Hey ladies,
I'm new here. My husband was just offered a job at Columbia University and we are trying to decide if it is even possible to take it. I am a stay at home mom and I'm really overwhelmed at apartment prices. We own in Minneapolis and will most likely keep the house and rent in NYC.
Can people recommend places/neighborhoods to look in that are safe and family friendly but aren't asking 4 k for a 2 bedroom? I had a friend who lived near sunset park forever, but he is super weird about when I ask questions about the neighborhood. All I get is "of course its safe...I live here"...not super helpful!
TIA
Re: renting in nyc
Thank you so much! Yes. He will be at the arts campus. I just have no idea where to even start looking, but this is a great starting place. Someone also suggested Newark. What kind or reputation does it have?
thanks again!
"Be the Lego Lady"
STAY AWAY from Newark. not safe
Columbia may offer subsidized housing as part of his employment package. You should have him ask if they can help with it at all. I would suggest living near campus or anywhere on the Upper West Side although to find a 2 bedroom under 4K you won't have an elevator or doorman.
You can find a 2br in the UES for around $3k a month. Closer to the East River is quieter, more family-friendly. If you're not worried about public schools you can find more space in the East 90s. Just keep in mind that applying almost anywhere in the city you will need to show an income of 40x the annual rent (sometimes more depending on the management company). And, you will need to decide if you want "amenities" like washer/dryer in the building, etc.
The terminology may be overwhelming (it was for me). I think you're going to want a "convertible 2" or "junior 3".
Another option is Nyack and other areas around Palisades State Park, where Columbia has another campus. There is a free shuttle bus from the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory to the Morningside Campus, though I'm not sure of the schedule.
Thank you guys! I'Ve now gone from overwhelmed to kinda depressed. I knew the COL would be way higher but some of these apartments are so tiny for way more than our mortgage
Ok, pity party over. What about Washinton Heights? They seem to have more affordable housing but is it safe? I will be staying at home with our 2 year old and want to feel ok about going out just the 2 of us.
And I looked into subsidized housing but there is a really long waiting list and its doubtful we could get a 2 bedroom let alone a 3 ( baby number 2 will be coming in the winter )
"Be the Lego Lady"
"Be the Lego Lady"
You can also try looking in Astoria (Queens) it's nice, and safe, and slightly more reasonable prices for more space (although it's getting more expensive) and there's a bus that will take him straight over to Columbia's campus. The commute would be very short and it would feel less like you're living in a busy city so you can be a little removed. Good luck!
STAY AWAY FROM WASHINGTON HEIGHTS!!! NOT safe AT ALL!!!
As PP mentioned, Queens is very nice! Astoria, Forest Hills and Kew Gardens ( I love near Forest Hills and Kew Gardens) are all very safe and great neighborhoods. Forest Hills is full of young families, parks, and there's plenty to do. Plus it takes about 20 mins to get into Manhattan. My mom is a real estate agent, if you really need help you're welcome to message me and I can give you her info.
Good luck!
Thank you all so much. He is meeting with someone there this week so we will have a better idea of when we will be needing to make a decision. It is just so scary to leave family and friends and move, but it is nice having some better ideas of where or where not to be looking for houses.
"Be the Lego Lady"
Lots of goos suggestions here, but I didn't see anyone suggest Riverdale which is a very nice part of the Bronx, there are some nice buildings there, subway to the upper west side, and express buses to Manhattan. Family friendly!
Check it out as well! Good Luck.