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I tend to think things are not substantially cheaper for me than in other areas of the country. But apparently housing costs are.
You're apparently excited about $1,540 / mo for no equity, no tax deductions, and a small space . . .
My $1200 / mo mortgage for a 3-bedroom house in Tucson, AZ suddenly seems like a steal despite the brutal summers.
Not sure what my point is other than a general sense that everything seems to be high-priced these days (energy costs (thank heavens we have solar panels) prices for consumer goods, costs of housing, etc.).
i think criticism (from others) of your chosen living area is unfair. you also tend to get paid more in that area than places where property is cheaper. owning isn't for everyone ALL of the time, either.
When it comes down to it, we have our reasons for staying in the NYC for the time being. That doesn't mean we will stay forever, but I think people often forget there are considerations other than financial to any major decision in life.
Also, I used to live there when they first built those apts. I paid $1700 so maybe prices have decreased. It's great, since it's next to Whole Foods (though not cheap) and right on the bus line into NYC. My biggest complaint there was that the walls were really really thin. I can hear my neighbors upstairs and next door. Otherwise, it's a clean apt. If you need info on the area, email me. Good luck!
The walls seemed thicker than those at the River Club, but thickness by itself can't really determine how sound travels. I have loud neighbors now, and anything will likely be better. If not, we can semi-soundproof with fabric. I may even be able to get my hands on soundproofing material which we can hide behind that fabric.
I don't envy you for having to rent. I think the most positive moment in my adult life was moving to a place that was mine (okay, well, I suppose it was the banks but it was at least a percentage mine). I liked being able to improve the place and really liked not having someone living above or below me.
That being said, I still had some terrible neighbors off and on that brought back memories of apt life. Hope you get the apt you want!!
Hazzard
http://roadtoretirement.blogspot.com
This practice will become more and more common in the near future. Apartment management companies are constantly looking for the best price they can get for a given unit - a price that can change on a daily basis based on market conditions, availability, etc. It's called a "Lease Rent Optimizer" program and is modelled after the airline industry's fare pricing system (ever notice on Expedia that the same flight on the same day will come up different prices on consecutive days you search?).
However, if you are quoted a rate on a particular day, and they record that the contact took place and what price was quoted (which they should do, if they're doing things right), then your first quote should be the price you pay.