Take It Or Leave It

This Astoria house has some seriously suburban-style perks

By Lucy Cohen Blatter  | October 28, 2015 - 1:59PM
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All in all, this $3,500 three-bedroom Astoria single-family house has seven rooms. (Got your attention now, don't we?) It's also got suburban-style amenities like a washer and dryer, a two-car driveway, and outdoor space.

But it happens to be about $500 a month more than the neighborhood median for three-bedrooms, and that's taking into account the fact that it's seen a price decrease of $500 (approximately 15 percent) since going on the market in September. 

So is it worth the price? We 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: Three-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath
Location:  23-85 24th Street (between 23rd and 24th avenues)
Cost: $3,500
Flexible layout: Yes
Days on the market: 48
Subway: N, Q at Ditmars

Pros and cons:

"The idea of a having a whole house to yourself (complete with parking, a backyard  and washer and dryer) is pretty darn nice. Plus, Astoria is not one of those out-in-the-boondocks Queens neighborhoods, and it's got lots of great restaurants and a hip vibe. That said, the walk to the subway is substantial—almost half a mile, and some of the rooms look like they could use some updating—the bathroom specifically." —Lucy

"With a driveway, backyard, laundry, and three bedrooms, this place has more in common with a traditional house than a NYC apartment. On the downside, you’re half a mile from a train and most of your neighbors drive." —Zeb

"From the eat-in kitchen to the myriad outdoor spaces, there’s little not to like about this entire house for rent. The downside: It’s hefty for Astoria at $3,500 a month and the 1.5 bath might prove problematic for anyone looking to share space." —Lambeth​

Who would this apartment be perfect for?

 "A family (one two, or maybe even three three kids) that doesn't want to decamp to the suburbs yet— and can handle just one-and-a-half bathrooms." —Lucy

"This place could be great for a family with one or two children, especially one that needs a car or two (and a place to park)." —Zeb

"A small family (with dog preferably) that loves Astoria Park." —Lambeth

The verdict(s):

TAKE IT "If you want that suburban-style urban experience, and you have a car." —Lucy

LEAVE IT "If it fits your needs, it’s worth a look. Otherwise leave it… there’s got to be a reason it’s been coming down in price steadily during its six weeks on the market. " —Zeb

TAKE IT "Especially if you have a car. There’s even a driveway with room for two cars—suburban urban zen!" —Lambeth

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