NYC Apartment Hunting | What You Can Get For $4000 a Month In NYC

Welcome Back! Join us as we go apartment hunting in NYC (Harlem and Hudson Yards). In this video, we tour multiple apartments in search of the perfect 1 or 2 bedroom apartment under $5,000 budget.
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► Timestamps
0:00 - Intro
1:23 - Apartment 1
3:17 - Apartment 2
5:23 - Apartment 3
7:15 - Apartment 4
7:56 - Outro
BUSINESS INQUIRIES
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#nyc #apartmenthunting #apartmenttour

[@Bukola1]

Thanks for watching! Let me know which one was your favorite one 👇🏿

[@alleiajames8229]

I am digging these apartment/housing hunting videos!! (love all of your videos!)

[@Bukola1]

Aww thank you!

[@richardottley4611]

I definitely love the second apartment in Harlem, the one that was developed by a former Harlem Resident.. that apartment looks great.. I love the views looking towards central park and midtown manhattan

[@mbuankengbeza2247]

Think the apartment owned by the black developer in Harlem was better..

[@KendallLXL]

You’re so awesome. The 3rd apartment is so dreamy

[@YouCanCallMeChrys]

I liked the rent to own apartment and love that deal. I wish more places offered that option!

[@Bukola1]

It was very unique this is the first apartment I’ve seen offer something like this!

[@shachede6828]

apartments are not a good investment though

[@mariedesignz1659]

@@shachede6828 interesting. Why do you feel apartments are not good investments?

[@zeexbee]

@@shachede6828 in NY they are, where literally everyone lives in apartments lol

[@lenaprice6239]

@@zeexbee I would prefer a brownstone/townhome over a condo any day, but the next best option is indeed owning a condo if you live in NYC.

[@christinemcliesh7628]

The apartment designed by Black designer was really nice. Also the second to last condo-rent to own was stunning.

[@Bukola1]

The developer did a great job, amazing layout and great finishes!

[@CarlaJenkinsTV]

Apartment #2 was my favorite. You seemed happier narrating it too. The closet space and the overall space are the best.

[@Alorio-Gori]

Same!

[@greeneggsandcam.]

Apt #2 w/ the Black developer would be my choice! It’s so sleek and modern 😍 Best layout of all of them too.

[@Bukola1]

The design choices and details were 🔥🔥

[@Adwoantics]

I actually use to live in Harlem, near apartment 2! It’s super pricey but the location is amazing. You have access to all kinds of public transportation so you can commute almost any where in the city under an hr and you can get to to lower Manhattanin like 30 mins

[@Bukola1]

The location is really nice!

[@theladykay8583]

Thanks for the upload hon. You look so pretty. The second apartment just felt right for you it that makes any sense. Its just a feeling I had watching you tour that one. Best of luck to you!

[@BuildOnAWS]

The view from apartment 2 😍😍 Imagine that on a sunny day!

[@Bukola1]

I know! I think it was my favorite one

[@whitneybrown4067]

This is Gonna b so Insightful🔥🔥🔥👍n Happy Sunday😀….

[@RomeoAlphaGolfHotel]

# 3 looks the best, informative vdo !

[@alexisk5978]

thank you for showing us around new york apartment hunting!

[@Bukola1]

No problem! Thanks for commenting

[@faqu529]

THE SECOND OPTION WAS THEE BEST. THE ONE WITH THE COOL CLOSET VIEW.

[@nicford548]

I currently live in Harlem and I remember when they were putting up the building with apartment 1. It’s a crappy location and I wouldn’t recommend it to my worst enemy. 125th street is wayyy too busy! There’s too much going on and mostly negative.

[@jennynb42]

I agree. I used to live on 127th and even on that block it is louddddd. Red Rooster would be bumping at all times 😂

[@bonniepwtf]

Great job on the tour.

[@EverdayBlessings]

I loved this video! It gave more insight into what one can expect if looking to rent or buy in the City. I liked apartment #2 🏘🏘🏘

[@Bukola1]

Thank you! I appreciate your comment

[@liliane4228]

The second apartment was my favorite. 💫 It had a wonderful design and layout, nice area and it sounded great with option to buy the apartment.

[@BeautifullyMILAN]

Congratulations mama!

[@melisaltinoluk]

I can definitely relate to the realities you've highlighted in this vlog. It's truly a competitive and daunting task to find the perfect apartment in the city that never sleeps, and your insight on what you can get for $5000 a month is valuable information for anyone looking to move to NYC. It's amazing how much prices can vary based on location, size, and amenities, and you've done a great job of showcasing the options available at different price points. From the cramped studio in a trendy neighborhood to the spacious two-bedroom in a quieter area, you've given a comprehensive view of what's out there. Overall, your vlog serves as a helpful guide for those considering apartment hunting in NYC, and I appreciate the honest and transparent view you've presented. I liked 3rd! ;) - Greetings from Turkey, MeL

[@johnw3055]

Congrats on moving to NYC! But Jersey City is going to miss you!

[@NiaPie]

Thank you for this vid. When I graduate college next year I want they my own apartment ☺️👏🏾

[@atlfun08]

Right on time! Im looking for an apt in NYC! When your working for home…gotta got a nice clean space!!

[@SavageScientist]

I like the views from the two last units you showed.

[@lmanderson2012]

I liked apartment 2. I would also consider Brooklyn. You'd get more for your money, especially living expenses, and the vibe is a bit more relaxed than Manhattan.

[@Bukola1]

Thanks!

[@victoroyeoka8754]

The rent-to-buy condo is my fave. Nice design especially those tiles in the bathroom. I think housing agencies should look into ideas like the rent-to-buy.

[@k10158]

Awesome video! Would you be able to make one of Jersey City apartment hunting? Seems there are a lot of new luxury buildings and prices are soaring too!

[@AfroAngola]

The apartment on west 112th street had the best floor plan and layout. I could tell you really enjoyed the space.

[@delish-ye-yumeats3137]

Awesome video,Thanks for sharing.👍👍

[@akosuakoranteng3327]

Love the rent to own option! Thanks for the video!

[@Bukola1]

No problem! Thanks for commenting

[@AshyKashi]

Yikes! That last apartment is an easy no. It's definitely one of those older buildings that got remodeled to appeal to higher income residents. The prices do not match the quality of the design at all. Also, the pushy agent is a red flag. I'd guess that they're not getting as many people moving in as they'd like, so they created a false sense of urgency. Small note about the first building, it's around the corner from a Smoke Shop where someone was fatally shot over Easter weekend. On the news, people from the community said it's been a problematic store since they moved in and that recent murder was not the first one. It sounded like residents were trying to get the store shut down, but I don't know how feasible that is.

[@kayp9318]

There have been three murders in within 2 months. The 1st one was at a new smoke shop across from shake shack. The 2nd was in front of CVS across from Starbucks. The last being the smoke shop right next door to Starbucks. That’s just on that strip. The surrounding area? Omg! She found a place though and I really hope she didn’t choose Harlem.

[@Mystiquepearl]

Apt #2 (the one bedroom) is my fav!

[@nurseroefuturenp1142]

I live in the building of apt #1 and the rodents that surround the door outside and the trash is disgusting. They come up from the drains after 6pm. Not to mention alot of people do drugs around the corner and you can see them passed out and slumped over. There was also roaches in our apt. Don’t rent there 😢

[@Bukola1]

Wow that's crazy, thanks for sharing

[@lenaprice6239]

Just curious, did you look at any of the brownstone apartment units in Harlem? I lived in a beautiful Brownstone unit in the historic district of Mt. Morris Park on 121st street. It had all of the great features that one would find in a brownstone apartment, and it was completely renovated. It had tall ceilings, wonderful large windows with lots of light, beautiful floors and just a wonderful vibe. The area was of course very close to the subway and central park north. I absolutely loved the location and overall warm vibe of the block where I lived and the surrounding community. I loved that apartment so much, but ultimately I decided to relocate to the DC metro area to accept a new job opportunity. Good luck to you, I hope you find your dream apartment!

[@Investingcoachw]

It’s rough out there! Thanks for sharing your search. When my partner and I lived in NYC we rented an attic in South Ozone Park. $1000 rent but the commute was not great haha. We live in the city now in SF. But 3x rent. Thankful we are able to afford this.

[@blablabarb]

Technically, that last apartment is the Garment District. I live in Hudson Yards (which is off the Hudson River on 11th Ave) and love the area and view from my apartment. The downside is that a 2bdrm is going to start at $8k+

[@lleonard84]

Apt# 2 - The closet with the window is dope. I hope they installed blinds in the closet.

[@shachede6828]

i like 2 and 3. i would like a new apartment tour! thanks for sharing, i already pay 4k a month in the Bay Area.

[@ih458]

The blk developer unit was BEAUTIFUL 😍 but... the one your could rent to own... I wouldn't be able to pass that up!

[@JoeJoe0408]

@Bukola wonderful video and I have to ask how did you go from James Brown to lil wayne? 😂 No Michael Jackson just straight to Lil’ Wayne. I like the last apartment. It had so much character. It’s like the 70’s all over again. But to be honest I know you didn’t pick none of the apartments on this video. So I hope the one you did pick was great.

[@Tyra_Night]

I was going to move in that first apartment but I’m glad I didn’t! I love my new apt and it’s not far from this one. 😊

[@rachel6ix]

I like the second and third apartments a lot. The one bedroom in Harlem still had a lot space.

[@Billy33753]

Happy weekend

[@Bukola1]

Happy Sunday!

[@samwest9169]

Apartment 2 with the view is the best

[@Bukola1]

Yes that view was insane 😍

[@ayomide1007]

It's between the 2nd -3rd for Me. I'd likely go for the 3rd, the rent to own option Is a good perk.

[@kisarunihofmannndosi5327]

The most expensive one was of course my favourite 🤑

[@loloq4531]

Apartment 2 was the best but I did not think the last one was that bad its just an older building plus the rent was good for the area

[@angelmbrn]

The Harlem Native Building with the Rent to Own Option.....that would be dope to hop on.

[@angelmbrn]

My only question is how much is the apartment when it comes to buying it.

[@oslem2024]

hi bukola; I love to watch on you. your videos will improve my english hope so. god bless you

[@Bukola1]

Thank you! God bless you too ❤️❤️

[@grainofsalt2113]

Number 3 perfectly balanced quality and cost for NYC

[@Ifelunwa]

Y'all are so lucky with space in the U.S😂.. UK apartments are sooo tiny... Definitely love the space where u can eventually buy if you want after ur lease is up.. very beautiful.. lovely video❤

[@Bukola1]

Thank you! Its so funny because in the U.S. these apartments would be seen as smaller than average 😅

[@Ifelunwa]

@@Bukola1 oo myy Y'all are living the life 😁. This is normal in UK

[@wh8416]

A lot of nyc apartments are super small! $5000 is a large budget.

[@Ifelunwa]

@@wh8416 woooshhhh $5k is large

[@neykamarie6181]

Girl we didnt get the update after your last apartment hunting will you give us a tour once you choose one this time ?

[@sebastienc.2257]

I love Brooklyn and regardless of where I travel Brooklyn will always be my favorite place on earth. If I could afford it Bedstuy or Cobble Hill would be dream locations. I grew up in Coney Island but renting didn’t make sense so I moved to Long Island.

[@donnaiara]

Real Estate in New York makes me wanna cry.... I'd go with the lease option personally because it gives you more options.

[@itslivvyg]

LOVE the first two… not sure I’ll return to NYC but I actually like uptown more than where I lived in Hell’s Kitchen

[@marcos223ful]

That last place was definitely a wild card , wrapped into a h*ll no😂

[@staytuned.263]

The last two bedroom had a huge living room.

[@Ash2theB]

In LA unless you are living in a luxury apartment you'd be lucky to get a microwave. The only thing that came with most apartment/condo was a air conditioner, stove and fridge

[@user-qb1xc1kl8o]

Apartment #3 on 112th street because of the location. You can walk to Columbia and there are a lot of restaurants around there. It is a safe area to walk around.

[@Bukola1]

I really liked that one too! Only a 2 min walk from Central Park and the build quality was A+

[@zhibekmukhamedina6159]

Number 1

[@chrissyobermeyer1139]

Agh those first 2 apartments!! Awful design!!! Lol. I loved the 2nd to last building with the rent to own option. Beautiful!

[@nordiak0]

Apartment three in Harlem is my fav but did it have washer and dryer in suite

[@Bukola1]

Having a washer & dryer is a major luxury!

[@cy3366]

Apartment 2 or 3! Can you share why you're moving back into the city?

[@nyakehkallon6597]

Apartment 2

[@marleneothoniel1667]

I am staying in my house in Brooklyn until I die. L train takes me to the city in 45 mins. Express bus around the corner and gets me to the city in one hour and 10 mins. I live in a 3-bed duplex and rent out the one-bed first-floor walk-in. My mortgage is $2700.00 a month. And a park 2 blocks away. I liked apt. 2 by the way.

[@birdeez]

THANK YOU for showing apartments in HARLEM!!! It’s interesting how people searching for apartments in MANHATTAN always ignore the UPTOWN neighborhoods of HARLEM, WASHINGTON/HUDSON HEIGHTS and INWOOD!!!!

[@lenaprice6239]

I lived in Harlem, in a beautiful brownstone unit in the historic district of Mt. Morris Park on 121st street, before relocating to the DC metro. Truth be told, that location is centrally located and very close to central park north. Plus, whole foods is of course within walking distance, so no worries about having a nice place to shop for groceries. I wouldn't personally live in Washington Hts or inwood, not because I don't like those areas, but because it's too far out, in my opinion. If I lived in the city again, I wouldn't live above 125th street.

[@kayp9318]

Probably because they don’t want to live in the ghetto.

[@harryjamessmithmusic7762]

Fantastic video! I love it. ... But you know, I could live very good on $5000 the whole year! lol ... I'm not from the US btw.

[@cocomarineblu993]

You can get much more in Brooklyn queens and Bronx

[@BornToBeStarrYT]

Rent to own won 🏆 for me

[@CuteChickCentral]

Bukola, sorry to take you back to this video but can you share where you got your bundles? l’m struggling to find the right texture.

[@Bukola1]

These are the bundles: www.krshairgroup.com/collections/wefts-1/products/knatural-straight-wefts

[@The_basketball-ts9gq]

Apt #2

[@Charles-kv2xr]

Sublet the closet in Apt #2? It doesn’t look like a bed or even a desk could fit in there?

[@Bukola1]

A twin size bed could totally fit in there!

[@alexandratracey8252]

I could live with the graffiti view but that kitchen was seriously depressing. In fact, I think the Pantone of that counter top is depressed earth. 😂

[@kamertonaudiophileplayer847]

The best? The one you like most.

[@KevinNaughtonJr]

my gf used to live right next to apt 4 and the parquet floors killed me

[@andtheneverythingchangedwh5234]

I was going to ask if you had difficulties applying for apartment since you quit your Google job, but then I remembered you are also an influencer so they should see that as employment. Honestly the rent to own seems like a good deal. Apt #2 was beautiful but I winced at the gross rent. Maybe they would be willing waive or split the broker's fee on that one.

[@queenbee4350]

I was wondering the same thing. NYC landlords want you working and making 40 times the rent so I was wondering how they were going to handle the fact that she had recently quit her job. Loved Building 2 as well.

[@keld6320]

Her partner probably earn enough money to not have it being an issue I guess.

[@user-df9of2pg4r]

I am wondering the same thing too. I don't know whether having a huge amount of savings or offering a large upfront payment (could be the whole lease-term rent) will help or not.

[@lenaprice6239]

In NYC you have to make 40x the rent. I'm sure that between her social media/influencer income and her partner's income they are able to qualify.

[@engineered-mind]

As a program manager making almost $160K, I pay 1200 rent for a 2 bedroom townhome fully furnished in houston - NY is crazy expensive - goodluck

[@iamraymondyip]

Half bath makes it a suite! ....right? lol But yeah apartment 2 ftw!

[@lauraashleynl]

It feels like your channel is becoming more of an influencer / lifestyle vlog channel. Will this be the new direction you're heading in? Just wondering, because I initially subscribed for the coding content and I'm less interested in the recent videos. I kind of miss the tech vids from the POV of a black woman in software development. But if you'll continue to make coding videos in the future, I'll stay subbed and simply skip the other content and leave that for others to enjoy. :)

[@Bukola1]

Yes tbh I not planning to make any more coding videos... I will be heading more towards lifestyle content but I'm trying figure out how to blend lifestyle with my passion for tech (software) and personal finance. I haven't figured out how to do this, but I definitely understand that this isn't what you subscribed for....thanks for supporting me so far tho!

[@Ojet]

First hereeee

[@Bukola1]

Heyy 👋🏿👋🏿

[@Ojet]

My best was the second one .. the view is breathtaking!

[@akajoshuaolanipekun]

The second apartment you went to.

[@janetgriffin7779]

Number 2 then 3

[@cathy-tt]

I'm from the Caribbean... curious to know, what your monthly salary has to be to afford a 3k-5k apt. in NY.

[@Bukola1]

The requirement to qualify for $5K rent in NYC is the household needs to make 40x the monthly rent yearly, so you’d need to make 200K before taxes to qualify

[@Ayana4418]

and note that the 40x monthly rent requirement is the MAXIMUM you qualify for...the reality is you should definitely be looking below that number, because taxes here are no joke. 5k rent on 200k gross income is wild

[@Bukola1]

I agree! 5k rent on 200k gross income could be 50% of your post tax income, which is risky but in NYC its common for people to pay 50% of their income to rent... I think the general rule of thumb is to be closer to the 30%

[@LinzyLinz7]

Not subletting a closet 😅😅😅

[@nazarinebeats5521]

not gona lie that last one is just a black canvas (I can see the vision)

[@abroome11]

I dunno...the last one had a lot of character 👀

[@Sooners0561]

You asked who designed this place and what were they thinking? They were thinking about making a profit. Most apt in NYC, don’t want to give anymore closet space that’s a real problem.

[@rimun5235]

Gosh, $5,000 for a one bedroom in Harlem. I mean I literally live in the city yet I'm reeling at these prices!

[@lenaprice6239]

Where have you been, Harlem rents have been high for market rate apartments since around 2005.

[@iTzShakenJoE]

5k a month ?!?! thats insane. why can't we just move to queens or the bronx lol.. why you have to live in Manhattan or the upper westside lol

[@r3cklez745]

hahaha magician or scientist

[@melaninqueen8660]

Rent to own good idea

[@royalmac1011]

I get so confused when New Yorkers talk about the ''view''...All i see is other dirty buildings. What view? I consider a view of nature, mountains, rivers. That's a view not buildings lol

[@edrivenstudioslevar]

$5k+ in Cincinnati and you'll have the largest, biggest apt in the entire city.

[@alwaysme_t]

Wow you dont really hear about a rent to own place in NYC

[@Abidjan-weekly]

How do you sublet a closet? In another owner’s building? Wow NY……just use the closet as your office space that’s all.

[@d.g.4499]

My thoughts exactly.

[@Bukola1]

It was a bad joke! I was just trying to convey how big the closet was

[@metorphoric]

Stay clear of subways. Don’t want a rando pushing you down the stairs or in the train tracks.

[@nicolebrown3558]

Why are you moving?

[@Bukola1]

Although I really liked living Jersey City, we really wanted to move back into NYC!

[@dapooluwaseyi3483]

The building of the last apartment is evidently old.

[@youngprince97]

Rent to own

[@thehorsesnamewasfriday8695]

how do you sublet a closet?

[@Bukola1]

It was a bad joke!

[@figgettit]

thats not what infamous means

[@emmanuel6282]

Lol my ex lives in Apartment building 1