Thought I'd give this a try since doing some online research didn't turn up a whole lot...
I'll be interviewing soon with NY-Presbyterian (the Columbia campus) as I'm considering a move to NYC. I was hoping to get some insight on everyone's favorite topic...housing!
I saw that there are properties owned by the hospital and there are definitely mixed opinions about the quality of them. My biggest issue is that I have a dog (weighs 60 lbs) and a cat. I absolutely refuse to give either of them up so it is not even open for discussion to become pet-free. Do any of you happen to know if the hospital's housing has pet friendly options? Also would love to get input on agents for pet friendly rentals - I figure if I'm out there for the interview I might as well see places in the area so that I have a good sense of what I could afford (or not)! I know that once upon a time Craig's List was a good place for stuff like this, but sadly it seems like you're more open to be scammed more than anything else.
Ok great thanks for the info. Haha yeah sorry to throw you off with the question, I guess even though I'm from the area I still sometimes get caught in the whole NYC is too expensive mindset so just wondering what's feasible on a Columbia new grad RN's salary (getting ahead of myself of course).
I would also suggest you look around Inwood/Washington Heights west of broadway. It's not necessarily 'hip and trendy' but it has a good solid community feel and is pretty quiet. More affordable than other neighborhoods in Manhattan, and the A train will take you express to 59th st in 2 stops from 168th (i.e. it's easy to get downtown to be right in the middle of everything).
In terms of the pets, it's hard but definitely NOT impossible to find a rental. I rented with a 70 lb pitbull and a cat without too much trouble. Keep in mind that if you use a broker you'll likely have to pay a month's rent as a fee. In NYC a lot of the housing still is up on craigslist, so it's a pretty reliable way to search. Just keep in mind that if something looks too good to be true, it probably is. For every 10 legit posts there might be one that is a scam, but they're really obvious if you know what to look for- i.e. a gorgeous 2 bedroom for $1000 type of thing. lol. The problem with NYC rentals is that the market moves really fast. Any apartments that you see when you visit will be rented within a few days, especially any that are good deals. To rent in NYC you pretty much need to show up, ready to put down a deposit on the spot and sign a lease that day. Especially when you're looking for pet friendly things because that does narrow the market a little bit. Also, don't be afraid to look at older buildings that are walk-ups. I've found that those tend to be the most pet friendly in my experience. If your dog is a breed that isn't considered "dangerous" you'll have an easier time finding something too. But either way, it can definitely be done!
As a realtor going into Nursing, I know for a fact you won't find many 1 bedrooms under $1500. Studios or junior one beds are going for $1325-1500 above 190th, in Inwood. A lot of people have this notion that West of Broadway is "safer". Also if you're going to have a broker show you around I suggest you disclose that. We work on commission and none likes being a tour guide. The standard fee is 15% of the annual rent. Some brokers will negotiate a month's fee but you get what you pay for. Most landlords send their listings to brokers vs smaller ones that advertise on their own.
If you don't make 40x the rent you can use a guarantor that makes 80x the rent. its cheaper to have a roommate/s if you listen to everyone about the importance of living "West of Broadway". There's no $1500 1 beds there. More like $2000 for an elevator/laundry building on Fort Washington Ave. Hope that helps. Oh and lots of building accepts pets.
MurseJJ
2 Articles; 466 Posts
Ok great thanks for the info. Haha yeah sorry to throw you off with the question, I guess even though I'm from the area I still sometimes get caught in the whole NYC is too expensive mindset so just wondering what's feasible on a Columbia new grad RN's salary (getting ahead of myself of course).
Good luck on the interview!