First year associate rent Forum

[1styearlateral]

I live in Hoboken and split a 2br/2ba/washer/dryer with a parking spot for $2,800/mo. Since I don't use the parking spot, my share comes out to be like $1,225. It's honestly pretty affordable but still sky high compared to the 4-floor HOUSE I rented in law school with two other guys for $1,500 total. Ahhh... secondary markets (goes to show you how desirable biglaw in secondary markets is... still a pretty decent paycheck and much lower COL).

Commute to my office is ~45min. on average, but could be as short as a half hour or as long as an hour depending on traffic. I take the bus to Port Authority and then the subway. Not too bad but would love to move into the city after my lease is up in order to turn my commute into a solid 20-30 min.

Looking at apartments in NYC has become a past time of mine. I can assure anyone looking to move to Manhattan that you won't find something for less than $2,500 worth living in (1br... I'm 26, not looking to live in a studio). Best scenario would be to have a working SO so that you can split that hefty rent in half.

I don't work for the company nor have I ever used the website but it looks like it might be a good way to save on broker's fees (NOT A PLUG). https://nestie.co/

[purpleparrot]

I live in Hoboken and split a 2br/2ba/washer/dryer with a parking spot for $2,800/mo. Since I don't use the parking spot, my share comes out to be like $1,225. It's honestly pretty affordable but still sky high compared to the 4-floor HOUSE I rented in law school with two other guys for $1,500 total. Ahhh... secondary markets (goes to show you how desirable biglaw in secondary markets is... still a pretty decent paycheck and much lower COL).

Commute to my office is ~45min. on average, but could be as short as a half hour or as long as an hour depending on traffic. I take the bus to Port Authority and then the subway. Not too bad but would love to move into the city after my lease is up in order to turn my commute into a solid 20-30 min.

Looking at apartments in NYC has become a past time of mine. I can assure anyone looking to move to Manhattan that you won't find something for less than $2,500 worth living in (1br... I'm 26, not looking to live in a studio). Best scenario would be to have a working SO so that you can split that hefty rent in half.

I don't work for the company nor have I ever used the website but it looks like it might be a good way to save on broker's fees (NOT A PLUG). https://nestie.co/

Question from someone new to NYC housing. I've perused through streeteasy, zillow, and some random management/brokerage company websites and it seems like there are lots of 1 bedrooms in the $2000-$2300 range. Most are in Yorkville, where I'm primarily looking, but I've seen them sprinkled around other neighborhoods as well. Typically older walk ups, but that doesn't bother me. Should I be wary of these? I dunno if these are bait and switch situations, or people saying $2k is not possible just have higher standards for apartments/neighborhoods than I do.

[Anonymous User]

I live in Hoboken and split a 2br/2ba/washer/dryer with a parking spot for $2,800/mo. Since I don't use the parking spot, my share comes out to be like $1,225. It's honestly pretty affordable but still sky high compared to the 4-floor HOUSE I rented in law school with two other guys for $1,500 total. Ahhh... secondary markets (goes to show you how desirable biglaw in secondary markets is... still a pretty decent paycheck and much lower COL).

Commute to my office is ~45min. on average, but could be as short as a half hour or as long as an hour depending on traffic. I take the bus to Port Authority and then the subway. Not too bad but would love to move into the city after my lease is up in order to turn my commute into a solid 20-30 min.

Looking at apartments in NYC has become a past time of mine. I can assure anyone looking to move to Manhattan that you won't find something for less than $2,500 worth living in (1br... I'm 26, not looking to live in a studio). Best scenario would be to have a working SO so that you can split that hefty rent in half.

I don't work for the company nor have I ever used the website but it looks like it might be a good way to save on broker's fees (NOT A PLUG). https://nestie.co/

Question from someone new to NYC housing. I've perused through streeteasy, zillow, and some random management/brokerage company websites and it seems like there are lots of 1 bedrooms in the $2000-$2300 range. Most are in Yorkville, where I'm primarily looking, but I've seen them sprinkled around other neighborhoods as well. Typically older walk ups, but that doesn't bother me. Should I be wary of these? I dunno if these are bait and switch situations, or people saying $2k is not possible just have higher standards for apartments/neighborhoods than I do.

I lived in a 1 bedroom in Yorkville for 2 years. The rent was $2095 the first year and went up to $2125. Presumably now it's $2155. It's definitely possible. Downsides- my bedroom and kitchen were tiny, and I was on the first floor. Upsides- laundry in building, close to 2nd avenue's plethora of restaurants, and only a 12 minute walk to the 4/5/6. Supposedly the 2nd avenue subway will be up and running in that neighborhood by 2019, but who really knows. If your standards aren't that high, Yorkville is really affordable by NYC standards.

[DportIA]

I live in the East Village/Ukranian Village/Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago and I pay $1,000/mo (one roommate; 2 bed 2 bath). For non-chicagoans its a trendy area. Commute on the blue line, door to door is 29-32 mins door to door.

[beautyistruth]

I live in Hoboken and split a 2br/2ba/washer/dryer with a parking spot for $2,800/mo. Since I don't use the parking spot, my share comes out to be like $1,225. It's honestly pretty affordable but still sky high compared to the 4-floor HOUSE I rented in law school with two other guys for $1,500 total. Ahhh... secondary markets (goes to show you how desirable biglaw in secondary markets is... still a pretty decent paycheck and much lower COL).

Commute to my office is ~45min. on average, but could be as short as a half hour or as long as an hour depending on traffic. I take the bus to Port Authority and then the subway. Not too bad but would love to move into the city after my lease is up in order to turn my commute into a solid 20-30 min.

Looking at apartments in NYC has become a past time of mine. I can assure anyone looking to move to Manhattan that you won't find something for less than $2,500 worth living in (1br... I'm 26, not looking to live in a studio). Best scenario would be to have a working SO so that you can split that hefty rent in half.

I don't work for the company nor have I ever used the website but it looks like it might be a good way to save on broker's fees (NOT A PLUG). https://nestie.co/

Question from someone new to NYC housing. I've perused through streeteasy, zillow, and some random management/brokerage company websites and it seems like there are lots of 1 bedrooms in the $2000-$2300 range. Most are in Yorkville, where I'm primarily looking, but I've seen them sprinkled around other neighborhoods as well. Typically older walk ups, but that doesn't bother me. Should I be wary of these? I dunno if these are bait and switch situations, or people saying $2k is not possible just have higher standards for apartments/neighborhoods than I do.

I lived in a 1 bedroom in Yorkville for 2 years. The rent was $2095 the first year and went up to $2125. Presumably now it's $2155. It's definitely possible. Downsides- my bedroom and kitchen were tiny, and I was on the first floor. Upsides- laundry in building, close to 2nd avenue's plethora of restaurants, and only a 12 minute walk to the 4/5/6. Supposedly the 2nd avenue subway will be up and running in that neighborhood by 2019, but who really knows. If your standards aren't that high, Yorkville is really affordable by NYC standards.

No, that's about right for Yorkville. You have to understand that it's a 10-15 minute walk to the subway, which adds quite a bit to your commute. Also, in the winter, it is going to be a walk in windy, frigid weather, which can be pretty unpleasant. Still, you're on the UES, near Central Park and Midtown, and have a great selection of shops and restaurants near you, so if small walk-ups and long walks in the winter are fine by you, it's a great place to look.

[purpleparrot]

I live in Hoboken and split a 2br/2ba/washer/dryer with a parking spot for $2,800/mo. Since I don't use the parking spot, my share comes out to be like $1,225. It's honestly pretty affordable but still sky high compared to the 4-floor HOUSE I rented in law school with two other guys for $1,500 total. Ahhh... secondary markets (goes to show you how desirable biglaw in secondary markets is... still a pretty decent paycheck and much lower COL).

Commute to my office is ~45min. on average, but could be as short as a half hour or as long as an hour depending on traffic. I take the bus to Port Authority and then the subway. Not too bad but would love to move into the city after my lease is up in order to turn my commute into a solid 20-30 min.

Looking at apartments in NYC has become a past time of mine. I can assure anyone looking to move to Manhattan that you won't find something for less than $2,500 worth living in (1br... I'm 26, not looking to live in a studio). Best scenario would be to have a working SO so that you can split that hefty rent in half.

I don't work for the company nor have I ever used the website but it looks like it might be a good way to save on broker's fees (NOT A PLUG). https://nestie.co/

Question from someone new to NYC housing. I've perused through streeteasy, zillow, and some random management/brokerage company websites and it seems like there are lots of 1 bedrooms in the $2000-$2300 range. Most are in Yorkville, where I'm primarily looking, but I've seen them sprinkled around other neighborhoods as well. Typically older walk ups, but that doesn't bother me. Should I be wary of these? I dunno if these are bait and switch situations, or people saying $2k is not possible just have higher standards for apartments/neighborhoods than I do.

I lived in a 1 bedroom in Yorkville for 2 years. The rent was $2095 the first year and went up to $2125. Presumably now it's $2155. It's definitely possible. Downsides- my bedroom and kitchen were tiny, and I was on the first floor. Upsides- laundry in building, close to 2nd avenue's plethora of restaurants, and only a 12 minute walk to the 4/5/6. Supposedly the 2nd avenue subway will be up and running in that neighborhood by 2019, but who really knows. If your standards aren't that high, Yorkville is really affordable by NYC standards.

No, that's about right for Yorkville. You have to understand that it's a 10-15 minute walk to the subway, which adds quite a bit to your commute. Also, in the winter, it is going to be a walk in windy, frigid weather, which can be pretty unpleasant. Still, you're on the UES, near Central Park and Midtown, and have a great selection of shops and restaurants near you, so if small walk-ups and long walks in the winter are fine by you, it's a great place to look.

Thanks, just trying to make sure I'm managing my expectations correctly (i.e. I don't want to get laughed out the door by every broker). If anyone knows of any other neighborhoods where that price range is feasible, shout them out.

[sublime]

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[Anonymous User]

How reliable is the bus from NJ through the lincoln tunnel and the water taxi and then free bus across to Midtown East Grand Central? If its a 30 min commute and OK with commuting from Weehawken.

[gk101]

Any advice for a first-time renter in Chicago? Recommended neighborhoods? I'm looking at river north/near north/loop (possibly).

Avoid living in the loop. river north/lincoln park/wicker park/lakeview/streeterville/gold coast etc are all fine. expect to pay about ~1800 for 1BR

[PvblivsScipio]

How much do you LA people pay? Working in Century City and I need to figure out where tf to live while being able to aggressively pay loans down.

[Mullens]

Any advice for a first-time renter in Chicago? Recommended neighborhoods? I'm looking at river north/near north/loop (possibly).

Don't live in the loop unless it's lakeshore east - most areas don't have easy access to grocery stores and aren't the best to walk home to at night. River North/Gold Coast/Streeterville are all nice places to live, and you can probably get a good 1br for around $1850-2200. At most, you'll have a 10-15 minute walk to the red line to work, and depending on where your firm is in the loop, no more than a 20 minute commute. I would recommend these areas.

A lot of hipsters like to live in Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and Logan Square. Rent will probably be a few hundred cheaper, but the buildings will be older and your commute potentially doubled. Belmont is another popular option.

I think this poster's price range on River North/Gold Coast/ Streeterville is accurate. The rest of the post is absurd. There are almost no hipsters in Lincoln Park or Lakeview. I can't even tell you how hilariously inaccurate and ridiculous that is. Lincoln Park is mostly young professionals, families, and students. Lakeview is the same but with a lot more bros and kids who just graduated from college. "Belmont" is a redline stop in Lakeview and not a neighborhood.

Where you should live really depends on what you want to spend, what kind of building/neighborhood you're looking for, where you're working, and how far you are okay with being from work. The thing about transit in Chicago is that distance is not really correlated with how long it will take you to get somewhere because there are express buses and the L lines run pretty fast. Where you should live really depends on where your firm is located. If you're working somewhere near the north branch of the river (Kirkland, Latham, or Jones Day) then you could be close walking distance from River North/River West. You'd also only be about 20-30 minutes away on public transit if you lived in Lincoln Park or Lakeview. If you're working somewhere on the west side of the Loop, like Skadden, you're probably better off looking in West Loop or much farther north than Streeterville since it would take you 20-30 minutes to get to Skadden from Streeterville anyway. If you're in the loop (like at Sidley) then you can really live anywhere near public transit and get there in less than 30 minutes. South Loop could also be a decent option if you're working at one of the downtown firms. The farther north you go, generally the cheaper it is. You could find a 1 BR for less than $1500 and within 30 minutes of work if you look.

[Anonymous User]

My GF paid 1500 for her share of a pretty good sized 2BR in Murray Hill. Is this really so far out of the norm? I also know some people living in FiDi who pay under 2k for sutdios/1 BR's that are perfectly serviceable. I was thinking 2k tops for rent, I don't care about having a nice place or being particularly trendy.

[RaceJudicata]

Any advice for a first-time renter in Chicago? Recommended neighborhoods? I'm looking at river north/near north/loop (possibly).

Don't live in the loop unless it's lakeshore east - most areas don't have easy access to grocery stores and aren't the best to walk home to at night. River North/Gold Coast/Streeterville are all nice places to live, and you can probably get a good 1br for around $1850-2200. At most, you'll have a 10-15 minute walk to the red line to work, and depending on where your firm is in the loop, no more than a 20 minute commute. I would recommend these areas.

A lot of hipsters like to live in Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and Logan Square. Rent will probably be a few hundred cheaper, but the buildings will be older and your commute potentially doubled. Belmont is another popular option.

As another has noted, this is woefully inaccurate. River North/Gold Coast rent price is accurate. The rest is nonsense.

Lincoln Park/Lakeview is full of young families and students (DePaul is there). This is a great area to live and you can find decent places at sold prices. Try and stay close to L stops rather than relying on the bus. Express bus lines are ok, but can still be a hassle.

Old Town is another solid option for young professionals - lot of good bars/restaurants and access to downtown.

West Loop and Wicker Park are a bit grungier, but in a trendy sort of way. West Loop has a ton of popular/trendy restaurants, but has high rents and not great transit options. Wicker has solid access to downtown via blue line, but isn't for everyone.

[jfiaff]

Any advice for a first-time renter in Chicago? Recommended neighborhoods? I'm looking at river north/near north/loop (possibly).

Avoid living in the loop. river north/lincoln park/wicker park/lakeview/streeterville/gold coast etc are all fine. expect to pay about ~1800 for 1BR

Why avoid the loop? I live in the loop and it's great. It's relatively quiet at night since it's mostly office buildings but cool nightlife is just a short walk in almost every direction.

[Anonymous User]

How much do you LA people pay? Working in Century City and I need to figure out where tf to live while being able to aggressively pay loans down.

West LA is probably your best bet. Santa Monica and Venice are going to be more expensive. I guess the valley would be cheapest, but then you have to live in the valley.

I work in Pasadena and live in Los Feliz for $1750.00 (1 bedroom), which is cheap for this area .

[Anonymous User]

I pay $1500/month for a nice 1 br at 25 e delaware on the border of Gold Coast and river north. It's a 5 minute walk to the Chicago Red metro stop, which itself is a 10 minute train ride to the loop. Also about 10 minute walk to trader joes and Jewell grocery store. Good bars and restaurants are plentiful. Overall, I would highly recommend.

[RaceJudicata]

Any advice for a first-time renter in Chicago? Recommended neighborhoods? I'm looking at river north/near north/loop (possibly).

Avoid living in the loop. river north/lincoln park/wicker park/lakeview/streeterville/gold coast etc are all fine. expect to pay about ~1800 for 1BR

Why avoid the loop? I live in the loop and it's great. It's relatively quiet at night since it's mostly office buildings but cool nightlife is just a short walk in almost every direction.

Exactly, its essentially all office buildings. There is no "street life" or neighborhood stores/bars/restaurants/hangouts, etc. Its missing all of the things that makes Chicago great. Chicago is a neighborhood city - full of different people/vibes, and the Loop is just office buildings. Plus, its nice to get the hell away from the office after work.

[PvblivsScipio]

How much do you LA people pay? Working in Century City and I need to figure out where tf to live while being able to aggressively pay loans down.

West LA is probably your best bet. Santa Monica and Venice are going to be more expensive. I guess the valley would be cheapest, but then you have to live in the valley.

I work in Pasadena and live in Los Feliz for $1750.00 (1 bedroom), which is cheap for this area .

delete

[gk101]

Any advice for a first-time renter in Chicago? Recommended neighborhoods? I'm looking at river north/near north/loop (possibly).

Avoid living in the loop. river north/lincoln park/wicker park/lakeview/streeterville/gold coast etc are all fine. expect to pay about ~1800 for 1BR

Why avoid the loop? I live in the loop and it's great. It's relatively quiet at night since it's mostly office buildings but cool nightlife is just a short walk in almost every direction.

Exactly, its essentially all office buildings. There is no "street life" or neighborhood stores/bars/restaurants/hangouts, etc. Its missing all of the things that makes Chicago great. Chicago is a neighborhood city - full of different people/vibes, and the Loop is just office buildings. Plus, its nice to get the hell away from the office after work.

All of this. I work in the loop and the worst part about working on the weekends here is that NOTHING is open. I walked 9 blocks yesterday just to find an open starbucks. I guess it's okay if you live closer to michigan ave. but why live here when almost any other neighborhood will give you a lot better QOL

[jess]

.

[1styearlateral]

I live in Hoboken and split a 2br/2ba/washer/dryer with a parking spot for $2,800/mo. Since I don't use the parking spot, my share comes out to be like $1,225. It's honestly pretty affordable but still sky high compared to the 4-floor HOUSE I rented in law school with two other guys for $1,500 total. Ahhh... secondary markets (goes to show you how desirable biglaw in secondary markets is... still a pretty decent paycheck and much lower COL).

Commute to my office is ~45min. on average, but could be as short as a half hour or as long as an hour depending on traffic. I take the bus to Port Authority and then the subway. Not too bad but would love to move into the city after my lease is up in order to turn my commute into a solid 20-30 min.

Looking at apartments in NYC has become a past time of mine. I can assure anyone looking to move to Manhattan that you won't find something for less than $2,500 worth living in (1br... I'm 26, not looking to live in a studio). Best scenario would be to have a working SO so that you can split that hefty rent in half.

I don't work for the company nor have I ever used the website but it looks like it might be a good way to save on broker's fees (NOT A PLUG). https://nestie.co/

Question from someone new to NYC housing. I've perused through streeteasy, zillow, and some random management/brokerage company websites and it seems like there are lots of 1 bedrooms in the $2000-$2300 range. Most are in Yorkville, where I'm primarily looking, but I've seen them sprinkled around other neighborhoods as well. Typically older walk ups, but that doesn't bother me. Should I be wary of these? I dunno if these are bait and switch situations, or people saying $2k is not possible just have higher standards for apartments/neighborhoods than I do.

I've never been up that way but as someone already commented you're going to have quite a walk to the subway. When your commute to the office is only 20 min., every minute counts and every minute added to your commute can seem like an hour. Personally, the shorter my commute, the more time I can spend in the office and the more free time I have when I'm not at work.

How reliable is the bus from NJ through the lincoln tunnel and the water taxi and then free bus across to Midtown East Grand Central? If its a 30 min commute and OK with commuting from Weehawken.

As I stated above, it takes me anywhere from 10 min. to a half hour to get from North Hoboken to Port Authority, which is right across the street from Proskauer, Pepper Hamilton, etc. So living on the Hudson and working in that area is pretty doable. As far as getting to Midtown East... I have no idea. I would think the subway would be quicker than the bus.

FWIW, in my opinion, the less "links" you have in your commute, including walking, the better.

[PvblivsScipio]

How much do you LA people pay? Working in Century City and I need to figure out where tf to live while being able to aggressively pay loans down.

West LA is probably your best bet. Santa Monica and Venice are going to be more expensive. I guess the valley would be cheapest, but then you have to live in the valley.

I work in Pasadena and live in Los Feliz for $1750.00 (1 bedroom), which is cheap for this area .

Yeah the struggle is trying to figure out where exactly. Most people live in Culver/SM/Miracle Mile. Also trying to figure out if my girlfriend will live with me but she works in SGV. I hate finding a place to live

I would live somewhere that doesn't require taking the 405. That thing is a fucking nightmare in any direction, all hours of the day or night. Pretty much every area around Century City will be safe but kind of residential and boring. I don't know your budget, but there will likely be some apartment in every neighborhood on the west side you can afford. Just use westsiderentals.com. I personally would probably opt for WeHo if I worked in Century City and had a parking garage at work.

I currently live in Santa Monica in between Santa Monica Airport and the 10. I pay $2200 for a renovated 2br for frame of reference. I found it on Craigslist, but most of the apartments I viewed before signing a lease were found on westsiderentals. Craigslist stuff gets scooped up so fast in competitive neighborhoods like Santa Monica, so be prepared to schedule a showing asap and make a decision on the spot.

Ah yeah, I was trying to figure out if I should get an account but I probably should. Also, did you have any trouble with income verification or was the offer letter enough?

[Mr. Peanutbutter]

I live in Hoboken and split a 2br/2ba/washer/dryer with a parking spot for $2,800/mo. Since I don't use the parking spot, my share comes out to be like $1,225. It's honestly pretty affordable but still sky high compared to the 4-floor HOUSE I rented in law school with two other guys for $1,500 total. Ahhh... secondary markets (goes to show you how desirable biglaw in secondary markets is... still a pretty decent paycheck and much lower COL).

Commute to my office is ~45min. on average, but could be as short as a half hour or as long as an hour depending on traffic. I take the bus to Port Authority and then the subway. Not too bad but would love to move into the city after my lease is up in order to turn my commute into a solid 20-30 min.

Looking at apartments in NYC has become a past time of mine. I can assure anyone looking to move to Manhattan that you won't find something for less than $2,500 worth living in (1br... I'm 26, not looking to live in a studio). Best scenario would be to have a working SO so that you can split that hefty rent in half.

I don't work for the company nor have I ever used the website but it looks like it might be a good way to save on broker's fees (NOT A PLUG). https://nestie.co/

Question from someone new to NYC housing. I've perused through streeteasy, zillow, and some random management/brokerage company websites and it seems like there are lots of 1 bedrooms in the $2000-$2300 range. Most are in Yorkville, where I'm primarily looking, but I've seen them sprinkled around other neighborhoods as well. Typically older walk ups, but that doesn't bother me. Should I be wary of these? I dunno if these are bait and switch situations, or people saying $2k is not possible just have higher standards for apartments/neighborhoods than I do.

I've never been up that way but as someone already commented you're going to have quite a walk to the subway. When your commute to the office is only 20 min., every minute counts and every minute added to your commute can seem like an hour. Personally, the shorter my commute, the more time I can spend in the office and the more free time I have when I'm not at work.

How reliable is the bus from NJ through the lincoln tunnel and the water taxi and then free bus across to Midtown East Grand Central? If its a 30 min commute and OK with commuting from Weehawken.

As I stated above, it takes me anywhere from 10 min. to a half hour to get from North Hoboken to Port Authority, which is right across the street from Proskauer, Pepper Hamilton, etc. So living on the Hudson and working in that area is pretty doable. As far as getting to Midtown East... I have no idea. I would think the subway would be quicker than the bus.

FWIW, in my opinion, the less "links" you have in your commute, including walking, the better.

Jersey City is also good if you're in FiDi or Midtown West.

As an aside, do you not pay NYC tax if you're in Jersey? That comes out to a not-insubstantial amount every month, right?

[jess]

.

[Anonymous User]

I can comment on SF and LA.

My husband and I paid about 4000 a month for a so-so small 2 bedroom in SF my first few years (pac heights). (So-so because we only had one parking spot, the kitchen and bathrooms were terribly out of date, no AC, noisy location, and storage was bad. But on SF standards, it was actually a nice place I guess.).

In LA, we pay about 3000 a month for a large 2 bedroom in a residential west LA neighborhood (with modern amenities and parking).