What I've seen at the low end of the market, so far...

Frankly I think that's a steal.

That's what I'm trying to get a good gauge on...seeing a lot, so I can know what's a good deal and what isn't when I see it.

A steal? You can rent a studio in my doorman building in Union Square for that amount. Studio is about 450 square feet with separate kitchen, 3 closets, full service building.

450 square feet for 1,700 and 2 months of rent?
And that's a steal! NYC prices are going to tumble 30-50% in the next few months. 800 bucks is where this studio and 1 bedroom walkup should be.

In my current building, I don't think they are offering two months free rent. But for me, I would rather pay $1700 for doorman, elevator, etc. than for a sixth-floor walk-up with only a single closet. I'm not suggesting that the studio price in my building is a steal, but rather that the apartment that Laura mentions sounds very unattractive.

Walkups are a classic and it is bigger with a one big room. The savings is almost 300 dollars a month over a one year lease. You're a moron for taking a studio over the 1 bedroom.

Yeah, I think (hope!) that I will eventually walk into one where I really do think, "This is a steal," and hopefully I'm not just delusional, but it hasn't happened yet.

laurahazardowen, keep in mind that CoIumbiaCounty (with initial capitals) is a psychopath who also posts here as carolst and is just trying to mess up a great discussion board.

The outdoor space sounds great, and six flights is good exercise, but just consider groceries/luggage/visitors/drunken_return_home in making your decision regarding all those stairs.

Can't advise you as to current value.

In the case of the apt. I described above, somebody will probably take it, but they will have to have a twin bed. I think a studio can be better in terms of having more usable space...

You are right to want to see a bunch of places to get the lay of the land. Please keep us posted on what you find.

As a LL who rents apartments in this range (in walkup non doorman buildings) I recommend you see as many apartments as you can because there is no standard for pricing and hundreds of people making the prices for their own buildings/apartments. This is why you will see such a wide range of apartments at the same price point.

I tell everyone to see as many as you can, and get a feel for what your budget will get you. Then, you will know it when you see a good one, and you will know to act as fast as possible.

Best of luck, and thanks for blogging about it....

415 east 64th street have one bedroom apartments reduced from $2200-$1500...They're walk-ups and I don't know the condition but they're available.

"I am not sure the prices of apts. are reflecting the actual market."

I guarantee you the prices of apartments are reflecting the actual market.

i do see something strange..Stuytown just increased their prices...also, i'm seeing studios listed on SE in my saved bldgs. increasing their prices by $25k. This could be a realtor strategy where they then lower the prices to the original or something else, don't know.

I too am an LL. We are renting studios for $1900 in newish doorman buildings in decent locations. Remember, rentals are very seasonal. This is now the strongest season from an LL's perspective. If you want a real deal, wait until october.

flatironj...that's a very good price, from the renter's view and hopefully you're right about the fall.

"And that's a steal! NYC prices are going to tumble 30-50% in the next few months. 800 bucks is where this studio and 1 bedroom walkup should be."

yup.. the end game is near

Break down the numbers - UES Non-doorman 1 bedroom apartments on Avg. run for $2,120 a month (May) and $2,153 a month (April). Two months free rent and at $1,700.

Regardless of these numbers, there are still those apartments that are going for much less with an owner that is less leveraged, or highly leveraged and does not want to gamble with the market and will price their apartments below current market value to drive attention thus renting the unit(s).

There are good deals in the Upper East Side, but you will need to put on your jogging sneakers to find.

If you're looking for cheap places, walkups are your best bet if you don't mind the extra hassle. I've lived in a 5th floor walkup for 3 years; it's not for everyone, but I don't mind it. Order your groceries from Freshdirect though.