Question for people who live in New York City and can easily afford Manhattan rents...?

Question

I'm really frustrated by the process of finding an apartment. I would like to live in Manhattan because I think it has the best opportunities for my children in terms of education and recreation. I can't afford it however and I find myself wondering how in the world realtors and landlords think they can command these prices. There must be nobody putting their feet down and telling these people "NO" for Manhattan rents to consistently stay so high.

Are there any of you out there who can afford what people are asking to live in the good neighborhoods in Manhattan (for real, not in your dreams) and who would like to live there, but say no on principle? I don't think we have THAT many people who can just say goodbye to $2000 on the very low end +++++ and not miss it. I just don't get how prices don't come down and in fact, just continue to go up.

Answer 1

That's because manhattan is the "cultural & financial" capital of the world. People who live here can afford to throw away 2K per month rent for a studio apt. The average purchase price for a 1 bedroom apt/condo is over 1milion in nyc.....

If you want more affordable living in nyc, you'll have to move into a not-so-safe neighborhood, forget about 5th ave or central park west....

Answer 2

The realtors and landlords don't just think they can command those high prices- they can and they do!  And for every tenant that moves out, there are 3 on line waiting to move in.  I was born and raised on Long Island- within 20 miles of midtown Manhattan.  The schools are wonderful in most towns and villages on LI, and it's an easy commute to the city by train.  It's certainly easier if you have a car on the island, but I didn't drive till I was 37, so it is doable, with buses.  Don't know what your husband does for a living- but he'll make more in the city than LI......but living on the island is great for the family.  Consider it.  Not cheap by any means but cheaper than the city.  Queens and Staten Island are good too, though schools can be iffy, due to busing.

Answer 3

NYC is the second largest city in the world.  There are 17.8 million people living in NYC....on an ISLAND making up just a tiny fraction of NY state.

I live 20 minutes north of the city (and work mid-town), and pay $2000 for a 1BR....this is considered reasonable.  People BUY apartments in NYC.  If I wanted to live in a good neighborhood in the same size apt. I occupy now, I would expect to pay $3K.

Answer 4

you gotta be rich to live in Major cities these days, its a worldwide problem, Even Baghdad is like this

Answer 5

need to move to a small town, way cheaper, less crime and less jerks with attitudes.

no but any big city has these issues, i hate over populated cities

what i can i say i like the freedom of my own transportation and no thanks to walking streets with a gazillion ppl and taking cable cars or buses crammed next to strangers. more indepent freedom  for me thanks. i wish you luck thou...