We were looking in two neighborhoods- East Gramercy (in the 20s around 1st and 2nd ave) and Midtown West (in the 40s and 50s around 10th and 11th ave). These two areas are pretty lively but still far enough to the east or west to avoid the price rise of central buildings. They also have a lower "cool" factor, ie they are not as chic or well known as their neighboors like St.Marks or Astor place near Gramercy or Chlesea and the UWS on either side of Midtown west. This is a picture from Best Apartments website where we looked at some apts.
We saw a whole range of quality, too. One apartment in MW had exposed brick, a washing machine, a dishwasher, a fireplace, wood floors and two evenly sized bedrooms. What a looker! The flaws in other places: being on the first floor or basement, tiny bathrooms, no living room, bathroom access only through the bedrooms, railroad style narrow hallways. One apartment had a roof deck with a giant couch, a table and tons of beer bottles- a little too frat. Another was right next to a bakery and made the building smell delicious. One had a rundown entrance way but a beautiful apartment interior. Far from the subway or close; five flights or one; big bedrooms or small. There are so many options in New York!
Update: now the search has become a battle between Midtown West and Midtown East. There are some nice apartments on 57th st and 9th ave- right near Columbus Circle & Central Park. The NYC quirk: all of the bedrooms have built in loft beds, which is kind of interesting. Another traditional 3 bedroom in the 50s on 2nd ave but since all of our friends live on the West side (including me!) that seems far away and not as interesting as Gramercy. All of these average out to about $850 a person.
Update to the update: my friend just put down a deposit on a first floor apartment at 52nd and 9th ave which apparently has a nice little patio! Can't wait to see it :) extra sq footage always wins in the end
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