Want to live in Greenwich Village, NY. Can a teacher afford it and find a job in the city?

Question

I would love to rent a studio or small apt. in Greenwich Village, NY or Chelsea. I have 2 small dogs and would love to find a teaching job within the city. Is any of this even remotely possible and would I even be able to afford living there. At 37, I figure it's now or never! Thanks for any advice!

Longing for NYC from Missouri

Answer 1

You can do it if you have a spouse working and the two of you really want it bad enough.  As anything, you learn where to cut corners and what "vices" you can do without.

Answer 2

I don't know if it still exists but the City used to have a program to help teachers who were willing to teach certain subjects or in certain schools find affordable housing. Other than that, forget it, especially in Manhattan. Call the Board of Ed to see if the program still exists.

Answer 3

dude the city is NOT doable on a teacher's salary, not in the areas you want to live...also the dogs are a big issue when renting in nyc...i moved here from chicago about 7 or 8 yrs ago and found brooklyn to be much more affordable and more akin to midwestern life...look in park slope, fort greene, red hook, prospect park, willamsburg (2 train stops out of the village) or windsor terrace...there are plenty of teaching jobs available and brooklyn is dog friendly...most bars and restaurants have a "bring your dog" nite...good luck...