Suggest a similar place to rent

It had me til I saw the horrible miniscule 'corner' window. That place'll feel like a cave, high floor or no. But yeah, not a bad deal if you can knock down the price a bit.

It looks to me as though, with the maintenance and assuming you'd pay ask, your monthly cost would be $2,401. Are you planning on putting down a significantly larger down payment?

I am guessing by "net" you are factoring the tax benefit. You may be overcompensating. If you put down 25%, with a 5.5% rate, your monthly nut is $2,281. Tax adjusted, probably looking at around $1800. Actually, that's not too bad. I don't think you can find a comparable rental under $2,000.

You can definitely do much better...200 East 27th street..i looked at alcove studios for $389k..i looked at 360 east 72nd street..an alcove studio much larger than the one that you're posting just went into contract for $399k

julia, the point of this post is to compare "net" monthly carrying costs of buying vs renting so your examples end up more per month due to the higher maintenance.
With the larger apt closing at a lower price, this looks like the higher maintenance did influence the price - as did current market conditions etc. Also I realize that the OP's example will likely close for lower.

I don't know the UES rental market so I am surprised that ppl think that renting an equiv place would not be less than $2K

It's not a bad deal from the rent/buy perspective. But if you rent a studio like that, even for a bit more money, and the end of the lease you get to leave.

you can now rent a studio in a doorman bldg. for under $2k. The Helena a green bldg., with doorman on the west side has a studio right now for $1774.

I agree, I don't like the tiny window. I was just using the place as an example.

Yes, by net I'm figuring tax benefit, it's not exact but close enough to give me an idea of things. I also include "lost opportunity cost" on my down payment.

I'd be happy to consider other areas that are at least as nice as this part of the UES. I will check out the Helena, thanks.

here's a one bedroom with dining in a Murray Hill coop for $2000. there's a studio in the same building for $1500. ft doorman.

forgot link. oops.

http://www.stribling.com/propinfo.asp?webid=1123326&type=RENTAL

AR...you are the best resource on SE...would you mind cancelling your vacation..SE will have to shut down when you leave.

Thanks AR.