A reasonably priced renovated SoHo two-bedroom—but there's a catch

By Lucy Cohen Blatter | January 6, 2016 - 3:59PM

Considering that the the median price of a two-bedroom in SoHo is about twice this, you may want to at least check out this $3,489 two-bedroom at 25 Thompson Street (with no broker fee to speak of).

That said, this isn't the SoHo loft of your dreams. It's more the SoHo walk-up two-bedroom of your reality. And the listing says that it's only available through July 31, at which point we can only imagine the rent would go up. But it still may be way less than the area median.

And the place is incredibly well located, in terms of proximity to hip bars, restaurants and shops and the subway.

So is it worth checking out? We 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: Two-bedroom, one-bath
Location: 4325 Thompson Street (between Grand and Watts), SoHo
Cost: $3,489, no broker's fee
Flexible layout: No
Days on the market: 7
Subway: 1, A, C, E to Canal Street

"This is a no-frills walk-up apartment in what appears to be a no-frills building. The bedrooms are not large, but look like they'll fit a full bed and dresser. The washing machine is a nice touch, but the fact that it's where the fridge should go in the kitchen just looks a little odd." —Lucy

"New renovation in the heart of lower west SoHo, this apartment could be a great find. But the short lease to July has you looking to move, or pay more, come this summer." —Zeb

"This is one fabulously shipshape apartment to showcase at the start of the New Year and I’m super thankful that there’s no-fee. Thing is, I just can’t reconcile that the fridge is located outside the kitchen and yet the suburban-sized washer and dryer take up prime space in the kitchen. It seems anti-feng shui somehow." —Lambeth

Who would this apartment be perfect for?

"A couple of roommates who want to try out SoHo (on the cheap) and don't mind moving in a few months." —Lucy

"This location is great for eating out, hitting cafes, shopping, and walking through SoHo. Renters who will take advantage of the location will like this place best." —Zeb

"Two gallery workers eager to live/work in SoHo." —Lambeth

The verdict(s):

LEAVE IT "The cheap-ish rent doesn't make up for the fact that it's a six-month lease, likely a high walk-up and the weird fridge location. Unless you're only coming to New York City for a few months and basically want the hotel experience in a bustling neighborhood." —Lucy

TAKE IT "If your situation fits for a six-month lease, then six months in this chic location will be worth it." -Zeb

LEAVE IT "The one bathroom feels problematic and I'm worried that this is one heck of a walk-up since there's no mention of what floor this place is located on." —Lambeth

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