Desirable Attributes in Apartments
• Good light
• High ceilings
• Wood floors
• Good view
• Windows in every room
• Trees you can see from windows
• Roof, porch, patio, or balcony
• A square of grass or a window box or a garden or a yard
• Space for guests
• Working appliances
• Garbage disposal
• Dishwasher
• Laundry nearby or in building
• Parking
• Clean bathroom
• No roommates (If roommates: great roommates)
• Affordable rent
• Proximity to coffee
• Proximity to good grocery store
• Proximity to good bars
• Proximity to park
• Proximity to transport
• Proximity to work
• Proximity to friends
If you live in most places: Great list
If you live in NYC: Pick one, maybe
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Previously on The Billfold
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I have been looking at places for nearly 6 weeks and WHY ISN’T THERE ANYTHING WITH ALL OF THESE ATTRIBUTES AND I HAVE TO BE OUT IN 27 DAYS AND I’VE HAD A TENSION HEADACHE FOR 5 DAYS NOW.
Phew. That needed to get out. By the by, if any Billfolders live in Denver and are looking for a houseshare in Baker or West Highlands, *call me.
(Our third roomie would be my cat, who doesn’t like people food and doesn’t jump on counters or tables. All the perks of having a cuddle buddy with no responsibility!)
ETA: I’m normally very laid back, I promise :)
I just want to live above ground and not have to walk 3 blocks for laundry. I would also like to bring my cat, but that’s becoming negotiable.
/DC
Man, whenever I get the “I want to move to a large metropolitan area” blues, all I have to do is visit the Billfold. Thanks for curing me of that desire!
@TheDilettantista Not all cities are bad! But the Billfold definitely does a good job of regularly reminding me that I’m probably far too cranky and particular to ever attempt living in New York City.
@Kate Amann@twitter Cranky and particular? You’d fit right in! Summers are just the best here too!
Ooh, the Billfold should totally do a roundup of people’s first NYC apartments. My room had a window with a stunning up-close view of a brick wall and no closet. I was too broke to buy a dresser, so I lived out of my suitcases for the next year, and I had 3 roommates–2 great ones and 1 slightly crazy one. Compared to most of my friends, all this was the high life.
I’m going to be that annoying person that says move to Queens, ’cause I’ve got almost all of these for less than $1000 a month. Except I might have to give it up soon.
@terrific (Astoria, specifically. So much pride!)
@terrific I don’t have a dishwasher, but yup. Astoria 4ever.
@terrific I have most of that list here in the Heights for $1200. Downside, I’m in the Heights when everyone else is in Brooklyn and Queens. Sadface.
@terrific yesssss I did that! Astoria represent!
It is hard to understand how the pros outweigh the cons.
I would settle happily for:
-kosher roommates (stupid religious practices making life more difficult)
-near synagogues I like (again, religious practices making life more difficult)
-somewhat affordable rent
-proximity to good grocery store
Unfortunately, I’m struggling just to hit those. I’ve got until the end of September?
@RachelG8489 send out a kosher bat signal? Religious practices should make life better, right? although, sometimes, in my experience, can be frustrating. seriously, good luck. can you call your synagogue/ones you like and see if they can help?
@RachelG8489 If you’re in NYC, try bangitout.com, people are always looking for kosher roommates!
I move to New York in 9 days. I am moving up with a friend who is also going to graduate school. We have a third friend who wants to live with us. We have generous friends letting us stay with them while we find a place, but we’re hopeful we’ll find a place (3-bedroom) fairly quickly. How much should I set myself up for disappointment?
My apartment in Sunset Park hits 17 of these points! (No outdoor space. Sadface.) Srsly this neighborhood is a budget gem. $1.50 tacos, best bahn mi in Brooklyn, gorgeous park. Have you considered looking this far south? I’ve got a 3 bedroom that I share with one bff and my cat for $1800. We have an office/study! And tall ceilings! A stoop! For real, look in this hood.
@cowboykiller That sounds amazing. I will propose it. Our problem is that we are all going to different schools, but want to live together. It’s looking like somewhere in Queens is our best option, but we’re open to everything. Thanks for the recommendation!
Mine has most of those things, except the last ones because I live in the ‘burbs. But hopefully I will also get most of those things in West Toronto! Plus the other good stuff like not being socially isolated.
Insulation.
And secondly, a burglar alarm.
Neither of which, incidentally, we have.
See also: Sydney’s inner west.
I live in the ‘burbs (1 hour from my workplace minimum) and I still only have about 1/3 of this list. #sadface