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Help finding an apt in a good area, reasonable rent, safe neighborhood — Brooklynian

Help finding an apt in a good area, reasonable rent, safe neighborhood

newtothecity2012
newtothecity2012
edited November -1 in Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Bushwick

I came across this website and for the posts I have seen people actually reply and seem very helpful. So I decided to ask for your help. :help:

I am moving from Miami to NY sometime in the fall, but have limited knowledge as far as areas, safe neighborhoods, brokers and all the fun stuff that comes with a big move especially to NYC. In the mean time I will stay at a residence for no more than 2 months so I can explore the city and hopefully get the best deal possible for me.

I am a female professional, mid-20ths, and work long hours in the financial area. I would like to get a 2br apt in BY (I would like Manhattan, but I know I won’t be able to find anything for my price range). I can afford up to $1600 per month. Also, the roommate situation won’t work for me since my little brother (17 years old) will be staying with me for at least 1.5 years and all the expenses would be on me.

Thank you in advance for all your responses, and the advice I can get!

Greetings from Magic City O:)

Comments

  • salix
    salix

    Since you will be working & presumably using the subways daily, tkae a subway map & scout the routes between your work site & various neighborhoods. That will at least give you an idea of what neighborhoods may not be suitable for your hours. Also keep in mind that there might be areas where you as an adult moght be fine, but maybe you would not want an unsuperivded teenager hanging around.

  • the psycho-ologist
    the psycho-ologist

    2 bedroom for 1600?

    You WILL live in a very sketchy at best neighborhood for that amount.

    I hate to be Debbie Downer, but unless you are willing to live in a "bus to subway" zone (ie eastern Queens or eastern Brooklyn, where you will have to board a bus to ride to the nearest subway stop), 1600 is pretty low for a 2 bedroom.

    Most one bedrooms in somewhat "lower tier" neighborhoods start at 1200-1300. Most 2 bedroom START at 1700. Now, with that in mind, 1600 can be found. You may want to look in Queens first, as Queens apartments tend to run cheaper than Brooklyn.

    You will also have o give up the idea of living in a "building". You may end up renting an "apartment" in someone's private house, most likely a basement.

    The following areas seem to have the LEAST complaints in terms of safety and are relatively lower priced and closer to the subway than most other "safe areas":

    Queens:

    Jackson Heights

    Sunny Side

    Elmhurst

    Rego Park

    Brooklyn:

    Greenwood heights

    Bensonhurst

    Boro park

    Bay ridge

    Kensignton/ditmas park

    Sunset Park

    Now for those of you in Crown Heights and Prospect Park on this board: Before you yell at me for NOT recommending Crown Heights or Prospect Park:

    Those places tend to be MORE EXPENSIVE than the listed places, if you want to live in relative safety. There are other areas in Crown Heights etc that are more comparably priced but probably less safe than what I listed. They are more like the Bushwick/ Bed Stuy answer I am going to give:

    Now for Bushwick and Bed Stuy:

    Being that you are from Miami, I would really suggest you LOOK very carefully at your street and the surrounding area BEFORE you hand in cash. I would also suggest that you walk around on a hot summer night. That is when you will REALLY see what is out there in your future neighborhood. Summer is the best time to look, as it will tell you who lives there and what they are doing during the summer. Read these boards carefully. There are places where certain activities go on that may or may not be to your liking. If you feel comfortable, then fine, but Bushwick and BedSty are places that some folks like and others do not based on their own preferences.

    Far out but ok places to live:

    Brooklyn:

    Midwood (its a long ride on the Q or F)

    Gravesend (ditto)

    queens:

    Whitestone

    bayside

    jamaica estates

    kew gardens

    parts of Flushing

    Bronx:

    Pelham bay

    the very north part of Riverdale

    Staten Island: (in general)

    Finally in terms of area in the "you must be joking/dreaming" column:

    If any real estate agent tells you they have a 2 bedroom for 1600 in

    Park Slope

    Williamsburg

    Carroll Gardens

    Brooklyn Heights

    Prospect Heights right by the Grand Army plaza

    smile beatifically and ask them for the address and Google map that shit. I will bet you 1000 dollars it ISN'T in that area. I only accept cash. :wink:

    Now on to real estate agents services:

    Craigslist

    = 99% scams and phoney apartments in shitty neighborhoods. Occasionally you find a deal. You must be willing to move quickly when you do, because nothing good lasts longer than 1 week. double check those streets as there are listings under Park Slope that are a block away from where I live in Sunset Park.

    Padmapper

    A great service for finding out the actual street zone of available apartments, but I found that a lot of posts on there were from Rapid Realty... which brings me to:

    Rapid Realty:

    R.U.N for your life away from these scammmers

    The best advice I got was to walk around the neighborhood of your choice and search for "apartments for rent" signs affixed to buildings, as well as going up to buildings buzzing the super and asking for the number for the building management company. I got my apartment this way, and I am very happy. Don't be afraid to ask people walking around the neighborhood, if they know if there are any apartments available in their building.

  • armchair_warrior
    armchair_warrior

    I agree with miss piggy.

  • xlizellx
    xlizellx

    I agree with her as well, although a "railroad" apartment might be cheaper...and while isn't a legit 2-bedroom situation it might be fine for siblings

  • tateinbk
    tateinbk

    I think more like 85% of Craigslist are scams. A LOT are over-posting by shady realtors. I found my last two places from postings on craigslist so it can be done BUT it cannot be said enough that you have to act fast. Have both padmapper and craigslist open on your computer and check cl frequently. When a real listing comes up you want to call right away. Then go see it as fast as possible. If you like it, and it fits your Must Have list put a deposit down within 24 hours or someone else will.

    -Not all realtors you find posting apartments are shady so don't automatically dismiss them out of hand unless it's Rapid Realty.

    - Spend some time on cl and padmapper so you'll know a good deal when you run across it.

    - I agree that a railroad or 1.5 bedroom situation could be fine for siblings. The other room is often small, but how much room does a teenage boy really need?

  • armchair_warrior
    armchair_warrior

    I get all my tenants from CL or other tenants who came from CL originally.

    Also apts in some areas go fast if its a good deal.

  • pragmaticguy
    pragmaticguy

    Just out of curiosity....how come no one ever mentions Canarsie when it comes to this. Mostly residential, not always a two fare zone if you can walk to the L train and it's pretty safe. I guess it's just not "hip" enough.

  • whynot_31
    whynot_31

    I think of Canarsie as being mostly homes, with the occasional brownstone unit for rent.

    Are there a lot of apartment tenement and larger buildings there?

  • armchair_warrior
    armchair_warrior

    canarsie its right next to brownsville!!!

  • tateinbk
    tateinbk

    Canarsie is way way too far away from civilization. It's practically off the map. It would be a cruel trick to suggest people move there right away.

  • jack krohn
    jack krohn

    Canarsie is not "way too far from civilization". It's a decent neighborhood that has all of the basics. The ride on the L is no longer to Manhattan than Bay Ridge, which is often cited as an option when these types of posts appear. It's not hip in the sense that it's untouched by gentrification the way that Williamsburg or parts of Crown Heights are. While Armchair is correct in saying that it's close to Brownsville, six lanes of traffic on Linden Blvd and a large industrial area create a buffer zone such that you'd never know that Brownsville exists. Canarsie used to be mostly Italian and Jewish, but now it's predominantly Caribbean.

  • armchair_warrior
    armchair_warrior

    east new york and brownsville two of the most dangerous areas in NYC. its pretty close to Canarsie I wouldn't suggest brand new folks to NYC.

  • newtothecity2012
    newtothecity2012

    I thought no one had replied to my post since I didn’t get any notification, but I am happy I decided to check the site. Thank you so much for the replies. I forgot to mention I could do a 1br that is a bit spacious so we can have the teenager sleep on the couch sometimes. He is going to kill me, but listen I will be paying the rent so shhhh… haha

  • MOD
    MOD

    You can still find some deals on the Upper Eastside (UES) of Manhattan. I've know a few friends with cheap apartments over there.

    You know, if you find a 1 BR and it's in a safe nabe, I'd take it. It's not like you have to live there forever. Once you get settled into town, you can look for better deals and get a better feel for what you can and can't live with.

  • pragmaticguy
    pragmaticguy

    AW...I lived in Canarsie for nearly 20 years. Made a bundle of money when I sold my house there. It's only near Brownsville at it's most eastern end and that part it of Brownsville is occupied by Spring Creek Towers and many other new apartment building. Canarsie itself is probably 90% one and two family homes with a few small to medium size apartment buildings thrown into the mix. Not counting of course the Seaview projects of the NYCHA which are right off the Belt Parkway. Obviously AW, you don't know what you're talking about and really need to do more research.

  • armchair_warrior
    armchair_warrior

    I would not suggest new people to nyc to start off their new lives with a bang next to that hood.

    May that 20 years just says bias because you lived there.

  • whynot_31
    whynot_31

    This map shows fewer major crimes in Canarsie than Brownsville.

    http://spotcrime.com/ny/brooklyn

    ...Mostly private homes

  • pragmaticguy
    pragmaticguy

    Funny, when I sold my house, I sold it to Asians. I guess they were just as "ignorant" or biased.

  • armchair_warrior
    armchair_warrior

    they know probably have lived in nyc for some time to buy. most people new to nyc shouldn't just start next to one of the most dangerous areas in nyc.

    I say bias because you yourself said you lived in the area.

  • armchair_warrior
    armchair_warrior

    whynot_31 said:

    This map shows fewer major crimes in Canarsie than Brownsville.

    http://spotcrime.com/ny/brooklyn

    ...Mostly private homes

    over all still wouldn't recommended it. are those shootings lol.

  • landlord
    landlord

    I agree with mrs. piggy. I would just like to add that if I had a budget of 1600 for a 2 bedroom my first choice would be bayridge. I believe that area is highly under estimated and offers a lot for the money. I don't own property in that area but know someone who does. I believe he mentioned a very large 2 bedroom he has available for 1500...but it might be rented by now. Its a very safe area with lots of restaurants and bars.

  • homeowner
    homeowner

    Also, if you are living with a 17-year old, unless he's already graduated from HS, you're going to have to keep his education in mind. With that, I'd suggest that you look to be closer to a train line. It will give you a LOT more options for schools as there are many schools in the city that take kids from outside their immediate area. If you live in a two fare zone, he'll still be able to go, but the commutation issues may be a hassle.

  • pragmaticguy
    pragmaticguy

    I went to high school from a two fare zone, wasn't a big deal at all time wise although I don't know how expensive it is. Back then the bus was a nickel and the train was free.

  • homeowner
    homeowner

    But, you grew up here. Getting dropped into the outer edges of Queens or BK as a 17-year old really will proscribe your options, especially if you are used to being within 30-45 minutes of school, which happens alot even in rural parts of the country. A one-and-a half or two-hour ride in NYC can be a daunting concept to someone who isn't from here.

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