Moving to Brooklyn, jobless...oh dear
October 16, 2016 4:42 PM Subscribe
My partner has a job offer in Brooklyn. We both love Brooklyn. But we currently live in the midwest, I have no job prospects in NYC at the moment, and I have no idea how long my job search will take...can we survive?
So, we've been planning on moving to an east coast city for the past couple years, but actually never even considered NYC because of the insane rent costs (we had considered northern NJ, but that simply won't work in this case, commute-wise). Both of our current jobs will end by this spring, making it a perfect time to move somewhere we really love.
However, I'm afraid we're going to starve if I don't get a good a job right away...and there's no chance for me to transfer or anything along those lines, as I don't work a corporate position. His entry-level salary offer is not super (around 50K, with a promised promotion/raise of 10 to 15K within about a year). I'll have about 10K saved for moving expenses by spring. And I'm going to have to start making payments on student loans again soon.
I do have valuable experience in my field (not-for-profit communications) and have worked a couple jobs in it in a major city, but I'd probably be looking at a junior-type position, as I'll be re-entering that sector after several years spent in graduate school. Even still, my last position with a not-for-profit, which I loved, took me 10 months to get. In between I was working freelance and terrible service jobs.
Additionally, one of our chief concerns is living within walking distance of a park -- we have a medium-sized dog. So we'd be looking at neighborhoods like Sunset Park, Ridgewood (Queens), etc.
I want my partner to be able to take what sounds like a really great, career building job. And I'd love to live in Brooklyn. But I'm having panic attacks right now about not being able to hold up my end of things if the job search doesn't go well right away. Are these legitimate concerns? Does a life in Brooklyn sound do-able starting with a ~50K salary and ~20K in total savings between us?
So, we've been planning on moving to an east coast city for the past couple years, but actually never even considered NYC because of the insane rent costs (we had considered northern NJ, but that simply won't work in this case, commute-wise). Both of our current jobs will end by this spring, making it a perfect time to move somewhere we really love.
However, I'm afraid we're going to starve if I don't get a good a job right away...and there's no chance for me to transfer or anything along those lines, as I don't work a corporate position. His entry-level salary offer is not super (around 50K, with a promised promotion/raise of 10 to 15K within about a year). I'll have about 10K saved for moving expenses by spring. And I'm going to have to start making payments on student loans again soon.
I do have valuable experience in my field (not-for-profit communications) and have worked a couple jobs in it in a major city, but I'd probably be looking at a junior-type position, as I'll be re-entering that sector after several years spent in graduate school. Even still, my last position with a not-for-profit, which I loved, took me 10 months to get. In between I was working freelance and terrible service jobs.
Additionally, one of our chief concerns is living within walking distance of a park -- we have a medium-sized dog. So we'd be looking at neighborhoods like Sunset Park, Ridgewood (Queens), etc.
I want my partner to be able to take what sounds like a really great, career building job. And I'd love to live in Brooklyn. But I'm having panic attacks right now about not being able to hold up my end of things if the job search doesn't go well right away. Are these legitimate concerns? Does a life in Brooklyn sound do-able starting with a ~50K salary and ~20K in total savings between us?
signing a lease in nyc can be a problem if both parties aren't working. most landlords will require both of you to be on the lease. being on the lease means that you need to show you could pay the full year's rent individually if necessary, or otherwise that a guarantor will be able to cover you.
posted by poffin boffin at 5:05 PM on October 16, 2016
posted by poffin boffin at 5:05 PM on October 16, 2016
Response by poster: We will likely have a guarantor.
posted by Miss T.Horn at 5:07 PM on October 16, 2016
posted by Miss T.Horn at 5:07 PM on October 16, 2016
50K for two people in New York is reallllllly tight. However! If you would be willing to do a roommate situation, that would keep your housing costs lower. I really don't see a way to do it aside from that.
posted by Automocar at 5:10 PM on October 16, 2016
posted by Automocar at 5:10 PM on October 16, 2016
Best answer: As to a guarantor, I think he or she needs to have income that is 80x rent.
posted by merejane at 5:14 PM on October 16, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by merejane at 5:14 PM on October 16, 2016 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Better to do it now by the skin of your teeth when you've got the exuberance than to do it later when you're old and tired or, worse, to not do it at all. Yeah, you'll live somewhere crappy and it'll be hilarious and awful and sometimes you'll cry and sometimes you'll laugh but it'll be springtime and you'll go to free movies in the park in the summer and take the subway to the beach and you'll be in love and everyone will be fine.
posted by RJ Reynolds at 5:20 PM on October 16, 2016 [21 favorites]
posted by RJ Reynolds at 5:20 PM on October 16, 2016 [21 favorites]
Brooklyn is so great. Do it! But yes, it will be very tight. Unless you're willing to take on a service or retail job while you search for a job in your field, your best bet will be looking for a roommate situation. Sunset Park and Ridgewood are still affordable enough that it might be doable.
posted by blackcatcuriouser at 5:32 PM on October 16, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by blackcatcuriouser at 5:32 PM on October 16, 2016 [1 favorite]
I will sound a note of dissent. I lived in NYC for 14 years, often on much, much less. You will be totally fine. Just watch out for restaurants. Those will get you. There's so much free entertainment that that's not really a budget concern, imho.
Also, you should start your life in NYC with a subway-only commute. Bus + subway is what you want to avoid. Transfers on the subway are usually no big deal, but trust me, don't get a bus involved. You get tired and that's when you get tempted to order takeout or take uber or do some other expensive thing.
You'll love it and you both will have jobs soon enough! Congratulations!
posted by 8603 at 5:49 PM on October 16, 2016 [13 favorites]
Also, you should start your life in NYC with a subway-only commute. Bus + subway is what you want to avoid. Transfers on the subway are usually no big deal, but trust me, don't get a bus involved. You get tired and that's when you get tempted to order takeout or take uber or do some other expensive thing.
You'll love it and you both will have jobs soon enough! Congratulations!
posted by 8603 at 5:49 PM on October 16, 2016 [13 favorites]
One good thing about roommate situations is that they are usually month-to-month. So it'll suck for a little while, but you can go find a place of your own once you get a job lined up. That seems like the best strategy.
posted by breakin' the law at 5:55 PM on October 16, 2016
posted by breakin' the law at 5:55 PM on October 16, 2016
Look, I love the city and I hate to dissuade anyone from enjoying it or chasing their dreams here. But the world is not what it was when people were living in crappy EV apartments for $400/mo. in 1992.
Assuming an effective tax rate of only 10% = $45000 after taxes. That's without health insurance, without any FSA or 401(k) contributions. Buying two unlimited subway passes pre-tax means another effective $200/mo, or $2400/year.
If a tolerable living arrangement of some kind can be found for $1250/mo., that's another $15000 in rent. That's without electricity, cable, phone, Internet. (You can get by without cable but good luck job-hunting without the Internet.)
So that's expecting $27.6K, or $2300/mo., to cover all expenses except rent, taxes, and subway passes (and the taxes are effective, meaning that more will be withheld initially and then returned with the tax refund) for two people and one dog who will have his own needs. This is also assuming no retirement contributions of any kind.
This is reallllly tight. I don't think you'll starve to death, especially if it ends up being for just the one year til he gets his first raise and you find work, but you should be realistic. You may find yourself living on a more basic level than you did in grad school. This is a no-travel, no-new-clothes, no-eating-out budget. Only you can decide if it's worth it.
posted by praemunire at 6:03 PM on October 16, 2016 [5 favorites]
Assuming an effective tax rate of only 10% = $45000 after taxes. That's without health insurance, without any FSA or 401(k) contributions. Buying two unlimited subway passes pre-tax means another effective $200/mo, or $2400/year.
If a tolerable living arrangement of some kind can be found for $1250/mo., that's another $15000 in rent. That's without electricity, cable, phone, Internet. (You can get by without cable but good luck job-hunting without the Internet.)
So that's expecting $27.6K, or $2300/mo., to cover all expenses except rent, taxes, and subway passes (and the taxes are effective, meaning that more will be withheld initially and then returned with the tax refund) for two people and one dog who will have his own needs. This is also assuming no retirement contributions of any kind.
This is reallllly tight. I don't think you'll starve to death, especially if it ends up being for just the one year til he gets his first raise and you find work, but you should be realistic. You may find yourself living on a more basic level than you did in grad school. This is a no-travel, no-new-clothes, no-eating-out budget. Only you can decide if it's worth it.
posted by praemunire at 6:03 PM on October 16, 2016 [5 favorites]
Best answer: You'll need two incomes. You've got one with your husband, which is great, but you'll need two.
Fortunately, there are a ton of temp agencies in the city; I would sign up for a few, like, your first day. That way you can be earning income while you're job searching - and the agencies can also help WITH your job search. (It was an agency that first placed me at the non-profit NGO I now work at.)
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:00 PM on October 16, 2016 [9 favorites]
Fortunately, there are a ton of temp agencies in the city; I would sign up for a few, like, your first day. That way you can be earning income while you're job searching - and the agencies can also help WITH your job search. (It was an agency that first placed me at the non-profit NGO I now work at.)
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:00 PM on October 16, 2016 [9 favorites]
Best answer: I think a lot of the answers in this thread are a bit exaggerate-y. I live in Brooklyn on a bit less than 50K. Now, I'm single and I have a roommate, but I also do not feel at all like I'm living hand-to-mouth. If I had to, I could feed another person and a dog on my salary. It would be tight, but totally possible. You are certainly not going to starve! (Also, there are SO MANY nonprofits in NYC. I'd be pretty surprised if you didn't find something in your field within a year.) (Also also, if you are unemployed, you can defer your student loan payments.)
Now, you will definitely need to look for a roommate situation on that budget*, and for two people with a dog that won't be as easy as if you were single or had no dog** - and it is very difficult to secure a sublet rental from outside of NYC, because your prospective roommates will want to actually meet you. So it may wind up being best for one of you to go up there a month ahead of time and do an aggressive, full-time search for a roommate setup that will accept two people plus a dog.
*Unless you look at, like, small studios in neighborhoods over an hour and ten minutes from Manhattan. But that would be worse than having roommates.
**You will find more success with this if you offer your prospective roommates a larger share of the rent than they are asking (because when people price rooms in their apartments, they are imagining having one roommate, not 2.5). Like, if it's a 900/month room (which are plentiful), offer 1100 or 1200. Do this without them having to ask. In fact, say it in the email you send them before you meet them. Otherwise (unless the ad said 'couples welcome') they are likely to ignore the email, honestly.
But, if you've ever thought "god, it would be great to live in Brooklyn," just go for it! It will be tough for the first year or so, but it won't be like that indefinitely! And, hell, you can always just move away again if things don't work out!
I'll buy you a drink when you get here. I need more friends with dogs.
posted by showbiz_liz at 7:12 PM on October 16, 2016 [3 favorites]
Now, you will definitely need to look for a roommate situation on that budget*, and for two people with a dog that won't be as easy as if you were single or had no dog** - and it is very difficult to secure a sublet rental from outside of NYC, because your prospective roommates will want to actually meet you. So it may wind up being best for one of you to go up there a month ahead of time and do an aggressive, full-time search for a roommate setup that will accept two people plus a dog.
*Unless you look at, like, small studios in neighborhoods over an hour and ten minutes from Manhattan. But that would be worse than having roommates.
**You will find more success with this if you offer your prospective roommates a larger share of the rent than they are asking (because when people price rooms in their apartments, they are imagining having one roommate, not 2.5). Like, if it's a 900/month room (which are plentiful), offer 1100 or 1200. Do this without them having to ask. In fact, say it in the email you send them before you meet them. Otherwise (unless the ad said 'couples welcome') they are likely to ignore the email, honestly.
But, if you've ever thought "god, it would be great to live in Brooklyn," just go for it! It will be tough for the first year or so, but it won't be like that indefinitely! And, hell, you can always just move away again if things don't work out!
I'll buy you a drink when you get here. I need more friends with dogs.
posted by showbiz_liz at 7:12 PM on October 16, 2016 [3 favorites]
Response by poster: Thanks for these great answers (and tips)! We're lucky in that we do have a guarantor worth 80x the rent AND health/dental/etc for both of us through his work, so we've got a bit of a break on that front.
The temp agency suggestion is a really good one...I might actually sign up for that before we move.
One thing I'm confused by...in our many searches on streeteasy, we've seen places -- even 1br places -- that are within our budget given his salary, our savings, and a guarantor...or so we think. Many of these places have heat and water included. Is there something I'm not taking into account, here?
posted by Miss T.Horn at 8:30 PM on October 16, 2016
The temp agency suggestion is a really good one...I might actually sign up for that before we move.
One thing I'm confused by...in our many searches on streeteasy, we've seen places -- even 1br places -- that are within our budget given his salary, our savings, and a guarantor...or so we think. Many of these places have heat and water included. Is there something I'm not taking into account, here?
posted by Miss T.Horn at 8:30 PM on October 16, 2016
Response by poster: P.S. showbiz_liz, you can most certainly meet our dog should we move there. I hope you like smelly hounds.
posted by Miss T.Horn at 8:31 PM on October 16, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by Miss T.Horn at 8:31 PM on October 16, 2016 [1 favorite]
Take this anecdata with a grain of salt, but I rented a 1-bedroom in Sunset Park from 2006-08 for $1300 a month. If you're seeing 1-bedrooms in areas as close or closer to the city as that, at rents around or lower then that, they are most likely scams.
I have a friend who rents a 1-bedroom in Ditmas Park for $1600 a month. And Ditmas Park isn't very close to the city.
posted by Automocar at 9:27 PM on October 16, 2016 [1 favorite]
I have a friend who rents a 1-bedroom in Ditmas Park for $1600 a month. And Ditmas Park isn't very close to the city.
posted by Automocar at 9:27 PM on October 16, 2016 [1 favorite]
I left NYC making about $40K and feeling like I could barely stay afloat with two roommates, no pets, no particular stipulations for a living situation, and nobody else to support. So in that sense, no, I would not recommend this.
On the other hand, would you be willing to pick up a day job or side gig while you job hunt? Similarly, if your job is ending as opposed to you quitting to make the move, are you eligible for unemployment?
posted by Sara C. at 10:19 PM on October 16, 2016 [1 favorite]
On the other hand, would you be willing to pick up a day job or side gig while you job hunt? Similarly, if your job is ending as opposed to you quitting to make the move, are you eligible for unemployment?
posted by Sara C. at 10:19 PM on October 16, 2016 [1 favorite]
Many of these places have heat and water included.
This is customary for NYC apartments. You shouldn't even consider anyplace that doesn't include heat and water.
posted by Sara C. at 10:21 PM on October 16, 2016 [4 favorites]
This is customary for NYC apartments. You shouldn't even consider anyplace that doesn't include heat and water.
posted by Sara C. at 10:21 PM on October 16, 2016 [4 favorites]
This is customary for NYC apartments. You shouldn't even consider anyplace that doesn't include heat and water.
Eh, it really depends on the building. If they are steam heated or not individually metered, then yea. In North Brooklyn, places can definitely be without heat/hot water — probabaly every place I've rented has had individual gas. But if heat isn't included, you should factor another $50-$100 to your budget.
posted by dame at 5:17 AM on October 17, 2016
Eh, it really depends on the building. If they are steam heated or not individually metered, then yea. In North Brooklyn, places can definitely be without heat/hot water — probabaly every place I've rented has had individual gas. But if heat isn't included, you should factor another $50-$100 to your budget.
posted by dame at 5:17 AM on October 17, 2016
I've lived in like 5 or 6 apartments here and not one of them included heat.
posted by showbiz_liz at 5:39 AM on October 17, 2016
posted by showbiz_liz at 5:39 AM on October 17, 2016
Apartments with radiators include heat. Water may or may not be included--it really should be though unless each apartment has a separate meter.
What is your budget? I would guess under $1500? I'm sure you could find some in Ridgewood and Sunset Park like you say, but they may not be great--as in mildewy or shag carpeted or other less-desirable things. There is a chance you can find something decent, but I would say 1 out of every 10 that are showing up in your street easy search within your budget is decent.
I just did a cursory search on street easy for 1br under $1500 in Brooklyn or Ridgewood and only 4 came up in the neighborhoods you say you're interested in. So if you have to look in other neighborhoods, be sure that you are okay with the commute and the area feels safe to you.
Were I you, I could leave your dog with someone to take care of it for a month or two, put most of your stuff in storage, sublet a room for a month or two, look for work and get to know Brooklyn neighborhoods better so you don't end up signing a lease that you discover you don't want after a few weeks.
Also totally doable to pick up a gig waiting tables for a little while while you look for a non-profit job. I have had no qualms waiting tables for a few months to save up some $ and quitting.
Be prepared to be totally exhausted until you settle in to your life. But you can definitely do it. It helps a lot to have a partner in this city--financial and emotional support. Less likely to waste money going out for drinks with people just so you can have some social contact, etc.
You could suggest a new-comers Brooklyn MeFi meet-up maybe, to start networking. Lots of us Brooklyn MeFi-ers are scrappy hustlers and can give you tips for getting by.
posted by greta simone at 6:31 AM on October 17, 2016 [2 favorites]
What is your budget? I would guess under $1500? I'm sure you could find some in Ridgewood and Sunset Park like you say, but they may not be great--as in mildewy or shag carpeted or other less-desirable things. There is a chance you can find something decent, but I would say 1 out of every 10 that are showing up in your street easy search within your budget is decent.
I just did a cursory search on street easy for 1br under $1500 in Brooklyn or Ridgewood and only 4 came up in the neighborhoods you say you're interested in. So if you have to look in other neighborhoods, be sure that you are okay with the commute and the area feels safe to you.
Were I you, I could leave your dog with someone to take care of it for a month or two, put most of your stuff in storage, sublet a room for a month or two, look for work and get to know Brooklyn neighborhoods better so you don't end up signing a lease that you discover you don't want after a few weeks.
Also totally doable to pick up a gig waiting tables for a little while while you look for a non-profit job. I have had no qualms waiting tables for a few months to save up some $ and quitting.
Be prepared to be totally exhausted until you settle in to your life. But you can definitely do it. It helps a lot to have a partner in this city--financial and emotional support. Less likely to waste money going out for drinks with people just so you can have some social contact, etc.
You could suggest a new-comers Brooklyn MeFi meet-up maybe, to start networking. Lots of us Brooklyn MeFi-ers are scrappy hustlers and can give you tips for getting by.
posted by greta simone at 6:31 AM on October 17, 2016 [2 favorites]
Apartments that include heat typically mean that you don't control the heat, which can either be very nice or result in a situation where you have all the windows open in 11-degree weather in mid-January because the heat is unrelentingly roasting.
I would really, strongly urge you to spend as little on rent as possible, within reason, as someone else who is also relatively new to NYC. One of the biggest reasons to move to this city IMO is the wealth of stuff that's available in the city, and while a lot of it is free a lot of it does cost money.
For me, for example, a big draw to NYC is the sheer variety of food and culinary culture, both groceries and restaurants, but this is all costing money -- for you this might be the theater scene or the bar/club scene or the various gyms/sports/working out classes or whatever. (IMHO, if you're moving to NYC and the only thing you care about is the quality of your apartment, this is not the place to do it unless you are made of money.)
It's tempting to spend more than you want to on rent (and I did it last year!) just because a lot of the housing stock, especially on the lower end, is a flat out ripoff by non-NY American standards and you don't want to feel like you're living in a dump. But what ends up happening is that then you feel trapped in your apartment, rent-burdened because so much of your income is going to your apartment and feeling trapped inside, resentful that you're paying so much for your space, and unable to take advantage of what makes NYC special because you have to count every penny.
I mean, don't live in a hovel, and I don't fully take this advice myself. (It's very important for me to have a good kitchen, and I had to pay up for that.) But I would really strongly urge you to think about what are *actually* dealbreakers in an apartment, because every dollar you don't spend on rent is a dollar you can spend on enjoying this city.
posted by andrewesque at 7:57 AM on October 17, 2016 [1 favorite]
I would really, strongly urge you to spend as little on rent as possible, within reason, as someone else who is also relatively new to NYC. One of the biggest reasons to move to this city IMO is the wealth of stuff that's available in the city, and while a lot of it is free a lot of it does cost money.
For me, for example, a big draw to NYC is the sheer variety of food and culinary culture, both groceries and restaurants, but this is all costing money -- for you this might be the theater scene or the bar/club scene or the various gyms/sports/working out classes or whatever. (IMHO, if you're moving to NYC and the only thing you care about is the quality of your apartment, this is not the place to do it unless you are made of money.)
It's tempting to spend more than you want to on rent (and I did it last year!) just because a lot of the housing stock, especially on the lower end, is a flat out ripoff by non-NY American standards and you don't want to feel like you're living in a dump. But what ends up happening is that then you feel trapped in your apartment, rent-burdened because so much of your income is going to your apartment and feeling trapped inside, resentful that you're paying so much for your space, and unable to take advantage of what makes NYC special because you have to count every penny.
I mean, don't live in a hovel, and I don't fully take this advice myself. (It's very important for me to have a good kitchen, and I had to pay up for that.) But I would really strongly urge you to think about what are *actually* dealbreakers in an apartment, because every dollar you don't spend on rent is a dollar you can spend on enjoying this city.
posted by andrewesque at 7:57 AM on October 17, 2016 [1 favorite]
Where in Brooklyn is his job? Brooklyn (and Queens) is notorious for not having great cross-Brooklyn transportation. I live in North Brooklyn and it's easier to take the subway into Manhattan and back out if I want to go to other parts of Brooklyn, than to cobble together an interborough trip.
posted by Liesl at 11:12 AM on October 17, 2016
posted by Liesl at 11:12 AM on October 17, 2016
Best answer: It's totally doable, but you will likely have to make some downward lifestyle adjustments that you may not be able to fully grasp until you experience them. Clipping coupons and eating in all the time, shopping at thrift stores or "fashion-resellers," not upgrading electronics, not being able to afford to go traveling for a while.
I haven't been in New York for close to 15 years, but others are saying there's still free stuff to do there. If I were in your situation I would try to do as much free socializing as possible, to meet friends and potentially network. Consider keeping a little monthly fund for going out to eat when you get an invite you don't want to pass up. You can eat a homecooked meal before going out, and then just get a cheap appetizer when others are ordering a full dinner.
Consider taking a job, *any* job, if you're not finding work in your field within a few weeks of getting the apartment. Retail and service jobs have a high turnover, if you have to quit with zero notice later to take a better job, you don't even have to include it on your resume. Having some of your own income will help out with the household, you won't have to be asking your partner for money everytime you want to do something, and it can help avoid the imbalanced dynamic that can happen when one person is the sole breadwinner.
I moved from the midwest to SF quite a while back, and lived there over a decade. While it was terrible for me financially (I have no assets and quite a bit of debt, while my peers who stayed behind own houses now), it was actually the single best decision I made in my adult life. Moving to the big coastal city challenged me in ways that simply couldn't have happened otherwise. It really sharpened me up in every way, including professionally. I got to fulfill a personal dream, and if I hadn't, I'd have spent the rest of my life wishing I had. It was absolutely worth it.
From some of your details, it sounds like you're not in a financially vulnerable situation (aside from the savings you both have, which will be eaten up by this experiment). If you've got someone who can co-sign your lease for that kind of money, you probably have family with houses in the midwest you could move in with temporarily if Brooklyn turns out to be a disaster or something (I realize I'm making an assumption here). It's not like you're going to end up literally homeless if this doesn't work out.
I say DO IT! Have fun with your adventure! Maybe you'll fall in love with the city and lifestyle, get your footing money-wise, and settle into a nicer apartment with less life stress in a few years. If not, you got to try something that not everyone has the option of doing, and if you ever move back to the midwest, getting through everyday life will be so much easier in comparison.
PS - I second what others have said about finding the absolute cheapest place possible for your 1st year there, even if it's a dump. But, consider the noise factor. You're not going to find a quiet apartment there at any price, but there are degrees of noise. I once found a great deal on a studio in SF that was perfect, except that it was more noisy than I could have possibly imagined before I moved in. I had a high tolerance for sleeping through noise (used to live with musicians). This place had a fire station around the corner, and a methadone clinic across the street. Around 20 times a day the firetrucks would blast down the street, all hours of day and night, and the people from the clinic would get into fights and scream all night. Double pane insulated windows, ear plugs and earmuffs, and white noise machines did virtually nothing to help. I ultimately had to move into a shittier, more expensive place just so I could sleep through the night.
posted by ethical_caligula at 1:40 PM on October 17, 2016 [1 favorite]
I haven't been in New York for close to 15 years, but others are saying there's still free stuff to do there. If I were in your situation I would try to do as much free socializing as possible, to meet friends and potentially network. Consider keeping a little monthly fund for going out to eat when you get an invite you don't want to pass up. You can eat a homecooked meal before going out, and then just get a cheap appetizer when others are ordering a full dinner.
Consider taking a job, *any* job, if you're not finding work in your field within a few weeks of getting the apartment. Retail and service jobs have a high turnover, if you have to quit with zero notice later to take a better job, you don't even have to include it on your resume. Having some of your own income will help out with the household, you won't have to be asking your partner for money everytime you want to do something, and it can help avoid the imbalanced dynamic that can happen when one person is the sole breadwinner.
I moved from the midwest to SF quite a while back, and lived there over a decade. While it was terrible for me financially (I have no assets and quite a bit of debt, while my peers who stayed behind own houses now), it was actually the single best decision I made in my adult life. Moving to the big coastal city challenged me in ways that simply couldn't have happened otherwise. It really sharpened me up in every way, including professionally. I got to fulfill a personal dream, and if I hadn't, I'd have spent the rest of my life wishing I had. It was absolutely worth it.
From some of your details, it sounds like you're not in a financially vulnerable situation (aside from the savings you both have, which will be eaten up by this experiment). If you've got someone who can co-sign your lease for that kind of money, you probably have family with houses in the midwest you could move in with temporarily if Brooklyn turns out to be a disaster or something (I realize I'm making an assumption here). It's not like you're going to end up literally homeless if this doesn't work out.
I say DO IT! Have fun with your adventure! Maybe you'll fall in love with the city and lifestyle, get your footing money-wise, and settle into a nicer apartment with less life stress in a few years. If not, you got to try something that not everyone has the option of doing, and if you ever move back to the midwest, getting through everyday life will be so much easier in comparison.
PS - I second what others have said about finding the absolute cheapest place possible for your 1st year there, even if it's a dump. But, consider the noise factor. You're not going to find a quiet apartment there at any price, but there are degrees of noise. I once found a great deal on a studio in SF that was perfect, except that it was more noisy than I could have possibly imagined before I moved in. I had a high tolerance for sleeping through noise (used to live with musicians). This place had a fire station around the corner, and a methadone clinic across the street. Around 20 times a day the firetrucks would blast down the street, all hours of day and night, and the people from the clinic would get into fights and scream all night. Double pane insulated windows, ear plugs and earmuffs, and white noise machines did virtually nothing to help. I ultimately had to move into a shittier, more expensive place just so I could sleep through the night.
posted by ethical_caligula at 1:40 PM on October 17, 2016 [1 favorite]
Streeteasy listings are usually (though not always) legit. Keep in mind that, even with a guarantor, the landlord can be as picky as he likes, so if you're picturing being able to sign a lease with a rent significantly north of $1250, you should know that may still be challenging to do.
Also, in case you aren't already aware, if you deal with a broker--and most Streeteasy listings are with brokers--you will be paying 15% of a year's rent in a broker's fee.
Best of luck!
posted by praemunire at 3:20 PM on October 17, 2016
Also, in case you aren't already aware, if you deal with a broker--and most Streeteasy listings are with brokers--you will be paying 15% of a year's rent in a broker's fee.
Best of luck!
posted by praemunire at 3:20 PM on October 17, 2016
Best answer: Just chiming in to say a) I co-run a business that provides specialty services to nonprofits in NYC. There are a LOT of nonprofits in New York City. If you have concerns about finding a job in that field, that's probably fair, but there's more opportunities here than in many other parts of the country.
And B) it's going to be tougher to find an apartment with a medium-sized dog. They exist for sure, but it's worth keeping in mind. there are also dog parks in a LOT of neighborhoods that don't have proper capital P parks. Most large parks will have specific hours that your dog can be offleash, so using them as a real exercise resource may not be helpful (or necessary). Once you do get a job, be aware that a reputable dog walking service may cost you money every week as well, but by then that probably won't matter.
Finally C) don't discount upper manhattan - I've met a lot of younger people in the last few years living in North Manhattan because it's cheaper than Brooklyn. Ridgewood and other neighborhoods in Queens are also popular these days. As long as you're on a subway line that runs into Manhattan, you'll probably be good to go-just think of it as light rail. You should also think about commuting by bike for part of the year, many parts of the city are remarkably bikeable, even compared to 5 or 6 years ago.
posted by lousywiththespirit at 5:10 PM on October 17, 2016 [5 favorites]
And B) it's going to be tougher to find an apartment with a medium-sized dog. They exist for sure, but it's worth keeping in mind. there are also dog parks in a LOT of neighborhoods that don't have proper capital P parks. Most large parks will have specific hours that your dog can be offleash, so using them as a real exercise resource may not be helpful (or necessary). Once you do get a job, be aware that a reputable dog walking service may cost you money every week as well, but by then that probably won't matter.
Finally C) don't discount upper manhattan - I've met a lot of younger people in the last few years living in North Manhattan because it's cheaper than Brooklyn. Ridgewood and other neighborhoods in Queens are also popular these days. As long as you're on a subway line that runs into Manhattan, you'll probably be good to go-just think of it as light rail. You should also think about commuting by bike for part of the year, many parts of the city are remarkably bikeable, even compared to 5 or 6 years ago.
posted by lousywiththespirit at 5:10 PM on October 17, 2016 [5 favorites]
Consider Bay Ridge in your apartment hunt! It's a little further out of the city, and the R train sucks, but it's green, safe, affordable and Owls Head Park has a cute dog run.
posted by hibbersk at 8:05 PM on October 17, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by hibbersk at 8:05 PM on October 17, 2016 [1 favorite]
One thing that I have done and many people I know have also is work for a temp agency for a while and then transition to a.) a job at the same company or b.) a staff job somewhere else using the temp experience to boost your resume. Also, you should be in a position to get some kind (could be good, could be lousy) health insurance through the temp agency, if that's a concern (don't know if you're married or not, but I think that many insurance plans only give health insurance for marriage).
posted by Hactar at 11:27 AM on October 18, 2016
posted by Hactar at 11:27 AM on October 18, 2016
2nding the recommendation for Northern Manhattan (Inwood, Washington Heights, etc.), especially if your partner's job in Brooklyn is anywhere near the A subway line.
posted by merejane at 11:49 AM on October 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by merejane at 11:49 AM on October 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
Just as a reference, the A from 181st (Washington Heights) to W. 4th (Greenwich Village) runs 35 minutes, last time I timed it.
posted by 8603 at 2:57 PM on October 19, 2016
posted by 8603 at 2:57 PM on October 19, 2016
This thread is closed to new comments.
In my opinion, $50K is really tight for two people in the city. That's little more than your-parents-are-still-helping-with-rent entry-level job money.
posted by praemunire at 5:01 PM on October 16, 2016 [4 favorites]