This large Bronx one-bedroom has a washer and dryer and an updated kitchen—is it worth nearly Manhattan prices?
Because this one-bedroom is in Kingsbridge, a residential area in the northwest Bronx, you're going to get more bang for your buck than you would in Manhattan or Brooklyn. But honestly, in this case, it's still a lot of bucks. At $2,200, the apartment is priced more like a two-bedroom in the area. But there's a reason we hand-picked Kingsbridge as one of the best neighborhoods for recent college graduates last year. Unlike its neighbor, Riverdale, transportation is easier, since it's close to the 1 train. A commute to midtown will take about 40 minutes, but there's access to the Metro-North, too, and, if you commute by car, lots of room to park. Also, Broadway leads directly to Van Cortlandt Park, a massive greenspace popular with runners for its trails and hills.
This apartment has stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, an in-unit washer and dryer; plus, the bathroom appears recently refreshed (note: the listing says the photos are of a similar apartment, not the exact one for rent, so as always, check it out in person before you make any decision).
The building has an indoor garage, gym, children's playroom, recreation room, and an outdoor common roof deck.
So is it worth considering the move up north? For other perspectives, we asked our experts (and veteran renters), real estate research and analytics firm NeighborhoodX founder Constantine Valhouli 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: 3210 Riverdale Avenue (between 232nd and 234th streets), Kingsbridge, Bronx
Monthly rent: $2,200
Flexible layout: No
Days on the market: 2
Subway: 1 at 231st Street
Pros and cons:
"The apartment is graciously sized and has impressive modern upgrades (hello, washer and dryer!). In Manhattan or Brooklyn, I'd be thrilled to pay this for a one-bedroom of this caliber in a building with amenities. In the Bronx, it's a bit of a stretch." —Lucy
"This seems like a nice construction, with washer and dryer in the unit (!), and some nice building amenities as well. Upscale in-unit amenities, too—well, for NYC. (My suburban friends cannot understand our obsession with washers and dryers that are in the apartment rather than the basement. But I digress.) But for this price, you could live much closer to Manhattan. Or in Manhattan. Or in Lower Manhattan. (Granted, not with the building or unit amenities. But still.) There better not be a broker fee in this transaction. Or the owner must be covering it. Also, no dogs. If this little dude isn't moving in, neither am I." —Constantine
"Looks can be deceiving as the photos advertising the Bronx apartment listed here aren't exactly what this unit represents. And is it me or is it little odd to advertise on-site daycare for a one-bedroom? Or perhaps the objective would be to put up a wall in the living room to make room for baby or toddler." —Lambeth
Who this apartment would be perfect for:
"Someone who commutes to Westchester, or just doesn't want to be in the middle of a bustling neighborhood. I'd imagine people who love their cars would appreciate parking options (and easy access to the Major Deegan)." —Lucy
"Someone who commutes to Westchester or to midtown." —Constantine
"A couple who loves cats (no dogs allowed), work in southern Westchester or upper Manhattan, love the idea of living in a new building, and need a guarantor to secure a lease (those are allowed)." —Lambeth
The verdict(s):
TAKE IT "If you can get the landlord to negotiate a few hundred dollars on rent (and it's not impossible), it's worth it." —Lucy
LEAVE IT "As nice as it is, I'd say pass unless there's a reason to keep you in this neighborhood specifically. One can live much closer downtown for this price or lower." —Constantine
LEAVE IT "New construction plus virtual doorman isn't worth it for the price—don't forget the broker fee!" —Lambeth
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