Is this Upper East Side rental worth $3,300 a month—and a hike up four flights?

By Lucy Cohen Blatter | February 18, 2015 - 1:59PM

This two-bedroom, one-bath is cheaper than average for its Upper East Side environs. At $3,300 month, it's roughly $1,000 less than the median rent for a two-bedroom in the area, according to StreetEasy.

But that may have something to do with the fact that it's small: the two bedrooms and the living room/dining area are right on top of each other (which could translate into noise problems), and the kitchen is tiny. Even though the listing claims that the apartment's bedrooms can fit a queen-sized bed, the smaller of the two rooms is only 7 feet wide, according to the floorplan. And it's a four-flight climb in a building that lacks for extras like a doorman.

But there are some pros, too, like a recent renovation, and its location on a tree-lined street. Of course, you'll be seeing a lot of those neighboring tree-lined streets as you're walking the three avenues to the nearest subway on 77th and Lexington.

So do the pros outweigh the cons? We asked our veteran renters, including RentHackr founder Zeb Dropkin, freelance writer Lambeth Hochwald, and myself, to weigh in for this week Take It or Leave It.

Size: 2-bed, 1-bath
Location: 419 East 76th Street (between First and York)
Cost: $3,300/mo
Flexible layout: No
Days on the market: 43
Subway: 6 at 77th Street

Pros and Cons:

"This is a good price for a Manhattan two-bedroom, but if you're a family of more than three, this place is going to feel small quickly. The walk-up factor may be a total dealbreaker for some, as will the living room window that looks out onto a wall. The wooden closet doors and cabinets aren't exactly modern looking, but extra points for the recessed lighting. It's also a bit of a hike to the subway, but if you've lived on the Upper East Side before, it's probably something you're used to." - Lucy

"This is a pretty nice Upper East Side two-bedroom, four-story walk-up, newly renovated apartment. You're a 10-minute, half mile walk to the local 6 train, though, and the kitchen appliances might be on the small side." - Zeb

"There’s nothing like a renovated space to add instant appeal. And, while the kitchen is compact, it’s workable, and the bathroom’s shipshape. The downside is that this two-bed is a walkup and it appears that the living room has zero windows except for one by the ‘eat in’ area by the kitchen, but that one faces some sort of stucco-ish wall of another building." - Lambeth

Who would this apartment be perfect for?

"A young, fit couple that could use an extra bedroom for an office or guest room. Or a three-person family--the schools in the area are great. Just make sure if you have a little one, that you can leave the stroller downstairs." - Lucy

"Great for roommates on a budget that won't suffer from a commute on the 6 because they work or go to school on the East Side or in Midtown." - Zeb

"Two friends who want to try out the Upper East Side and neither mind the hike up nor the wintry hike to the subway." - Lambeth

The Verdict(s):

LEAVE IT "Unless price is the most important factor, there are just too many things working against this place. You'd likely be able to pay a little more for a significantly less flawed apartment." - Lucy

TAKE IT "The new renovation looks promising, and the price is in line with the market." - Zeb

TAKE IT "But only if you plan to stay awhile—the broker's fee won’t feel as painful that way." - Lambeth

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