Trying to move to a new city where finding housing is like speaking a foreign language you don’t know has been…stressful. And I’m not an easily stressed out person (at least I don’t think I am). Among other difficulties, I haven’t paid rent for the past few years as I’ve been living at home for graduate school, I’m basically broke, and my credit…is less than stellar. And then there are all of these income rules in New York. On top of that, there are apartment brokers who are often dishonest and scheisty. Can you say, “super fun”?
Anyway, about two weeks ago I found my dream apartment. I mean…DREAM. Gorgeous brand new building, doorman, 17th floor, walk-in closet, gorgeous bathroom, and gourmet kitchen. It was only a studio, but big enough and stunning. I had looked at these apartments when I was visiting in February, but the only ones they had available at the time were way out of my budget. So, then, two weeks ago on craigslist I saw THE apartment. And for not too much rent. A girl was moving to Hong Kong and needed to find a subletter. It was like an answer to my prayers.
And then there were delays. And then I couldn’t get a hold of management to fill out the paperwork. And then I learned that having no rental history was going to make my life hell. And then…and then…and then. The straw that broke my will to be patient was when this very nice girl informed me that her new job might actually want her to be in New York, as opposed to Hong Kong. So…while I still really wanted the apartment, I started looking again.
That’s when I found a great ONE BEDROOM (this is a BIG deal on my budget) with a HUGE kitchen. It’s in an older building and on the ground floor, but it’s at the rear of the building, so quiet and safe, and it’s newly renovated, so it’s super clean and nice. Kelly went and looked at it for me (I’m not crazy!), and while this isn’t the glitzy glamorous apartment of my dreams, this kitchen will fit all of my stuff. It is $175 cheaper a month. And it gives me an excuse to have someone else do my laundry, since there’s no laundry in the building, but there is a wash and fold place right next door (the normal laundromat is a few blocks away).
In addition to all of those great things, the building manager was the one listing it, so no lame brokers, no credit checks, and a quick approval. (I applied on Friday and got approved on Saturday.)
All in all, I’m very excited! It’s a great apartment and I feel very good about my decision to be a little more practical. And if you want to see what it looks like, here are some pics. Yes, the bedroom is TINY, but trust me when I say that most of the kitchens in the apartments in my price range come with a fridge, a sink, a range, and maybe two overhead cabinets.
existential dilemmas 
Chloe! The place looks great. And the kitchen looks like it will accommodate all of your your baking needs. Good job, and way to be practical–even, though it is harder to "downgrade" from our dreams, we are usually blessed in other small ways for these decisions, like being able to afford for someone else to wash, dry, and fold our laundry! 😉 Hopefully one day I will be able to come and see it in person!
What neighborhood, lady? Your kitchen looks divine
Yay… and ground floor just means you'll be the safest if there's ever a fire in your building 🙂
YAY! It looks fantastic . . . and clean.
DARLING little place! Well doen.
wow! Looks so nice! how exciting…post more pictures when you get your stuff in. I want to see it in action!
I'm excite for you. It looks really cute and clean.