NYC Apartment Hunting Feb 2023 | Tour 10 apartments apartments with prices + sqr footage (Manhattan)

Join me for my apartment hunting in NYC, Manhattan. I tour ten different rental properties in different locations in Manhattan trying to get a feel for the neighborhood I want to live in.
I contacted the properties directly and did not use StreetEasy. I was honest with them about my move being in the fall so I didn't waste their time and they knew what my intentions were.

[@heatherrodriguez474]

For the studio apartments you could get like a wooden divider but hang it from the ceiling it’s like you have an actual wall.

[@PancakePaperie]

Thats a great idea!

[@mommynab]

Good idea actually to find the building you like, then if you're flexible, wait for the openings in that location (or a few buildings) only. Streeteasy can be overwhelming, and I find a lot of the "great deals" usually are in strange places, over a liquor store, smoke shop, 🚬 or poor maintenance issues.

[@PancakePaperie]

Yeah that was my plan. I have 2 buildings that I love so in the fall when I am ready I will keep my eye on them. All the property managers said they would do virtual tours of the units and I could even email them in advance to find out what is coming up for availability because most places in NYC have to give 60 days notice.

[@lo.rosalie]

Your video was suggested to me (probably bc I watch a lot of apartment tours!) and while watching I was curious about your business! I took the time to search the name of your company but you should add links to your website throughout your youtube! In video descriptions and your profile. Could generate some great traffic especially with apartment tour content and if you do moving content next fall! I hope you do - I'll follow along!

[@PancakePaperie]

Hey thanks so much, that is actually a great idea. I will do that moving forward. I really appreciate the feedback!

[@sbshadee]

Good Evening, Trying to find a studio apartment for my daughter who just landed a job in Brooklyn.

[@carolynek1875]

I like the one in Chelsea!!

[@PancakePaperie]

Yeah me too! I just couldn't afford it :(.....Yet

[@carolynek1875]

@@PancakePaperie I hear ya!

[@cheche2181]

I can’t imagine paying that much money for something I’m never going to own. I’m new to your channel so was just wondering why NY? I imagine it’s one of the most expensive places in the US? Thank you and good luck x

[@PancakePaperie]

I know the prices are outrageous and that is totally a valid point. I'm going to NYC for the experience. It truly is a city with so much to offer. I'm an empty nester so before grandkids come or I need to care for my elderly parents I want to have a couple years of my life where it's just me, taking care of me and living out my dream. I'm putting all my belongings into storage and just going for a few years for the adventure. I know it doesn't make sense to some or it's not their idea of a good time but this has been in the back of my head for a few years now so I'm going to go to NYC and will experience it all - It's just the right timing for me at this stage in my life. I'm the kind of girl that will die with memories instead of dreams if that makes sense?

[@cheche2181]

@@PancakePaperie that makes TOTAL sense and thank you for your response. I’m from he UK so don’t really understand about the prices in the US so pardon my ignorance. It’s going to be an adventure that’s for sure and I’m excited to join you along the way! Love the fact that you’re running your business too as I’m just starting my new entrepreneurial career. Best of luck 💪🏼🧁💗

[@PancakePaperie]

@@cheche2181 No no not ignorant at all - It's stupid expensive! Thanks so much - I do run my side business but I still have a day job too, have not been able to break free from the corporate world just yet - wink wink. I just keep doing what I can and hopefully I will get there. Good luck with your new entrepreneurial efforts as well. I'm so excited for you!

[@vidotter]

Wow 🎉 you went viral 🎉 so excited for you 🎉

[@artsygirlmarilyn6296]

❤❤thanks

[@bonniepwtf]

Enjoyed this video, you did a good job filming and explaining 👍

[@PancakePaperie]

Awww thanks so much.

[@jameshicks6435]

If you do go back to New York to look at more buildings, you should consider looking in Hell's Kitchen, which is just south of the Upper West Side. There are some good doorman buildings with excellent security, and the rents are comparable to the UWS -- actually a little less than what you looked at. You might be able to get a 1-bedroom for the cost of the UWS studio. The Koreatown views were great, but the apartments are over-priced for what they offer.

[@PancakePaperie]

Thanks James. Yeah I probably will have another go if my calendar permits. I have a dog with me so I really want to have access to some form of grass....poor guy won't be happy with just all the concrete. Maybe Upper Hells Kitchen so we can access the park and river park easily.

[@Amanda3280h]

@@PancakePaperie I agree but I think Hells Kitchen isn't a very nice area to live in. Feels super industrial.. Of course everyone is different :) I currently live in a studio in the UES and it is a very nice, homie neighborhood with also many restaurants and things to do around.

[@PancakePaperie]

@@Amanda3280h Thanks so much for the info - that is kind of the vibe I am looking for. I did not have a chance to check out the UES. I have to head to the East Coast for work this summer so hopefully I can take a day to do that.

[@sandraskalnik2369]

The lifeguard on duty affects their insurance premium.

[@PancakePaperie]

Awwwww that makes sense. Thanks for the info!

[@Amanda3280h]

Hi again gorgeous! I came back because I'd like to ask you how did you contact the landlords/buildings directly? I have lived here for 4 years but always found my apartments in street easy and I I reeeeally want to move this year. I have been looking on internet but all buildings I find are luxury and it isnt the vibe I want in terms of exposed brick, etc. I would really appreciate if you could advise me as to how or what buildings to look for and being able to contact them directly. Thanks :)

[@PancakePaperie]

Mmmmmm I think what you want might be a bit harder. I only looked at luxury buildings so it was easy to just contact the building directly off of their website. The cooler building with exposed brick and charm (which I love) seem to be individually owned units which make it way harder. Whenever I saw an address of a unit I liked on StreetEasy I would pop it into google or google maps and try and see if it was for a building that was owned by a property management company and just contact them directly. Since you are already there I would also try contacting No Fee Apartments, check out their TikTok @nofeeapartments they seem to have a lot of the brick-wall aesthetic buildings that you are looking for and you don't have to pay the FEE! Yay. I hope that helped a little and good luck on your move!!

[@lyndajefferson5929]

I like watching Cash Jordan's videos on the apartments that he shows, he a licensed Realtor

[@PancakePaperie]

Oh me too, I get a kick at how he aggressively opens all the appliance doors. I'm like be more gentleeeeeeeee

[@lyndajefferson5929]

At least you know that the doors are not broken and they work really good.

[@Martini923]

First one no call that a kitchen 😮

[@PancakePaperie]

Hahahaha - "Kitchen Wishes". "Kitchen Wannabe" might be better lol

[@Martini923]

@@PancakePaperieI’ll come over and try and cook in the wannabe kitchen 😂

[@PancakePaperie]

@@Martini923 I'm good with that as long as pancakes are on the menu!

[@Martini923]

@@PancakePaperie no nice Irish breakfast 🍳

[@PancakePaperie]

@@Martini923 mmmmmm black pudding

[@sbshadee]

How did you find out the names of the apartment buildings?

[@PancakePaperie]

www.equityapartments.com/new-york-city-apartments. I used this site

[@Privateaccount1250]

I’m in HS currently .. once I graduate in may and go to a community college and graduate .. my plan is to move to NY and find an job as an legal assistant.. I’ve been looking in Chelsea , Rochester , Manhattan , and Albany NY … I noticed that Albany is very affordable.

[@PancakePaperie]

Thats awesome. Always so good to have a goal you can look forward too! The fall feels so far away for me but I know it will come faster than I think. Good luck with your future plans.

[@Privateaccount1250]

@@PancakePaperie Thank you!! .. I do have a question about something though .. should I first visit a part of New York that I’m interested in living at and explore there and apartments or should I just do everything virtual? .. another question is should I find a job first or should I move there first then find a job ? Which do you think is better?

[@PancakePaperie]

That’s hard to answer and depends on your risk factor. I work remote so I already have employment but if I didn’t I would try to look for work in advance but also have 6 months saved if possible and take whatever job I could while continuing to look for my dream job. I am a strong believer in taking risks but it has to be in your comfort zone.

[@witcherprince2439]

@@Privateaccount1250 Hope you don't mind me replying! I think if you have the time and funds it's definitely a good idea to visit and explore some of the apartments. I currently live in NYC and have seen some places that look nice in photos/virtually but when you get there it feels a bit off. And even so it's a great idea to explore and check out the vibes of each area! Some places are definitely safer than others. Sometimes the apartment looks nice but the building is not well maintained. And as for the second part, I agree with the taking risks you're comfortable with! But as an FYI a decent amount of apartments will require you to provide proof of income prior to rental. So I think it's usually a bit better to have a job lined up beforehand. And if anything, if you have enough saved up, you can get an airbnb while you hunt for apartments.

[@elyse3884]

I would definitely take a trip and check out areas of interest. Rochester is about 5 1/2 hrs from Manhattan and Albany about 2hrs and 45 min without traffic and snow. Both areas get more snow than in Manhattan making commuting by car very difficult. New York is Very big. It depends on which area you are job searching. You have lots of time so if you can- plan a short fun trip and check it out. Lots of luck in your schooling too! While you are at it check out the commuter train schedules too. 😀

[@celestelauryn]

How are people affording to live in NYC?! I'm trying to relocate back to DC and I can't afford that either 😂 do jobs in NYC just pay a lot more??

[@PancakePaperie]

I know it's crazy right! NYC generally has higher salaries but even then it's usually not enough. I happen to work in Healthcare Tech so I am very lucky. I have a day job and a side business - but to be totally honest I have also been driving for Uber Eats at night to pay for my move so I don't take on any short term debt. Thats why I am waiting until the fall to move.

[@celestelauryn]

@@PancakePaperie I'm waiting to move too!! It sucks having to work so hard to afford to get by nowadays but I'm really glad you have a good job and can plan to move! I loved this video and I'm excited to watch your journey!

[@PancakePaperie]

Thanks so much. As life would have it I just got laid off yesterday. Part of the Tech Layoffs happening. Soooooooooooooooo - not to sure about the future at this current moment. lol. I'm scrappy thought so lot's of scrappy content coming ;). I hope you can move back to DC soon.

[@celestelauryn]

@@PancakePaperie oh no I'm so sorry to hear that! Thank you for the kind words. Praying something better is coming for you. I've been job hunting since last year! Just freelancing now

[@scrc6524]

You can get bigger places for less money(rent stabilized apartments) if you go up in Manhattan, Harlem or all the way up to Washington heights/Inwood area with the 1 or A train...

[@PancakePaperie]

Hey thanks so much for the tip!

[@tomdong6985]

How are people able to afford this...

[@PancakePaperie]

I know it’s crazy right!! You have to have roommates or make over 6 figures.

[@jakelabo4754]

1:20

[@jakelabo4754]

Yup lol 😂

[@robertherman1146]

Best bet would be to leave New York permanently.

[@PancakePaperie]

Well haven't even made it there yet so that might just be on point ;)

[@mindyourbizok]

Over priced.