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Listen, it’s not as though getting an apartment in New York has ever been easy. But one could probably argue that it has never been harder than it is right now. The most god-awful studios are regularly renting for thousands and thousands of dollars with lines of interested tenants out the door. Here, we’ll find the actually worth-looking-ats, the actually worth-the-costs, and the surprisingly affordable-for-those-parquet-floors from all around the internet.
I rolled the dice on Craigslist and found myself wandering around an assortment of random neighborhoods: Washington Heights, Park Slope, Bed-Stuy, Fidi, Crown Heights, and Williamsburg. One takeaway from my week: I’m starting to wonder if I’m a views girl? Like, maybe I’m missing a lot in my second-floor life? Other takeaways include loving courtyards — there’s just something very European and civilized about them. And, lastly, this perfect apartment. That’s a takeaway, right?
Washington Heights Apartments
$2,500, 2-bedroom: Very cheap! Prewar! Crown moldings! No … kitchen … that I can see …
$2,900, 2-bedroom: Another affordable prewar apartment with crown moldings, except this one has a kitchen. And it has gorgeous, gorgeous natural light. Overlooks a pretty church, but beware of loud bells ringing every hour.
$2,700, studio: Love me a sunken living room and windows at every turn. Gorgeous hardwood and only a block from the post office? In case that …matters to you?
$2,995, 3-bedroom: Never thought I was a views gal, but Jesus Christ, this one really does it for me. It’s like a Thomas Cole painting up in there! Otherwise pretty nondescript apartment. Grim bathroom and kitchen. Seems that crown moldings are the only design choice. Huge, though!
$3,400, 2-bedroom: Okay, here we go again with the views … I guess I should consider a move up to Washington Heights. This one has a little less river but a lot more luxury and general updates. Don’t love the color choices (purple and turquoise, yikes!) and could do without all the overhead lighting, but those aside, this place feels good.
Park Slope Apartments
$5,995, 2-bedroom: Stunning duplex loft with a veranda that’s absolutely sprawling (and comes equipped with a Weber grill). Maple floors throughout, central AC, and a very special wall of windows. Unique find, so act quickly.
$4,500, 2-bedroom: Only one photo listed, but the photo has charmed me! I’m intrigued and would like to know more. But from what I can glean, this place has a very charming railroad feel and is available, fully furnished, for a three-month stay. More photos on its Airbnb profile.
$5,000, 2-bedroom: Lovely garden apartment with a surprising amount of light. Hardwood floors, arched passageways, sweet tiled bathroom with a ceramic tub. The linoleum in the kitchen is a miss, but we’ll look past it.
$5,150, 2-bedroom: Very renovated two-bedroom apartment in a four-story brick building. The private backyard is the highlight here. All the exposed brick is the lowlight, obviously.
$6,500, 2-bedroom: Renovated upper duplex with a cozy bedroom in the attic. Skylight above the bed, wood-burning fireplace, and private nicely finished roof situation are the highlights here.
$5,400, 2-bedroom: Another wood-burning fireplace; must be good luck.
$2,999, 1-bedroom: Okay, now I’m not kidding you guys. This one has a wood-burning fireplace too. Feeling blessed. It says decorative, but there’s wood in there … otherwise, a pretty cute, pretty affordable (for the area), well-lit one-bedroom apartment on the garden level.
Bed-Stuy Apartments
$3,000, 1-bedroom: Dare I say a perfect one-bedroom? Someone did a very good job renovating this bad boy — the flooring is lovely, the kitchen and bathrooms are well done. The updates are all minimalist and pleasant … and that includes the roof deck!
$2,795, 1-bedroom: This one-bedroom, brownstone floor-through is wonky — in a good way! The parquet is particularly pronounced, the black-and-white tiling in the bathroom is almost psychedelic, and the built-ins are very distinct. I’m down for this apartment for all these reasons.
$2,800, 2-bedroom: Floor-through in a brownstone, you know the deal. But I’m especially tickled by some of the details here — the pink ceramic tile in the skinny shower, the Tiffany lamp(s), the accidentally chic backsplash in the kitchen.
Fidi Apartments
$2.800, studio: The windows here really can’t be beat. Listing claims the ceilings are 16 feet, but they don’t look that tall. Subzero fridge, though! Though not sure why they’re showcasing these pretty mid-looking fries …
Crown Heights Apartments
$2,200, 1-bedroom: Prewar apartment, just off Eastern Parkway (the prettiest parkway in all of New York, IMO). The floors are so varnished you could probably ice-skate on them … so if you’re into that … bodes well! Looks like it’s ground floor.
$3,700, 3-bedroom: Giant duplex with all the original details: a particularly noticeable bronze plate on the decorative fireplace, all the stained yellow glass, the built-in mirrors. It definitely needs some love/elbow grease, but could be a great option for those who are capable of handiwork.
$3,199, 1-bedroom: Sort of obsessed with this place. Feels like an apartment complex in Berlin or something. I think maybe that has something to do with the shared courtyard. Duplex apartment with a lovely terrace, gorgeous kitchen, and double-height ceilings.
Williamsburg Apartments
$4,800, 2-bedroom: Gorgeous built-ins, enormous bathroom, bad vinyl flooring in the kitchen. I’ll give it a seven out of ten.