It's got no frills to speak of, but this $1,795 Astoria one-bedroom's got value (and a decent amount of space)
There are New Yorkers for whom an apartment with all the newest finishes, and a building with all the bells-and-whistles amenities are necessary. This Astoria apartment is not for them. But it is a well priced (more than $100 below the neighborhood median) one-bedroom complete with a tiny bit of outdoor space big enough for a couple of friends to enjoy an al fresco glass of wine.
So is it worth considering? We asked our experts (and veteran renters), real estate research and analytics firm NeighborhoodX founder Constantine Valhouli and freelance writer Lambeth Hochwald, to weigh in with me on this week's Take It or Leave It.
The apartment:
Size: One-bedroom, one-bath
Location: 23-16 Broadway (between 23rd and Crescent), Astoria, Queens
Monthly rent: $1,795/month
Flexible layout: No
Days on the market: 15
Subway: N, W at Broadway
Pros and cons:
"Astoria is a bustling neighborhood and this apartment costs less than the median price. Also, the kitchen has stainless steel appliances (including what appears to be a dishwasher). That said, the apartment feels like a bit of a tight squeeze, and it's in a no-frills building, and on the first floor (no climb, but probably not a lot of light and no view, either)." —Lucy
"This apartment makes me think of the opening scene from Saturday Night Fever. But not in a good way. The listing price went up by $50 the day recently. And the owner is requiring the tenant to cover the commission of one month's rent. To call this hopeful is an understatement, especially when nearly everyone else is offering rent concessions." —Constantine
"At first I thought this first floor one-bed could be cute—after all there’s a micro-outdoor space and it looks pretty ship-shape. Then again, this doesn't look like a place that would appeal to claustrophobics, there’s a one-month broker fee and, if I’m not mistaken, it looks like the front door opens right up into the bedroom." —Lambeth
Who this apartment would be perfect for:
"Someone who works off the N or W train and wants to live without roommates for a little bit. I'd also say you'll want to be able to stay for at least two years so that the one-month broker fee is less impactful." —Lucy
"Someone who works in Midtown and would love a quick commute, and who values space over charm." —Constantine
"A single who works on the N line—a quick five block walk away." —Lambeth
The verdict(s):
TAKE IT "It's not fancy, but it's certainly decent. And something tells me you could negotiate that broker fee down a bit." —Lucy
LEAVE IT: "I'm invoking Oscar Wilde on this. When he was dying, he was in reduced financial circumstances and complained about the hotel's decor: 'Either the wallpaper goes, or I do'."—Constantine
LEAVE IT: "Gas and electric isn’t even included and there's a one-month broker fee. Not worth it!" —Lambeth
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