From Washington Heights to Morningside Heights: I wanted a place that fit me better
- Naama Davidovics and her two roommates landed a three bedroom, one bath for $4,250
- Her new area is less lively and groceries are more expensive but it feels more social to her
"We came across a few small apartments that made us consider going over budget by $500 to get a three bedroom. But eventually we found a three bedroom for $4,250 in Morningside Heights," Naama said.
Sort of like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Naama Davidovics moved three times in New York City to find a place that suited her best, even though that meant ending up with very small apartment with two roommates and a single bath. Still, the rent was below the trio’s budget and there’s much to like about her new neighborhood. Here’s her story as told to Kelly Kreth.
I was born and raised in Teaneck, New Jersey, and spent a lot of time in New York City as a child since my grandparents live here.
I’m currently a college student at The City College of New York and I moved to Washington Heights when I started college. I had come across two roommates looking for a third to join them. It was a small apartment that was likely once been a one bedroom before being chopped up into three bedrooms. There were no amenities in the building. (Every time I went home to my parents’ house, I brought my laundry.) Rent was $2,775 a month split between the three of us.
I liked that the apartment was renovated but its small size made living there a struggle. My bedroom barely fit my twin bed and a dresser. I didn't even have a desk to do schoolwork.
[Editor's note:“Transitions” features first-person accounts of what it’s like to move from one NYC neighborhood to another. Have a story to share? Drop us an email. We respect all requests for anonymity.]
The following year I moved to a new apartment in Washington Heights with a new roommate. This apartment was a big step up in size and amenities. I could fit a full-size bed, dresser, and desk in my room, and the living space was about three times as big as my first apartment. The building had elevators, a trash room, and a laundry room. My roommate and I split the $3,000 rent.
I am an agent with Keller Williams NYC as well as a student. I'm currently in my third year studying architecture.
Why she decided to move
I liked the apartment and Washington Heights is super lively and fun but after a while I felt ready to move to a different area. There wasn’t much for me to do in that area and it didn’t feel like I would find my peers there, although the Met Cloisters was close by and I went a couple of times. Around the Broadway and 181st Street area there are lots of chain stores, but as you got further away from its many smaller stores and bodegas.
I decided to move in late spring. As the school year came to an end and my roommate decided to move downtown, I realized I needed to find new roommates. I got two friends together and we decided to look in the Morningside Heights/Upper West Side area.
Since I'm an agent I took over the job of finding us an apartment, but it took much longer than usual since we were in different places for the summer.
We had a budget of $1,500 per person, so $4,500 total for a three-bedroom unit and wanted a decent-sized kitchen with laundry in the building, or preferably in the unit.
We came across a few small apartments that made us consider going over budget by $500 to get a three bedroom. But eventually we found a three bedroom for $4,250 in Morningside Heights.
What she likes about her new place
The new apartment is smaller than my last one but still decently sized and comfortable. We have a good-sized kitchen and a single bathroom.
The building has a laundry room in the basement but it's a little more annoying to get to: We have to go outside to access the basement. But we came close to not having laundry in the building at all so I try not to complain.
What she thinks of the neighborhood
My new neighborhood is less lively, and quieter, but not dull. I enjoy walking around the neighborhood, which fits me socially. I find myself having more interactions with people.
The cost of living is much higher in this neighborhood, which I expected but is still sometimes crazy to me. The same milk that I would buy for $6-$7 in Washington Heights is almost $9 in the grocery stores in my new neighborhood.
I find myself walking a lot more now. In my former area, places were either within a few blocks or so far I had to take transportation. Now, everything is more than a few blocks but not quite far enough that it feels worth it to take a bus.
I still take the bus to school but it's now only about 15-20 minutes. I'm very well located near buses and subways so it's very convenient.
I love that there are so many food and grocery options within just a few blocks from my building. Playa Bowls on the corner of Broadway and 110th, Westside Market and H Mart are also right there. There are also so many small coffee shops that I'm excited to try; I love to sit and do work in a little cafe.
It's still relatively new so I can't say for certain if it was a good or bad idea to move, but so far, I feel good about my decision.
Some family and friends have come to see the new apartment, and while they all say it's small, we've definitely done our best to make it feel like home.
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