Day Three (feels like thirty three)

Apartment hunting in the NYC is seriously a full time job. And after three days, I’m already getting exhausted. We saw six apartments today but are still homeless (well, technically I’m not but N is).

Apt 1. Boonies of Greenpoint. Apartment itself was nice but it is far far far from fun spots of town and a trek to the subway station. Very spacious and the neighbors/realtors seem quite friendly.

Apt 2. N and I both got the “this is it” feeling. It is a two bedroom share (supposedly railroad but the rooms are on opposite ends of the apartment) with a nice kitchen but tiny living room. But it is sunny, there is a shared garden out back, and it is a perfect location in Williamsburg.

Apt 3. Larger and only a few steps away from Apt 2. Would be great for a couple but is a railroad that was converted to a 2 bedroom. The bedrooms are separated by French doors which is not ideal in terms of privacy. There is a nice sized common area though and a larger kitchenette. There is also a private entrance for the back bedroom.

Apt 4/5. We actually never got to see the insides of these apartments because the broker brought the wrong sets of keys. They are both in Chinatown. The first quite close to the train so the problem will definitely be noise. However, it is in the basement so possibly it is not so bad. Looking into the windows, the apartment seemed quite spacious and there is supposedly a garden. The second apartment was a little farther away from the train tracks and closer to the center of town.

Apt 6. In the lower east side so location is great. In our price range but teeny tiny. The larger bedroom is decently sized but the smaller bedroom is tight and there is essentially no living/dining area.

I guess the decision that N and I still have to make is whether we’d prefer the cool parts of Brooklyn or the LES/C-town. The former definitely has appeal as far as a great artsy vibe, more open space, cleanliness, and seeming quality of life. The latter is more urban and has a grittier feel, which is also cool, and it is within walking distance of a very happening scene. Right now it’s a toss-up.

The upside is we had a possible lead in Williamsburg (cross your fingers and knock on wood) and should hear back from the agent soon. The idea of living in or near Chinatown is also appealing. It would be a neat cultural experience and the location is great to the cool spots in the lower east side and east/west village. Also, dining options are spectacular, affordable and I’d be close to cheap grocery stores.

Tomorrow will bring another day of searching. And another day of praying to the gods of Craigslist.