Where to live and how to find housing for a Midtown NYC summer internship?

I will be interning this summer in Midtown Manhattan, extremely close to Times Square, and I am trying to figure out where to live and how people actually go about finding housing in NYC. I am expecting long weeks with very early mornings in the office, so commute time matters. I will be making about 110k annualized, but between taxes and rent, I know that does not go nearly as far as it sounds, so I am trying to be budget-conscious and realistic.

At my first internship, the trading schedule and social events were exhausting, which made it clear that optimizing quality of life and commute really matters. I am debating whether it makes more sense to live as close as possible and deal with a smaller, more expensive place in a tourist-heavy area, or live somewhere like the LES or downtown, where rent may be more reasonable and life/weekends are more enjoyable, at the cost of a longer commute. I also care about basic day-to-day convenience, such as access to grocery stores, gyms, and other everyday amenities.

What I am most unsure about is where to even start the search. Streeteasy, brokers, sublets, intern housing, Facebook groups, and similar options all seem viable, but it is hard to know what is legitimate. I have been scammed before in a different city and cannot afford for that to happen again, so any advice on reputable platforms, common red flags, and intern-friendly neighborhoods would be greatly appreciated.

3 Comments
 

For a Midtown Manhattan summer internship, here’s a breakdown of where to live and how to find housing based on the most helpful WSO content:

Where to Live

  1. Close to Midtown (Convenience Over Cost):

    • Murray Hill/Gramercy: Popular among young professionals and interns. Rent ranges from $2,000–$3,000 for a studio or $1,500–$2,250 with roommates. Great subway access and vibrant nightlife.
    • Long Island City (LIC): Just 1–2 train stops from Midtown. Lower cost of living compared to Manhattan, with rents slightly cheaper than Murray Hill. Hunter’s Point in LIC offers a nicer neighborhood feel.
    • Upper East Side (UES): Cheaper than Midtown but still accessible via subway. Quiet, with plenty of bars and restaurants.
  2. Further from Midtown (Cost Over Convenience):

    • Lower East Side (LES): Trendy, with a vibrant social scene. Commute to Midtown is longer but manageable. Rent is more reasonable, and the area is lively on weekends.
    • Financial District (FiDi): Quiet during weekends, but rent is often lower. Battery Park City is a popular choice for interns working downtown.

How to Find Housing

  1. Platforms to Use:

    • StreetEasy: A reliable platform for finding apartments. Look for “no-fee” listings to avoid broker fees.
    • NYU Dorms or New School Housing: These are popular among interns, though availability can be limited. They offer convenience and a social atmosphere.
    • Airbnb/Sublets: Short-term rentals can be cost-effective, especially if shared with roommates. Be cautious and verify the legitimacy of listings.
    • Facebook Groups: Search for groups like “NYC Housing, Rooms, Apartments, Sublets” for intern-friendly options. Always vet the landlord and listing.
    • Bloc (Duke Startup): Offers furnished apartments for new grads and interns. They focus on convenience and social experiences.
  2. Tips to Avoid Scams:

    • Verify Listings: Use reputable platforms like StreetEasy or Bloc. Avoid listings that seem too good to be true.
    • Avoid Wire Transfers: Always use secure payment methods and avoid paying upfront without a signed lease.
    • Visit in Person: If possible, tour the apartment or have a trusted friend check it out.
    • Check Lease Terms: Ensure the lease aligns with your internship dates and doesn’t have hidden fees.
  3. Timing:

    • Start looking 4–6 weeks before your move-in date. NYC’s rental market moves fast, so be ready to commit quickly.
    • Have cash ready for the first month’s rent, security deposit, and potentially a broker fee (15% of annual rent).

Additional Considerations

  • Budget: With an annualized $110k, aim to spend no more than 30% of your monthly income on rent. This translates to roughly $2,750/month.
  • Commute: Prioritize neighborhoods with direct subway access to Midtown (e.g., 4/5/6, N/Q/R/W, or 7 lines).
  • Amenities: Look for areas with grocery stores, gyms, and laundromats nearby. Murray Hill, UES, and LIC are strong contenders for convenience.

By balancing proximity, cost, and lifestyle, you can optimize your summer experience while staying within budget.

Sources: Best neighborhoods to live WITH GF in NYC (and timing) - 1st year IB Analyst Midtown Summer 2019, SA 2021 NYC Housing Thread

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

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