Virginia K. Smith

For most of us, finding our first apartment in the city is a rude awakening—I'm paying how much, for how little space, to live with how many people, in what neighborhood? Besides the obvious, inevitable sticker shock, there are a many other compromises and surprised, particularly if you're moving here from the lulling, if unexciting, comforts of the suburbs. Unless your parents happen to be shadowy foreign billionaires, brace yourself for the following:

Disgruntled Park Slopers are moving to Ditmas Park (NYO)

Apply now for affordable rentals in Bed-Stuy (Brownstoner)

Manhattan Beach, the Shire, what's the difference, really? (6sqft)

Here's how to DIY a classic vanity table setup (Total Beauty)

Note: BrickUnderground is in no way affiliated with New York City public housing. If you are interested in applying to this or other affordable housing developments, please go to the NYC Housing Connect website for information and instructions.

While scams are all too common in the world of New York City rentals, even if you actually own your place, you may not be safe. "Deed theft scams"—a house theft tactic that blew up during the recessions—are still alive and well, DNAinfo reported this week.