400 sq ft of outdoor vs indoor space

The quality of the outdoor space will determine how much you use it. Will a lot of people be staring down at you? Is it windy? Do you worry that small dogs and children will squeeze between the railing? Most people end up not using their outdoor space if it's not ground level. Look around, do you see anybody up there on all those balconies?

With a large dog, I would choose closer to Central Park, it's very enjoyable to walk a dog there.

My bathroom is unoccupied almost all the time, but I'm certainly glad I have it.

We have around 900 sq ft outside, landscaped and furnished. We love it out there but we wouldn't leave our dog out there either if we weren't at home. Too hot, windy, noises, etc. The dog is calm as can be but I just wouldn't risk it at that height and with those climate conditions. Honestly, he'd rather be inside on most warm days anyway.

With that being said, we love having the outdoor space. I wouldn't choose it for the dog though. As others say, not all outdoor space is equal. Many spaces tend to be wind tunnels too. Don't assume outdoor sit down dining and play board games unless you an extremely sheltered area. Furniture, heavy as can be and practical enough to not look as filthy as it will turn out to be every season.

How many ppl in your family? What ages are kids? And then all the questions asked by needsadvice.

I disagree with greenberg

Thank you everyone for your responses!

(OUTDOOR SPACE APARTMENT) This is a first floor apartment that faces inside (no street facing windows). the "cellar" is halfway underground with windows in the top of the room where the bedrooms are. the outside space is spectacular, sheltered but sunny, completely private in terms of use with no neighbors facing it directly but certainly wouldn't consider anything scandalous. We love to BBQ and love using a Jacuzzi. No worries about railings as its on the ground floor but of course worry about pests. No restaurants or trash next to it but its possible for sure. its also close to one of the cities best dog park.
Essentially its trading lots of closet space and an extra bedroom for the spectacular outdoor space and greater entertainment value of the ground floor apartment. We are married and starting a family in the very near future.

Seriously? An extra bedroom, bigger space and more closets are being compared to below ground basement bedrooms?

Which will you jump up and down about after getting the keys and see yourself living in for ten years happily? After being an agent almost ten years and my husband having a dog walking service 22 years, I've found not all "dog friendly" buildings are created equal. Some are more "dog friendly" than others-- especially when you're talking about a 120 lb. dog. What's proximity to elevator (getting outside), speed to get outside, etc.? How's prices in building, carrying charges, financials, resale value, neighbors? Kids? Not as an agent, but as a mom-- what about school district? You have a lot to think about--once kids come along that 1350SF gets smaller. I'd suggest taking a legal pad and listing pros and cons of both.
Ann Zemaitis, Rutenberg Realty

If the outdoor space is on the ground floor or a protected terrace, I would take it over an extra BR. For me, an extra BR means non-stop visitors.

400 SF is not enough to matter for a large dog. I used to have a 900 SF terrace, and dog sat a pit, sometimes two at a time. They could and would run around in circles on the patio, but it was barely big enough for that. your dog sounds 2X as big.

Also, as many have pointed out on many threads, because its often too hot or too cold in NYC, I rarely used the terrace. I thought I would, but I'd say I did not 90% of the time. I now live in a place with 200 more SF and a large common terrace, and that's fine for me.

I specifically chose a unit that did not have a balcony because at the time I was trying to quit smoking. I rented at a place with a balcony and used it for my smoke breaks. I finally quit smoking now that I don't have a balcony.

I'd go with the indoor space instead, unless it gets great direct sunlight, but even that is never guaranteed to last. A small kiddie plastic pool might be nice for a family with kids but other than that, not really missing the balcony.

jason10006
about 4 hours ago
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>400 SF is not enough to matter for a large dog. I used to have a 900 SF terrace, and dog sat a pit, sometimes two at a time. They could and would run around in circles on the patio, but it was barely big enough for that. your dog sounds 2X as big.

Your experience fighting pitbulls is hardly relevant to a couple who will have kids.

>Also, as many have pointed out on many threads, because its often too hot or too cold in NYC, I rarely used the terrace. I thought I would, but I'd say I did not 90% of the time. I now live in a place with 200 more SF and a large common terrace, and that's fine for me.

Nothing is good enough in NYC for you, is it? Too hot, too cold. Why don't you go back to California?