NYC DU'ers - I need some advice.

[Scout1071]

I'm thinking of taking a job in NYC and I'm wondering where some dog friendly areas of the city are? I have some friends on the upper west side and love it up there, but don't know if it's in my budget or not. I've also spent some time in Brooklyn over the years and love it out there. How long do you think that commute would be to the Grand Central area?

Any recommended sites to find apartments other than the NYT?

Help! It's all a little overwhelming for this Midwestern girl, so any advice would be appreciated!

[sir_captain]

1. UWS is awesome

there's going to be some sticker shock pretty much no matter where you are. Certainly in Manhattan, at at this point, in Brooklyn too. For dogs, proximity to a park (whether it be central, riverside, prospect, etc) would certainly be nice.

In terms of apt shopping, you're going to find that the vast majority of apts in NYC are dealt with through brokers like Corcoran and Elliman. Because of that, you might as well go through them from the beginning and they can help you find something in your pricerange. Be aware that you'll have to pay a 12%-15% broker's fee (on 1 year's rent.) You can sometimes get lucky and find an apt broker-free through craig's list. It's also easier if you just want to get a room in a shared apt.

[Scout1071]

2. Thanks for the tip.

It sounds like a broker is the way to go. I know many of my friends who have lived in NYC.

I have no idea what to think about rent. I'd like to find someplace in the $1500-1700 range, but don't know if that's realistic in the UWS area. I hope so!

Thanks for the tip. Back to hunting.

[sir_captain]

3. It won't be easy to find that, but it's not impossible

look for walkups and no doormen--that'll keep prices down a little bit.

[Scout1071]

6. You are right.

I've been looking all morning. But, I did just find a terrific, larger studio with a small private patio. Although it looks like I'm creeping towards the $2000 range for a studio. Oy!

[sir_captain]

8. Yeah, that's the unfortunate truth

keep looking though. You'll find a better deal than that. And when you do, a word of advice--take it immediately. NYC real estate moves ridiculously fast.

[smirkymonkey]

19. You can definitely find a studio in that range on the UWS, I just

moved up here from the West Village and I really like how laid back it is compared to the rest of Manhattan. And Central Park is the best, especially if you have a pooch. You might even be able to find a 1 BR in that range, although it will probably be closer to Columbia University - I would try Craig's list. Just keep in mind that they charge a non-refundable fee that amounts to about 10-15% of the annual rent.

Finding housing is probably the MOST frustrating, discouraging aspect of living in NYC, so once you have a place, the rest is relatively easy.

Don't know much about Brooklyn, but you can definitely find better deals.

[Lavender Brown]

4. If you are considering Brooklyn,

the Cobble Hill/Brooklyn Heights/Carroll Gardens area is really nice, is great for walking, and (I would think) for dogs. You should be able to find a decent place in your price range. The commute to midtown is not bad at all and there are lots of different subway lines. I lived there for three years. It's a very homey neighborhood with nice restaurants, parks (esp. the Promenade), and shopping. If your friends are primarily in another part of the city, it might get annoying, but like I said the commute is not bad at all.

[Scout1071]

5. Thanks. I'm trying to keep an open mind on location.

I do have a couple of friends that just moved to Brooklyn and I always enjoyed visiting my Aunt when she lived there - in the "neighborhood."

[speedoo]

7. I was going to recommend keeping an open mind.

You can find areas in Queens, The Bronx and even New Jersey, as well as Brooklyn, where the commute to Midtown is not bad at all. It's a function of access to subways and other means, as well as distance.

You are fortunate to have friends already living here... try to bounce ideas off them (as well as us here on DU) and you'll get some good info.

Have you decided yet whether or not you will have a car here? It's something you can easily do without, and it will save a lot of $$ if you can. Parking and insurance are brutal, as is the traffic. Enterprise has lots of locations here for rental.

Access to a nearby park is probably important, for your dog to exercize.:hi:

[Scout1071]

9. I'm not sure on the car.

It would be nice, but I'm not sure I would need it. The only true reason for me to have it is for weekend adventures. My 2 best friends are moving to DC (couple) in 2 weeks. I would be great to be able to visit them often and bring my dog. He's part of the clan too and I know they'd love for me to bring him. The dog, in general, is the biggest reason for the car. I've been reading that it can be difficult to get them around, with cabs being "iffy" on whether they'll take 'em. And I have a 75 lb Boxer.

When I think in terms of the car, parks, and walking, Brooklyn sounds good. Seems like it would be easier to have a car in Brooklyn. No?

If Manhattan, no car. I'll figure out a way to do without.

[speedoo]

10. Right, it is less difficult to have a car in any of the boroughs.

Although it will require that you arrange for off-street parking somewhere. The city has weekly street cleaning everywhere, which means "No Parking" on every street once a week. And it appears that the closer one is to subways, etc. the tougher it is to park on the streets.

I would seriously consider no car, and renting from Enterprise when you need one. They will pick you up, and I see no reason why you could not have the boxer in the car, whether or not they allow it. Just be careful.

As far as traveling to DC is concerned, I assume the dog would rule out taking a train.

As for cabs, you can probably find a local car service as an alternative, especially in the boroughs. They are generally much less restrictive and would probably not have a problem with the dog, particularly if they get to know you.

[Karenca]

11. Super Dog Friendly neighborhoods

Downtown---The east village and the west village.

I think you need to have at least one dog
to get accepted into a building here.

[Scout1071]

12. Suh-weet.

I've been looking online at apartments all day.

Every time I've ever been to NYC I have felt oddly at home. I turned down a job 7 years ago in NYC and now the very same company has offered me another gig, much higher pay and title. I'm not sure I can turn it down again. It almost feels like my destiny!

I won't give up my dog and that has been my biggest worry. But, after the last 48 hours online, I feel much better about the dog coming wiht me. I found a site called www.urbanhound.com that's pretty cool if you haven't checked it out.

Thanks again!

[Karenca]

21. Good luck.....There are many

dog parks in NY, especially downtown.
One of the main reasons I chose this area
is the fact that I'm one block from the park.

You're going to love the city!!

[Scout1071]

23. Any recommended brokers that specialize in dog-friendly apts? nt

[Karenca]

24. Yes, I actually do. I know three brokers

2 personally, and another that actually found my place for me.

Would you consider:

The Village (East and/or West)
Gramercy
Chelsea
Noho
Union Square
Flatiron

Any of these areas?

[Scout1071]

25. You bet.

I'm keeping an open mind and I've had several people tell me over the last 48 hours that I need to check out the East and West Village areas. Sounds like it might be my speed. But, yes, all those areas are under consideration.

[Karenca]

26. OK, I will PM

you with their names and numbers in a few hours. (I've got to eat dinner).

Also, I can tell you this----

I live in the West Village, my son (22) lives in the East Village.

Both are great places to live---super-dog friendly, dog parks all around
and you'll see alot of the residents walking at least 2 dogs.

The East Village is great for my son, it's very young and cool.

The West Village is great for me, more gentrified, but still bohemian enough.

Expect a PM by midnight EST.

[Scout1071]

27. Terrific.

I'm somewhere in between, so I would imagine the West Village would probably be a better fit for me. Let's put it this way.....I got my first pair of reading glasses this year. Oy.

Thanks again for your help.

[Scout1071]

13. Any recommended dog-friendly brokers? nt

[Telly Savalas]

14. Make sure you find an apartment close to the Olive Garden.

Best Italian food in the city!

[Scout1071]

15. I think I just threw up in my mouth a little bit...........

Not in a million years would I eat there if I lived in NYC.

I avoid most chain restaurants like the plague.

[Karenca]

22. New Yorkers

NEVER eat at the Olive Garden.

That was sarcasm, right?

[koneko]

16. Good luck to you

I just made the big move myself last November, so I know what you're going through. I opted for Jersey cos my office is here, but was contemplating Brooklyn at first. The only reason I didn't do Manhattan (yet) is that I moved from a 2000 square foot townhouse & couldn't fathom moving into a studio apartment just to have a NYC address.

I found my apt on Craigslist, and have been very happy - as have my two kitties. My apartment came w/ a free parking spot (I really lucked out), but I haven't used my car since Easter weekend. Shopping is so convenient here, and it's so easy to find places that will deliver that I just haven't needed it, in all truth.

Most of my friends in the city use either Enterprise or Zipcar - both are good alternatives when you need them. Zipcar allows you to transport pets, as long as they're crated in the car. It may not seem practical w/ a 75 lb boxer, but I thought it would be useful information for you to have.

Anyhow, best of luck to you! I know how exciting & anxiety-inducing the move can be, but as for me, it was totally worth it!!!!!

[Scout1071]

17. Thanks for the note.

That is encouraging. I did briefly look at Hoboken, but I just feel like if I'm going to move to NYC, I want to live in NYC. You know?

But, if my company were in Jersey, I'd definitely look there.

[koneko]

18. In your shoes, I would do the same

Hoboken is a lot of fun, but you'd do just as well in the city or Brooklyn.

I will most likely move to the city in a year or so, now that I'm getting used to my smaller surroundings. It was so freeing to purge all the excess stuff I'd accumulated, and the donations I made to Salvation Army, etc., were a great tax break. As is the dual residency tax break. Oh yes, and save ALL of your receipts from the move, cos you can declare thoe on your taxes as well. You can declare moving company expenses, or if you rent a truck, you can declare the rental, the gas, the tolls, etc. Pretty much everything. Right down to the packing supplies you buy. My tax return this year was a pleasant surprise.

[Scout1071]

20. Great advice!

Although I am hoping the company kicks in for the move. A girl can dream....

I've been looking all day long online. I'll tell you one thing, I would freak out, dream come true if I could find a place with a "outdoor space" of a private patio or garden. Otherwise, I'll freak out - I need to garden. And I love to just hang around in the flowers, drinking wine, hanging with my dog, etc.

I know it's rare, but I've actually seen a few studios/1 bedrooms with small outdoor spaces. I've got my fingers crossed.

[KamaAina]

28. The NYT is a horrible place to look for apartments

unless you're looking in the $$$$ range. Ordinary New Yorkers use the Village Voice, though the online version at http://www.villagevoice.com seems to have been hijacked by something called sublet.com.

Craigslist is popular enough there that they are charging for listings, but not for searching, so go for it.