Apartment Hunt in NYC / NJ

Currently looking for a NYC / Jersey City apartment in the low to mid 3k range... literally every apartment building I think is attractive and has nice units has absolutely horrible reviews. They're often owned by Equity Residential (who gets ripped to shreds in reviews) or other similar REITs who allegedly screw tenants over after the first year.

Anyone familiar with the process and have any advice? (How to go about it, where to look, etc.)

9 Comments
 

Ah, the concrete jungle where dreams are made of, and apartment hunting can be a real safari! Here's some advice from the WSO jungle to help you navigate the urban wilderness:

  • Take Your Time: Based on the WSO Dataset, there's no need to rush into signing a lease since rents are softening. Keep your bananas peeled for a good deal, but don't let the pressure make you slip up.

  • Broker Fees: If you're swinging towards luxury rentals, remember that many can be leased directly through the building's office, which can save you from paying a broker fee. Luxury in the jungle doesn't always have to come at a premium!

  • Research: Dive into the forums like a monkey looking for the ripest fruit. Check out reviews and experiences from other tenants to get a feel for the building and management company.

  • Budgeting: Make sure you have enough saved up. A good rule of thumb is to have around $5,000, which should cover the security deposit and other initial expenses.

  • Location: If you're considering Jersey City as an alternative, weigh the pros and cons of commuting versus living in NYC. Sometimes a longer vine swing to work can save you a bunch on rent.

  • Safety: When looking at places in New Jersey, such as Princeton Junction or Lawrenceville, prioritize finding a safe place to hang your hat... or tail.

Remember, apartment hunting in NYC is like finding the perfect branch to lounge on – it takes patience, a bit of agility, and sometimes just the right timing. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll find your urban oasis in no time!

Sources: What to do when you get a return offer?, 2017 FT Roommate Thread, Buying an Apartment in NYC, Advice/Tips on trying to relocate to a Tier 1 city, buying apartment NYC

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

$3k?!?!?  Dude I used to have a 1BR in Vermela Harrison  for under 2. (I checked and it's still south of 2.5)  You can BUY in Astoria for that price.

The only difference between Asset Management and Investment Research is assets. I generally see somebody I know on TV on Bloomberg/CNBC etc. once or twice a week. This sounds cool, until I remind myself that I see somebody I know on ESPN five days a week.
 

Advice: Don't become part of the B&T crowd.

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

I'm two stops out of Midtown. (It's LIC if you prefer)

The only difference between Asset Management and Investment Research is assets. I generally see somebody I know on TV on Bloomberg/CNBC etc. once or twice a week. This sounds cool, until I remind myself that I see somebody I know on ESPN five days a week.
 
Whatever1984

I'm two stops out of Midtown. (It's LIC if you prefer)

You’re still part of the B&T crowd…

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

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The only difference between Asset Management and Investment Research is assets. I generally see somebody I know on TV on Bloomberg/CNBC etc. once or twice a week. This sounds cool, until I remind myself that I see somebody I know on ESPN five days a week.

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