This $4,825 three-bedroom "penthouse" on the Upper West Side has a washer and dryer, a dishwasher and outdoor space. Should you jump on it?
If you're new to the three-bedroom apartment hunt, let us enlighten you: It's rare to find one for less than $5,000/month in Manhattan. That's why we had to take a closer look at this $4,825 three-bedroom, two-bath—with no broker fee!—that happens to be located in a prime Upper West Side spot, on 95th Street between Columbus and Amsterdam.
The apartment's in a brownstone and is described as a "penthouse," which means there's going to be some stair climbing involved. And while the "private roof deck" the listing touts seems rather small, there's room for a table and chairs, so to us, that counts.
So is it worth an in-person look? For other 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.
Location:147 West 95th Street (between Amsterdam and Columbus)
Monthly rent: $4,825, no broker's fee
Flexible layout: Yes
Days on the market: 15
Subway: 1,2,3 at 96th Street; B,C to 96th Street
Pros and cons:
"This apartment isn't modern, it has some weird details — what is going on with that wall of shelving and the sink in the bedroom?—but it does have a renovated kitchen with dishwasher and a washer and dryer in the unit, which is is especially helpful given the fact that it's a walk-up and schlepping laundry up and down the stairs is no fun at all. Also, the price is right and we'd imagine that given the fact that the apartment's been on the market for nearly a month and has seen a price cut, there may be room for more negotiation." —Lucy
"It's on the Upper West Side, close to not just a subway, but an express train. Also, two bathrooms, so less waiting in the mornings. Also: washer and dryer in unit. But three bedrooms (and six rooms) in 1,200 square feet may be a bit tight. Are these the same size? There was a lot missing from the listing." —Constantine
"There's lots to recommend about this three-bed duplex on the Upper West Side and the main thing is that it isn't on 96th street so you don't have to worry about the crosstown bus making its noisy east west rumble. On the other hand, this isn't a place for anyone who isn't in shape. Roof deck=walk-up so it's important to keep that in mind when you're contemplating taking this place." —Lambeth
Who this apartment would be perfect for:
"While it's tempting to say this apartment is good for a family (because of the three bedrooms and the Upper West Side location), I think it's better suited to roommates." —Lucy
"Three Columbia roommates who'd like a better alternative than three studio apartments, for about the same price. Or three people new to the city, who work in midtown or Flatiron." —Constantine
"A family with more than one child and the kids can no longer share a room though I'd make sure that each bedroom is adequately sized." —Lambeth
The verdict(s):
LEAVE IT "The apartment feels dated, and while it's a good price for the neighborhood, I don't see huge value here." —Lucy
TAKE IT "UWS lifestyle at that price!" —Constantine
TAKE IT "But take a close look first--at under $5K/month for a three-bedroom, you're under market value and I worry that there's a reason why..."—Lambeth
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