Post-$150-discount, is $2800 a month on target for this Upper West Side co-op?

Available vacant or fully furnished at the newly reduced price of $2,800 a month, this one-bedroom Upper West Side co-op has a good sized bedroom, southern views, ample closet space and a kitchen with hardwood floors.

The building also features a part-time doorman, a live-in super, and storage and bike rooms for a small fee. The unit looks lovely, but with board approval required, will it simply be too much of a hassle for some prospective renters? Our experts—including RentHackr founder Zeb Dropkin, freelance writer Lambeth Hochwald, and BrickUnderground’s own senior contributing editor, Lucy Cohen Blatter—debate the apartment’s merits in this week’s Take It or Leave It.

The Apartment:

Size: one bedroom, one bathroom                                         
Location: 49 West 72nd Street between Columbus Avenue and Central Park West on the Upper West Side
Cost: $2,800 a month
Flexible Layout: No
Days on the market: 33 days
Subway: B, C at 72nd St.; 1, 2, 3 at 72nd St.; 1 at 66th St.; A, C, B, D, 1 at 59th St.-Columbus Circle

Pros and Cons:

“This nicely furnished one-bedroom in the heart of the Upper West Side is just a block from Central Park, which is a big plus. On the down side, it faces noisy 72nd Street, no pets are allowed, and the place has been on the market for over a month. In fact, the rent was just lowered from $2,950 a month—so there must be a good reason why others have passed on this spot.”—Zeb

“If you’re seeking an apartment in a co-op building that feels like a hotel suite, you’ve found it in this one-bedroom, just steps from Central Park and a slew of outdoor Columbus Avenue cafes. However, this isn’t a place for someone with lots of stuff—the living room/open kitchen space seems tiny—and the board-approval requirement is a drag.”—Lambeth

“The neighborhood is the biggest pro here. This place is just a short walk to Central Park and is also close to lots of public transportation. But, that said, the apartment is small, which explains its recent price reduction by $150. Plus, it requires board approval. That can take a while, and may be a pain, especially in an apartment so close to Central Park, where boards tend to be pretty picky.”—Lucy

Who would this apartment be perfect for?

“Someone who wants a furnished place that’s really close to the park, and isn’t easily bothered by street noise.”—Zeb

“A retired couple from Westchester looking for a weekend pied à terre.”—Lambeth

“A single person who really wants to be but a stone’s throw from Central Park. Or maybe someone who’s only in NYC for a short time and wants the apartment furnished, which is an option for the same price.”—Lucy

The Verdict(s):

LEAVE IT “The recent price reduction makes me worry that there’s something wrong with the unit.”—Zeb

LEAVE IT “…and find a place with more amenities, especially a full-time doorman.”—Lambeth

LEAVE IT “It’s pretty small. You’d be paying for location here. Plus, since it’s a co-op, it may be more of a hassle than it’s worth, and you’ll likely only be able to stay for up to two years.”—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.