Any advice on finding an apartment in Manhattan ?

As someone in his mid-20s who lives and works in Manhattan, my first thought is—apartment-hunting in New York City, even more than most places, comes down to how much you wanna pay. Pretty much anyone with a steady job can have their own bedroom in most parts of the country, but in NYC, you pretty much have to live in a shoebox or find some roommates unless you can handle $1,800 or more in rent a month.

David, if your son is moving to NYC for the first time, I'd recommend he live in Manhattan. Dealing with the city can be trying enough for a greenhorn without dealing with the outer boroughs. Besides, despite what you might hear, it's still possible to find a decent deal on real estate here in Manhattan.

The Upper East Side is a decent bet if he's looking for something reasonably priced; that neighborhood's rents have stayed comparatively flat over the last few years, and as a result, a lot of twenty-something professionals have flocked to it. It's also an easy subway ride to 53rd and Madison from there.

Murray Hill and Kips Bay (Manhattan's east side between 23rd Street and 42nd St) are also popular neighborhoods among young professionals, with plenty to do; it's also close enough that he might be able to walk to work on nicer days.

If he can pay a little more and wants something more fun, the Lower East Side and East Village would probably be the way to go. If you can't find something exciting to do in those neighborhoods on a Friday night, you're clinically dead.

Hope this helps. I've been dealing with NYC apartments for years now, so if you need any further advice, feel free to send me a PM.

 

Very good advice. I rented apts in NYC for several months late 2010 and it is expensive.

There are management companies he can go to directly and avoid a fee from a broker, but brokers do have access to the market, know great deals when they hit and paying for a great broker is not a bad thing, but you can find apts on your own and avoid the 1 month rent - 15% fee.

FYI - One thing your son will probably encounter is having to put up multiple months of deposit and/or you will probably have to be a garantor if he rents with any decent mgt. company. I rented a place to a the young woman and mgt had her pay the entire years rent up front - 29K.

By staying in Manhattan he will save money in the end - less cabs home after a long night, food is not bad as there is so much competition, and maybe even walking to work in the better weather.

 

if he's going to spend the money, tell him to try and be as close to his job as possible. he'll save money by not needing a subway pass or taking cabs. when i worked in the city taking the crowded subway in the morning was awful.

 

I have to disagree here: An unlimited ride subway pass is a must for anyone who will live on Manhattan as the subways are the fastest way around.

The personal growth and outright fun to be had by living on Atlantis trumps the better living arrangements per dollar that are possible in nearby upcoming neighborhoods in Brooklyn. If he were looking to buy something that would be a different story (Williamsburg is already too gentrified for this, making nearby Greenpoint and the Canal area the better investment.) But if he's simply looking to rent the young man should seriously consider staying on the island of Manhattan. Besides, he could always move if he can't adjust to living in just ~200 sq-ft . . . (It's like living on a sailboat. Cramped, but you'd be surprised how much stuff and space you can do without in the name of the bigger picture.)

 

I'd look at general buildings now but not bother viewing individual apartments its too soon. He's moving at the absolute worst time of the year as well btw. Its harder and more expensive to get apartments in the city during the summer thats the prime time for leasing.

 

On the other hand, there are more temporary (sub-lease) apartments available over the summer.

 

True and actually thats not a bad idea. I would get a small sublet of a room or apt for the first few months there. Would give him a chance to check out buildings, neighborhoods, and commutes in person along with waiting until oct/nov when prices go down for a proper annual lease.