Trending Content - Off Topic Forum
Career Resources
WSO Free Modeling Series - Now Open Through
June 30, 2026
9 Free Financial Modeling Lessons
Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.
+Bonus: Get 27 financial modeling templates in swipe file
+Bonus: Get 27 financial modeling templates in swipe file
High Finance Applications
Guaranteed
Get at least one offer GUARANTEED
- 1:1 support
- 92% success rate
- 2,000+ mentor network
- Unlimited Live bootcamps
- AI for resume + LinkedIn
- Networking automation tools
- HireVue simulation tool
- Full course library
- Private Slack community
- 20hrs of mocks
- + much more...
Use StreetEasy. It lets you sort by price range, amenities, neighborhood, or even custom-bound location on a map. You also won't need a broker if you use this and/or other similar websites. I found my last 2 apartments this way and plan on using it again when I move in a few months.
I'm going to disagree. Unless he just signed with a nice salary and a fat bonus, that's probably out of his price range. (if you did, ignore (almost) everything below and follow MBAmarathon's advice)
Rent prices in NYC are a shock for people coming from almost anywhere else. Consider craigslist and consider roommates. Also, be aware of scams. Even if things seem legit-ish, be wary of who you give money to. Getting an AirB&B and then 'leasing' it is a common scam. When the owner comes back, you're basically SOL, and the guy's long gone with your security deposit and first month's "rent."
Another suggestion is to consider neighborhoods that aren't quite there yet. There are a fair number of neighborhoods in outer Brooklyn and Queens, and north of 110th that are perfectly safe at 2am, and plenty that aren't. with some research, you might be able to find that diamond in the rough.
Finally, and to build on the prior point, Manhattan isn't the only game in town. There are plenty of places in Manhattan where it would take me three times as long to get to my job as it currently takes me from Jersey. Standing on a packed subway train for an hour twice each day gets old fast. Factor in commute time, and don't be a snob when it comes to the zip code.
You can still find very cheap studios on StreetEasy. But I agree that Craigslist or other means are better options if you don't already have roommates lined up or plan on living by yourself. If you do need to find roommates, posting on your school's various facebook groups can help connect you with people and is way less sketchy than Craigslist. From there you can then use services like StreetEasy to find the right place.
StreetEasy takes the gold! Google Co-living sites that match you with roommates if you want that.
For streeteasy, is it through a broker? I remember I used some online sites for my summer internship and a huge portion of the payment was for the broker.
No fee Craigslist.
Expect to see 10 - 20 places to find a good one that you can accept the compromise.
There is always a compromise. Size, distance to subway, number of bathrooms, elevator building or none, price, etc etc
Completely lost about apartment hunting.. (Originally Posted: 05/29/2013)
I have no idea what I am doing. I start FT in July but need to get an apartment/sign a lease to do so. How does one typically go about apartment searching in NYC?
I've tried using craigslist but everything is sketchy about it. I also set up a meeting to view some apartments with an agent but I don't want to pay a broker fee at all.
Is there a good way to find apartments on my own and go around the broker fee? Does no fee really mean no fee? wtff
My budget is 2200 for a studio or 1 bedroom and I am still having no luck finding anything reasonable. (FIDI/TRIBECA etc)
I like Street Easy for NYC. Odds are you will have to pay a broker fee unless you are willing to be obsessive about your search OR you contact building management directly (usually possible with high rises in FiDi). Your budget seems high to me, assuming you are coming in as an analyst.
For FiDi check out the websites for 2 Gold, 45 Wall, 100 Maiden, 200 Water, 95 Wall. There are others further west and on William and Water that I can't remember.
Persistence is key I guess. Have you tried NYBits?
I second the comment about streeteasy. It is an easy to use site and you can search for "no fee" buildings.
As for not paying a broker fee you will probably have to contact the buildings directly, and as duff said, you will probably only find this in the larger buildings.
A few data points:
45 wall - $2,350 (studio) 100 Maiden Lane - $2,250 (studio) 200 Water - $2,300 (studio) 90 Washington - $2,300 (studio) 1 West - $2,300 (studio) 17 John - $2,000 (studio)
Not a lot in your price range. A few things to consider:
1) If you rent through a broker (a condo or a coop) you can usually get a better deal on the unit. There is more room to negotiate and there is also room to negotiate the fee.
2) If you sign a long term lease with an owner (again of a coop or condo) you can end up saving a fair amount. The risk is that you have to make a long term commitment, but you can lock in a price for 2 or 3 yrs (instead of dealing with the 5-15% rent increase, depending on the market).
3) You can also negotiate at these rental properties, but it will be difficult.
Have you considered roommates? If you are working in IB that might not be a bad idea.
if you want doorman buildings its pretty easy. search for doorman buildings in the area you want to live. I think NY bits has a pretty comprehensive list by each neighborhood... Then you go straight to them and avoid the broker -- that's what I've done for both places I have lived in NYC. If you don't want doorman, basically its streeteasy or a broker. Craigslist is sketch, steer clear (generally).
This is mostly accurate, though I would avoid most brokers...they're basically vultures, the slimiest of the slime.
http://www.streeteasy.com http://www.padmapper.com http://www.renthop.com http://www.nybits.com http://www.nakedapartments.com/ http://www.abingtonproperties.com/
(I haven't tried all these, just have them saved)
Why did someone minus this? Just wondering. Are the sites not good or something?
No idea. Those are some of the ones I would have recommended.
2200 for a studio seems high in general
It depends on the studio.
$2200 for a studio is pretty much below market in:
a) Nice neighborhoods (West Village, NoHo, Nolita, etc.), and
b) Nice, new buildings (such as those in terrible neighborhoods like the Financial District).
2200 is pretty standard for a NYC studio pretty much anywhere, unless you're talking like pre-war walkup in Harlem or something.
Unless you have a lot of time in nyc to search around, I would recommend just going with a broker for your first rental.
The current rental market is really heated. As a result you pretty much have to pay a broker fee unless you want to live in FiDi highrises. You really should've found roommates. I'd recommend calling up a broker and having him/her take you touring around studios in your price range. You can find an appt in one day that way.
Finding apartment for FT (Originally Posted: 01/12/2017)
Have no idea how to go through this process for NYC. Where do I start / does anyone have advice about this? My understanding is that you start looking a few months before you graduate or you start working and you live with like 1 - 2 others working in IB to save costs, but would really like to hear from people who went through it.
There really needs to be a go-to megathread for SA/FT housing.
WallStreetOasis.com
Well I literally moved here three weeks ago and because I had only three weeks turnaround between roles, I am stuck in a super shitty apartment month to month.
Basically you need a roommate(s) to afford this place.
Apartment Search so far (Originally Posted: 05/09/2007)
Just wondering how some of the '07 analysts are doing with their apartment searches. I'm looking for a studio in Midtown East and that's always a little harder.
I've been here for a week or so and haven't seen anything I like so far. Most of these brokers at the junior level are major douchebags.
yeah i've been dealing with a few brokers, they think they're hot shit.
i'm looking for a studio in midtown west, no luck yet. generally if you start looking a week before you move in, you have much better luck or so i'm told.
I started looking early to get it out the way, but yea, I'm just sticking to citi-habitats now. The other brokers are garbage.
Haha why are the brokers garbage?
What stuff do we need to move in?
all of the brokers are the same.... they take you to no-fee places in murray hill the charge you a fee. you are better off going to the rental office directly
All brokers should be shot. Miserable human beings. Nothing but a bunch of used car salesmen that feed off other peoples' misfortunes.
Hey, If your talkin about NYC.. Two of my friends got a two bdrm apt around 28th and 3rd for $2600/month. It may seem like a lot, but that's only $1300 each for an apt in the city, which is pretty good.
What you can also do is try to find an apt in Astoria, Queens which right over the water and is a 15min train ride away from Manhattan. The prices for two bedrooms there are probably $1300-$1800.
Granted, traffic & driving in Astoria blows balls, but I'd take the $1,000+ savings anyday. If your not gonna be driving then you should be ok.
Welcome to New York.. granted I don't understand how anyone with a beard and dress like these guys can even be looking for an apartment in Manhattan.
enjoy:
just signed for a place around MSG for $2600/month.
Tips: 1) you can ALWAYS bargain your brokers fee. They will always start you off high, so you gotta hit em back low. Mine tried to take a 20% cut, told him flat out i'm walking out the door immediately if he was going take more than a month's rent. He tried going for 3000, began to walk, agreed to 2600 on the spot.
2) This may or may not be true but when i was searching, a few brokers had all told me that by end of May, rent for all city apts are going up 5-8%
People looking for 1 and 2 brs shouldn't have too much of a problem, it's the people looking for studios that are gonna have an uphill battle getting a nice place for less than $2,000.
Seriously though, some of these brokers are jokers. This clown I met yesterday tried to convince me to rent a $2,600 studio besides FDR by telling me that the Universe wanted me to have the apartment because of the laws of attraction. And that I should pay more for a nice place if I have a good "vibe" about it.
HAHAHAA that shit is classic
Also if you wanna avoid brokers, if you find some nice places online, contact the mgmt yourself to see if you can set up an apptmnt to check the place out and see if you could avoid the whole broker ordeal.
if you want nice buildings and avoid a broker...
rockrose is a good place to start. and Ogden Cap if you are looking for a murray hill place http://ogdencapproperties.com/EN/index.html
yeah brokers are assholes.
I was looking and didn't find a damn thing for summer.
I for one had a terrible experience with citihabitats.
if you pay 15 at citihabitats you are getting a rip-off...for most college student sthey will come down to 12% and if they place you into a building which you could have gone to yourself they will charge you 1 month (still a rip off considering the circumstances). just make sure you have everything in writing.
If anyone is looking to share a nice luxury high rise apartment located in either midtown/downtown let me know. I wanna start apartment hunting for a July move-in. The best way to go is through a management company so you dont have to pay a broker fee....
shoot me an email...
[email protected]
Ah yes the glory of connections -> sweet murray hill apt for 2k/month and no broker's fees
2k a month for just you or split between 2 people?
Check out this site:
www.nybits.com
2k a month total
2008 Analyst Apartment Search in NYC (Originally Posted: 02/11/2008)
Could somebody recommend me a building in NYC? I have been told that rents skyrocket the longer you wait, but have no idea where to even begin. Please help me!
where is your office located? where do u want to live? what is your budget? will u be living alone or with a roommate? these are all factors you need to consider and need to answer in order to offer suggestions. good luck.
Apartments generally get posted to no-fee sites and to brokers between 30 and 60 days ahead of the move-in date.
I just listed my (Financial District) apartment...take a look:
http://www.prudentialelliman.com/Listings.aspx?ListingID=948384&rentalp…
2k-3k westside single. Thanks a lot!
What would be the best time to start looking for June-June or July-July leases?
This is a really good time to be looking for June-June and July-July. The market is very liquid, with tons of properties entering and leaving daily. You will be able to view 30 apts in a weekend, and half won't be available by tuesday. Come with all your stuff ready and be ready to commit onsite and you will do well.
Not NYC specific, but when going to open houses, come with your checkbook in hand and at least first and last month's rent in your checking account. Show up 20 minutes early. If you find a place you love, the second you decide that you love it go to the realtor/owner and write them a check immediately. Write fast.
In case you can't tell, I got burned on an awesome apartment in SF last year because I only showed up ten minutes early and hesitated a minute too long to write a check before the other person there took it out from under me.
I think in most cases, the leasor will require a certified check. So you'll be fine with just an oral commitment and then running over to the bank.
Gametheory is correct, most NY apts will require a certified check for your deposit. So, you fill out the application, and pay that fee. You then say, I'm headed to the bank and come back with the check. Once you put in your app fee, they will in general hold the apt for you while you go get the certified check.
I'm on vacation (out of the country) for all of June. Am I screwed?
If you want an apt for starting in July, Yes you are screwed. If you have someplace you can hang out for 15 days before you need to start a lease, you'll be fine. Getting an apt on short notice in NY, as long as you aren't too picky, is easy during the summer.
How hard is it to find an apartment in December if you are starting FT in January 09?
Also bring a copy of your offer and driver's license.
anyone have any suggestions as to what would be the best number of people to share with, price-wise and also supply of places... would 2 people be easier to find but more expensive than 3?
Here you go, http://newyork.craigslist.org/aap/
How useful is Craigslist? I heard that it's littered with scams when it comes to Manhattan apartments. Any truth to that?
Do firms help you find an apartment in NYC? (Originally Posted: 01/11/2013)
Do they work with certain brokers or reserve places for incoming Analysts? I know they tend to do it for SAs, but what about those coming in for FT?
thanks
Not sure what you mean by "find housing". They really don't hold spots for you like they do for corporate housing when you go for training. They will basically recommend places and or areas and give you the general idea of the spot. Basically they send you a packet, in there you'll get the gauntlet of items ranging from a map of the city to discounted cellphones/gym memberships to why your CEO is the largest BSD in the world.
So you can get some basics and the analysts/associates would likely answer your emails etc. To be honest though you're going to want to simply live as close as possible to your work as cheap as possible. Have said this a few times, but unless you're some sort of Jedi Monk who doesn't need caffiene or other ... "accelerants" so to speak you want to have minimal commuting.
Anyway a bit off topic, but you should probably get a roomate who doesnt work in Wall Street, or else your conversations will turn into a complaining festival where you bond over whose Associate/VP/Direct/MD or what have you is the worst.
They still provide corporate housing?
No corporate housing as noted above, they will provide corporate housing for training only if you're visiting from the satellite.
EX: If you work in Texas but the training is done in NYC the people who are there for training will be put in corporate housing for the 2-4 weeks of training the street.
So basically to cut it short, you're not going to get much help, just get a roomate who doesn't work in finance and live close to work.
Where do you find a roommate not working in finance able/willing to pay $1,400+ a month?
There are tons of people to live with its NYC. You can find people in their mid 20's who work as bartenders, people who work as engineers etc.
You want to expand your network... Honestly even if all of your friends work on wall street the solution becomes more clear... go to craigslist or any other source because you need to branch out your social circle. If you have nothing but finance people in your phone you'll suffer from group think and become Type A in personality over the long term which will be terrible for your long-term happiness, social life and health.
Within seconds you're going to hate your life if you talk about nothing but pitch books, whose associate is more of a C*nt etc.
Apartment Search for FT Analysts (Originally Posted: 04/06/2007)
How are you going about your apartment search? Are you going to use a broker? Have you found any websites to be particularly useful? Any other general advice?
I'm in a hard place because I turned my friends down earlier and now it looks like I'm gonna have to get a place by myself. I'm looking through websites like: www.citihabitats.com www.nycdwellers.com www.liveinnyc.com
I'd prefer not to use a broker but since I'm riding solo I might be compelled to use one. Ideally, I'd like the building itself to pay the broker fee...so let's see.
try www.streeteasy.com
another useful website (although its server is being funny right now) is: http://www.apartmentratings.com/rate/NY-New-York.html
Any websites for Chicago apts? Also, does anyone know of some nice buildings in the downtown area?
Craigslist is generally a great website to go to.
Manny, I'd suggest an apartment along the lake north of downtown. A lot of the apartments are 30 years old, but they're still pretty high class, and you can get a pretty nice view of the Lake. If you get to work in Chicago, I'm jealous. A nice 2-bedroom with lake views in Chicago will run you $1500/month at the most. The equivalent in Jersey costs closer to $3000.
BTW, for those moving to New York, I'm looking for an apartment in Jersey City. I want amenities like plant life and views that involve more than just steel, bricks, or concrete. I also want to be able to dodge the 3.5% ($2.5K-$5K/year for analysts) city tax while enjoying a 20 minute commute. If you're looking to split a two-bedroom apartment in Newport or Jersey City, PM me.
knowing ppl in the city is the best way. if not, then go for a broker assuming the move is sponsored. bang for the buck, downtown would probably do the trick. the catch is that the downtown scene isnt always the most lively, but there are plenty of happy hour bars on the off-chance that you make it in time.
Thanks for all the helpful links. What sort of ranges for monthly rent are you all considering?
1200-1600
Looking for a 4BR on the West Side
http://www.cnn.com/2007/LAW/04/05/bridge.sex.offenders/index.html
The sparkling blue waters off Miami's Julia Tuttle Causeway look as if they were taken from a postcard. But the causeway's only inhabitants see little paradise in their surroundings.
Five men -- all registered sex offenders convicted of abusing children -- live along the causeway because there is a housing shortage for Miami's least welcome residents.
"I got nowhere I can go!" says sex offender Rene Matamoros, who lives with his dog on the shore where Biscayne Bay meets the causeway.
The Florida Department of Corrections says there are fewer and fewer places in Miami-Dade County where sex offenders can live because the county has some of the strongest restrictions against this kind of criminal in the country.
Florida's solution: house the convicted felons under a bridge that forms one part of the causeway.
There are plenty of bridges in NYC, its a great opportunity to show both how entrepreneurial and hungry you are!
can you guys check out the 1 bedroom apartments at:
http://www.archstoneapartments.com/archstoneapartments_v2/Templates/Flo…
and tell me what you think? is it a fair deal? is the price the norm for high rises in the area? i will be working on midtown east. probably with another banker who is also working in the same area. so we're looking to convert the living room into another bedroom.
you can probably get more for your money in another bldg
Does anyone know of any brokers/realtors specializing in Studio apartments ? Looks like I will most likely end up in Kips Bay for $1,600 at this point.
kips bay isn't that bad, depending on where you are working
okay, so i've been shopping around for apartments and they require that i have a 40x monthly rent income history to be eligible for a loan. However, coming out of college, this is, of course, not feasible. If i get a co-signer, then he/she needs to have a 80x monthly rent income. I do not know someone that makes that kind of money. How in the world can i be eligible for rent, in nyc, without any prior work experience? do banks usually provide you with a co-signer?
the only other option is to pay the entire annual rent up front. and i do not want to do this because i am losing the money i could have otherwise earned in interest.
any suggestions or feedback will, as always, be greatly appreciated.
get your parents to cosign or you can obtain a proof of employment from your employer (may not work though)
i am going to be living with 2 other people, in a 2 bedroom apt that will cost about $4,000. 80x this is $320,000. My parents do not make this kind of money, and i do not know anyone that i am comfortable asking to cosign that makes that kind of money either. Additionally, they do not live in the united states and do not have W-2 as proof of income.
No luck apartment hunting (Originally Posted: 05/30/2012)
Been looking for studios for under $2000 all week with no luck. Seen about 5-8 apartments daily, with and without fee and they are piece of s***. Finally found one that I like, first broker charges 15%, won't budge...second broker for the same apartment will take one month rent. Just found out that in nyc, it is illegal to rent from a second broker if they make you sign an agreement.
My only option is this small studio, less than 300sqf about 15 minutes from work. Is that too far, considering I would walk it daily with 3-4 hours of sleep?
Nulla et pariatur possimus. Alias labore voluptas et illo quod sed neque consequatur. Voluptas incidunt rerum rerum veniam voluptas aut et. Omnis vel cumque quia asperiores molestias aut exercitationem.
Sint repudiandae ea odio harum. Corrupti cum quae tempore laudantium doloribus. Ut est ab molestiae voluptatem enim velit totam. Ab et error eum voluptatem earum.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...
Nam eius beatae voluptatem repudiandae. Sed et amet nisi. Consequuntur possimus quidem incidunt est.
Esse quidem et dicta labore. Necessitatibus possimus necessitatibus ut consequatur quia. Vitae quibusdam explicabo id eum. Voluptas hic et eum perferendis veritatis quis aspernatur ea.
Illo sint nemo rerum quo iusto eum. Magnam expedita optio eaque corrupti. Et quia recusandae deleniti eos maxime id. Esse odio facere iusto qui.
Culpa in est sit nihil dolor. Iusto quae qui pariatur voluptatem vero. Repellendus optio veritatis voluptas ratione quia porro perferendis.
Exercitationem occaecati omnis in eius. Inventore dolor dolore dolorem ratione et eligendi quae. At inventore sed fugit consequatur. Ducimus illum doloribus nobis aut ex aspernatur. Aut est vero eum. Nisi vero iusto ea et provident blanditiis iure. Dignissimos quia delectus odit.
Ut similique eius officia in deleniti. Et numquam sint iusto incidunt natus commodi excepturi. Minima nulla corrupti et suscipit.
Earum ut quasi aut esse voluptatibus sit natus. Fuga autem qui neque blanditiis earum natus. Unde soluta eligendi occaecati expedita. Ullam aspernatur occaecati deserunt a. Deserunt sint nisi veniam eius modi. Corrupti eum quia numquam. Ut assumenda molestiae fugit tempora odio.
Libero molestias eius tempora et odio eligendi. Est amet dolores suscipit earum ut quasi libero. Voluptatem in similique quibusdam.