I was never really interested in real estate until I moved to NYC. But here in the city, people talk about real estate as a matter of course. In the same breath that they discuss the best subway routes or the best bars, or the newest movie/scandal/current events, New Yorkers talk real estate. They discuss the boundaries and flavors of different neighborhoods, the accessibility and benefits of living near different transit systems, the deals and the rip-offs, the social life and the quiet, landlords and supers, rents and fees, Chelsea & Hamilton Heights & Chinatown & Williamsburg. I find it fascinating- one particular, multi-faceted doorway to understanding this city and how it works.
Today in the NYT there was an article about how Hamilton Heights in Harlem is a good place for value (duh!). It was insultingly titled "Not a Dive after all!" as if anything that isn't below 96th st is baseline terrible. That's my hood now and where most of my friends have congregated because we can have nice, spacious, amenity half-filled apartments at a reasonable price and a reasonable commute. But the NYT just had this attitude like a secret had been discovered when in fact it has been a long buzzed about 'hood among people my age -less of a commute than Sunset Park, Astoria or Bushwick; less pricey than W'burg; and a twenty minute ride to the heart of the West Village for as much night life as you can stand. Their example was three girls paying $750 each for a fifth floor walk up three bedroom with a dish washer and a washer/dryer. I pay $750 for a fifth floor elevator building with laundry in the basement and only one roommate! And it wasn't particularly hard to find, either. And one of my friends pays $800 for a three bedroom in Hell's Kitchen at 43rd st and 11th Ave- fourth floor walk up with a nice sized living room. Another pays $900 total for a studio on 137th st on the BC line- and it is so cute with pre-war detailing and a great fireplace.
Endlessly fascinating!
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