$3,500 a month for a three-bedroom in Morningside Heights--what's the catch?

For a family or roomies seeking Columbia-adjacent living, this Morningside Heights three-bedroom may be the answer. At $3,500 a month, it's got high ceilings, hardwood floors and stainless steel appliances. The elevator building comes with a live-in super and on-site laundry. 

But does our troupe of experienced renters think it’s too good to be true? RentHackr founder Zeb Dropkin, freelance writer Lambeth Hochwald, and BrickUnderground’s own senior contributing editor, Lucy Cohen Blatter, ponder the pros and cons in this week’s Take It or Leave It.

The Apartment:

Size: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom                                               
Location: 31 Tiemann Pl. between Broadway and Riverside Dr.
Cost: $3,500 a month
Flexible Layout: No
Days on the market: 68
Subway: 1 at 125th St.; A, C, B, D at 125th St.; B, C at 135th St.

Pros and Cons:

“This nice, homey-looking three-bedroom is only $3,500 a month? That’s quite an affordable price. But it only has one bathroom and it’s pretty far uptown, so make sure your commute won’t be too painful.”—Zeb

“This move-in ready three-bedroom is quaint and lovely—it’s an 1,100-square-foot co-op that the owner is renting out after being unable to sell. And, even though the kitchen overlooks a shaft, it’s got great style and lots of room for major meal prep. The cons? Tiemann Place is a bit off the beaten path. And while it’s close to Riverside Park and the Manhattan School of Music—just think of the great concerts you can attend—it’s likelier that you’ll be lulled to sleep by the elevated 1 line platform across the street.”—Lambeth

“I love the pre-war look and charm of the place, plus that kitchen is awesome. And the price is incredibly reasonable. The bedrooms, which aren’t pictured, look small on the floor plan, so maybe that’s part of it. Plus, it looks like you’ll need to get sublet approval from the co-op board if you ever want to rent it out.”— Lucy

Who would this apartment be perfect for?

“A family with someone working for or attending school nearby would appreciate this location the most. Since it’s also close to Riverside Park, runners, bikers and dog owners might be drawn here too, although the listing doesn’t mention if the place is pet-friendly.”—Zeb

“A small family that can’t get enough of the Upper Manhattan vibe.”—Lambeth

“Anyone affiliated with Columbia who wants to be within walking distance of campus but isn’t lucky enough to qualify for Columbia-sponsored housing.”— Lucy

The Verdict(s):

TAKE IT “… as long as your daily commute will still be manageable.”—Zeb

LEAVE IT “Only one bathroom for a three-bedroom? Keep looking.”—Lambeth

TAKE IT “It’s hard to imagine finding a three-bedroom for less anywhere else in Manhattan. And it’s pretty, too!”— Lucy

Ready to rent? Check out our How to Rent Guide...and if the apartment you like requires a guarantor that you don’t have, see if the landlord accepts Insurent, a guarantor solution from one of BrickUnderground’s sponsors.

Take It Or Leave It is a weekly column in which a panel of long-time renters weighs in on the pros and cons of an apartment that’s currently on the market.