The Big Apple is infamously expensive. From the pricey food to the fancy branded clothing: most infamously of all is the housing. If you’re moving to NYC and you want to rent in the city, there’s a learning curve to ensure you can afford it.
Besides getting another job or winning the lottery: these are the top ways to afford an apartment in NYC.
Rent with Multiple Roommates
This is the most simple, and at times also the most complicated, option. Renting with multiple roommates can set you up for failure, especially if you’re new to an area and don’t know anyone. Moving in with strangers puts you at risk of living with someone whose personality clashes with yours: and being stuck with them for the duration of the lease.
Fortunately, there are lots of perks! From the minimizing of rent to the sharing of bills like electricity and internet, this makes things far more affordable. This is a great option if you’re likely to get along with most people.
Try Income-Limited Housing
If you earn less than $58,450 annually in New York City, you may qualify for low-income housing. Of course, this doesn’t always mean that you’ll live alone, but it often does mean that they can help you find a space for yourself and whoever you live with. This is awesome because the limit is pretty high, so most who are starting in the workforce will apply for this. There are other conditions, but this is something to research if you’re interested.
Talk To Friends and Family
Ask around, and let people know that you’re looking for a place to rent. You may be surprised at how many New York apartments are easier to get if you know someone within the building or someone who used to rent there. This can help you get a low rate at a complex you can trust, but you’ll have to be able to make payments on time and do well as a tenant, or that trust will be broken.
Accept Some Transit Will be Necessary
Unfortunately, one of the worst things in NYC is the traffic, so many people avoid it as much as possible. This isn’t always something that can be worked around, especially if you want an affordable apartment. The further from the city center you go, the cheaper the housing gets. If you can put up with the traffic, you’ll save hundreds to thousands a month.
Don’t Set Yourself Up for Failure
If a place is far too small or far too expensive, don’t hurt yourself by getting a lease for it. An apartment that’s too small will drive you up the wall, and since you’ll be there on at least a six-month lease, it’ll be harder to drop and run when you realize you need more room. You should also avoid anything too pricey, or you may end up living paycheck to paycheck, which is a recipe for eviction if anything happens to your income. Plan and be careful.
