Why we're all sold on this Astoria two-bedroom

By Lucy Cohen Blatter | October 7, 2015 - 12:59PM

Assuming you can wait until November 1 to move, you might want to check out this $2,900 two-bedroom, one-bath in the ever-popular Astoria neighborhood in Queens (even Lady Gaga was spotted there last night to mark the opening of her best friend's restaurant, The Pomeroy).

It's got a generously sized open kitchen, modern appliances and two outdoor spaces (one is big enough to fit a table and chairs). The building has central air, laundry facilities and storage.

But it's also about $400 more than the area median. So is it worth the splurge? 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: Two-bedroom, one-bath
Location: 25-50 Crescent Street (between Hoyt Avenue South and Astoria Boulevard)
Cost: $2,900
Flexible layout: Yes
Days on the market: 19
Subway: N,Q to Astoria Boulevard-Hoyt Avenue

Pros and cons:

"That is the largest 'kitchenette' I think I've ever seen. Plus the whole place looks modern and relatively bright. That said, it's a tad cookie-cutter and the price is on the higher side for the neighborhood. Plus, that foyer with the table looks like an awkward space. You'd have to figure out how to make it more usable. " —Lucy

"This is a nice two-bedroom in a modern building with two balconies. It’s out in Astoria, pets aren't allowed, and the larger balcony belongs to just one of the bedrooms." —Zeb

"If Astoria's been a neighborhood you've been tempted to try, this might be a perfect starter pad. The kitchen is spacious and the balcony off the living room almost makes up for the tight living room space. Then again, there's a deck off the main bedroom offering two spots for some fresh air!" —Lambeth

Who would this apartment be perfect for?

"A couple with one child who will make use of that large patio." —Lucy

"A couple that can afford to carry a spare bedroom, or a family with one child could love it here. Regular roommates could make this work, too." —Zeb

"A couple will likely love this place most—the one bathroom might make for some awkward sharing." —Lambeth

The verdict(s):

TAKE IT "Check out the neighborhood first, obviously, but if you like it, you could do much worse."—Lucy

TAKE IT "Make sure the balconies get a decent amount of sun and go for it. I have one tiny balcony and it makes a huge difference for me." —Zeb

TAKE IT "After all, you can take yoga or Pilates at the Academy of Hellenic Paideia, a kids' school right downstairs." —Lambeth

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