Do new renovations make this Bedford-Stuyvesant garden apartment worth $2,250 a month?

By Lucy Cohen Blatter | July 8, 2015 - 1:34PM

[Update 2:15: The price has been reduced to $2,250 from $2,500.]

Of all the Brooklyn neighborhoods that are evolving at a rapid speed, Bedford-Stuyvesant seems to be moving fastest of all. And owners and developers are taking note, renovating and flipping apartments for prices that would have seemed impossible only a little while ago.

Case in point: This one-bedroom, one-bathroom garden apartment at 435A Classon Avenue, with its $2,250 price tag. It looks like it recently underwent a gut renovation, complete with recessed lighting, new appliances, oak floors and "up/down shades" ( soon-to-be added).

The brand new makeover (and the private, shaded outdoor space) explains the relatively high price tag, which is about $250 than the neighborhood median of $2,000 (although we suspect that number to keep climbing).

The three-story house has two units, and we'd assume the owners live upstairs. We suggest you make sure you're compatible before moving in. But assuming you are, is it worth taking the plunge? I 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: 435A Classon Avenue (between Quincy and Gates)
Cost: $2,250
Flexible layout: No
Days on the market: 13
Subway: G to Classon; C to Clinton & Washington

Pros and cons:

"The modern appliances — including a dishwasher and central air — are great. So are the fireplace and exposed brick in the bedroom (leftover from the pre-renovation days). But I'm wondering why there's no picture of the outdoor space? It must be at least slightly dilapidated, because in NYC, if an apartment has decent outdoor space, brokers flaunt it. Also, not sure how comfortable I'd be security-wise living on the ground floor." — Lucy

"Newly renovated with a private back yard, this one-bedroom on the edge of Bed-Stuy and Clinton Hill looks nice. But privacy and light can be a challenge on the bottom floor." — Zeb

"I call this place ‘turn of the century meets modern’ and boy does it ever with its red oak floors, recessed lighting and stainless steel appliances—all in a multi-family house that dates back to 1899. The shaded patio is pretty swank, too. My big issue with this place, however, is the weird $50 monthly charge for the building’s alarm system. Seems odd to pass that along to tenants." — Lambeth

Who would this apartment be perfect for?

"A couple (easier on the wallet that way) who love the idea of brownstone living." — Lucy

"If you like a neighborhood that's improving quickly (but still has some rough spots), you strongly prefer a new renovation, and you know from experience that you'll like ground floor unit—then this is a good place for you." — Zeb

"A couple who live for BAM and have been waiting for the right apartment in the neighborhood. This place is ideal for anyone who likes the floor-through feel and doesn’t mind that the views might be limited. Just think: One spouse can stream Netflix at a high volume while the other is fast asleep in the back bedroom!"— Lambeth

The verdict(s):

TAKE IT "As long as you're not concerned with security on the first floor. And as long as you like your upstairs neighbors." — Lucy

LEAVE IT "This on the pricey side for the location, so you'd be the one paying the highest rent in your neighborhood." — Zeb

TAKE IT "Looks like a great Bed-Stuy starter apartment. — Lambeth

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