Take It Or Leave It

Can you spot what's missing from this $3,000 East Village two-bedroom?

By Lucy Cohen Blatter  | June 17, 2015 - 1:59PM
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Nightlife junkies might want to seriously consider this $3,000 two-bedroom at 31 St. Marks, because it's smack dab in the heart of the always lively main drag of the East Village (technically Eighth Street).

Here's what we know: The place is definitely a walkup (and since it's apartment number 15, we'd guess it's more than one flight up) and has two bedrooms with room for Queen-sized beds and a dishwasher. Also, the landlord accepts guarantors.

What we don't know: How much living room space you actually get.

So is it worth heading over to check it out? I asked our experts (and veteran renters), RentHackr founder Zeb Dropkin and freelance writer Lambeth Hochwald, to weigh in with me on this week's Take It or Leave It.​

Size: Two-bedroom, one-bath
Location:  31 St. Marks (between Second and Third)
Cost: $3,000
Flexible layout: No
Days on the market:  9
Subway: 6 to Astor Place

Pros and cons:

"If you thrive on hustle and bustle and are something of a night owl, this location is ideal. Plus it's only a couple of blocks walk to the 6 train. While the apartment's a walkup, and the 'kitchen' is teeny tiny, the bedrooms are rather spacious for the East Village. " — Lucy

"At $3,000, this is on the lower end of what you'll find for two bedrooms in competitive neighborhoods like the East Village. On the down side there may be noise issues on St. Marks and little living space in the apartment." — Zeb

"Sushi lovers, you have found your home! Located atop Zen, which offers 50 percent off sushi all day long, you’ll find a renovated two-bedroom apartment with a compact but very updated kitchen with lots of cabinet space should you decide to pass on ordering in. On the flip side, I don’t see any living room photos so be sure there’s common space to share before you sign on any dotted lines." — Lambeth​

Who would this apartment be perfect for?

"Two (young, fit) roommates who plan to spend most of their time outside the apartment, eating at the neighborhood's amazing restaurants and drinking at the cool bars." — Lucy

"Students and younger renters that want to live in the busy center of things, and who are usually out a lot and up late will like this spot. Small-dog owners might like it here and hit the Tompkins Square dog run often." —Zeb

"Two former NYU roommates who have no objection to a walkup (or to sharing the bathroom)."— Lambeth

The verdict(s):

TAKE IT "If you're dying to live in the East Village, of course. And just make sure there's a decent living room space. For a starter apartment it's not bad, and it's over $400 less than the median rental price  for a two-bedroom in the neighborhood."— Lucy

TAKE IT "If you don't need much  living space, and your priorities include a bedroom door and being close to nightlife. " — Zeb

TAKE IT "Provided the apartment isn’t facing St. Mark’s. Otherwise, prepare for some very sleepless nights."— Lambeth

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