Take It Or Leave It

A $1,750 Bushwick one-bedroom—or is it a studio?—for the neighborhood's artsy residents

By Lucy Cohen Blatter  | June 10, 2015 - 2:15PM
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This $1,750 one-bedroom  at 27 Himrod Street in Bushwick has some real pros and cons.  That Japanese-style room partition looks pretty cool, but does it provide enough privacy? And there are tons of built-ins and storage space, but not a lot of living space. There also seems to be a good amount of sunlight, but it's on the top floor of a walk-up.

So basically, like every other NYC apartment that's somewhat affordable, you're going to have to be willing to make some sacrifices if you decide to rent this place.

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: One-bedroom, one-bath
Location:  27 Himrod Street (between Evergreen and Bushwick)
Cost: $1,750
Flexible layout: No
Days on the market:  3
Subway: J to Kosciusko; M to Central; J, Z to Gates 

Pros and cons:

"This one-bedroom is really more like a studio with a cool partition. Meaning it would be hard to hang out/work/watch TV in the living room without disturbing someone in the bedroom. That said, the place is well-designed and there are lots of nice built-ins, but that might not make up for the fact that it's pretty tiny, and a steep climb up. " — Lucy

"Ah Bushwick, the Williamsburg of 2020, only without the view or the waterfront. This is a really nicely designed and finished apartment. But it's really a studio with a partition, not a one-bedroom." — Zeb

"Besides being completely obsessed with the Japanese-inspired partition wall and the rustic beamed space, I’m not as crazy about either the price ($1,750) of this one-bedroom or the fact that this is the top floor of a walk-up. And while the kitchen is super cool—and boasts plenty of storage—I’m bummed that the renovation didn’t include a dishwasher." — Lambeth​

Who would this apartment be perfect for?

"A couple (with similar schedules), or single person who wants to live in this ever-gentrifying neighborhood. It won't work, though, if you've got a lot of stuff. Or like to have a door to slam." — Lucy

"If you already hang out in Williamsburg, Bush-burg, and Bed Stuy, this is a good fit." —Zeb

"A couple eager to check out Bushwick and okay relying on the J, M and Z."— Lambeth

The verdict(s):

LEAVE IT "This place seems pricey, considering it's really more of a studio than a one-bedroom in my opinion.  That said, if you love the design (and I wouldn't blame you if you do), it might be worth it. Maybe this is more of a 50-50, after all."— Lucy

TAKE IT "You could do a lot worse. Just make sure the industrial hood and commute work for you. " — Zeb

LEAVE IT "You’ll get more for your buck in a neighborhood that’s a wee less hip."— Lambeth

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