night (high) and was still cold--especially when I was more than a few feet away from the source. It sounded and felt like I was using a blow-dryer for heat. Then, I get my first electricity bill...for $82."
Hmm...
"Then, I get my first electricity bill...for $82. If it costs that much for THREE DAYS, then imagine what it would be for a month!"
Well that's gotta be a mistake...
"consulted a friend who also lives in Gateway. The bill for his 2-bedroom is $500 per month. After speaking with management, he discovered that the units are not designed for heating and they are indeed like inefficient blow-dryers."
He moved out right?
"'I'm pretty happy with this place. Compared to the 3 apartments I've had in Midtown, Gateway is definitely cleaner, nicer and much more serene."
Wait wut?
Score: 4/5.
Reading some of the responses, they seem to take pride in putting up with third-world problems in a $2500/mo apartment:
"My gf and I turned on the heat in our apartment ONCE this winter - and it was a cold winter. our Elec bills were about $50 a month. not bad. but maybe we are from hardier stock. "
Does make you miss the days of the financial crisis, I suppose. Back then, buildings–especially new developments–were offering stuff like one-three months' rent free. It really was a renter's market back then. But, quickly enough, things have reversed.