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Thoughts on renting in Soho

Started by jrapps
over 16 years ago
Posts: 7
Member since: Jul 2009
Discussion about
I've been searching for a large studio/small 1 bedroom in the greenwich village/union square location for the past week. I haven't found too much in my price range ($2600-$2800) that has wowed me. Mostly decent sized units in sub-standard buildings or tiny over priced apartments. Today I came across a decent listing in Soho, but don't know much about the area. The unit is near Sullivan and Prince... [more]
Response by NYCMatt
over 16 years ago
Posts: 7523
Member since: May 2009

" I haven't found too much in my price range ($2600-$2800) that has wowed me. ... It seems like there are a lot of good restaurants in the Soho area, but not nearly as many cheap food/drug store/transportation options as the central village/union square."

If you can afford to drop nearly three grand on a one-room apartment, you should be able to forgo the whole "cheap food/drug store/transportation" thing, since you're earning a six-figure salary.

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Response by mjsalisb
over 16 years ago
Posts: 177
Member since: Sep 2006

I don't know that specific corner jr but you certainly can't really complain if you've found an agreeable apartment in Soho....some very desirable and fun restaurants on every street and decent transportation in the E train at Spring Street/Sixth Ave. If after twelve months, you long for the twenty four hour a day scene over on Avenue A, it wouldn't be a very big move.

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Response by nyg
over 16 years ago
Posts: 150
Member since: Aug 2007

I love that area--I lived there for years and found actually that its incredibly convenient for all of the concerns you mention. Regarding (relatively)inexpensive food--there are a plethora of small places. Does pepe rosso still exist?? Used to be the neighborhood staple for cheap amazing Italian food.( Sullivan just south of Houston). There are all kinds of cute little places--going west along downing street, Grey dog on Carmine, and I think there are a number of cheapish thai places too. The trick is don't eat at the restaurants in "Tourist Soho". I really think that neighborhood is so great--so close to everything --an easy walk to the east village, West Village, Tribeca or Union Square.

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Response by sohowow
over 16 years ago
Posts: 1
Member since: Sep 2009

"If you can afford to drop nearly three grand on a one-room apartment, you should be able to forgo the whole "cheap food/drug store/transportation" thing, since you're earning a six-figure salary."

Sure, take your advice from an anonymous guy who grew up during the Depression.

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Response by malthus
over 16 years ago
Posts: 1333
Member since: Feb 2009

I think that is actually the best part of Soho -- far from the maddening crowds on Prince and Broadway. There are a few reasonably priced casual places around the corner on McDougal between Prince and Houston. Then if you head West on Spring you have the whole Ear Inn area, which has a handful of pretty good places. Just to understand, what is the attraction of Union Square? Are you into produce?

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Response by alanhart
over 16 years ago
Posts: 12397
Member since: Feb 2007

Produce is nice -- I certainly wouldn't knock it. It travels well on the bus/train/bicycle.

Also, there's a cute little food store right at that intersection. I think it's called Fresh Direct.

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Response by jrapps
over 16 years ago
Posts: 7
Member since: Jul 2009

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I appreciate it.

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Response by rentalsearcher
about 16 years ago
Posts: 1
Member since: Jul 2009

Just came across this thread and thought I might toss out another question to those familiar with the area --

I've been looking to rent a studio / 1br and came across a decently affordable listing in the same area on Sullivan between Prince and Spring. Love the neighborhood, but as a single female I'm wondering if you guys have any thoughts on the safety of that block / neighborhood? Saw it on a beautiful sunny day, but wondering what it might be at night? Building wasn't beautiful or with a doorman, but it seemed to be pretty decent in a tame neighborhood. Trying to decide now between this and the UWS..

Really appreciate any of your thoughts. Thanks!

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Response by maly
about 16 years ago
Posts: 1377
Member since: Jan 2009

That area is as safe as any in NYC. Check the neighborhood crime stats, it's one of the safest precinct.

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Response by VM1
about 16 years ago
Posts: 14
Member since: Jul 2008

Just moved from there a year ago, and this thread is like a knife in my heart. Sullivan around Prince or Spring is the best place to live in the entire city, particularly if you like to eat. If you found a nice apartment you can afford, GRAB IT!

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Response by anonymous
about 16 years ago

Unfortunately while Soho is a great area, most of the housing stock, other than very high end, is actually pretty low end.

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Response by maly
about 16 years ago
Posts: 1377
Member since: Jan 2009

I don't think that's true, it's just that the neighborhood is about 50% more expensive than other nice Manhattan neighborhoods, so if you don't adjust your budget accordingly, you will be poking at the dregs of the marketplace. I know people who rent lovely apartments (not luxury 3,000 sf lofts, mind you), but they pay $4,000 for a nice sized, smartly designed 1 bedroom. You could get a similar apartment for $2,700 in Murray Hill or the UWS.

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Response by anonymous
about 16 years ago

Fair enough

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Response by inonada
about 16 years ago
Posts: 7952
Member since: Oct 2008

Oh dear, now we're wondering if Soho is safe at night?

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Response by nycfund
about 16 years ago
Posts: 74
Member since: Nov 2008

Vermin - watch out!

Low floors, old buildings, near restaurants, etc.

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