Associates in NYC, where are you living??

Hey all, 

About to graduate from my MBA program in a couple months and starting a full-time IB Associate gig this summer. My bank will be located in midtown east, so wondering where Associates tend to live? 

My current wish list includes proximity to subway to get to midtown east, and a gym in the building would be ideal. Will be living solo in a 1BR, with flexible budget. I have heard that living downtown is the move, and that not many Associates and above like living in midtown east (guessing Murray Hill is geared more towards Analysts). Would greatly appreciate area/neighborhood recommendations, even building recommendations if you have 'em!

25 Comments
 

Personally, I am prioritizing UES down to Midtown East. Commute time (25min), value, and family-friendly(ish). This area has plenty of options to have all essentials (grocery, Equinox, schools) within 5-10 minutes walking distance too which is great.

When browsing places on StreetEasy, I leave one tab open with Google Maps and plug in the apartment address to see the commute time (set as depart on Monday at 9am). If everything checks out I plug the address into another tab to check how far the essentials above are.

I know associates who live all over Manhattan (and even Brooklyn) though, so it really depends on what your current/near-term priorities are and what commute time you are willing to commit to.

 
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Anything on the 6 line would work, but you’ll thank yourself if you’re also on an express (4) stop. Depending on where your office is, you can also shoot for Chelsea/Lower HY. Bonus points for GC/Penn Station accessibility, depending on whether you see yourself using the Metro North (golfing, recruiting in CT, older friends/family, JFK sans-traffic) or LIRR (Hamptons, etc.). Not much to do in FiDi on the weekends imo; many folks like UWS but I think the trek is not worth it. USQ/Flatiron/Nomad are underrated, but, as a result, you won’t have many friends living nearby. Know a few folks in LIC, but I wouldn’t recommend being off the island if you want to squeeze in some social life.

2020 Update: recounting my experiences in PE and sharing thoughts on recent deals at https://leverup.substack.com
 

Take a look at some apartments near Hudson Yards. One of them has an Equinox inside the apartment

 

I’m a big fan of gramercy down to soho (along the 6 line), but it won’t really be walkable (30-45 mins depending where you end up). Feels a lot less “corporate” (fewer large office buildings, more character to the area and buildings) and lots of great restaurants, bars, and events happening that feel more local than touristy. Midtown east is just very business focused so you won’t enjoy that neighborhood on the weekends, just depends how important it is to be walking distance. 

 

Have you considered Union Square or East Village? They are both a wonderful escape from the banking culture on the weekends and the dining choices are endless.

 

Weeeeeehawken! Specifically these three apartments: Estuary, Harbor 1500, and Hamilton Cove

You take the ferry and there's free shuttle that runs across manhattan

 

studio in the west village if you're a single straight man and want to play the dating game on easy mode 

We're not lawyers. We're investment bankers. We didn't go to Harvard. We Went to Wharton!
 

It just depends what you enjoy doing. If you like the area and are ok with taking the PATH into the city to hang out with friends (or at night after hanging out) then it is fine. 

Usually you are trading off how nice your place is with the convenience of access to stuff Manhattan has to offer. I enjoy the restaurants and things to do in Manhattan much more, so I chose to live there (and being able to walk a few blocks to meet friends is a plus). But people have different preferences. 

 

Living in Chinatown in a 4th floor walk up. Get the best dim sum everyday. Love it. 

 

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