This suburban-style Long Island City two-bedroom has a price that's hard to beat in the hip neighborhood
At $2,200, this two-bedroom duplex in Long Island City is kind of a steal for the neighborhood considering that two-bedroom rentals are usually about $1,000 more per month. But keep in mind that those pricier pads tend to be in modern buildings with lots of amenity bells and whistles. This apartment, in a private house, doesn't have a gym, a FreshDirect cold room, or any of the like. It's just a standard, older apartment (and likely comes with landlords as neighbors).
But is it still worth considering? For more perspectives, 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.
Size: Two-bedroom, one-bath
Location: 13-20 33rd Ave. (at 13th Street), Long Island City
Monthly rent: $2,200
Flexible layout: Yes
Days on the market: 44
Subway: N, W at Broadway; F at 21st Street
Pros and cons:
"There's always something nice (or at least novel) about apartments that feel more like suburban houses, and this is definitely one of those. That said, it doesn't appear as though you'll be getting the perks of suburban living, namely parking spots and outdoor space. Also, we hope you like wall-to-wall carpeting." —Lucy
"It was built in 1996, the year when MC Hammer was wearing those massive pants. Architecturally, this is kind of the same. In terms of needed renovations: 'Stop. Hammertime.' It's directly across the street from the sports fields from Long Island City High School. I mean, go Bulldogs, but when you're trying for a nap in the afternoon or on game days, this may not be a plus."—Constantine
"Bonus points for this Long Island City two-bed as it's in a two-family 1990-built home for a change, not a box on a box in a large high-rise. On the other hand, there's nothing that sparkles about this two-bed located more than three-quartrers of a mile from the 21st Street stop on the F." —Lambeth
Who this apartment would be perfect for:
"A couple of roommates or a family with baby who are looking for value over shimmer and shine." —Lucy
"A serious Bulldogs fan. Or roommates who just moved to the city and would like a remarkably affordable rent with a short commute to midtown." —Constantine
"A couple of friends who won't mind sharing a bathroom and want a little suburban urban feel when they get home from work." —Lambeth
The verdict(s):
TAKE IT "Long Island City is an amenity-filled neighborhood and this apartment's cheap. It won't appeal to everyone, of course, but it's worth checking out." —Lucy
TAKE IT "Bargains are rare in this city. This is one of them. If you can look past the carpets and tiles and sports field next door, go for it." —Constantine
LEAVE IT "Unless you're crazy about diners as the Bel Air Diner (voted best diner by the Daily News twice) is just 0.2 miles away!." —Lambeth
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