Is it worth relocating to Kensington for this spacious one-bedroom?

By Lucy Cohen Blatter | May 25, 2016 - 3:59PM

Kensington isn't one of the uber-hip Brooklyn neighborhoods you keep hearing about, but this $1,650 one-bedroom, one-bath might be worth venturing into a new area (it happens to be about $75 less than the neighborhood median).

The area was once considered part of Flatbush, and housing stock is mostly two- or three-family homes (no big buildings). The F and G trains are only a block away. The rooms in the apartment seem generously sized, with windows in all (including the kitchen and bathroom).

So should you jump on it? 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.

The apartment:

Size: One-bedroom, one-bath
Location: 18 Clara Street (between Chester and Dahill)
Monthly rent: $1,650
Flexible layout: No
Days on the market: 3
Subway: F, G at Church

Pros and cons:

"The apartment is rather spacious for one person, and it's true that there's a lot of cabinet space in the kitchen (as the listing points out). But on the con side, is the fact that said kitchen cabinets are mismatched. Also, for some people, Kensington is just going to feel too out of the way." —Lucy

"This affordable one-bedroom is close to the F and G trains. But it’s way out there, 45 minutes to Union Square minimum, and it’s a first-floor unit where privacy can be challenging." —Zeb

"The price is okay for this renovated Kensington one-bed but there’s some weirdness to the place. For example, why update a kitchen and install a tiled black splash but keep the original pressboard cabinets? Also, a first-floor space has to be checked for noisiness—you may face a bunch of sleepless nights ahead."—Lambeth

Who would this apartment be perfect for?

"A single person who likes some quiet where they live, and doesn't mind relying heavily on the F and G." —Lucy

"Someone who prioritizes a a real one bedroom, a real kitchen, and a quiet street over a long commute time and a hip neighborhood would fit well here." —Zeb

"Someone who commutes to work via the F/G."—Lambeth

The verdict(s):

TAKE IT "It's not trendy, sure, but it's a good value." —Lucy

LEAVE IT "It’s too far out for the cost savings imho."—Zeb

LEAVE IT "Take a look at Google maps and you’ll agree that the building looks depressing.."—Lambeth

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