Manhattan rents being what they are, $2,500 a month for a one-bedroom in Alphabet City with hardwood floors, a dishwasher, natural light, and access to a shared courtyard isn't particularly crazy--especially if said one-bedroom is located a block away from the L train.
But what if this apartment is better described as a "junior one-bedroom" with a miniscule kitchen? Then potential renters might understand why the apartment's been on the market for a few weeks. (Also, why is its Alphabet City location bizarrely described as "East Greenwich Village"?)
So is this starter apartment worth the money? Our experts— including RentHackr founder Zeb Dropkin, freelance writer Lambeth Hochwald, and BrickUnderground’s own senior contributing editor, Lucy Cohen Blatter—weigh in for this week’s Take It or Leave It.
The Apartment:
Size: Junior one-bedroom
Location: 214-216 Avenue A between 13th and 14th
Cost: $2,500 a month
Flexible Layout: No
Days on the market: 24 days
Subway: L at 1st Ave; 6 at Astor Place; F at 2nd Ave; N, R at 8th Street; L, N, Q, R, 4, 5, 6 at Union Square
Pros and Cons:
"The bustling neighborhood is a major pro here, as is access to a courtyard. Plus, although the building's a walk-up, the apartment's either on the first or second floor, judging from the photos. The appliances seem new, but the apartment is available furnished, which may not be ideal for everyone. Of course, as is often the case in Alphabet City, the apartment is small. A junior one is basically a studio with an extra wall, and there's no real kitchen." - Lucy
"If you've been dreaming of an Alphabet City crash pad, this place definitely fits the bill. Sure, the kitchen is part of the wall and smack dab by the front door, but at least it boasts a legit bedroom--albeit one that looks like it would fit a bed and not much more. The private courtyard space is a nice perk and likely a quiet place to unwind after a long day." - Lambeth
"If you like living near music, food, nightlife and great people watching, then you'll be at home in the East Village. This small one-bedroom probably started out as a studio--don't expect a lot of space." - Zeb
Who would this apartment be perfect for?
"Someone who's in NYC for a short time--maybe a year or two--and wants to be in the center of nightlife and restaurants during their stay." - Lucy
"A new grad with a sweet job that can accommodate the $2,500 a month rent. Fans of Drop Off Service, the laundromat-turned-bar two doors down at 211 Avenue A, will have a hard time saying no to this place, too." - Lambeth
"A young couple willing to squeeze in together, or a solo renter who will enjoy the hustle and bustle of the East village near 14th Street. Unlike most of the East Village, this apartment is very easy to commute from." - Zeb
The Verdict(s):
TAKE IT "If you want to live in Alphabet City, this isn't a bad deal. But, again, don't expect to set down roots for too long." - Lucy
LEAVE IT " It's hard to tell for sure from the photos, but it looks like this is a street level apartment facing the avenue, which means the nights will be super noisy. Could this be the reason the apartment has been on the market for so long?" - Lambeth
TAKE IT "It may be a glorified studio, but the price is still decent, and the outdoor space is a bonus." - Zeb
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