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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: KittyFooFoo on November 22, 2014, 11:52:33 AM

Title: EMERGENCY UPDATE: Expensive Ass Manhattan Apartment
Post by: KittyFooFoo on November 22, 2014, 11:52:33 AM
Hey people.  I recently posted a thread about the pros and cons of an expensive Manhattan apartment right next to my new money-volcano Manhattan job.  The apartment fell through, and it turned out to be HARD to get any landlord to allow our two pitbulls into an apartment.  We're now down to two choices, which are more expensive but both no broker fee (which is 15% of annual rent).  Apartments are identical.  Either choice allows us to put $100k+ toward student loans/savings per year.

$3300.  1.2 mi walk to work.  More residential area, RIGHT next to a dog park/playground.

$3500.  0.5 mi walk to work.  Right by Times Square/Port Authority, so a bit busier, less dog-friendly.

A 0.5mi walk would be fucking glorious.  But the extra 0.7 would pay about $30/hr post tax.

I have like 1 hour to make this decision.  Which would you pick?
Title: Re: EMERGENCY UPDATE: Expensive Ass Manhattan Apartment
Post by: Another Reader on November 22, 2014, 11:59:22 AM
Less money, next to a dog park for your two large dogs, more residential.  Works for me.  You will enjoy a brisk 1.2 mile walk twice a day.
Title: Re: EMERGENCY UPDATE: Expensive Ass Manhattan Apartment
Post by: Grid on November 22, 2014, 12:01:52 PM
Less money, next to a dog park for your two large dogs, more residential.  Works for me.  You will enjoy a brisk 1.2 mile walk twice a day.

Seconded.
Title: Re: EMERGENCY UPDATE: Expensive Ass Manhattan Apartment
Post by: YK-Phil on November 22, 2014, 12:15:48 PM
I get dizzy just looking at your rent, but I guess that's about right for Manhattan. I second the slightly cheaper option. The additional walking distance is not significant but it will add benefits to your enjoyment of your new life in Manhattan.
Title: Re: EMERGENCY UPDATE: Expensive Ass Manhattan Apartment
Post by: Goldielocks on November 22, 2014, 12:50:35 PM
Better for your dogs, get the dog friendly one. Less doggy area can drive you nuts.
1.2 miles is not much different once you start.  20 or 30 minutes?
Title: Re: EMERGENCY UPDATE: Expensive Ass Manhattan Apartment
Post by: KittyFooFoo on November 22, 2014, 01:11:27 PM
We went with $3300.  In good shoes, I walk 1.2 miles in ~18 minutes like a boss.  Faster with practice :)
Title: Re: EMERGENCY UPDATE: Expensive Ass Manhattan Apartment
Post by: Krnten on November 22, 2014, 01:25:44 PM
I think you made the right choice!  My husband used to live in the area of your other option, it was not the pleasantest place to live.
Title: Re: EMERGENCY UPDATE: Expensive Ass Manhattan Apartment
Post by: frugledoc on November 22, 2014, 01:36:23 PM
The longer walk would be a positive for me rather than a negative.
Title: Re: EMERGENCY UPDATE: Expensive Ass Manhattan Apartment
Post by: mozar on November 22, 2014, 06:20:17 PM
Can you bike or scooter?