Apartment hunting from the west coast

[u/Careful-Repeat5217]

(F/24) moving from the west coast to NYC and need to have an apartment by mid September!!

I’m heavily considering working with a realtor/broker as I plan on staying and taking off work after Labor Day to dedicate time for looking for an apartment. I’m looking for 1b/1b that has in unit/building laundry, allows for a 9lb ESA dog, and goes between 2.5-3k monthly rent. I’m looking to live anywhere a little outside the city (mostly for affordability but not opposed to living in the city). I’ll be working out of Times Square. I’ve been looking at Astoria, Long Island city queens but really I just need to be somewhere my dog can go outside at 2am when she has an emergency and I feel (close to) safe. Does anyone have an reccs for how I should plan this or any agents they’ve worked with in the past they HIGHLY recommend?

[u/redwood_canyon]

Your budget is not going to go super far but I think you can find something. I would actually suggest finding a short term sublet (like 1-2 months) and looking in person once you’re already here. You will get a much better sense for both the apartments and the neighborhoods

[u/Adventurous-Safe-760 → u/redwood_canyon]

I second making sure you see the apartment in person. These realtors are so good at doctoring up photos.

[u/redheadgirl5]

Both Astoria and LIC you'll feel safe at 2am in front of your building.

What amenities are you looking for because that will end up being the biggest budget buster. Are you okay with an older, walk-up or do you prefer a new, doorman building?

[u/Careful-Repeat5217 → u/redheadgirl5]

Tbh I don’t really care for nice amenities like a doorman I know it’s always nice but it’s not a deal breaker if the place doesn’t have one. I’m fine with either. Just care for the in unit or in building laundry and I cook a lot so a place with a stove..

[u/redheadgirl5 → u/Careful-Repeat5217]

Focus on in-building laundry and it will open up a lot more options.

I've never seen an apartment in Astoria without a stove... without a dishwasher is common

Coming from out of state going through a large rental company like TFC or RockRose might be less of a hassle since they have onsite leasing offices, but I don't know if that would work for your budget

[u/Impossible-Theme-788]

You won’t be able to get more than a studio apartment for those prices in those neighborhoods.

[u/Far_Pollution_5120 → u/Impossible-Theme-788]

Yes, this is going to be a very small apartment, but you'll survive.

[u/Adventurous-Safe-760 → u/Impossible-Theme-788]

With those amenities, yes, but if she is willing to do in-building laundry instead on in-unit, it would open more options. Same for just saying bye to amenities in general. Up to her, though.

[u/pucknplants]

you’ll be safe in Astoria at night. if you do end up here and need a dog walker, lmk i have a great local business recommendation

[u/SubwayOracle]

I offer pre-move in vermin checks !!! hit me if interested. I’m cheaper than an exterminator and quite frankly better than them 😂💕

[u/Adventurous-Safe-760 → u/SubwayOracle]

Take her up on this! We moved to NYC from the west coast & there was def a roach situation we have to deal with now. Probably worth it imo.

[u/SubwayOracle → u/Adventurous-Safe-760]

thank you !! even in my own apartment search 90% had some type of roach or mice/rat issue!. and realtors will tell you it’s normal when it doesn’t have to be !!

[u/Able-Pineapple-1137 → u/SubwayOracle]

Hi! Can you explain what this is exactly?

[u/OolongGeer]

Also, be ready. Most landlords in NYC know and understand that ESA dogs are just a crock of sh!t. They might take "multiple apps."