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May 30, 2009
Looking for an Apartment
I currently live in a Red Hook studio but need more space and WALLS. Red Hook is too isolated. Myself, my fiance and brother-in-law to be are looking for a 2+ bedroom rental in Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill or Boerum Hill. It's been beyond frustrating to find a place in these 3 neighborhoods that isn't trashed, or a tiny cave. Can't roll with the new high rises popping up all over. Totally given up on pipe dream luxuries like a dishwasher, W/D or a decent tub for anything that gives us light with a little space and privacy. All 3 of us are crazy about gardens, architecture + design lovers, artists with day jobs with a hefty combined income on top of a perfect rental history. Just want to move away from nightly gunshots to settle into a place to take care of with some peace. We've been to almost every broker in the neighborhood and I obsessively scour Craigslist but we've settled on mediocre housing for so long and know there's something better out there! Any suggestions on what else I could be doing? About to lose all hope after 3 months of searching. Just occurred to me to reach out to my Brooklyn neighbors and ask for help. Any comments are very much appreciated.
Comments
We've got a spacious, light-filled apartment, available June 1, for rent through broker. More at: http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/fee/1182911794.html
Posted by: hakonechloa at May 30, 2009 10:16 AM
There are spacious prewar apts here in PLG with layouts better suited for your arrangement, and it's an artists neighborhood. Also look at the prewar apts in Kensington and Windsor Terrace.
Posted by: traditionalmod at May 30, 2009 11:34 AM
You've confirmed through your search that there are tradeoffs to consider when you're balancing rent budget, desired hood, square footage, pre-war details, washer dryer, etc that somethings got to give. in those 3 hoods you referenced, budget would need to be pretty big to get the size, pre war... you desired. if budget is tight, considering other neighborhoods are a must. Add Crown Heights North, along with the suggestions above post. As you can read on posts on this blog, good reference blocks are those east of nostrad ave and between pacific & eastern parkway. I'm a little biased to Dean St cause I have a place there. You can find some pretty nice & big 2-3 bdrm units there for 2k or less.
Posted by: more4less at May 30, 2009 9:17 PM
The problem is the age and style of the buildings in this area. Most floor-throughs are not truly two bedrooms. If you find a wide and deep house, you may find a true two bedroom. I have a friend who lives in Cobble Hill in such a place. The kitchen, however, is tiny, but serviceable. I think they pay about $1800 but they've been there a while. I believe Park Slope may have bigger apartments. Also Jackson Heights in Queens has many large pre-war two-bedroom apts (most built in the 1930s).
Posted by: mopar at May 31, 2009 12:08 AM
Bay Ridge also offers more square footage for your dollar. Two bedrooms start at about 1500 and go up from there. Some even offer parking as part of the rent. My friend pays 1700 a month for a two bedroom and that includes a parking spot and a small terrace. I also hear that Sunset Park has large apartments. Not sure of what the prices are there.
Good Luck in your search.
Posted by: italiana71 at May 31, 2009 7:30 AM
Crown Heights North has some big apartment buildings with massive apartments. If you're stuck on a brownstone then youre stuck with that layout. Also some of the brownstones have extensions and the bottom floor goes out 100 feet. you'll get your separate 2 bedrooms there.
Posted by: tsarina at May 31, 2009 10:57 AM
Have you looked into renting an "owners" duplex? They may not be frequently available but they may have more of the space and quality you're looking for.
Posted by: mopar at May 31, 2009 2:32 PM
I have a two bedroom in CLinton Hill/ Bedstuy (clifton and Bedford) for rent in my brownstone one block from G train...sounds like everything you want just in a different neighborhood. We did a complete gut renovation of this building last year so the apartment has light, dishwasher, stainless microwave & fridge, washer & drier all brand new, butcher block counter tops...exposed brick.
It's very cute...second floor, we live on the first two..It's available July 1 and we're asking $1800. Let me know if you want to see some pics.
Posted by: sdweihe at May 31, 2009 3:19 PM
I have a large apartment I'll be renting in August (3 beds, separate dining room) in Park Slope, but it might be out of your price range (it's an upper duplex, sorry, no roof deck yet, we ran out of $ to put one up). What is your price range?
Posted by: RAR at May 31, 2009 5:37 PM
oh ps, it has a dishwasher, AND a big tub, and is pretty darn nice if i may say so myself.
Posted by: RAR at May 31, 2009 5:38 PM
Our budget is up to $3000 for a 2 bedroom.
Thanks everyone for your replies!
Posted by: olivetti at June 1, 2009 1:56 AM
$3k is a very solid budget but even that might not be enough for a big 2+ unit in those 3 target hoods. So do check out the hoods recommended above.
Posted by: more4less at June 1, 2009 9:39 AM
I just might have what you are lookin for and more email me @ imcwil1065@aol.com and I will give you all the info and pics NB 3br 2bath Duplex ect.
Posted by: SHAYLA at June 1, 2009 10:30 AM
Hi-
We have a 3 bedroom, lots of light, all new appliances (incl dishwasher, washer & dryer), 1 block from Brooklyn Museum - (great subway: Franklin: 2,3,4,5, & shuttle to A,C, or Q), nice block. It's the whole first floor of the house, about 1200 sq ft. $2400/mo, happy to show it to you - 347-365-8639 or anyone else who might be interested!)
Available in 2-3 weeks.
Don't give up - we're a great big city, and having a place you love for home is really worth it. Best-
Posted by: riis10 at June 2, 2009 1:07 PM
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