This large, pre-war Jackson Heights one-bedroom is way under $2,000 a month

By Lucy Cohen Blatter  | December 9, 2015 - 2:59PM
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This $1,800 one-bedroom Jackson Heights co-op falls right into the category of "they don't make 'em like they used to." The prewar apartment is generously proportioned, with well-sized rooms and even a separate foyer/dining area.

It's clear from the listing photos that the bedroom is so big the current tenants are splitting it to use as a parents bedroom and a nursery.

Interestingly, though, there's no photo of the kitchen, which means it probably has not been renovated. And the fact that the building requires co-op board approval (the board wants to see strong credit and professional stability, and they want to see that the the applicant has been working at the same place for at least two years), might explain why it's been on the market for almost a month.

So should you consider it? 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: 86-10 34th Avenue  (between 86th and 87th streets)
Cost: $1,800
Flexible layout: Yes
Days on the market: 26
Subway: 7 at 90th Street Elmhurst

"The apartment is a classic pre-war apartment with well-sized rooms and pretty details, plus I actually really like the paint colors on the walls. The building looks pretty (though no doorman to speak of), and that little outdoor area is a nice addition. On the con side is the fact that it's a co-op, which means you'll need board approval and may have to move out after two years.  " —Lucy

"This is a very big one bedroom in a cool, old prewar building. But it’s way out there in Queens, at least 45 minutes with a transfer to get to Union Square." —Zeb

"If you’ve been seeking a turn-key one-bedroom that looks ready for move-in, this one-bedroom in the historic district of Jackson Heights might be a place to consider calling home. However, creative types take note: You’re going to have to jump some hoops to land this place. We’re talking board approval, employment at the same company for two years—this might give some of you pause." —Lambeth​

Who would this apartment be perfect for?

 "A couple who want space, don't mind a bit of a commute and are financially and professionally stable. If you want to try out Jackson Heights for a couple of years before potentially buying there, this would be ideal." —Lucy

"This one makes sense for a family since a lot of the extra space can be used for children, and the building has a play room." —Zeb

" A single who can swing $1,800 a month and won’t think twice about forking over a fee of one month’s rent to the broker." —Lambeth

The verdict(s):

TAKE IT "The space and the price sold me." —Lucy

LEAVE IT "It’s hard to qualify for and hard to commute from." —Zeb

LEAVE IT "Especially because a quick Google search yielded a number of apartments for sale in the same building. To me that’s always a big of a red flag." —Lambeth

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