Living in NYC for $750 Per Month on Billionaires Row | New York Stories

New York Stories Episode 1 - Actors Living in a tiny apartment on Billionaire's Row in New York City. In the second episode of my new series we follow the lives of Frankie and Grant, actors living in on Billionaire's Row in a rent stabilized micro NYC studio apartment. They speaks about living cheap on a budget in New York City and offers advice to those looking to follow in his footsteps.
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Follow Grant:
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Filmed, edited and produced by EBC PRODUCTIONS LLC 2023
#nyc #newyork

[@ethanmars9722]

please never stop this series!!! those tiny spaces and "normal" people are much more interesting than the expensive and dead flats.

[@MioshiB6]

Agreed ... although I don't think I could do it..... but God Bless Them Both ..

[@JTHammer12345]

Fully agreed - Real Average People, living average lives

[@nerdloser9987]

When I think New Yorker I think of these people, not those rich folks in that $250 million apartment

[@CJ-or8vy]

@@nerdloser9987 Me too

[@gayatoro2332]

YES! YES! YES! Tiny spaces, normal people and normal lives

[@digiprez77]

Even if these guys never really "make it," they should feel proud about what they are doing. Most people never even give their dreams a shot.

[@Gg-ij7li]

Jesus loves you all and wants to free you from any shackles in your life! Call upon His name and He will save you! If you confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord” and believe that He rose from the dead and abandon your sins, you will be saved! God bless you, have an awesome day ❤😊😊😊

[@sircharlesmormont9300]

I completely disagree. I chased my dreams and failed, and that failure derailed my life and haunts me to this day. I would have been better off had I never tried. No one ever talks about how much one big failure really can ruin a life. Sometimes, you don't bounce back after months, years, or decades. It's a real risk. Saying "at least you tried" really doesn't ameliorate that pain one bit.

[@tomschke680]

@@sircharlesmormont9300 maybe they won’t fail like you did

[@sircharlesmormont9300]

@@tomschke680 I would certainly hope that they succeed. I just question the "at least you tried" narrative. That "maybe" in there is a really big maybe. It's a big chance to take - and if you take it, you really might never recover. You only ever hear from people who either tried and succeeded or never tried and regret it. I tried, and I regret that. That is one possible outcome. The occasional "hey, at least you tried" doesn't actually mean a thing.

[@Gvantsa]

agree. better to try than live life wondering "what if"

[@MickyAvStickyHands]

Gotta love how they made "Grant's bed" in the corner last minute. Just incase mom or dad sees this.

[@kabob21]

Why can’t they just be roommates without being “roommates” 😂

[@Flutterbyby]

I would love a follow up video on these two in a years time. Their energy is infectious.

[@thatsnotmyname7462]

"Welcome to our tent, it's next to Broadway." :D

[@thejquinn]

@@thatsnotmyname7462 Still has the $700 cologne XD

[@Spidermansthirdcousin]

i thought the same thing! i love their personalities and how zany they are!

[@viktorovich27]

they have no choice, if they felt anything else other than this they would off themselves

[@anatrlls]

I agree!

[@chriss1384]

What people don't realise is chasing your dream IS living the dream. The flashy lifestyle might be the reward, but the best part of life is the journey. These guys are clearly enjoying life and doing it right

[@Faltery]

You mean living close to the poverty line in stinky city full of rats, bedbugs, cockroaches, homeless and junkies, with tiny apartments close to 250 sqft (where you need at least 500 or more for 1 or 2 people) is living a dream? Cool.

[@justanotherrichkid1053]

Facts

[@martinvanburen4578]

until you wake up, 40, alone, balding, a flabby stomach and working a dead end job with a Japanese person complaining about the manual for the product you hate, working service calls. dreams happen when you are not conscious, be conscious....be awake.

[@abcxyz-cx4mr]

@@martinvanburen4578 - True. Good reality check.

[@yna418]

you just put one of my thoughts into words

[@abettencourtmusic]

This is one of the best videos I ever saw on this channel and I’ve been following you for well over a year now. Truly, much more so than the living opportunity, it’s inspiring to see two young people with their head on straight, with goals, with a trajectory in mind, with the method through which to do it and just go for it. The apartment becomes so much of a background for what they’re really trying to achieve, that it’s just a means to an end. Oddly enough, it becomes easy to see yourself in their shoes, even in such a tiny place to live in, because their head is so clear as far as what they want to do in life. Really inspirational stuff, I loved it. Kudos to everyone, for sharing their stories. We need more of this.

[@EW-uw7dg]

Absolutely agree 💯

[@nashse7en]

yo, in the video they say 750 EACH? so its 1500 total?

[@vnkman4391]

PREACH.

[@PedroMachado]

What many people don't realize is that, they are living in an environment that is by no means luxurious but they are at the center of it all, creating connections, meeting people, practicing to become better at what they dream of making a living doing, this is priceless and this struggle is only in the beginning, they will surely go far!

[@lillyrosenyc]

So true

[@MrStone125]

Still shows off how pathetically bad it is to live in New York.

[@cathynewyork7918]

@@MrStone125 It is NOT "pathetically bad" to live in New York. It is glorious to live here. Difference is that I'm a grown-up, and I have a decent income and a decent-size apartment with a separate kitchen, NOT a hot-plate kitchen like these kids. They are "actors" with no real career, just playing at life on a shoestring budget.

[@MyKeeP81]

nah you just dont get it. the life here is about what is outside your apartment not what's in it. you're a lame who will never get it@@MrStone125

[@vnkman4391]

Even if they don't become famous they are already successful in my eyes. they are true artists. they will Never regret these times they have tried.

[@beyou3015]

The joy radiating from their faces is undeniable. I have faith that they will achieve great success one day, only to later realize that these humble days spent in their cozy apartment were some of the best times of their lives.

[@itsroblaw]

ugh i love their attitude! and them saying "the stars will never align, you just have to do it if you want to make it" essentially is so so true and inspiring!

[@davizcuervo]

This new kind of videos has improved a lot the channel making it somehow deeper and more interesting. Congrats Erik, I think you have found the right path.

[@erikvanconover]

I've been looking for a format less focused on "me" that allows me to really dig into why I fell in love with KZbin, the filming and editing process. Glad you are enjoying

[@taterkaze9428]

@@erikvanconover You bring value as a journalist of NYC lifestyles. Covering expensive places for the 1% gets old quick. Being a lifestyle journalist means you can develop a formula that applies everywhere. Branch out. Go international. Making it not about yourself is the way to go.

[@abeach5420]

@@erikvanconover This!! Pllllease more stories and dream chasers.

[@neo69121]

exactly this

[@martinvanburen4578]

I think following Cash's style of cineme verite real estate stories is the way to go, next do homeless shelters and old folks SRO

[@IronFudge]

I love how intimate these New York stories are. Really feel an authentic connection to people living there. Also makes me want to move to New York!

[@CricketsAreUs]

Are they bros, or g?

[@10YearOldTom]

There is something intimate about being in poverty and living in a closet.

[@simongamez]

This type of apartment tour/storytelling is absolutely fantastic! I really wish these guys can succeed in their own definition of success. They seem very passionate about what they do, hard working and willing to do whatever it takes to make their dreams come true. Really admirable. Great video!

[@worldpeace8235]

It's not fantastic.

[@rominarahbar2011]

these two guys really motivated me to do better in ife, showing us you can make anything work with a purpose and a plan, even in not so great conditions. they stay positive and have such a great outlook on life, and they make the most out of their days. there should be more people like them. I strive to be like them

[@erikvanconover]

Frank and Grant are legends

[@martinvanburen4578]

i think they are a gay

[@rominarahbar2011]

@@erikvanconover they indeed are

[@EinfachFredhaftGaming]

They didn't show us anything, they just expect that everything will work out because they have a purpose. End is open

[@rominarahbar2011]

@@EinfachFredhaftGaming you missed out on something buddy. they expect everything will work out not only because they have a purpose, but also because they are working towards it consistently every single day. they’re willing to go through it all for their goal. if you have a purpose combined with discipline there’s no way it won’t work out. it (mostly) definitely will. and even if it doesn’t, it doesn’t matter. what matters is the journey towards that goal. they also talk about it in the video i think. it’s important to enjoy your way there, so that even if it doesn’t work out, you won’t regret anything because you did and enjoyed doing something you love. most of the time in life, it isn’t even about your end-goal, it’s about your journey to getting there. that’s why it’s so important to enjoy what you’re doing for what it is

[@eduardvandijk3431]

I prefer this kind of content over the millionaire homes any day of the week.

[@erikvanconover]

Same here, it will be a healthy mix going forward

[@MidwestMade1]

Absolutely, it’s more wholesome and very relatable

[@melaniegriesemer]

The essence of this video is exactly what first drew me to this channel back in 2015. Authentically chasing your dreams in NYC, the grit, the humility, the hope and passion. Keep making these please!!! So inspiring!

[@erikvanconover]

much more to come, it feels good to get back to that theme I started creating with

[@vinja858]

I love the energy they have together and their optimism & outlook on life is intoxicating. I hope their friendship never wanes.

[@keetahbrough]

erik's friend reminds me of a bona fide 1930'2 New Yorker.. his tweed jackets, mustache, and his spirit. Pure new york.

[@suyashjaiswal2782]

I’m rooting for these guys

[@XspaghettimonsterX]

"our guitar", I loved that.

[@pressureflipin1992]

This was freaking great. These guys are a prime example of living a realistic dream, they have realistic goals that if you ask me, they're already achieving. Kudos to them.

[@Moncriefs]

Love seeing people do the hustle part of NYC! The fact that a restaurant is next door, I'd be a regular too

[@odin1]

What a bright guys and amazing storytelling / editing by Erik. It’s so raw and real. No gimbal or fancy post production effects

[@sofiareyesrosson3126]

really grateful for this content Erik, feel like you are showing lifestyle, backstage behind new york but behind all that.. a passion, a story.. and that's what we all who want to move to nyc want to see, but no one is filming.. or at least not this way. Congrats.

[@To-xz6qb]

To see people earnestly going after their dreams is my favorite thing on earth. Their tenacity and attitude reminds me of you from your earliest videos, and look where you are today. Congrats to everyone in this video.

[@christea-xv]

Thank you Erik for another great video and also thank you to Frankie and Grant for sharing their story! These two have such a simple and honest take on life and it's infectious just hearing about their ambitions and courage. Can't wait for the next in this series.

[@giokakhniashvili9072]

I always thought of Erik as a good looking, sharply dressed, in very good shape, slightly narcissistic successful dude in New York. Which is cool and I subscribed couple years ago. Turns out my mans a freaking filmmaker, with a distinctive style. I mean, somewhere down the line I’d love to watch a full film set in New York directed by Erik. As for these guys - these are the people that bring ‘magic’ to the city. True settlers as E.B. White would describe them.

[@erikvanconover]

It's always interesting when people comment when they discovered this channel. I moved to NYC in 2013 to pursue theater and stopped due to a lack of resources but mainly fear. I fell into KZbin shortly after that and it evolved from really honest vlogs into the luxury content which in hindsight was a blessing because it gave me the means to dedicate the last two years of my life to studying at a conservatory and get back in the theater. Give me 5 years and that feature will be a reality. Appreciate the comment

[@McDonaldsCalifornia]

@@erikvanconover very New York somehow

[@warrendog32]

Absolute respect for these guys. Their energy is inspiring. Legends.

[@111nick6]

I really admire their optimism and clarity. They make everything work and have a repsect for effort. The whiteboard checklist is a perfect symbol of their self-discipline. I hope they can achieve their dreams!

[@JohnWilsonComicsGuy]

This is one of the best videos I think you have ever done, Erik. You could do a million more videos of the ultra-rich spaces that are huge and have everything anyone could ever want but it is videoes like these, real stories of real people making it in NYC by any means necessary that I think people really want to see. Or maybe it is just me. But I absolutely loved every second of this. These guys were great and inspiring and if I were still young, unattached, and hungry for a career and life like they are, I could definitely see myself in an apartment just like that. Make this a side channel, or a regular feature. We need to see more content like this.

[@masterofwit339]

These two are manifesting success. Dreams aren’t just weird stories we encounter throughout the night. They are lived daily by humans. Perhaps not to completion every single day, or even ever, but it’s in the living and doing and chasing that they can actually be realized. Watching this like the lump that I am in my bed, at 45, motiva… oh nevermind. Who am I kidding? Not myself 😫

[@ch-yq5yn]

Ya I'm pretty thankful for all the people not living their dreams to keep society running.

[@cathynewyork7918]

@@ch-yq5yn This is a PERFECT comment on this video! Yes, so true. These young guys are "living their dream" to try to become actors in NYC. Meanwhile, there are grown-up, mature people working in factories, doing road construction, repairing plumbing, washing dishes in restaurants, doing the dangerous work of firefighters, etc. etc. Society cannot afford too many "dreamers." I'm so tired of seeing young people talk about expressing their truth, like the guy in this video. Shut up, kids.

[@LOLWAAHH]

New York is so amazing - its people really make it so special. Others often silo their thinking into the places New Yorkers live in and think that it controls their lives, but what really makes the city what it is, is the people and the stories they tell. Erik you did such an amazing job with this video!!! It started with what everyone always cares about - the rent, and instead goes into the people living in that space

[@tovsteh]

So far I am loving this series. I think seeing the "low end" of New York is far more relatable to most people rather than the sterile multi-million dollar luxury units in marble, which are repeated everywhere. So far the characters are also very interesting, but especially how these people make their homes feel warm, utilitarian and comfortable.

[@elonrichardson1743]

I love the fact that Erik takes them time to respond to so many of us. I mean 673 comments must be daunting to go filter through and answer. This was a really interesting and inspiring video. Those guys just worked with the tools they had at the time until better (??) ones came along.

[@seangraham7318]

Wow what an incredibly humbling video. These two remind me that you can make do with ANYTHING if you choose to. More of this !

[@megmulholland4518]

"....you drop the ball, and suddenly, your life's passed you by." Phooph, Erik. I just watched this, (my second "New York Story" in a row), and I am absolutely floored. Awesome, awesome work!! This stuff deserves a space on the major scene. I'm an old time viewer from your early days here on KZbin, and I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate seeing this side of your repertoire! This work can serve to inspire and touch people on so many different levels. Excellent, bravo!! 👏👏👏

[@laneythelame]

The vibe of this video feels so wildly different from others you've done. Absolutely love this

[@troysills425]

Moustache man has a great mindset

[@erikvanconover]

Grant

[@Chasing72]

You should do more of these kind of videos! It’s fun hearing about why people move to the city and what they do to keep their heads above water.

[@EtienneakaBags]

Big respect for these guys on their journey.

[@jiahuiliu534]

I love how you tell these New York stories through the lens of their rentals. These stories are truly inspirational: their souls are fearless, determined, and just beautiful. ❤

[@erikvanconover]

Glad you like them!

[@jonathandelarosa9646]

This is one of the best apartment tour videos that I’ve ever seen. Full of heart and soul, you can feel the energy of those amazing guys. Very inspiring, hands down one of your best materials yet.

[@erikvanconover]

Quality of uploads > consistency of them.

[@erikvanconover]

Ps I appreciate that!

[@tiffanycurtis4794]

I see why Erik has 2 million subscribers this new concept is just inspirational 🔥🔥🔥🥰

[@erikvanconover]

aw thanks!

[@tiffanycurtis4794]

@@erikvanconover your so welcome 🤗

[@iptamenoslagos]

Hey Eric, I have been following you since your early days on KZbin. Back then, you were trying to make your way to New York and become a KZbinr, while I was trying to make a career change and become a software engineer. We are the same age, so I feel a strong connection to what you were doing, and you were a true inspiration. Now, I have accomplished most of the goals that I set for myself back in 2016. I am a senior software engineer, and I have relocated to another country that I really love. I am now setting new targets for myself. At some point, I lost interest in your real estate business, but now, with these new videos, you have captured my attention once again. I hope you will continue down this path. Wishing you all the best, V.

[@dynamlllilte4230]

I absolutely love this series Erik. This 2 have a burning passion inside of them that is infectious. I loved this video so much that i just wanna keep replaying it. Thanks so much for showing this side of ppl that are going after theyre dreams.

[@charnestours1948]

Thank you Erik. I love those two guys! They are positive and proactive. I should think of them when I feel down.

[@wuschigerwaschbaer]

Hats off to these two. I applaud their hustle attitude. I have no doubt they’ll go far in life, no matter which paths they’ll choose.

[@stompgrounds]

I love how this video was put together. Much respect to Grant & Frankie.

[@myvids718]

What a couple of sweethearts! As a native nyer it’s nice to see ppl going back to the roots of why you move here. It’s to make a creative dream come true. Not to be rich and complain. Good luck to them!

[@cjenkins8785]

Congratulations! You two are living your dreams. Love your spirits. Continued blessings and success.

[@chachachazki]

This is one of the most interesting things I have seen in a long while. These two lads have given me life. Hope they achieve whatever they set out to do.

[@Seanobb]

Wow, talk about an amazing group of guys... you included! These are capturing so much more than the apartment. It captures and reminds people what living in NYC is really about, and how beautiful it is. These guys take nothing for granted and seem fully aware of just how fortunate they are to be living out their dream.

[@cacta-dee9690]

i really love and appreciate the attitude these people have towards life , its simply beautiful

[@bdiaz6081]

I wish I had the balls to go out on a limb like this when I was younger. One’s comfort zone can kill their ambition. I give it up to these guys for living their dream.

[@newmanos1200]

Frankie and Grant! We will be coming back to this video in ten years time and seeing how these two started and where were they before their Oscar nominations for best playwrite and best actor awards! Amazing house tour with an incredible amount of storytelling with really interesting people . This could be a nice type of documentary for Netflix, showing people who are trying to make it people who made it and how they can learn from each other ? something like that sounds good ? 💡

[@heffhue409]

Those gay lovers are destined for greatness grant will be so proud when Frankie wins all those awards

[@erikvanconover]

They have since moved from this place! It will be cool for them to look back at in 5 - 10 years

[@jamesbond4810]

​@@erikvanconover What ? So this is one of your stock videos.

[@Slingbone]

Huge huge fan of this kind of content Erik. I’m sure I’m echoing everyone else’s sentiment that I’ve been a fan for a while now and this New York Stories series is elevating your channel to a new level. So well shot, documented, and narratively driven. Keep this up man, it’s a treat to see these everyday people and their adventures and how they are making it happen on a budget. Can’t wait to see more.

[@Gabrielle499]

You guys are so inspiring! And your apartment is very interesting and very NYC, having the things you use & love on display ❤️

[@kareenakayla4302]

Insanely inspiring. And that last line "it is enough to want it". Goosebumps.

[@LenaSimpsonNYC]

What an amazing and uplifting story! Love the energy and optimism to make it big in NYC. I wish for them to achieve their dreams in the Big Apple.

[@diegoromero7930]

This is pure gold! I want to some more of these (like a series) Please, please, please ❤

[@jennyr.omalley1769]

Love this video so much. There's nothing more inspiring than young people making a go of it in NYC.

[@taylorlurati6034]

Been a follower forever and while I do LOVE the expensive house tours, something about this type of video just lights up my soul. 😊

[@thealaskanbascan6277]

Keep doing these stories I love hearing about everyday New Yorkers.

[@bradderousse3440]

I love this! This is the reality of living in NYC, and I love their attitude and outlook in the midst of making it happen in NYC.

[@bigtrees5782]

This video was so motivating, I’m super happy for these two and I’m even more committed to following my dream now

[@ohhimark3691]

Amazing, love these type of videos! They seem really great guys!

[@MarcoR6]

Erik, these last videos you've been posting are amazing. I love this kind of stories. Hope you keep them coming!

[@JustSayinStuff]

Wow, this is very motivational. I needed this in the morning.

[@cristir3463]

I just found this series and it is weirdly comforting, high quality videos, nice spaces and good stories.

[@juliecaron7569]

Absolutely loved this video! The two guys are hilarious, ambitious and well-spoken. Good luck, I hope they make it big

[@erikvanconover]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@krissib3394]

They remind me of Matt d and Ben affleck who used to live together. I hope they make a list it as this will be an epic point of reference

[@JavonWilliams29]

I love these videos. It's about the journey not the destination. This is the grind I love and no place better to do it than New York.

[@PositivelyNice]

so good! this is what dreams are made of! this and the previous video on minimum wage in NYC gives hope. please continue this series, Erik!

[@ceciliawilson6328]

These two are already sucessful because they are living in the moment and not waiting for something to happen to propel them forward. Good for you.

[@lc8361]

Organic, raw and real insight of people trying to make it. This was excellent content man.

[@erikvanconover]

I appreciate it

[@Jambiswag]

Love how you spent the focus on them. Great video

[@clor9732]

absolutely love this. loved their energy

[@carlosredondo8062]

This is by far the best video format of your channel. Keep it going!

[@erikvanconover]

glad you enjoyed!

[@raphaeldantas2225]

Amazing video, story, place, I really enjoyed it!

[@jeffwarr3677]

Awesome! Love the concept Eric! These guys were inspirational. I hope they get what they're after. It was fun to watch

[@1213LB]

This is so cute. I love how unique it is and the fact that they are making it work

[@briannnnnnnnnn1037]

They have the best personalities. I wish them all the best!!!

[@tessahall797]

That was unexpectedly inspiring. I have a lot respect for these two men.

[@erikvanconover]

inspiring was indeed the intention

[@frank-beard]

Hey Erik, fantastic job on this video. 🙌 Totally rooting for these guys. I genuinely hope they succeed!

[@borsho9889]

This video is inspiring!!! those folks are truly amazing!!.Top notch man.

[@itsfelipesanches]

damn - what an amazing story from these two guys! thanks for sharing, Erik! seriously.

[@jordarnnahleigh1447]

Yooooo! best video i have watched on your channel so far

[@erikvanconover]

Wow, thanks!

[@jackyj.5949]

I love these guys and their message and energy! You can tell they’re really passionate and driven. I feel like that’s the real story being told in this video :)

[@maxjames00077]

Loved this! And those guys are so positive and energetic

[@robocopct1171]

This is the best part of my day. Someone please send this to Lorne Michaels at SNL. It's a skit for sure and they should get a guest appearance

[@stephanielicata597]

Enjoying this series. Thanks for sharing

[@aviiralsharma]

These two are the BEST....I love there energy.

[@carinadesousa1165]

I TRULY HOPE THEY MAKE IT!! SO INSPIRING!!

[@prtdiva]

$750 in NYC on billionaires row, it’s not that bad. I’ve seen smaller studios for waaaay more! They have a bedroom, living room, and a private bathroom?! They are really living the dream. Good luck to these guys ❤

[@xdiobrando]

i’m pretty sure they pay $1500 for the place since they said each in the beginning so it’s about par for the course

[@DiomedesRangue]

I really hope they make it :) love that they're chasing their dreams.

[@lizamohd7151]

I have been following your channel since early pandemic out of curiosity... It's really strange how vlogging about city life + real estate can be entertaining. I learn a lot about NYC life from your channel. TQ!!

[@themacdaddy9]

These dudes are hustling and enjoying it as far as I can tell. Great job guys and good luck.

[@HyperDaveUK]

Great video Erik, I really like the storytelling style of this.

[@jwin1986]

I felt that subtle “damn” from Eric. These guys ambition is motivating

[@erikvanconover]

his answer perfectly summed up what I have been experiencing over the last two years studying in conservatory

[@gayatoro2332]

I LOVED this video! Thank you Erik, Frankie and Grant :-)

[@twixtwix5551]

You guys are really positive. I wish I could surround myself with nothing but positive people. I'm in love with positivity.