MOVING TO NEW YORK CITY
Finding a place to call your own in NYC can seem a bit intimidating. New York is the tightest, and can be the most maddening, housing market in the world. With vacancy rates holding stubbornly at 2% or less, it is the landlords that seem to have all the power these days. There used to be an old rule-of-thumb stating that a week's pay should equal your rent. Not anymore. In Manhattan , you should be prepared to spend 40% - 50% of your income on rent. Here are some things to remember when searching for an apartment.
New York City is comprised of five boroughs, namely, Manhattan , Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island . Each of the boroughs is comprised of many neighborhoods and sections, some of which are described below. Traveling within and between the boroughs is relatively easy thanks to New York City 's extensive public transportation system, which includes subways and buses. Listed below are rough descriptions of these smaller areas and neighborhoods.
Manhattan is an island, with the Hudson River to the west, the East River on the east and south sides, and the Harlem River to the north. Avenues run north-south starting at First Avenue on the East Side and ending at 12 th Avenue on the West Side . Streets run east-west, from First Street in lower Greenwich Village to 220 th Street at the northern edge of Manhattan . Fifth Avenue is the dividing line between the East Side and the West Side . Building numbers increase as they move away from Fifth Avenue .
Greenwich Village : West Village , Fifth Avenue to the West Side Highway, Houston Street to 14 th Street . Home for many of NYU's faculty, staff, and students, this historical area surrounding Washington Square Park is dotted with brownstones, row houses, tree-lined streets, quaint cafes, and restaurants. Also located in this area are a number of jazz clubs, piano bars, and art galleries.
Greenwich Village : East Village , East of Fifth Avenue , First Street to 14 th Street. Known for its reasonably priced housing and St. Marks Place , this area of the city is home to many NYU students. Restaurants and shops abound.
Union Square : Fifth Avenue to Park Avenue South , 14 th Street to 18 th Street . This neighborhood, once the site of union workers' rallies and factory lofts, has become in recent years a comfortable and desirable place to live and is only a few blocks from Washington Square Park . It is the site of the popular Farmer's Market, fine restaurants, and shops.
SoHo : South of Houston Street to Canal Street , Lafayette Street to West Side Highway. Originally an industrialized neighborhood of cast-iron factories built at the turn of the century, SoHo (South of Houston Street) underwent a major transformation as artists began to inhabit the empty loft spaces in the early 1970s. It is now home to many artists, galleries, and fashionable boutiques and restaurants and is just a few blocks south of the NYU campus.
Chelsea : West 14 th Street to West 34 th Street . One of the city's most popular residential neighborhoods, it offers a wide variety of apartments from brownstones to pre-war elevator apartment houses. This area has been growing in appeal, with many new restaurants and stores.
Gramercy : East 14 th Street to East 34 th Street . This area, surrounding Gramercy Park , was the site of some of the oldest luxury apartments and clubs in the 1880s. It is quieter than the lower streets of the Village, but still within walking distance of the campus. It is also conveniently located near the NYU School of Medicine and the College of Dentistry .
Downtown : Located below First Street . Downtown includes the financial district (Wall Street, South Street Seaport, World Financial Center ), Chinatown, Little Italy, TriBeCa, and the Lower East Side .
Midtown: 34 th Street to 59 th Street, both east and west.
Upper West Side : 59 th Street to 96 th Street, west of Central Park .
Upper East Side : 59 th Street to 96 th Street, east of Central Park .
Harlem : 96 th Street to 145 th Street .
Living in Manhattan is not a must for a performer or artist. It's convenient, of course, but there are other options worth considering. Manhattan is surrounded by a number of unique, thriving, and less expensive neighborhoods. Don't discount these smaller communities. While they may not be on the island, they are only a fifteen-minute train ride away and still offer the city skyline views.
Brooklyn : Brooklyn, with its famous Brooklyn Bridge , offers different types of dwellings, from studio apartments to houses with yards. Neighborhoods in Brooklyn include downtown, Brooklyn Heights , Brighton Beach , North Brooklyn, Institute Park , Park Slope, Prospect Park , South Brooklyn, and Coney Island , known for Nathan's famous hot dogs.
The Bronx : The Bronx is home to the New York Yankees and the Wildlife Conservation Society (formerly the Bronx Zoo). Rich in ethnic diversity, the Bronx has large Hispanic and Russian communities. Neighborhoods in this borough include Riverdale, Van Cortlandt Park, Pelham Bay Park , and the South Bronx .
Queens : Queens has a mix of ethnic neighborhoods, with large Greek and Asian communities. Neighborhoods in Queens include Flushing, Corona Park , Astoria , Long Island City , Hunter's Point , Jamaica , Ridgewood, and Southern Queens . New York 's largest airports, La Guardia and JFK International, are in Queens, as are Shea Stadium (home of the Mets) and the USTA National Tennis Center .
Staten Island : Staten Island lies south of Manhattan across New York Harbor . The famous Staten Island Ferry is still only 50 cents for a round-trip with views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Governor's Island ! Neighborhoods on Staten Island, with its scenic shoreline, include Emerson Hills, Willowbrook, Pleasantville, and Charleston .
For a map of New York City area see www.mapquest.com .
Find Roommates – You can significantly cut your costs by cohabitating. Wanting your own space is natural, but by being able to share it with one or more roommates you can also share the cost of rent and monthly bills. Coming out of CMU with so many of your classmates moving to NYC, this shouldn't be a problem. If you do need assistance finding a roommate, you can look into one of the many roommate services available ( www.1800roommates.com , www.easy-roommate.com ).
It is recommended that you set aside ample time to find an apartment. Patience and persistence are key factors. If you have the time and the patience, walking around the areas where you want to live may be productive. If there are doormen in the buildings you like, talk to them. They can be valuable sources of information and often know if someone is moving out. They can tell you the name of the building's management company and maybe a specific person to contact. If you find a building that you are interested in, but no apartments are currently vacant, see if you can fill out an application and be placed on a waiting list.
Call everyone and anyone who may know of an available apartment. Try getting in touch with the Carnegie Mellon Alumni Association. They may be able to set you up with contacts in New York . To contact the Alumni Association:
Email: alumni-house+@andrew.cmu.edu
Phone: 1-800-226-8258
Fax: 1-412-268-7239
Postal Mail: Carnegie Mellon University
Alumni House
5017 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh , PA 15213
You should begin to get acquainted with the New York City area at least two to three months prior to your desired move date. (F.Y.I. Apartments are rarely available more than two months ahead of their lease commencement dates). If you plan to visit the city to look for housing during the summer or intersession (between the fall and spring semesters) keep in mind that hotels are expensive and in high demand. As an alternative, look at finding short-term housing.
Sublets : There are many ways that you can find sublets in the city. Most of the resources available for finding long-term housing also provide listings for sublets. However, don't spend a lot of money trying to obtain a lead on a short-term apartment…you will need this money later to assist your long-term apartment search. Another way to find a sublet is through word of mouth. The possibility of a large pool of sublets exists within the theatre community (where people may be required to pack up and leave the city for months at a time). Talk to friends that have graduated from CMU as well as those from different schools about information they might have.
Summer Housing : NYU offers housing for both students and non-students over the summer months. This is an option that not too many people know about. Contact the NYU Summer Housing Office ( www.nyu.edu/housing/summer ) during the spring to inquire about the reasonably priced accommodations it provides from mid-May through mid-August, on a short-term basis (minimum of three weeks to a maximum of 12 weeks). For additional information, call the Summer Housing Office at 212-998-4621. Being in New York over the summer will give you some time to become familiar with the city and with the housing market.
If you are unable to visit New York City in advance and walk around its various neighborhoods, visit your local bookstore and choose a good guidebook. These books give detailed descriptions and maps of NYC boroughs and neighborhoods, but keep in mind these books are a minimal representation of the real thing. You may also want to check out a New York guide titled Not For Tourists. N.F.T. is a collection of maps, information on transportation systems, NY government, commentary on neighborhoods, stores, restaurants and night spots, etc. ( www.notfortourists.com ).
If you are from outside the New York City area and are unable to find a lead on your own, you may want to consider working with a real estate broker. Brokers are professionals who charge a finder's fee for locating housing options for their clients. A broker's fee, due when the lease is signed, is usally 15-18 percent of one year's rent. There are hundreds of brokers in NYC…do your research on each of them. When you meet with a broker, realtor, or landlord, be prepared and try to have a clear idea of what you are looking for in a living situation. Refer to the “Apartment Inspection Checklist” for important things to discuss during your meeting. Available apartments are usually rented within a few days…if not a few hours.
When you begin your search, come prepared. The following will help:
- A checkbook, preferably for an account at a local bank.
- Approximately $200 in traveler's checks or cash. You will need money for a deposit, transportation, change for phone calls, etc.
- An ATM card and bank statements for savings and checking accounts.
- Photo ID (e.g., driver's license).
- Information that you will need for the application – Name, address, and phone number of your previous and current landlord. Names, addresses, and phone numbers of business references. Bank account numbers and branches to contact. Recent pay stubs. Guarantor's statement (A guarantor is a person who will guarantee to pay your rent in the event you default. This person may be a parent, other relative, or good friend. Most guarantors have a “good” income and are willing to provide documentation regarding their financial status).
The good news is that it's possible to find an apartment without the assistance of a broker. The Internet can provide a wealth of information.
Online Services:
There are a number of online services that charge fees in order to access listings for no-fee apartments (no charge by a real estate agent or broker) both short and long term apartments and sublets. The fees charged by these services are well below the average broker fees and are worth checking out. However, there are some things to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to sign up –
- NO FEE apartments are in essence FLAT FEE agencies. You cannot obtain any meaningful information from these agencies unless you first pay a FLAT FEE so that you can access their databases. Usually, their fees range from $50 to $250.
- Make sure that the company provides support to their clients (most notably support staff who can take you to buildings and show you apartments). This is sometimes in question since they operate exclusively as internet-information agencies.
- Many of the better services offer a variety of resources in addition to the actual apartment listings. Check out the total package of the service and the terms of the contract before signing up.
- If the service offers a phone number, don't be afraid to call for more information…it's your money, make sure you are getting what you think they are promising.
- Here is a list of online apartment services that seem to be worth considering:
Rent Direct – www.rent-direct.com
Apartment Source – www.apartmentsource.com
Apartment Store – www.nyaptstore.com
Easy Rent – www.easyrent.com
MLX – www.mlx.com
Newspapers:
The Village Voice – The Voice brings you apartment listings both on-line ( www.villagevoice.com ) and in print. This weekly newspaper is the quintessential guide to living in New York City . It provides information on events, neighborhoods, and most importantly, an extensive listing of properties for sale and rent in the city. Most NY newsstands and large bookstore chains such as Barnes & Noble and Waldenbooks carry the Voice . Your local bookstore can special order a copy for you, or you can contact the Village Voice to arrange for a subscription.
The New York Times – The Sunday edition, Real Estate section, is available at newsstands, bookstores, and libraries, or you can call 1-800-NY-Times for subscription information. The Times classifieds are also available on-line ( www.nytimes.com ).
The Villager – A weekly publication focusing on the Greenwich Village area. Call 212-420-1660 for information.
There is a lot to consider when you begin your apartment search in New York City . But if you commit the time and do the research the process can be painless (or at least less painful).
AG Agency or agent: an individual or company appointed by the apartment owner to manage the building, collect rents, etc.
BARS Security bars installed on windows to prevent break-ins.
BKR Broker: An agent appointed by the landlord to show apartments to prospective tenants and to negotiate leases. A broker's fee is usually paid by the new tenant when the lease is signed.
BRNSTN Brownstone: a three to five story building, usually without an elevator, so named because of the traditional “brown stone” or brick facade.
CONDO An apartment building whose apartments are owned, rather than rented, by the building's tenants.
CONV TRNS Convenient to transportation.
CO-OP An apartment building that is a corporation, whose shares are allotted to building tenants.
DA Dining area.
DR Dining room.
DRMN Doorman.
D/W Dishwasher.
EFF Efficiency: a studio apartment.
EIK Eat-in-kitchen: a kitchen lage enough to hold a table and chairs.
ELEC Electricity.
ELEV Elevator.
FIX FEE Fixture fee: a fee the tenant pays for the appliances provided in a dwelling.
FLR-THRU An apartment that occupies the entire floor of a brownstone.
FPLC Fireplace.
FULL KITCHEN A kitchen with full-sized appliances.
G/E Gas and electricity.
HI CEIL High ceilings (at least 10 feet high).
IMM OCC Immediate occupancy.
INCIN Incinerator for burning trash.
INTERCOM A two-way communication system with microphones and speakers to identify visitors before unlocking door.
JR3(4) Junior 3 (or 4): A small kitchen area, usually off the living room, that is not large enough to hold a table and chairs.
LEASE A legal document signed by both the landlord and the tenant specifying the details of the tenancy.
LOFT An industrial space converted to a living space.
LUX Luxury: A full-service apartment with 24 hour doorman, laundry room, and elevator.
LVRM; LRM Living room.
MOD APPL Modern appliances.
NO FEE No charge by a real estate agent or broker.
NR Near.
OWNER/OCC Owner occupied: the owner lives in the building.
PK VU Park view.
PREM Premises.
PREWAR Apartment building constructed before World War II.
PVT BATH Private bathroom.
PVT RM Private room.
PULMN KI Pullman kitchen: a small kitchen along one wall.
REN Renovated.
RIV VU River view.
RR FLAT Railroad flat: an apartment that requires passing through one room to get to the next.
SEC Security deposit.
SEP KIT Separate kitchen.
SL ALCOV Sleeping alcove: an area large enough for a bed, but not a separate room.
SLEEP LOFT A platform at lease six feet above the floor containing a bed.
SO EX Southern exposure: an apartment that faces south.
STUDIO A one-room apartment with a separate bathroom.
SUBLET An arrangement whereby a legal tenant of an apartment rents to someone else.
SUBW Subway.
TENANT A person who rents an apartment from the landlord.
TENEMENT A building with many apartments of which most open onto an air shaft.
TERR Terrace: a patio or balcony.
TH Townhouse.
TIK Tub in kitchen. A separate room contains toilet and sink.
24HR DRM Doorman is on duty 24 hours.
TWNHSE Townhouse.
TWOFR ZONE Two-fare zone: a location that requires two means of transportation to get to Manhattan .
UTIL Utilities (gas and electricity).
UTIL INCL Utilities are included in the monthly rent.
VIC In the vicinity of.
VU View.
WALK-UP A building of two to six floors without an elevator.
WIND KIT Kitchen with a window.
WLKIN CLO Walk-in closet.
W/UTIL Rent includes the cost of gas and electricity.
XLNT Excellent.
XPOS BRK Exposed brick.
Apartment Inspection Checklist
For first time apartment hunters and old hands alike, checking out potential places can be a daunting task. So much stuff to remember! Here's a checklist of some things to consider during your apartment hunt:
Terms and Conditions Unit 1 Unit 2 |
Date Available |
Deposit |
Pet rules/deposit |
Late Payment charges |
Length of lease |
Penalty for breaking lease |
Physical changes allowed |
Rent amount |
Rent due |
Subletting |
Utilities included |
Water |
Heat |
Garbage |
Other |
|
Apartment Unit 1 Unit 2 |
Air conditioning |
Ample outlets |
Bedroom privacy |
Blinds/curtains |
Cable TV connection |
Carpet |
Hardwood floors |
Closet space |
Fireplace |
Furniture |
Light Fixtures |
Natural light |
Paint/wall conditions |
Patio/balcony |
Pet-friendly |
Phone jack in each room |
Storage |
Upstairs/downstairs |
View |
Water pressure |
|
|
Kitchen Unit 1 Unit 2 |
Age of refrigerator |
Counter space |
Dishwasher |
Garbage disposal |
Gas/electric stove |
Microwave |
Smoothly opening drawers |
|
Community Unit 1 Unit 2 |
Laundry facilities |
Loud garbage chute nearby |
Noise level |
Parking |
Bike racks |
Elevators/stairs proximity |
Roof access |
Soundproof walls |
Mailbox |
|
Safety Unit 1 Unit 2 |
Emergency exits |
Fire extinguishers |
Functioning windows |
Gated entrance |
Intercom |
Lead hazards |
Locks on all doors |
Outside lighting |
Screens |
Smoke detectors |
|
Neighborhood Unit 1 Unit 2 |
Average community age |
Public transportation proximity |
Distance from school/work |
