Would you rent this no-fee one bedroom in Bed-Stuy, for $2,000?
Apartment #2C's living room is open to the kitchen and has hardwood floors and a large window, however, the listing photos are of a similar apartment and not #2C.
New rental buildings loaded with amenities are driving up rents in Brooklyn, but can you find a new development with minimal bells and whistles to save on rent? This one bedroom, 799 Jefferson Ave. #2C, in a brand new building in Bedford-Stuyvesant near the edge of Bushwick would seem to fit the bill.
The building went up in 2019 with 38 units and five stories. It has few amenities, which translates into rent is that is relatively low for a one bedroom in a new development in the neighborhood. The 560-square-foot apartment is asking $2,000 with no broker’s fee. (The median asking rent for all apartments in Bed-Stuy is $2,500, according to StreetEasy.)
The apartment has an open kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a large closet, and space for a queen size bed, according to the listing, which says you can also fit a big couch and dining room table.
There’s central air—which is rare for a rental. Building amenities include a bike room, laundry room, virtual doorman, and parking is available. Pets are allowed.
You find some mixed feedback on Localize.city, which says the address has a slightly above average crime rate, block parties are popular here, and the building has no violations or complaints.
Google Map's streetview shows a modern building across the street from large, traditional apartment buildings. Around the corner is Old Mt. Zion Baptist Church, one of several churches in the neighborhood (so be sure to find out whether bells chime on the hour, or if Sunday services are loud). Lots of small eateries are nearby, including Toad Style, a vegan sandwich shop. It is four blocks from the J train at Gates Avenue. Midtown Manhattan is accessible in just under an hour.
So what do you think? Is this worth it?
As always, when weighing New York City apartment listings, we turn to our Take It Or Leave It experts: Constantine Valhouli, founder of real estate research and analytics firm NeighborhoodX, freelance writer Lambeth Hochwald, and myself.
But first, here are some photos—according to the listing, these are photos of a similar apartment, not the one that is available.
Pros & cons
"Hello Holiday Inn! Is it me or does this look like a hotel? And we can all agree that this place is shipshape and move-in ready. Then again, money gets you honey and you're still paying $2,000 per month for a one bedroom, albeit one that can apparently fit a queen bed and has a large enough living space to fit a big sofa." —Lambeth Hochwald
"It's listed as being in the historic district of Stuyvesant Heights, but it is actually in Bed-Stuy. And on an aesthetic note, the exterior looks like a 1960s college dorm. I cannot wait for this awful trend of multiple facade treatments (light gray brick, sections of dark gray brick, and metal panels, too) to end. Just choose one and make it look interesting." —Constantine Valhouli
"The building has an institutional look, like a hospital or a school, but I don't think that's terrible. There's no gym or lounge or outdoor space, but that helps keep the asking rent down. I'm not sure there's a dishwasher here, but there is central air—which is a nice bonus." —Jennifer White Karp
Who is it good for?
"A J and Z commuter who just can't deal with a walkup." —Hochwald
"I mean, it's your own private space in a newish building for $2,000 a month. Things could be worse. Things usually are worse." —Valhouli
"Someone that works in Downtown Brooklyn and wants a new development, but can't afford the rentals over there." —White Karp
Take it or leave it?
Leave it. "I just can't justify living in a 560-square-foot space with practically zero amenities (and I don't count an elevator and virtual doorman as perks) with no place to escape to when it starts feeling really claustrophobic in there."—Hochwald
Leave it. "But check it out first, to see if everything is as it is being positioned." —Valhouli
Take it. "The rental market is really competitive. New, well-priced apartments do not stay available. If you are too picky you will miss out." —White Karp
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