This Boerum Hill townhouse apartment's got a major perk—but it's a pricey one

By Lucy Cohen Blatter | October 21, 2015 - 11:59AM

We have a sneaking suspicion that the best thing about this $3,000 Boerum Hill "junior one" is what's outside—both the pretty garden (with grass!) and the picture-perfect townhouse facade out front.

We're wondering, though, where exactly the bedroom is. And whether it's more of a one-bedroom or a studio, this place is pretty pricey for the neighborhood, well over the median for both.

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: One-bedroom, one-bath
Location: 381 State Street (between Bond and Nevins)
Cost: $3,000
Flexible layout: No
Days on the market: 49
Subway: A,C, G to Hoyt & Schermerhorn

Pros and cons:

"This apartment, which I'm willing to bet is more studio than one-bedroom, has that quintessential brownstone charm with some modern updates. It's also very close to the subway. The outdoor space is incredible. But, ground floor apartments are a safety concern, and this apartment seems too pricey. " —Lucy

"This apartment boasts a great location, outdoor space, modern HVAC and kitchen amenities (garbage disposal and dishwasher FTW!). But it’s priced a little high for a one-bedroom in the neighborhood, let alone a studio, and privacy is a challenge with windows on the street level. " —Zeb

"There's no doubt that this subterranean one-bed is nicely renovated—we’re talking new floors even—but, at $3,000, this brownstone apartment is going to be a tough sell, mostly because the massive garden can’t quite replace the basement-feel of this space." —Lambeth

Who would this apartment be perfect for?

"A single person who loves brownstones charm and will make use of the outdoor space whenever the weather allows it." —Lucy

"What’s a 'junior one-bedroom?' In this case, it’s essentially a nicely renovated studio apartment with a pretty big closet. This is a great spot for someone who loves to cook and entertain in the garden." —Zeb

"A Barclays/BAM enthusiast who wants to live within a hop-skip-and-a-jump from all the action." —Lambeth

The verdict(s):

TAKE IT "But try and get them down on price a little. I'd imagine the landlord lives upstairs. Maybe if you show what a great tenant you'll be ..."—Lucy

TAKE IT "if your budget allows for it, this is a pretty sweet renovation with a backyard that could be worth the added expense. " —Zeb

LEAVE IT "Junior one-bed is code for super small. Where is the bedroom, by the way? Plus, we're about to say bye-bye to hanging out in outdoor space for a bit so you won't even be able to barbecue or use that garden for a while." —Lambeth

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