This $1,795 Bed-Stuy one-bedroom's got character, but it's not in the most scenic area
This $1,795-a-month one-bedroom in Bedford-Stuyvesant brownstone has interesting touches that make if far from rote: brick walls, a fireplace, and pretty French doors that separate the living room and bedroom.
While the apartment is undoubtedly convenient—it's located around the corner from the A and C trains, near an LIRR stop, and lots of stores and restaurants—it's in a more industrial slice of Bed-Stuy, so don't expect a pretty tree-lined street.
You'll have to pay a broker's fee of one month's rent, and make 40 times the monthly rent or have a guarantor (both are standard, of course). Heat and hot water are included in the monthlies.
So is it worth considering? We asked our experts (and veteran renters), RentHackr founder Zeb Dropkin and freelance writer Lambeth Hochwald, to weigh in with me on this week's Take It or Leave It.
Size: One-bedroom, one-bath
Location: 73 Herkimer Street (between Nostrand and Bedford), Bedford-Stuyvesant
Cost: $1,750
Flexible layout: No
Days on the market: 3
Subway: A, C to Nostrand Avenue
"There are some definite pros to this apartment, including the brownstone detailing and three windows in the living room. The kitchen is small, but looks recently renovated. I'm not too crazy about that bedroom, with its one small window (and what looks like no view to speak of), but hey, this New York." —Lucy
"This Bed Stuy one-bed has a sunny living area and is super close to the A/C Nostrand stop. But the rooms have awkward angles, and the bedroom has only a shaftway window ." —Zeb
"There are a few details to this Bed-Stuy pad that make it a standout—I mean that brick wall in the living room atop the vintage (non-working) fireplace makes this place look not in the least bit cookie-cutter. On the downside, the cave-like back bedroom is bumming me out as is the broker’s fee and the fact that 40 times the monthly rent is required to move in." —Lambeth
Who would this apartment be perfect for?
"A single person who wants to live near their friends in Bed-Stuy. I fear this would start to feel claustrophobic for a couple after more than a year. And since you're paying a broker fee, you want to stay at least a year to make it worth your while." —Lucy
"This place is good for a bare bones renter who doesn’t need much. This spot probably works best for a couple splitting the rent." —Zeb
"A single with a fat paycheck (or a guarantor) who is eager to host a cozy dinner party or two in the light-filled living room, which is truly the best room in the apartment." —Lambeth
The verdict(s):
TAKE IT "It's not ideal, but it's reasonably priced and would suit a new (and single) renter." —Lucy
LEAVE IT "You can find a better studio for a little less, or a better one-bedroom for a little more instead of this mashup." —Zeb
LEAVE IT "... and keep looking for a place with fewer move-in restrictions." —Lambeth
Ready to rent? Checkout 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.
