Finding an Apartment in NYC

With so many people living in the city, it could be nearly impossible to find an apartment, especially in New York City. Apartment prices rise like no other because of everyone moving to the Big Apple to find better jobs. If push comes to shove, there's always the country-side which has a lesser population.

HOW MUCH ARE YOU ABLE TO SPEND ON RENT A MONTH?

First you got to ask yourself, how much are you willing to spend for an apartment you'll be comfortable with for a while? Is it your monthly budget to pay and not break the bank? In expensive cities like NYC, you'll probably have to spend a large percentage of your income on housing. If this is a problem, there are three options: 1) make more money, 2) think about living in a less expensive area like Harlem, Brooklyn, or Queens, or 3) save money on rent by finding a roommate.

Get yourself a roommate

Getting a roommate is one of the best ways to cut costs and it can be your friend, lover, or stranger. If getting a roommate, it's best that you choose carefully or else it'll be a devastating blow to your bank account. Either way, not all friends and strangers make good roommates. Here are just a few questions you might consider asking to all potential roommates to assess compatibility:

- Do you smoke? Drink? Do drugs? If so, how often?

- Do you stay out late on weekdays?

- Do you have any pets?

- What music do you listen to? What do you like to watch on television?

- Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend who will be staying here frequently?

- Have you ever had a roommate before?

All these questions will determine how comfortable you feel with your future roommate. If things seem like it's not going to work out, then don't take the risk.

CHOOSING A NEIGHBORHOOD