I met an honest broker who told me that a 2500-3000 two bedroom on the UWS that isn't a shitty closet is nearly impossible to find. He suggested looking up by Columbia university, which I thought was a superb idea. In fact, he's probably going to take us by there if he has any listings (this is Reaction Realty). I liked him over the phone, hope it works. I know this will make the brokers reading... [more]
I met an honest broker who told me that a 2500-3000 two bedroom on the UWS that isn't a shitty closet is nearly impossible to find. He suggested looking up by Columbia university, which I thought was a superb idea. In fact, he's probably going to take us by there if he has any listings (this is Reaction Realty). I liked him over the phone, hope it works.
I know this will make the brokers reading this cringe (I'm sorry! I'm a graduate student and poor!) but I tried some investigating on my own. It seems really hard to find things near Columbia- they just aren't on craigslist, padmapper, or here even. I don't think all the buildings are owned by Columbia- I have a graduate student friend who rents in a place on 121st that also rents to non-students, for sure.
Is the market so in demand around there that landlords don't need to post on craigslist? Do they market solely with Columbia? I want in!
So if any of you guys know landlords I could just talk to, or know what the lowdown is on that area/what I should look for, I'd appreciate the advice.
About me: Incoming graduate student to the Museum of Natural History (we're affiliated with Columbia, a little, but not enough to get that sweet subsidized housing) with a roommate from the same program. Looking for two bedrooms with a decent sized living room, one bathroom is fine, a balcony/roof access would be fantastic. We'd like to live from Morningside Drive to Riverside Drive, anywhere from 96th to 123rd. We're both two short chicks who will work terrible graduate student hours, so personal security is a big deal for us.
Now this isn't to say I'm abandoning the broker, I just want more info to be armed with! Woo!
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Weitz, we have a luxury doorman building located on 143rd st and Riveside right by the 1 Train. You can find a great 2br 2bath with a terrace for $3000. check it out http://AlbertaNYC.com
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Response by AvUWS
over 14 years ago
Posts: 839
Member since: Mar 2008
I think a lot of it has to do with limited area. It is bounded by Amsterdam on one side and 125th st. on the other and goes down to 110th st. This is not a very big area, 2-3 long blocks by 15 blocks. And much of that real estate is taken up by columbia, the buildings it owns (for students, faculty and administrators), St. Lukes, the cathedral (and the buildings it owns). Of anything left much of them are co-ops. So there just aren't a lot of buildings to choose from in the first place. Of what is left I imagine that in your price range you are competing with students who don't want to, or don't have to afford, living in the dorms.
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Response by jimendress
over 14 years ago
Posts: 14
Member since: Feb 2011
a lot of landlords are not advertising on craiglists bc their apartments are so in demand. incoming international students are getting a great exchange rate and are paying the full year in advance which landlords will take over any regular applicant any day. it's just the time of year
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Response by eliz181144
over 14 years ago
Posts: 211
Member since: May 2009
Hi Weitz,
We looked to buy in the area you're mentioning and had no luck. As AvUWs said it is relatively small and in demand. Have you tried looking a bit higher? My building (we're on 157th) doesn't have rentals but I see a lot of Columbia grad students in the area. The 130s also seems to be getting popular.
Good luck!
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Response by semerun
over 14 years ago
Posts: 571
Member since: Feb 2008
I have lived in Hamilton Heights (135th st - 155 st) for 5 1/2 years now. The number of Columbia students living here seems to grow by the year. It's a very short ride to the main campus. You can absolutely find a decent sized 2 bedroom for less than $2,500/month. My building is a condo- but I know some owners rent out their apartments (2 bed, 2 bath) for less than your budgeted amount, although none are currently available for rent. The neighborhood is safe.
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Response by MorningsideHeights
over 14 years ago
Posts: 5
Member since: Feb 2007
If you have a CU ID, you can search OCHA, which lists places in the 'hood, brokers and otherwise.
Take an afternoon and canvas the area, knocking on doors. Speak to doormen. Find our first-hand what's available. This is how I found our current rental (unlisted and unadvertised door-man 2-br), where we've lived happily for the last 6 years.
One building I might suggest checking out is 820 WEA. It's an owner-rented larger building that never advertises and has decent rates. Rents to a lot of artists/musicians. Nice pre-war apts. Don't know what's available now but their office is generally open during biz hours.
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Weitz, we have a luxury doorman building located on 143rd st and Riveside right by the 1 Train. You can find a great 2br 2bath with a terrace for $3000. check it out http://AlbertaNYC.com
I think a lot of it has to do with limited area. It is bounded by Amsterdam on one side and 125th st. on the other and goes down to 110th st. This is not a very big area, 2-3 long blocks by 15 blocks. And much of that real estate is taken up by columbia, the buildings it owns (for students, faculty and administrators), St. Lukes, the cathedral (and the buildings it owns). Of anything left much of them are co-ops. So there just aren't a lot of buildings to choose from in the first place. Of what is left I imagine that in your price range you are competing with students who don't want to, or don't have to afford, living in the dorms.
a lot of landlords are not advertising on craiglists bc their apartments are so in demand. incoming international students are getting a great exchange rate and are paying the full year in advance which landlords will take over any regular applicant any day. it's just the time of year
Hi Weitz,
We looked to buy in the area you're mentioning and had no luck. As AvUWs said it is relatively small and in demand. Have you tried looking a bit higher? My building (we're on 157th) doesn't have rentals but I see a lot of Columbia grad students in the area. The 130s also seems to be getting popular.
Good luck!
I have lived in Hamilton Heights (135th st - 155 st) for 5 1/2 years now. The number of Columbia students living here seems to grow by the year. It's a very short ride to the main campus. You can absolutely find a decent sized 2 bedroom for less than $2,500/month. My building is a condo- but I know some owners rent out their apartments (2 bed, 2 bath) for less than your budgeted amount, although none are currently available for rent. The neighborhood is safe.
If you have a CU ID, you can search OCHA, which lists places in the 'hood, brokers and otherwise.
http://facilities.columbia.edu/housing/search-ochas-housing-registry-0
Take an afternoon and canvas the area, knocking on doors. Speak to doormen. Find our first-hand what's available. This is how I found our current rental (unlisted and unadvertised door-man 2-br), where we've lived happily for the last 6 years.
One building I might suggest checking out is 820 WEA. It's an owner-rented larger building that never advertises and has decent rates. Rents to a lot of artists/musicians. Nice pre-war apts. Don't know what's available now but their office is generally open during biz hours.