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Manhattan living costs

Hello there!

I was wondering if you guys could help me a little bit with my NYC moving preparations. I'd like to get a basic idea about the monthly living costs in your city especially with regards to housing. I'll be looking for a studio apartment or perhaps a shared two bedroom apartment somewhere near Columbia University (which is supposedly not the best area anway).
Has there been any development in the rents due to the financial crisis? Will I have to consider $1.000/m as an absolute minimum? Are there any ways to survive on a $1.200/m basis without having to starve/live on instant noodles three times a day? Any good links for research other than craiglist.org?

thanks a lot in advance!

That's a really tight budget. Manhattan is very pricey. Good luck with that. Rent might be less up there but overall most of the city is ridiculously expensive.

I think if you're hyper-aggressive or willing to compromise some major details, like, willing to live in 400 sq. feet, no real stove etc. you can get something in the $1000 area. More likely I think you'll be looking at $1,200 min and $1,500+ more likely. I don't know too much about Morningside Heights, but I do know if you veer a little too far south you'll be in the $2,000+ Upper West Side zone.

I live in morningside heights and its absolutely fine. Just stay south and west of the university (as far east as manhattan ave is lovely). Above 123rd is projects, tho. 1200 is an impossible budget. I got a steal from a person doing a favor and pay more than that just in rent (1500 plus everything else). Another TA on this board lives 4 blks from me and pays more than I do!


If u really need to budget that amount, go to washington heights. Its right on the 1 train, and to share a space will cost u 600-800 a room or so for a much bigger space.

if you dont mind the commute, you could always live outside of manhattan...

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Originally posted by yankeeBaby I live in morningside heights and its absolutely fine. Just stay south and west of the university (as far east as manhattan ave is lovely). Above 123rd is projects, tho. 1200 is an impossible budget. I got a steal from a person doing a favor and pay more than that just in rent (1500 plus everything else). Another TA on this board lives 4 blks from me and pays more than I do! If u really need to budget that amount, go to washington heights. Its right on the 1 train, and to share a space will cost u 600-800 a room or so for a much bigger space.

wash heights? ahhh yea OP go there if you wanna get KILLED

I live in Hamilton Heights and pay $700 for my share of a 2 bedroom apt. That includes utilities. The outside of my building isn't fancy, but the apartments inside are great! Really big, extra tall ceilings (since I'm on the first floor) and we have really cheap laundry in the basement.

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Originally posted by ownymcown wash heights? ahhh yea OP go there if you wanna get KILLED

actually, if you go up around 181st, its cleaned up nicely because of yeshiva. New cafe's, lounges, starbucks, etc. People have a bad view of the Heights, but now its split into good and bad sections because of gentrification. you have to know where to go! I dont live up there but I have friends who do...and they pay $5-600 each for a room in a HUGE apartment overlooking the water. veryyy nice.

seriously, though, getting a place in Morningside is a BITCH. All the students want to live there. Its close to school, close to 5 different trains (2 express...I am at 59th in 5-6mins), a huge park with a waterfall, waterfront access, beautiful architecture, riverside park. I LOVE it here and am VERY glad we go the hookup from this lady because our apartment would normally run for higher than the price we are paying. Plus, the closer you get to 110th, the more "upper west side prices" you will get (starting at $1800 for a one bedroom..easily!)

http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/nfb/1038311109.html ---> 1300 for a studio in the 80s and 2nd ave. not a bad deal at all. you can find good stuff out there right now. rents have been lowered so keep looking and u'll find a good deal.. no need to move to the heights.

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Originally posted by yankeeBaby actually, if you go up around 181st, its cleaned up nicely because of yeshiva. New cafe's, lounges, starbucks, etc. People have a bad view of the Heights, but now its split into good and bad sections because of gentrification. you have to know where to go! I dont live up there but I have friends who do...and they pay $5-600 each for a room in a HUGE apartment overlooking the water. veryyy nice. seriously, though, getting a place in Morningside is a BITCH. All the students want to live there. Its close to school, close to 5 different trains (2 express...I am at 59th in 5-6mins), a huge park with a waterfall, waterfront access, beautiful architecture, riverside park. I LOVE it here and am VERY glad we go the hookup from this lady because our apartment would normally run for higher than the price we are paying. Plus, the closer you get to 110th, the more "upper west side prices" you will get (starting at $1800 for a one bedroom..easily!)

i went to yeshiva uni. and starbucks, cafes and lounges are all on bway by the A train. that's actually Inwood, not the heights. if u take the 1 train to 181st u'll come out to st nicholas ave which is pure hell at any time of the day and i have to admit it really sucks. i had very good times up there but i wouldn't recommend it that much, also two of my friends got mugged.
during the summer the neighborhood is super loud so if u like to live in a quiet space, the heights is not for you. inwood on the other hand is much better (also more expensive) and u have an AMAZING park up there.

Re: Manhattan living costs

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Originally posted by TranceGiant Hello there! I was wondering if you guys could help me a little bit with my NYC moving preparations. I'd like to get a basic idea about the monthly living costs in your city especially with regards to housing. I'll be looking for a studio apartment or perhaps a shared two bedroom apartment somewhere near Columbia University (which is supposedly not the best area anway). Has there been any development in the rents due to the financial crisis? Will I have to consider $1.000/m as an absolute minimum? Are there any ways to survive on a $1.200/m basis without having to starve/live on instant noodles three times a day? Any good links for research other than craiglist.org? thanks a lot in advance!

good luck!!!

if you plan on looking for a legal job in the US after you get your LLM from columbia law (if i remember correctly from the CoR thread) you should absolutely defer your admissions (if you can) so that you graduate in 2011. Since the NY legal market is so dependent upon the financial services industry, the legal market is taking a brutal beating. Every day we hear about more layoffs at big firms. There are simply no jobs, especially for foreign educated lawyers. NYU had less than 10 law firms on campus this spring (which is substantially less than in better years), and a special interview program in DC that usually draws more than 70 firms had less than 20 this year. A professor at NYU (a former Cravath partner and current UBS banker) told us in class today that the NY market is going to be tough for more than a year because the banks aren't going to come back to the form they once had. If you graduate in 2010 you will be entering the market at the wrong time.

Re: Re: Manhattan living costs

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Originally posted by jerZ07002 good luck!!! if you plan on looking for a legal job in the US after you get your LLM from columbia law (if i remember correctly from the CoR thread) you should absolutely defer your admissions (if you can) so that you graduate in 2011. Since the NY legal market is so dependent upon the financial services industry, the legal market is taking a brutal beating. Every day we hear about more layoffs at big firms. There are simply no jobs, especially for foreign educated lawyers. NYU had less than 10 law firms on campus this spring (which is substantially less than in better years), and a special interview program in DC that usually draws more than 70 firms had less than 20 this year. A professor at NYU (a former Cravath partner and current UBS banker) told us in class today that the NY market is going to be tough for more than a year because the banks aren't going to come back to the form they once had. If you graduate in 2010 you will be entering the market at the wrong time.

I hear you, and I'm pretty worried myself. On the other hand: Nobody can predict whether spring 2011 will be any better a time for graduation, job market wise. Moreover, deferring admission is always a bit risky and you can never be 100% certain your spot will be reserved for you, especially right now as I'm probably not the only one considering deferral - there's curently quite a turmoil in the admissions offices, I'm sure of that. I've put quite a lot effort into the application process and my previous studies here and I wouldn't wanna put that achievement at risk. Most importantnly, though, I simply have to make this cut here and change scenery NOW. For a variety of reasons, mostly personal - I know that if I'm not gonna break out now I might never do this step at all. I've got absolutely nothing left here, personally and career wise, and I'm sure I'd absolutely lose it were I to waste another year here, all the more as a "better future" is pure speculation as of now.

So: Yes, it's tough, I know that. Then again, foreign LLM students never had the best big-firm job opportunities other than short-term interships at intl. offices, if at all. I'll make sure to start going after those few remaining spots from day one (and even before), but I'll also keep an open mind as to other job directions. Frankly I'd temporarily take many law-related jobs (from public services to banking) as long as they guarantee my staying in NYC. I'd be happy to hear your input on that notion...

Thanks guys for the numbers and locations thrown around. Considering public transportation, how far, would you say, could I possibly live from campus without having to endure 1.5 hour subway rides every morning? Or to put it differently, what district is both reasonably close to Morningside Heights and still affordable? Thanks a lot!

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Originally posted by TranceGiant So: Yes, it's tough, I know that. Then again, foreign LLM students never had the best big-firm job opportunities other than short-term interships at intl. offices, if at all. I'll make sure to start going after those few remaining spots from day one (and even before), but I'll also keep an open mind as to other job directions. Frankly I'd temporarily take many law-related jobs (from public services to banking) as long as they guarantee my staying in NYC. I'd be happy to hear your input on that notion...

My advice to you is to study as hard as you can in the first semester so that you get the best grades possible. unlike europe (from what i've heard) the US is ALL about grades. You need top grades to get top jobs. Fortunately for you, Columbia hasn't moved to the pass/fail (harvard, yale, stanford) grading model. as a result, you can still differentiate yourself from other students. as long as you're a top student there will be a job available. international firms like to have a certain number of foreign trained lawyers to add diversity to their practice (and someone who may be able to pull in clients from those countries). Finding law related jobs that pay enough to stay in NY is really dependent upon having the relevant legal experience prior to that job. Unfortunately, many employers want that Big Firm experience first. As for government (public services), I couldn't tell you how that would pan out. I suspect americans would have preference over foreign trained lawyers with respect to government jobs (probably not public services). You could just forget about Banking, unless you are planning on working in the compliance department. Banks are firing, and apparently will not be hiring significantly for the foreseeable future.

I'd say do what many of us do and get a spot across the river in Jersey, Bronx, Queens, etc... Especially the Fort Lee area (NJ), it has access to public transportation and in 10 minutes you're there.... It makes the extra difference in a few hundred dollars of rent, not to mention it has all the good places to eat and stores and stuff, with a little bit more quiet and no rat or roach problems lol... While it's not the city, you do get a lot more for your money in space, amenities (sometimes), etc... If you really want it cheap, look further south of Fort Lee toward my neighborhood of North Bergen, Fairview, Cliffside Park... The 181 bus serves Bergenline/Anderson Aves. and within 30-45 minutes (with traffic), you're in the city, but you can find spots for $400-800 a month, and there's loads of restaurants and places to eat. Not to mention, on weekends, instead of taking the 181 across uptown, there's a bunch more bus lines that go through the tunnel and take you to 42nd street, at all hours of the night...

Sorry for the bump, but it's getting serious for me and since I have been put on the university housing waitlist, I'll have to focus on my own hunting skills primarily. I'm thinking of coming 2-3 weeks before courses start, get some cheap holiday apt. / room outside Manhattan for that short period of time and do a daily intense search on the spot (and with the help of almighty craigslist). I've realized by now that anything below 1.500 is fatnasy and will most likely share a 2-3 BR apt. in the Morningside Heights area. Can you guys recommend me any resonably priced yet clean and safe enough room, which could serve as my "headquarter" while on the hunt? Jersey close to Manhattan should do, I think. Thanks in advance!

^sharing an apartment is just part of what you do when living in nyc especially as a student. also most people don't hang out at their apartment all the time so it's not like your roommate will be in your face all the time or vice versa. i live by yankeebaby and $1500 isn't a fantasy if that is your half in this area. definitely negotiate the rent and think of ways to cut costs. there are lots of brand new apartment buildings up here which aren't full. i'm assuming $1500 covers rent, utilities and maybe some groceries.

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Originally posted by TranceGiant Sorry for the bump, but it's getting serious for me and since I have been put on the university housing waitlist, I'll have to focus on my own hunting skills primarily. I'm thinking of coming 2-3 weeks before courses start, get some cheap holiday apt. / room outside Manhattan for that short period of time and do a daily intense search on the spot (and with the help of almighty craigslist). I've realized by now that anything below 1.500 is fatnasy and will most likely share a 2-3 BR apt. in the Morningside Heights area. Can you guys recommend me any resonably priced yet clean and safe enough room, which could serve as my "headquarter" while on the hunt? Jersey close to Manhattan should do, I think. Thanks in advance!

My studio is a little more than that, and I live in Gramercy/Kips Bay which is more than Morningside from what I saw. That said, if I had a 2 BR and a roommate, I'd be paying less than 1500 in the same neighborhood. The UES is the same, though you'd have to deal with getting cross-town.

You should be able to find a 1 month sublet for under that, possibly furnished. Especially if you come in the summer when all the students are gone. I'd look on craigslist for short term sublets. I'd also line up some viewings ahead of time, as you'll find that craigslist is swarming with bait & switch ads, as well as no-fee brokers that won't give you additional information about their ads, like square footage or room dimensions.

quote:

Originally posted by TranceGiant Sorry for the bump, but it's getting serious for me and since I have been put on the university housing waitlist, I'll have to focus on my own hunting skills primarily. I'm thinking of coming 2-3 weeks before courses start, get some cheap holiday apt. / room outside Manhattan for that short period of time and do a daily intense search on the spot (and with the help of almighty craigslist). I've realized by now that anything below 1.500 is fatnasy and will most likely share a 2-3 BR apt. in the Morningside Heights area. Can you guys recommend me any resonably priced yet clean and safe enough room, which could serve as my "headquarter" while on the hunt? Jersey close to Manhattan should do, I think. Thanks in advance!

jersey is a tough commute for columbia, but if you don't mind commuting for an hour to an hour and a half a day, you could get a spot in jersey for under 1k. Look for places that have direct bus service to the port authority bus terminal, where you can connect to 1 train line uptown.

You should look into riverdale/kingsbridge in the bronx. The bronx has a bad name, but that part isn't so bad. Plus, the one train go through the neighborhood. NOTHING EAST OF BROADWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Manhattan living costs

quote:

Originally posted by TranceGiant Hello there! I was wondering if you guys could help me a little bit with my NYC moving preparations. I'd like to get a basic idea about the monthly living costs in your city especially with regards to housing. I'll be looking for a studio apartment or perhaps a shared two bedroom apartment somewhere near Columbia University (which is supposedly not the best area anway). Has there been any development in the rents due to the financial crisis? Will I have to consider $1.000/m as an absolute minimum? Are there any ways to survive on a $1.200/m basis without having to starve/live on instant noodles three times a day? Any good links for research other than craiglist.org? thanks a lot in advance!

manhattan renting is hardly affected by the financial crisis. 1200 a month in NYC will only work if you don't plan on buying food.

Re: Re: Manhattan living costs

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Originally posted by Stassi manhattan renting is hardly affected by the financial crisis. 1200 a month in NYC will only work if you don't plan on buying food.

that's not even close to true. the problem is most people are soooo priced out of manhattan that even substantial reductions of 20-30% still don't make rents affordable for most. if 5 people from all over the US didn't share 3br apartments then prices wouldn't be so astronimical.

http://www.businessweek.com/lifesty...9049_117648.htm

Re: Re: Re: Manhattan living costs

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Originally posted by jerZ07002 that's not even close to true. the problem is most people are soooo priced out of manhattan that even substantial reductions of 20-30% still don't make rents affordable for most. if 5 people from all over the US didn't share 3br apartments then prices wouldn't be so astronimical. http://www.businessweek.com/lifesty...9049_117648.htm

I receive rent checks that beg to differ. granted they are in queens.

Re: Re: Re: Re: Manhattan living costs

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Originally posted by Stassi I receive rent checks that beg to differ. granted they are in queens.

fortunately for you, you don't have to renegotiate your rents every month.

the reality of this recession is it's hitting professionals much harder than prior recessions, and maybe most blue collar workers (with the exception of the auto industry). Jobs that were once thought of as recession proof (e.g., lawyers) are now vulnerable. When over 100K banker and 10K lawyers, the upper echelon of the city, lost their jobs it's difficult to sustain those types of rents (that's over 100K people who made a minimum of 100K a year and up to over 1M a year). Professionals who used to be employed and lived in manhattan now can't afford the same rents (and those types were indiscriminately paying ridiculous rents, as a measure of status).

you can negotiate good deals in manhattan right now...don't go to queens, etc. make some phone calls and land yourself something good.

Flushing in Queens is the best place to live in at NYC.. I hate living in manhattan coz of all the swarm of tourists there.. live in Queens and party in Manhatan..

Jersey is bullshit btw.. never go there..

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Originally posted by Kinezi Flushing in Queens is the best place to live in at NYC.. I hate living in manhattan coz of all the swarm of tourists there.. live in Queens and party in Manhatan.. Jersey is bullshit btw.. never go there..

flushings sucks if you have to commute to columbia. perspective people.

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