Apartment leads in area for a 2 bedroom around 1500

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Apartment leads in area for a 2 bedroom around 1500

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BKChickie
Bagel Hole Girl
Joined: Mar '08
Posts: 1,089

TrebleClef 1 said:
Sorry, I meant $1100 per person. So we could find a 2 bedroom for $2200 total, $1100 per person. In Brooklyn, we are looking for a two bedroom for $1500 total, $750 per person.

I gotta ask people who are renting: is this even a realistic amount for a two bedroom apartment in these neighborhoods? I was paying more than that 12 years ago for a 2 bedroom in a so-so part of Boston. If we wanted to rent out our two bedroom we would have to charge more than $1,500/month just to cover our costs and make a little money.

# Posted 10 mos ago
Cool The Kid
We out this mother effer
Joined: Jan '07
Posts: 1,385

I dont want to scare you or shit on CH. But I can say with confidence the "sketchiness" you are playing down will turn into outright insecurity/discomfort as time goes on. Don't forget, you will have to walk around more than EP, and EP gets hairy at night all the way up to and including the museum.

Why do you want to live in this area so badly?

[
Mamacita said:
I <3 CTK

# Posted 10 mos ago
tateinbk
above average
Joined: Jun '11
Posts: 499

I agree with Cool the Kid in asking why this area is so important to you. Is it just that you have friends already there?

I disagree with CTK though on the overall scariness of the neighborhood. There are certain streets that are a little more desolate than others, but I disagree that EP gets so hairy at night. I moved into the area just as CTK was moving out though. Maybe it's changed since that moment in time? I walk on east on EP or even Lincoln past the Museum at night and haven't had my NYC-spidey sense alarm go off.

# Posted 10 mos ago
TrebleClef 1
rookie newb
Joined: Jul '12
Posts: 16

Like with most people, certain areas are just more desirable because of my living preferences. Sadly, most of my friends can afford Manhattan so it’s not about social life. The main thing I need (personally, this doesn't account for my roommate) is to be able to have a decent commute on the subway, especially late at night, as I usually stay in the library until 3/4 a.m. during the academic year. This means being near multiple subway lines in case one line has disrupted service or being on the express train. Then, you factor in wanting safety in the area, a decent night life scene that’s there or accessible, good food/culture, and apartments that are actually nice (as opposed to what I was living in last year) and I’ve come up with this area. Plus, the fact that I’ve walked along eastern parkway and other parts of this area at night and not been totally freaked out just makes it my first go-to preference. Astoria and some other parts of brooklyn also come a close second.

# Posted 10 mos ago
cremate
getting it
Joined: Jul '11
Posts: 181

I think you can find a 2BR in CH for $1500. Probably better off grabbing a 3rd person and that will bring the cost down and likely be easier to find. By your description, though, I'd think Fort Greene would look better for you, assuming its still semi-affordable up there.

2nd, you probably shouldn't be using safe and CH in the same sentence. It is in the top 5 most violent precincts for Brooklyn. My buddy moved to Franklin and he absolutely hates it and regrets it. Also, theres no way you can compare the safety of Astoria vs CH. And I'm no Astoria fan.

Don't listen to the hipsters and "artists" that think its cool or trendy to live there. Thats what an acquaintance thought when he moved to Bushwick (read East Williamsburg) and got stabbed by a 16 y/o for no reason.

Good luck anyhow.

# Posted 10 mos ago
cremate
getting it
Joined: Jul '11
Posts: 181

For broker's you can try these guys: http://idealpropertiesgroup.com/

I had a good experience with them, but it may have been just a good broker. I still stay in touch with him now.

Also RAPID Realty SUCKS SUCKS SUCKS! Do not work with these folks they will scam you. Do a google search about them.

# Posted 10 mos ago
cremate
getting it
Joined: Jul '11
Posts: 181

Been there, done that - LONG commute to the city... and no one speaks English. Good for safety and value though (and schools if youre the kid having type)

armchair_warrior said:
ah you could always get a 1500 bedroom on my side of town and its safe but not cool :p or edgy.

It is rank 4th safest area in nyc.

http://newyork.craigslist.org/search/aap/brk?query=bensonhurst&srchType=A&minAsk=&maxAsk=&bedrooms=2

# Posted 10 mos ago
cremate
getting it
Joined: Jul '11
Posts: 181

TrebleClef 1 said:
We're willing to go west of Nostrand, and above EP but not east and above. Sorry if I said differently.

*Willing* to go west? You damn well better try if you know whats good for you!

EDIT: It sounds like you need to walk around and spend more time in these areas so you know whats up. You can get all the opinions you want, but first hand experience is usually better.

I would actually offer up Sunset Park. There are some deals left there and the commute is pretty darn fast if youre near 36th and 5th.

# Posted 10 mos ago
Architecture Biscuit
getting it
Joined: Apr '09
Posts: 157

To get all of your wants (two bedrooms, safety, night life, multiple-trains, good food, nice housing stock, max rent $1500) is going to take some luck imo. Most of the apartments that meet these requirements will be filled before the listings ever hit craigslist or a broker's window.

It's likely that you'll need to compromise a bit on your wants (and if you're searching in Crown Heights I'd say you're already compromising on safety - that said, it's a huge neighborhood and lots of it is relatively safe provided you're not involved in illicit activities and you remain aware of your environment). Could you list your wants in order from most important to least important? We might be able to offer more recommendations that way.

# Posted 10 mos ago
eastbloc
comprador bourgeois
Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 902

cremate said:
2nd, you probably shouldn't be using safe and CH in the same sentence. It is in the top 5 most violent precincts for Brooklyn. My buddy moved to Franklin and he absolutely hates it and regrets it. Also, theres no way you can compare the safety of Astoria vs CH. And I'm no Astoria fan.

Don't listen to the hipsters and "artists" that think its cool or trendy to live there. Thats what an acquaintance thought when he moved to Bushwick (read East Williamsburg) and got stabbed by a 16 y/o for no reason.

Good luck anyhow.

I'm not a hipster or an artist. I'm a married homeowner with a small child, and I love Franklin Avenue. Being cool and trendy don't figure high on my list of desirable features. Having good local services (stores and restaurants), friendly neighbors, on-street parking, and access to two express train lines all do matter to me, and for that this neighborhood is outstanding. What does your friend hate about it?

By the way, there are 23 precincts in Brooklyn, and Crown Heights has two -- the 77th, and the 71st. Franklin Avenue is in the 77th, same as Prospect Heights, and for what CompStat is worth, it is below average and below median for reported crimes across Brooklyn -- slightly better than Borough Park, slightly worse than Bensonhurst.

# Posted 10 mos ago
eastbloc
comprador bourgeois
Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 902

P.S. our friends in Sunset Park all wish they lived off Franklin Ave.

# Posted 10 mos ago
armchair_warrior
retsop cixelsyd
Joined: Dec '05
Posts: 7,946

why aren't people checking out say bay ridge or bensonhurst or gravesend or Kengsington etc... they are safe areas but not as cool as the sketchy areas lol.

Fight white guilt and injustice by smoking tax free guilt free Reservation Smokes or go gamble in a Native Casino.
I like to stick it to The Man, The Man happens to be Liberal in NYC(power Structure).

# Posted 10 mos ago
Cool The Kid
We out this mother effer
Joined: Jan '07
Posts: 1,385

armchair_warrior said:
why aren't people checking out say bay ridge or bensonhurst or gravesend or Kengsington etc... they are safe areas but not as cool as the sketchy areas lol.

Too far and IIRC kind of sketchy (as far as Kensington goes). I have done the commute to Coney Island in the middle of the day and its OK. But if the train is crowded and you have to stand the whole time forget about it. These days I don't even ride the train unless I absolutely have to.

I think Sunset Park is a good deal. If you want the nightlife you take the Q up to CH and do that there. But then you get a cheap + quiet + safe apt for the other 5-6 nights of the week.

I am not sure what cheat code the OP is looking for. Cheap, close to the city, safe, you can only have two of the three. For someone whose gonna be home 3/4 AM multiple times a week I just dont see the logic in moving to a $1500 2BR in CH. $2000, right off the Park Pl shuttle stop? Shit if I were staying in NY I would try and talk the wife into it. But $1500, youre gonna be out somewhere like BKA or Kingston counting the days till your lease is up.

If you want to see the neighborhood quickly, I think you can rent a bike + helmet over at that shop on Vandy and Dean. Just ride down Dean to like Kingston and then come back up Bergen. See what you think then.

I just bought a bike by the Graham L stop... seemed alright. If you are OK with walking or getting a cheap lockup bike South Greenpoint might be a cheap "hip" alternative. That place was swarming with hipsters. I would honestly give Bushwick a whirl before CH for that $$$$.

[
Mamacita said:
I <3 CTK

# Posted 10 mos ago
BKChickie
Bagel Hole Girl
Joined: Mar '08
Posts: 1,089

TrebleClef 1 said:
Like with most people, certain areas are just more desirable because of my living preferences. Sadly, most of my friends can afford Manhattan so it’s not about social life. The main thing I need (personally, this doesn't account for my roommate) is to be able to have a decent commute on the subway, especially late at night, as I usually stay in the library until 3/4 a.m. during the academic year. This means being near multiple subway lines in case one line has disrupted service or being on the express train. Then, you factor in wanting safety in the area, a decent night life scene that’s there or accessible, good food/culture, and apartments that are actually nice (as opposed to what I was living in last year) and I’ve come up with this area. Plus, the fact that I’ve walked along eastern parkway and other parts of this area at night and not been totally freaked out just makes it my first go-to preference. Astoria and some other parts of brooklyn also come a close second.

So, again, why are you looking in these areas? None of them fit your subway criteria. And, 3 or 4AM, all these areas can be really sketchy. Combine that with a long schlepp on the subway, and I really don't know why you want to be out here.

# Posted 10 mos ago
armchair_warrior
retsop cixelsyd
Joined: Dec '05
Posts: 7,946

kengsington isn't skechtch at unless closer towards coney island ave. away from it close by the f train stop on church ave is safer. I would say the ocean parkway on the f train side is safer.

Fight white guilt and injustice by smoking tax free guilt free Reservation Smokes or go gamble in a Native Casino.
I like to stick it to The Man, The Man happens to be Liberal in NYC(power Structure).

# Posted 10 mos ago
Mamacita
Stuck in the middle with you
Joined: Dec '06
Posts: 9,481

I blame NY Mag and TimeOut.

(Also fellow brooklynites, if you find a place that cheap around here, please PM me and hook a sistah up!! Seriously!)

(\__/)
(=’.'=)
(”)_(”)

# Posted 10 mos ago
armchair_warrior
retsop cixelsyd
Joined: Dec '05
Posts: 7,946

lol what did they do? did i miss something LOL.

Fight white guilt and injustice by smoking tax free guilt free Reservation Smokes or go gamble in a Native Casino.
I like to stick it to The Man, The Man happens to be Liberal in NYC(power Structure).

# Posted 10 mos ago
cremate
getting it
Joined: Jul '11
Posts: 181

eastbloc said:
P.S. our friends in Sunset Park all wish they lived off Franklin Ave.

For bars I could see why (although you can go to bay ridge from Sunset VERY easily). For safety, price, and cheap good mexican food - there's no competition.

# Posted 10 mos ago
cremate
getting it
Joined: Jul '11
Posts: 181

eastbloc said:
I'm not a hipster or an artist. I'm a married homeowner with a small child, and I love Franklin Avenue.

That's fine. The OP is a student. She also stated she was looking way east. I have known students to follow their buddies to locations because they're all saying its the new "hip" place to live. Kids are moving into Bushwick now because the brokers are telling them its Williamsburg, and I personally know two people who ended up in the hospital in less than a year due to this mistake.

The point was, I hope you're (the OP) not picking this area because someone said it was hip or cool. Its a fact that the hipsters and students are coming in in droves. And sometimes the natives resist/resent that.

You got the right idea though, eastbloc, I would consider purchasing on Franklin assuming the nabe would improve and prices go up. Renting wise, I would never consider anything past Washington for many reasons.

# Posted 10 mos ago
pureistheword
getting it
Joined: Nov '06
Posts: 158

I agree with Armchair more people should consider the southern areas in or near Bensonhurst. Depending on where you are, the commute is not that bad, and its very safe.

I live in Gravesend, got a good deal last year for $1300. Full and pretty nice pre war 2BR in a 4 family.

http://www.rentwolf.com

# Posted 10 mos ago
TrebleClef 1
rookie newb
Joined: Jul '12
Posts: 16

Sooo, there seems to be quite a lot of disagreement about subway convenience, safety and the like in this areas and others of BK. I would like to repeat that I’m not looking in central CH. I’m not looking to get stabbed or shot at point blank range. If we were to get a place in CH, it’d have to be near the Prospect Heights border. Of course, we're looking in ALL areas surrounding the park and may try Sunset Park too.

NYU is a quick ride on the Q train or the B and it’s not so bad on the 2, 3, 4, 5. And I’ve done this ride before at 3 and 4 AM. I’ve walked around the area (mostly from around Grand Army Plaza to the Nostrand Ave stop on Fulton) at 3 or 4 AM so I have a pretty good idea of how sketchy it can be at night, which is why we’re not looking near the Nostrand Ave stop and more towards the park.

As for hipsters or students moving out for the hipness, I think you mean williamsburg and bushwick. Williamsburg is way too expensive for an area that is served by one unreliable subway line. I stopped being interested in Bushwick when a friend of mine was held up at gunpoint last year.

And for those who say that finding a 2 bedroom in this price range is near impossible, I walked up and down eastern parkway (to Nostrand) calling most major management companies there (Abba, Lifestyle, etc.) and got a few calls back saying that have stuff in our range. We also saw an amazing apartment near the Church Ave stop (but the area is really sketch) and another place in Lefferts this weekend. So for anyone looking in these areas, as was previously suggested in this thread, going place to place in your desired location is probably the best idea.

# Posted 10 mos ago
TeReKeTe
getting it
Joined: Aug '05
Posts: 119

I moved to Franklin & EP 11 years ago because, while there was absolutely nothing to do on Franklin Ave unless you wanted your nails or laundry done, it was right by the train, dirt cheap and seemed extremely undervalued.

nowadays, there's some stuff to do! And it seems REALLY over-valued.

Were I looking in BK on a budget, for a place that i'd have to commute from, I'd look around the F at Church (great neighborhood) or the A/C at Nostrand (so-so 'hood). If you can handle the G-- I can't-- the area around Bedford-Nostrand is both developing and undervalued.

Or, screw it, Jersey City is far easier to deal with.

# Posted 10 mos ago
Cool The Kid
We out this mother effer
Joined: Jan '07
Posts: 1,385

TrebleClef 1 said:
NYU is a quick ride on the Q train or the B and it’s not so bad on the 2, 3, 4, 5. And I’ve done this ride before at 3 and 4 AM. I’ve walked around the area (mostly from around Grand Army Plaza to the Nostrand Ave stop on Fulton) at 3 or 4 AM so I have a pretty good idea of how sketchy it can be at night, which is why we’re not looking near the Nostrand Ave stop and more towards the park.

I don't think you do. Folks get robbed on EP with depressing regularity, its a feeding frenzy.

TrebleClef 1 said:As for hipsters or students moving out for the hipness, I think you mean williamsburg and bushwick. Williamsburg is way too expensive for an area that is served by one unreliable subway line. I stopped being interested in Bushwick when a friend of mine was held up at gunpoint last year.

They hold people up at gunpoint in CH too... sometimes they even shoot them.

TrebleClef 1 said:And for those who say that finding a 2 bedroom in this price range is near impossible, I walked up and down eastern parkway (to Nostrand) calling most major management companies there (Abba, Lifestyle, etc.) and got a few calls back saying that have stuff in our range. We also saw an amazing apartment near the Church Ave stop (but the area is really sketch) and another place in Lefferts this weekend. So for anyone looking in these areas, as was previously suggested in this thread, going place to place in your desired location is probably the best idea.

Where were most of the places, more east? Have you been in any of the buildings yet?

I like CH, and go back w/some level of regularity but I think you are making a big mistake.

[
Mamacita said:
I <3 CTK

# Posted 10 mos ago
armchair_warrior
retsop cixelsyd
Joined: Dec '05
Posts: 7,946

Go take the train to the F stop church ave in kengsington it isn't bad of a commute and plus area is still very affordable.

Fight white guilt and injustice by smoking tax free guilt free Reservation Smokes or go gamble in a Native Casino.
I like to stick it to The Man, The Man happens to be Liberal in NYC(power Structure).

# Posted 10 mos ago
The Psycho-ologist
big A little a Bouncing B the system may have got you but it won't get me.
Joined: Jan '08
Posts: 439

eastbloc said:
P.S. our friends in Sunset Park all wish they lived off Franklin Ave.

Hell NO.

If A person lives on 5 avenue or above and lives in the 30's or early 40's they are close to many amenities, and express trains and their walk home is EONS safer as there are no "projects" and what not around here that make places really scary.
EDIT
Dont take my word for it just Google or search this very site for the terms "mugging" "gunshot" and "Crown Heights", then do the same thing for and just add "Sunset Park". Compare the two and just see the tremendous difference you get in the number of stories about drug slinging, shootings, muggings etc in Crown Heights vs Sunset Park.

Sorry my "bougie" ass is just going to tell the truth here

a teaspoon of kisses and a drop of glee

# Posted 10 mos ago
eastbloc
comprador bourgeois
Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 902

Crown Heights is a big place. Franklin Ave is just one little corner of it. I spend my time living here, not reading about it, so I know a bit more than you do, Psycho. Case in point, there aren't any projects anywhere near here.

And the level of crime I've encountered isn't any worse than in the East Village where I spent the previous seven years. In fact, I probably feel safer here, because I know so many of my neighbors.

Your bougie ass just doesn't have a clue here, so stick to the truth you know. I'm sure as you say Sunset Park is a nice, safe place to live, so thank you for sharing that.

# Posted 10 mos ago
Cool The Kid
We out this mother effer
Joined: Jan '07
Posts: 1,385

I dont think anyone wants to shit on CH. Just tell the truth. OP wants a place west of Franklin with 2BR for under $1500. Not gonna happen. The places in CH where such places exist... in many people's experience, are dangerous. Franklin is a totally different bag from Nostrand or even Bedford (esp by the armory). Just trying to keep the OP from making a potential mistake. CH can be a lot of fun but you have to pick the right place and unfortunately now have $$$$$

[
Mamacita said:
I <3 CTK

# Posted 10 mos ago
Back to Brooklyn
Fool
Joined: Apr '12
Posts: 11

I've lived in Sunset Park. I've also lived in Queens. Both are safe, especially Queens. Honestly, I'd rather be mugged weekly at gunpoint than to have to live in Queens again.

And as for Sunset Park, the trade off for a bit more "safety" is less friendly neighbors, less of a sense of community, little to no local bars, non-ethnic restaurants and cafes that are cool and interesting. Crown Heights has much more varied and beautiful architecture, better and more frequent subway lines, access to Prospect Park and the museum, close walks to other equally wonderful neighborhoods, cleaner air, less noise, and more creative, more gay/gay-friendly residents. It's 10 minutes closer to Williamsburg by bike, closer to the bridges (but not the Verazzano), closer to Manhattan, and cheaper to get to by cab from the city.

And Bensonhurst? I wouldn't feel safe in Bensonhurst! Some of those guys are NUTS. People still get assaulted with baseball bats down there, and called all sorts of names by xenophobic assholes. The commute is absolute drudgery, the architecture is nearly as hideous as Queens. No, give me my Crown Heights, thank you.

# Posted 10 mos ago
armchair_warrior
retsop cixelsyd
Joined: Dec '05
Posts: 7,946

Back to Brooklyn said:
I've lived in Sunset Park. I've also lived in Queens. Both are safe, especially Queens. Honestly, I'd rather be mugged weekly at gunpoint than to have to live in Queens again.

And as for Sunset Park, the trade off for a bit more "safety" is less friendly neighbors, less of a sense of community, little to no local bars, non-ethnic restaurants and cafes that are cool and interesting. Crown Heights has much more varied and beautiful architecture, better and more frequent subway lines, access to Prospect Park and the museum, close walks to other equally wonderful neighborhoods, cleaner air, less noise, and more creative, more gay/gay-friendly residents. It's 10 minutes closer to Williamsburg by bike, closer to the bridges (but not the Verazzano), closer to Manhattan, and cheaper to get to by cab from the city.

And Bensonhurst? I wouldn't feel safe in Bensonhurst! Some of those guys are NUTS. People still get assaulted with baseball bats down there, and called all sorts of names by xenophobic assholes. The commute is absolute drudgery, the architecture is nearly as hideous as Queens. No, give me my Crown Heights, thank you.

true when it was only a Italian neighborhood. when i first move there constant problems. from being chased nearly every day to dog shit etc.. but after some time other groups of people moved in. I haven't seen stuff like that in decades.

Fight white guilt and injustice by smoking tax free guilt free Reservation Smokes or go gamble in a Native Casino.
I like to stick it to The Man, The Man happens to be Liberal in NYC(power Structure).

# Posted 10 mos ago
cremate
getting it
Joined: Jul '11
Posts: 181

armchair_warrior said:
true when it was only a Italian neighborhood. when i first move there constant problems. from being chased nearly every day to dog shit etc.. but after some time other groups of people moved in. I haven't seen stuff like that in decades.

Yes its mostly chinese and eastern euro now. Still some old school italians clinging to life. Unless you're trying to undercut the russians selling illegal drugs there, I think you will be fine. They're not going to attack you for no reason.

Sunset park was cool. I walked all over there without any fear as a goofy white guy. You actually get treated REAL well there, because the hard working folks that live there want you to buy from them. Not hit you over the head with a cane.

I can't see how someone can NOT value safety first. It baffles me. And if wishing others to be safe is shitting on CH then I will continue to defecate.

# Posted 10 mos ago
eastbloc
comprador bourgeois
Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 902

I do value safety first. My wife and I almost broke up about it, before she was my wife.

We looked at a place on Putnam in Clinton Hill before we bought down here. It was a small single-fam next to a church on Classon. The back yard looked like a cell and smelled like piss, and when we went back outside after viewing it, someone offered to scalp her tickets to a concert.

I said wtf -- I can't live here, and we had a bit of a disagreement about what our goals were when we got home. But the next weekend, we went to look at what was then a hovel of our current home, and out views suddenly aligned. It took the next two years go figure out exactly how to do this, but we have had no doubts since, and we continue to be happy where we are.

I think as things stand in 2012, west CH is a terrible place to rent. It's expensive, and for what you get you could have a place double this size someplace else. But it remains a superb place to buy property. I'd do more of it myself if I had the money.

# Posted 10 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,048

I'd buy a property here as well, and would not move here to rent in the current environment.

That said, I understand why people who are younger than I, and single, choose to rent here. The area is considered hip, there are lots of single people to date, and venues to meet them.

...as they age, this will slowly not become the case.

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 10 mos ago
BKChickie
Bagel Hole Girl
Joined: Mar '08
Posts: 1,089

Wonder whatever happened with this? Did she find her apartment? Inquiring minds want to know.

# Posted 9 mos ago