Manhattan Apartments Under $1200 per Month!

Are you searching for a cheap apartment in Manhattan?  Than look no further.  There are apartments to be had for under $1200 a month!  If you are a student or a person on a limited income, consider these apartments.  Keep in mind that these units go fast and the best way to get them is to act fast.

Although this apartment seems to be owned by the strictest person in all of Harlem, it looks to be pretty nice.  A one bedroom at $1100 is hard to beat, even in Northern Manhattan.  That's why I figured I would feature it here.  The find was from Craigslist.  Here's what the advertisement had to say:

"Do not respond to this ad until you have read it entirely

PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR PHONE NUMBER IN YOUR RESPONSE and at least your first name so I know whom to ask for.

THIS IS A NON-SMOKING BUILDING. THAT MEANS NO PERSON CAN SMOKE ANYWHERE ANYTIME FOR ANY REASON. THIS RULE WILL BE ENFORCED BY LAW. If you smoke or your friends smoke or you think you have the right to smoke then please find a place to live that better accommodates you.

THIS IS A QUIET BUILDING. THAT MEANS YOU DO NOT PLAY LOUD MUSIC THAT ANYONE ELSE CAN HEAR OR COME HOME LATE CARRYING ON WITH ALL SORTS OF NOISE AT NIGHT. If you like to do that sort of thing then please take your habits to another building and deal with your angry neighbors accordingly.

THE OWNER LIVES IN THE BUILDING. That's me. You will appreciate that I am here. Trust me.

Live in an apartment building that feels more like a home with friendly neighbors, free laundry, and a backyard garden. This shiny new apartment features exposed brick, stainless steel appliances, oak cabinets, new bathroom, high ceilings, large closets and an air conditioner. Although the apartment is advertised as a one bedroom, it has an extra room that can be used as an office. Heat and hot water are included in the rent. You pay electric and stove gas. Laundry is located in the building and its free to use. * The apartment is NOT good for a share because one room leads to the other so there would be no privacy.

The neighborhood has everything that a neighborhood should have. That includes friendly neighbors who are actually happy that you are here. The block is very quiet.

The 2 and 5 express subway lines are five blocks. Grand Central is 35 minutes door to door. I have timed it. Also very close is Staples, Rite Aid, Duane Reade, GNC, Blink Gym, Planet Fitness and large grocery stores. You can walk to the mall that has a Home Depot, Target, Bed Bath and other large stores. All the big banks are very close too. There is street parking on the block and an indoor garage one block away. It is very quiet here yet close to everything.

You need to earn a minimum of $40,000 per year.

Hurry, I know it will rent quick."

He is probably right.  By the pictures, it will be rented quick.  It is a great looking apartment at a great looking price.   This kind of unit would be good for a person who is quiet or looking for something quiet. 

Link to advertisement:  New York Craigslist

How do I pick a good moving company in New York?

So, you're moving now and you want to hire someone to help you move.  Perhaps driving a U-Haul in Manhattan or Brooklyn does not seem like your idea of a good time.  Maybe you don't want to haul all your furniture to a 6th floor walk up.  That being said, there are thousands upon thousands of movers in New York City, and there is quite a bit to learn.

Flat rate movers vs. hourly movers
Flat rate movers charge a flat fee for moving all of your things.  They will usually charge the flat rate for a truck and one or two movers (usually up to 3).  If you require a second trip, they generally will charge more.

With flat rate movers you have to be sure that everything is as specified on the contract.  For example, if you contracted for a 20 foot truck and they send a 16 foot truck, you will want to specify that you are paying for a larger truck.  Don't let the movers sucker you into a second trip because they brought a truck that's too small.  I have seen this happen before.  If you don't assert your rights, they will try to sell you a second trip when all your things don't fit.

Further, keep in mind that some flat rate movers don't pay for tolls.  If you are moving into Manhattan or crossing any major bridges onto Long Island, you will probably encounter tolls.  Make sure that tolls are covered.  If you need a second trip, you will want to make sure that tolls are covered for that second trip as well.

Hourly movers charge for the hour instead of a flat rate.  You will want to make sure that they cover tolls and gas.  Some do and others don't.  With all movers you should ask if there is an extra charge for climbing stairs.  Some movers will ask you how many boxes and pieces of furniture you are moving.  Be honest, as they generally will write down everything that they load on a checklist.  If you go over, they may try to charge you extra.  Generally this won't be an issue if it's just a few boxes.  But if you forgot to mention a couple of bikes and a dresser, you may want to bring out a couple more Benjamins.

Consider using a moving auction service such as http://www.CityMove.com.  That way you can name your own price and see who will charge you the best rate.  That being said, pay close attention to the reviews.  Some moving companies are downright shady.  Also, consider taking pictures of your items and uploading it to the site.  Have everything ready to go when the movers arrive.  Many movers will insist that you do not help move, and in that case, just stand back and let them take care of the move for you. 

Washington Heights Manhattan Neighborhood Guide

There is a lot to see and do in Washington Heights and Inwood but not a lot of resources.  As rents climb in Manhattan and around New York, people are often looking for a neighborhood that is close to Midtown and the southern areas of Manhattan and has a lot of amenities.  Many people do not consider going above 110th street in the Upper West side, however, many may not be aware that there are some gems if you move north in the city.  Washington Heights and Inwood are both great neighborhoods.  This area is home to Yeshiva University and Columbia Hospital.  If you are new to the city and want to find a place for a good price, consider looking in Upper Manhattan. 

This area of the city is more hilly than other areas, which makes for some interesting views and varied topography.  Further, the hills make for great outdoor spaces.  Many of Inwood and Washington Height's parks are built on and around hills. 

In the coming weeks I will be posting information about moving to Upper Manhattan.  I will also provide information on where to look for a place and how safe the neighborhoods are.  Having spent some time living in this area, I must say that I am happy with it. 

Amenities

Beautiful Parks and Outdoor Spaces:  Inwood is home to Fort Tyron Park, which is a gorgeous park.  Fort Tyron Park is home to the Cloisters, a branch of the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art.  The Cloisters itself is a beautiful building in the center of the park, overlooking the Hudson River.  During the early fall, this park is home to a rather large renaissance fair.  Other invents happen yearly in the park, including seasonal festivals and outings and hikes through the New York City parks department. 

Inwood Hill Park is just north of Fort Tyron Park and should not be missed.  There is a great amount of hiking trails in the park, as well as a nature center with a recreation of a wigwam.  Inside one can learn about the various animals that inhabit the marsh area and the cove.  There are an array of recreational areas in the park, including tennis courts, baseball diamonds, and soccer fields. 

Another fine park in the area is the Highbridge Park.  This park is home to one of the city's largest outdoor pools.  The park flanks the west side of Manhattan, and is loaded with mountain bike trails, paths, and amazing views of The Bronx and Queens. 

The Inwood Canoe Club is another perk to living in the neighborhood.  The canoe club has an open house on the weekends in which one can take a canoe out onto the river for a couple of hours.  It is located on the Hudson River Greenway, which is a beautiful area that is great for a picnic or an evening stroll along the river.  If you are into recreational activities such as biking or jogging, few places in the city can match the Hudson River Greenway.

If you are into parks and nature, this area of the city is one of the best.





Food

While Washington Heights and Inwood are not known as the best places in the city to find find, there are some great places around.  If you are into Central American cuisine, including Dominican cuisine, you will probably find no better place in the city. 

There are a few farmer's markets in Upper Manhattan that are of note.  The 175th Street Greenmarket is a wonderful place to buy produce and baked goods.  On the weekends, there is another farmer's market in Inwood.  The area is home to many small grocery stores as well as a very popular Jewish felafel restaurant, Golan Heights.   If you are a vegetarian you will be able to find many options, from inexpensive pizza restaurants to empanada stands.

Further, if you are interested in Russian cuisine or Russian baked goods, Moscow on the Hudson on 181st street is a great place to get quality groceries.  More grocery stores and food stores are coming all the time.  Currently there is talk of a new Whole Foods opening up just south in Harlem.  As people continue making their way north to escape the high prices of lower Manhattan, new amenities will continue to enter the neighborhood. 

The Cloisters, Fort Tyron Park.

Transportation

The A express train will get you to Midtown in about 20 minutes.  The C and the 1 are also available if you are going to the Upper West Side.  Each one of these trains serves the neighborhood well. 

The George Washington Bus Terminal will get you into New Jersey and points North.  If you are looking to take the Metro North Railway, a short train south to 125th street will get you to the nearest station.

Safety and CrimeThis area of the city has been often reputed to be a dangerous area.  However, I have never felt unsafe in the neighborhoods that comprise Upper Manhattan.  Crimes do happen, but you are unlikely to see more crime here than in other parts of New York or in other major cities.



Hipsters?Hipsters need a place to live too.  At least that's why they say.  Although you won't find the same sheer numbers in Washington Heights as in Williamsburg or the East Village, chances are you will run into them now and again in this area of Upper Manhattan.   

On that topic, one individual had the following to say about Washington Heights:

"Hipsters. Everywhere. They’re slowly but surely creeping in. Less so than in Inwood, which is also changing quickly, but it seems like once word gets out that rent is cheap, that’s where they’ll flock to. Don’t get me wrong, a lot of the young folks I’ve met around here are generally nice and well intentioned, but it’s a strange feeling when you’ve been living here your whole life."

If you have lived or currently live in this part of Upper Manhattan, please post your comments in the field below.  

Manhattan Apartment Finds Under $1200 a month

This amazing find is located near Fort Tyron park, and is a great apartment for a student or a newcomer to New York City.  According to the ad that I found:

"This is an Enormous oversized 1Br apartment in a well maintained prewar elevator building located in an AMAZING neighborhood. Steps to 1 and A EXPRESS trains, great shopping, Bistros, restaurants, Frank's Gourmet Supermarket, bars, and 1 block to the beautiful Inwood Park. Minutes to the Cloisters and Fort Tryon Park. Must see!"

Link to post:  http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/fee/3335993368.html (once the link is invalid, the apartment has probably been rented).

The cost of this 1 bedroom apartment is $1195.  Apartments in Manhattan are often hard to come by.  If you are a student at Columbia or City College, this is a good area to rent an inexpensive place.  The A train will also get you to the south side of the city in around half an hour, or Brooklyn in about 40 minutes. 

As with all apartments in New York, it is often best to look at them first.  That being said, apartments in Manhattan go fast. 

A good rule of thumb when renting in Manhattan is that the further south you go, the more expensive things get.  The deals to be had are in the north area of the city.  Further, as time passes, more people are looking to the north areas of New York and it is becoming a hot new area for people wanting to love in Manhattan.

Having lived in this area myself, I can say it's safe and home to some beautiful open areas.  Fort Tyron Park is gorgeous. 

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This post is a continuation in a series of posts on Manhattan rentals under $1200.  I find the best apartments at a budget price and list them here.  Why go search on random websites hoping to find a good apartment when there are so many scams? 

While I do not represent any brokers (I am a student myself), and do not make any guarantees about these units, I know what a good unit in New York looks like (brokers tend to think anything is 'good', no matter how small, dark, ect.), and I know what a good price in the city is.  And contrary to popular belief, there are good places in Manhattan for under $1200 a month.

If you are looking to find a good and cheap apartment in the city, subscribe to this blog by e-mail at the right to be notified of new apartments that come available. 

Manhattan apartments under $1200 a month.

Apartments in Manhattan, NY for under $1200 a month.

Cheap apartments in Manhattan are hard to find.  Therefore, I will be showing off good finds in the city for a low price.  If you are interested in finding a cheap apartment in Manhattan, and don't want to scour through the internet hoping to find something, subscribe to this blog at the right.

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This unit is located in Inwood, Washington Heights.  It is a good area for a person or family on a budget, or for a person just moving to New York. 

This STUDIO apartment is $1100 per month.



Large Studio Apartment
Most desirable street in Hudson Heights (building faces the water)
Refinished Hardwood Floors
Plenty of Closet space
All New Separate Kitchen
Close to shopping and A Train
Walk to Cloisters and Fort Tryon Park
Owner Direct No Fee
Available Immediately

Link to ad:  http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/abo/3336661972.html