I helped Tara find her apartment in New York, and we found a really great one in the upper west side. I constructed a pros and cons list for her to help make the decision easier.

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Pros:

  • The subway is 2.5 minute walk (around the corner). Closest possible walk. You don't have to cross the street to get to the subway.
  • Grocery store across the street is relatively cheap.
  • Washer/dryer in unit.
  • Dishwasher in unit.
  • Microwave in unit (saves counter space)
  • Really good lighting; no shafted windows! Even the bathroom has a nice window
  • Gardens on either side. They look absolutely beautiful in the summer from what we can see on Google Maps.
  • 2 minute walk to the park (just cross the street).
  • Apartment felt high quality; not at all run down like the ones we saw in East village the day before.
  • Every room has a fan.
  • Kitchen is acceptable, could be augmented with a little portable island to give more counter space.
  • Neighborhood doesn't feel like a gentrified area.
  • Both bedrooms were very sizable, one is huge and very well lit.
  • Lots of storage in the upper section.
  • Lots of closets.
  • Living room is sizable (10.6 feet, wall to brick, by 13.3 feet wall to kitchen tile area).
  • There's a fan in the living room too.
  • Open to 4/10 or 4/1, based on what she said. You should say ideally 4/10 but this is our top choice so we're flexible.

Cons:

  • There's a pole in the living room, making setup harder.
  • Living room isn’t super big and isn’t separated from the kitchen.
  • Sink isn't giant and the faucet is very simple / old.
  • Vibe isn't the same as Upper West Side. Feels quieter than Upper West Side. Really didn’t like the vibe of the other part of Manhattan Valley we walked around.
  • Second bedroom has a skinnier, tall window. Not nearly as good lighting as rest of apartment.
  • Subway stop isn't an express stop, would have to walk to the 2/3 lines stop at 96th st (8 minute walk) to get to an express stop.