Some real estate questions for you guys: to the people who are living in studios/one bedrooms, or looking to live in studios/one bedrooms, have you thought seriously about buying rather than renting? What are your pros and cons for both sides? The question works for anyone, really, but it seems like the studio-living demographic would be more likely to rent than buy, and I’m curious! Please share any insights that you have!
This weekend’s open house options include an usually large number of starter spaces for the single folks looking to buy. They’re (relatively) cheap and all nestled in North Slope, right near the park. Here’s what you can get for under $400K.
915 President Street #2M between 8th Avenue and PPW
Open House: Sunday March 10, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
This studio is steps from the park and Grand Army Plaza, and offers the charms of prewar apartments (original parquet hardwood floor, decorative mantel, original moldings) in a small but efficiently used space. The high ceilings (11 feet) allow a lofted sleeping area (pictured above), which is over a work area with counter space and storage. Laundry is in the basement, and pets are welcome. Corcoran lists it at $274,000 ($519 maintenance).
915 President Street #1F between 8th Avenue and PPW
Open House: Sunday March 10, 2:30-4:00 p.m.
Same building, different studio. It’s a lovely one, spacious (16′ x 24′), and featuring original hardwood floors, a dining alcove, and a non-working fireplace with mantel. The first studio wins for use of space, but this one wins for light– can’t beat those big, beautiful windows. Again, laundry is in the basement, and pets are welcome. Brown Harris Stevens lists it at $285,000 ($693 maintenance).
130 8th Avenue #7J between Carroll Street & Montgomery Place
Open House: Sunday March 10, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
This studio is part of 1950s-era, full-service, elevator building with doorman, well-kept laundry room, and live-in super. The apartment itself is a little snug, but makes up for it with abundant closet space and a separate, windowed, kitchen. The listing says the high-floor studio also offers a view of the Statue of Liberty on a clear day, so that’s nice. Pets, sublets, and pied-a-terres are allowed. Corcoran lists it at $299,000 ($664 maintenance).
78 Eighth Avenue #3K at Union Street
Open House: Sunday March 10, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
This one-bedroom apartment was recently updated with new bathroom and kitchen, complete with subway tile, but has maintained its original hardwood floors and crown moldings. The living room has three oversized windows, keeping the place bright, and the lobby has a fireplace to warm up by. The building features common storage, bike room, laundry, and a courtyard with garden where some residents grown their fruits and veggies. New Millennium Real Estate has recently dropped the price t0 $399,000 ($682 maintenance).
Photo via Corcoran
