Live in Ridgewood for $800 a person--if you can handle this no-frills walk-up

By Lucy Cohen Blatter | February 4, 2015 - 1:59PM

What this apartment isn't: A shiny, new stunner in a super convenient, amenity-filled neighborhood. What this apartment is: A well-priced three-bedroom ($2,400, or $800 a piece, is something of a steal in this city) in one of Queens' buzziest but still affordable areas.

This Ridgewood walk-up is a corner unit, meaning it has multiple windows in several rooms, and two full bathrooms. It's also got at least one good-sized closet (per the photos), and the kitchen has a a slim pantry and room to add a dining table. Hardwood floors and a non-working fireplace complete the picture. It's a five-minute walk from the M at Forest Avenue and 10 minutes from the L at Halsey. Pets have to be approved before they can move in.

So is it worth relocating to Ridgewood? We asked our veteran renters, including RentHackr founder Zeb Dropkin, freelance writer Lambeth Hochwald, and myself, to weigh in for this week’s Take It or Leave It.

Size: 3-bed, 2-bath
Location: 59-11 70th Avenue (between 60th and Forest)
Cost: $2,400/mo
Flexible Layout: Yes
Days on the market: 3
Subway: M to Forest Ave.

Pros and Cons:

"This is a no-frills three-bedroom, clocking in around 1,100 square feet, with decent storage space. It looks like every closet has a small storage space above it. There's some exposed brick, too, but it's not in the best shape. That said, the major pro here is the relatively low price." - Lucy

"Great price for a three-bed, two-bath near the M, a 10 minute walk to the L, and a 14-minute walk to the excellent Houdini Kitchen Laboratory. But it's far out in Ridgewood, and if you're looking for a pretty apartment … keep looking." - Zeb

"You’re getting space and a spiffy-ish kitchen with this place but, gosh, this agent needs to work on his/her photographing skills. It’s almost impossible to know how big the rooms are. I wouldn’t exactly agree with the ad in calling the fireplace 'decorative' as it looks more gritty than pretty. And I’m not sure why a photo of a paint-splattered ladder will really help entice a potential tenant." - Lambeth

Who would this apartment be perfect for?

"This screams starter apartment to me. It's ideal for three post-college roommates. Even better: Two roommates with one person working from home and using the third bedroom as a home office. That kitchen seems small for three people to share." - Lucy

"Roommates on a budget can make this place work like a charm. This is like Far East Williamsburg, the next frontier." - Zeb

"A trio of friends who want to spend $800/month each to experience Ridgewood—they’ll get plenty of cardio hiking up the stairs—looks like a walkup to me." - Lambeth

The Verdict(s):

LEAVE IT "It feels pretty drab to me." - Lucy

TAKE IT "If it fits your needs and the neighborhood suits you after checking it out. Ridgewood is up and coming." - Zeb

LEAVE IT "Unless you’re dazzled by the space when you see it in person." - Lambeth

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