NYC/NJ Guys...advice?

[BC69]

So I have signed my contract to begin life as an Investment Banker this summer after graduation in NYC, and therefore I need to move down there.

Although I will make a great salary, I am in masssivveee student loan debt, so I think living in Manhattan is off the table, and I am going to look at Brooklyn, Jersey City, and Hoboken instead. I am working off Wall St, so I want to be downtown or across the river from downtown.

What I am trying to figure out is what are the "nicer" areas of JC, Hoboken, and Brooklyn. I know there are alot of neighborhoods and I don't know the difference? Any other recommendation on nicer/cheap places to look for apt?

Thanks!

Tim

[HRBS]

JC & Brooklyn ?
If you are young and single, Hoboken is where its at.

[ALLFAITH]

Congrats on your job.

I have budies that lived in Hoboken and swear by it. Great restaurants, bars etc.--young City. In fact I take train through it everyday and it takes about 10 minutes into NYC if you go to WTC area. The train line (PATH) runs every 6-10 minutes during rush hours so it is always there, not much waiting--sort of like Disney world. Whereas NYC subway lines are much less frequent, more crowded and often filthy. Not sure where in Hoboken to look, but there a a ton of new (within 5 years) construction there. I hear jersey City is on the rise, but know nothing else about it.

Where is your office ?


Brad

[XcYZ]

Hey Tim, I have this really big box out in my shop. I can fold it up and mail it to you.

Seriously though, congrats on getting to this point. I know you've put a lot of work into it.

[BRIAN]

Brooklyn is overpriced for what it is. I know tons of guys will jump down my throat for that one but sorry just do not see the attraction. Nightmare to get in or out of there. Very isolated clean areas.

Try Long Island City/ Astoria areas. They are in Queens but in the right across the river from Midtown which isn'y really a big deal as Wallstreet is dead on weekends. Tons of nightlife and one cheap token ride to the heart of the city. About a 45 minute commute. As far as subways they run constant so there is no schedule. Nothing is cheap as far as rents but it still has a family oriented but trendy atmosphere. Plus the Greek chicks will make you forget about NJ.

Good luck!!

[HRBS]

Actually I have a friend who lives in Hoboken and comutes to the city everyday and he loves it. Hoboken really is a fun place.
I also have a friend who owns two apartment buildings in the lower east side of Manhattan. I can ask him if he has any openings and the approx. rent. (i am sure its crazy considering they are only 600sf apartments).

[BC69]

I have this really big box out in my shop. I can fold it up and mail it to you.

Thanks Scott, send it along and I will install heat! Good to go haha!

I can ask him if he has any openings and the approx. rent. (i am sure its crazy considering they are only 600sf apartments).

That would be awesome if you could ask around.




Ideally I had wanted to be right downtown (I know its dead on weekends) but considering the absolutely insane hours, I would love to be right next to the office, but its just too much down there.

Hoboken is what I would want out of the options outside the city, but isn't rent in Hoboken getting just as high?? I would love to be under $1500.

Thanks Guys!

[HRBS]

Originally Posted by BC69

I would love to be under $1500.

I hate to have to be the one to tell you, but anything up and around that area is crazy !
I made some calls:
My friend in Hoboken pays $1500. Thats pretty low (he moved in 2 years ago). Average in that area now is 1600-1900.
My friend in Manhattan says he will have something available in Jan / Feb for 2100-2400. He would NOT charge you the normal 12-15% brokers fee.
Keep in mind anywhere you "rent" will charge you on average $4k up front in broker fees on top of a security deposit and renters insurance.
My buddy in the city said he'll take care of you in that respect. PM me if you want his number. Hes got two building 5 block apart in the lower east side.

[BC69]

I hate to have to be the one to tell you, but anything up and around that area is crazy !

I know! Sadly...I am just trying to be optimistic haha.

Thats a TON for the help! $2100-2400 is out of my league if they are 1 bedroom or studios. I expect the brokers fees, first, last security. My firm is giving me enough of a signing bonus to cover getting into an apt, its after that I am worried about. Hmmmm. But serious thanks for the help! I just don't want to waste anyones time when thats out of my range.


As a reference point, I am up in Boston. I have friends who graduated with huge apts! Not far from downtown and right on the T line, $400-500 a month! I wish Wall St. was up here haha.

[HRBS]

I would seriously consider Hoboken then.
Manhattan is expensive, you get a hole in the wall similar to a jail cell for that 2100 a month and it'll take you longer (believe it or not) to get to work.
Hoboken has tons of nightlife, chicks, bars, restaurants, chicks, shops, transportation, chicks, the rents cheaper, and if you're near the path will get you to work quicker than living downtown. You'll get more for your money apartment size wise and not to mention the nightlife and chicks in Hoboken are great !