Take It or Leave It: Are two outdoor spaces worth $2,795/month for a Greenpoint 1-bedroom?

By Leah Hochbaum Rosner | February 12, 2014 - 9:59AM

Under examination in this week’s Take It or Leave It is a no-fee $2,795/month Greenpoint 1-bedroom loft with bamboo floors, floor-to-ceiling glass walls and windows, and a private terrace. Our panelists—who together have 43 years of rental experience—are RentHackr founder Zeb Dropkin, freelance writer Lambeth Hochwald, and BrickUnderground’s own senior contributing editor, Lucy Cohen Blatter.

The Apartment:

Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Location: 285 Driggs Ave. between Leonard St. and Manhattan Ave. in Greenpoint, Brooklyn

Cost & concessions: $2,795/month+no broker’s fee
Flexible layout: No

Days on the market: 37 days

Subway: G at Nassau Ave.; L at Graham Ave.; G, L at Lorimer St.; Ferry at North 5th St. Ferry landing

Pros and Cons:

Zeb: “A sunny, fancy-looking apartment with a wraparound balcony and a virtual doorman right by McCarren Park? Sounds good to me. Only con I can think of is that the apartment is a solid 15-minute walk to the overcrowded L train.”

Lambeth: “There’s lot about this Greenpoint 1-bedroom apartment to like, including the fact that it’s light, airy and sports bamboo floors and a modern kitchen, though it’s really more of a kitchenette. Unfortunately, the terrace is right off what looks to be an awkwardly shaped--and teensy--bedroom.”

Lucy: “This well-designed--no fee!--1-bedroom condo has a nice living space and open kitchen, and the bedroom has a balcony with room for a table and chairs. Score! That said, the bedroom looks small and the price tag seems a bit high for a 1-bedroom in Greenpoint.”

Who would this apartment be perfect for?

Zeb: “Someone willing to trade commute time convenience for a modern 1-bedroom in this happening Brooklyn neighborhood.”

Lambeth: “A couple that worships the area, is looking to rent in a newer condo building, and plans to frequent Enid’s--which is right around the corner--for its tasty brunch menu.”

Lucy: “A single person or couple that wants a modern apartment and appreciates outdoor space. There’s a communal roof deck too!”

The Verdict(s):

TAKE IT “It’s market-priced, gets great light and has a terrace and roof deck!”—Zeb

LEAVE IT “You can probably do better than $2,795/month for 654 square feet and you might even find a building with a real doorman--not a virtual one--as well as an amenity or two.” —Lambeth

TAKE IT “The price might be a little high, but considering that there’s no broker’s fee and that it has condo finishes, I think it’s worth it.”— Lucy

Ready to rent? Check out our How to Rent Guide...and if the apartment you like requires a guarantor that you don’t have, see if the landlord accepts Insurent, a guarantor solution from one of BrickUnderground’s sponsors.

Take It Or Leave It is a weekly column in which a panel of long-time renters weighs in on the pros and cons of an apartment that’s currently on the market.

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