Take It Or Leave It

A $3,000 one-bedroom co-op on the Far East Side that's surprisingly spacious

By Lucy Cohen Blatter  | August 6, 2015 - 10:59AM
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The Upper East Side's East End Avenue — where this $3,000 one-bedroom apartment is located — is one of those streets some people would absolutely love, and others couldn't handle. Some love the quiet and relative remoteness, but others think it's all too much of a schlep (the closest subway stop is a good half-mile away), and too sleepy for a Manhattan location.

Assuming you fall into the former category, this apartment might be a good bet. Sure, it's about $200 more than the median price for one-bedrooms in the neighborhood, but it's also pretty generously sized, and has a ton of closets.

It's a co-op, though, which means you'll likely have to get board approval to move in, and will probably have to move out within two years.

So is it worth relocating? 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:  10 East End Avenue (at 80th Street)
Cost: $3,000
Flexible layout: Yes
Days on the market: 7
Subway: 6 to 77th Street

Pros and cons:

"East End is a pretty and quiet street, and you're a quick walk to the East River promenade. And the apartment, though somewhat cookie cutter, is big. Extra points for the separate, windowed kitchen, and the myriad closets. Plus, there are a lot of windows. I'd say, since this is on the 11th floor, you're likely to get good light. The downsides are the price and the commute, and the fact that the co-op could be picky. Keep in mind that the M79 is slow, and you'll be relying on it a lot." — Lucy

"This is a pretty spacious, light, and affordable one-bedroom in a doorman building. The downside is it's very far east on the Upper East Side." — Zeb

"Can we say closets — I'm counting four — plus a jumbo living room/dining room combo in this light-filled one-bedroom? The only downside is the schlep to the subway. Hello M79, your soon-to-be-favorite bus line." — Lambeth​

Who would this apartment be perfect for?

"A single person or couple who can pass the co-op board without problem. I'd imagine it's the perfect apartment for someone considering buying in the neighborhood but looking to try it out without a commitment first. Also, someone who drives often (maybe even to work) would appreciate the proximity to the FDR." — Lucy

"Anyone who can make this commute work, and doesn't mind being a bit out of the way as far as Manhattan goes, could enjoy this apartment. You're almost a mile from the 4/5/6, and you'll learn to take the bus a lot." — Zeb

"A couple itching to put down roots on the UES."— Lambeth

The verdict(s):

LEAVE IT "This was a tough call, and I'd say I'm 60 percent leave it, 40 percent take it. It's just that it's expensive (with a broker's fee, too), and considering the fact that you'll likely have to move out in two years, you may want to look elsewhere." — Lucy

TAKE IT "Make sure the commute, location, and community work for you, then go for it." — Zeb

TAKE IT "..and prepare to watch some epic sunsets (the apartment faces west)!" — Lambeth

 

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