On this page: See also Housing Search Checklist So you want to live in New York City... Just what is it about New York that draws people? The aura? Maybe. You gravitate to the power and mystique of the city, desperate to participate in the flurry of activity that makes up the Big Apple. You and a million other people. It would be an understatement to say that housing in New York City is a problem. Most of the nice places, and by that I mean affordable and cockroach free, are never advertised in the first place. They are merely passed on by word of mouth. But for those coming from far away, there are many sources to help you find housing. First, New York has normal leases (rented from the owner of the property) and subleases (rented from the holder of the lease) like everywhere else. There's also an option that I had never heard of, that being the short-term share (where two or more individuals rent space for varying lengths of time). A share can be either long-term or short-term. For instance, my share lasted for two months. The original occupant was studying abroad for a few months, and did not want to pay $700/month rent without even living in the apartment. Who would? The logical answer: Share the apartment with the remaining roommate for the time she was absent. And Voila! Here I am! All the info below should help you get started. Just remember: whoever invented the phrase "a New York minute" really knew what he/she was talking about. If a great apartment for a decent rent should become available, lots of people will be after it in "a New York minute". See also Housing Search Checklist. You might like to search for more resources yourself: How to Use Search Engines More Effectively. If you find good ones, let us know! Best of Luck! Here are resources you can use:
SHORT TERM HOUSING FOR STUDENTS AND OTHERS West Side YMCA By train: Take 1 or 9 train to 66 St. or take A, B, C or D train to 59 St. Columbus Circle. By bus: Take M10, M104, M7, M11, or M5 to 63 St and walk east toward Central Park West. The West Side YMCA boasts a location only a few blocks from Lincoln Center and Central Park. It has more than 500 air conditioned guest rooms with Cable TV. Guest have access to the recreational facilities, including weight and fitness rooms and a pool. A single room costs $68 per night and a double room costs $80 per night. However, one is only allowed to stay there for a maximum of 25 nights. There is a doorman on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Hotel is open year round and it is open to all. Reservations should be made at least two weeks in advance. The St. George The St. George hotel was recently refurbished for student living.
Long-term rates range from $540 - $725 per month per person, plus a $100 application fee.
Renters choosing the long-term option must stay at least four months. Short term rates are
$280 per person per week plus a $25 application fee.* Rooms have air conditioning, cable TV and a refrigerator. There is a community kitchen and dining area within the hotel. Generally, more rooms are available in the colder months but reservations can be made for any time. It is advisable to make them as early as possible. The St. George is located in Brooklyn Heights, a neighborhood of friendly cafes, boutiques, bookstores, and cultural activities and also a short subway ride from Manhattan. The hotel is open year-round but houses students only. De
Hirsch Residence By train: Take 4 or 5 train to 86 Street or take 6 train to 96 Street By bus: Take M1, M2, M3, M4, M100, M101, M102, M103, M98, or M15 to 92 Street and walk to Lexington Avenue. Located at the 92nd Street YM-YWHA, blocks away from Central Park and Museum Mile, the de Hirsch Residence is open to anyone. It offers daily rates of $175, and monthly rates of $835 for single occupants. Those who choose the daily option must stay at least three days, while those who choose the monthly plan must stay at least two months. A shared room is $45/day per person or $580-690/month per person. There is a 24 hour a day security desk in the lobby. Maid and linen service is available, as are laundry rooms. There are also special events planned for the guests. Reservations should be made 2 weeks in advance. Hostelling International—New York
American Youth Hostel By train: 1 or 9 to 103rd Street By bus: M7, M11, M104, M5, M10 to 103rd Street The American Youth Hostel on Amsterdam Avenue is one of the least expensive youth hostels in Manhattan. The minimum number of people in a room is four, while the maximum is twelve. The cost for 4 - 5 people in a room is $32 per person per night, the cost with 6 - 8 people is $29 per night and the cost with 10 - 12 in a room is $27 per person per night. No special weekly or monthly payment plans are available. The Hostel is only open to students. It is located in an Upper West Side, Manhattan residential neighborhood. Midtown and Downtown Manhattan can be easily reached by the 1 or 9 train. Guests get a bed to sleep in and access to the community cafeteria. Air conditioning and cable TV are not provided. See also: http://newyork.craigslist.org/roo/ HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY Middle-income housing for elderly Low-income housing for elderly - limit of under $1,600 Independent Living for seniors who require special services OTHER LOW- TO MIDDLE-INCOME HOUSING RESOURCES Jasa Housing Management: 1-212-598-9088 Alliance Lower Eastside Jewish Council: 1-212-233-6037, 6031 Filoma Gardens House: 1-718-617-2800 Hope for Community, Inc.: 1-212-860-8827 Grenadier Realty Corp.: 1-212-865-9690 Jewish Home and Hospital, Senior Residence House: RMA Associates, Independent House: 1-718-538-5000 James Lenox House Isabella House Independence House SHORT-TERM HOUSING, SUBLETS & "BED AND BREAKFASTS" http://www.bobartlett.com LONG-TERM AFFORDABLE HOUSING ”The online Affordable Housing Resource Center, which aims to
dramatically increase New Yorkers' access to information from more than a dozen City
agencies involved in housing matters. The Affordable Housing Resource Center can be found
on the web at: www.nyc.gov/housing . The site
will provide information and advice on buying and renting in the private market, legal
rights and responsibilities, and health tips.” Help with Landlord Problems in NYC East Side Tenants Coalition
(ESTC) West Side Tenants Union Metropolitan Council on
Housing Urban Justice Center More websites for legal help: http://www.tenant.net/nyc.html
For more, search for: tenants rights organizations NYC See also our Housing Search Checklist Top of Page |
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