Hi friends — welcome back to the blog!
If you’re new here, I’m Flor, a content creator, mom, and proud NYC dweller. I share my life in the city, one YouTube video and blog post at a time. Today’s topic is a big one—we’re officially apartment hunting again. Yep, it’s happening. After two years in our Long Island City apartment, our lease is up… and let’s just say, rent increases in New York don’t come to play.
This post is your behind-the-scenes look at why we’re moving, what we’re looking for in a new place, what the market is like in 2024, and of course, the first few apartments we toured (some with potential, others… not so much). I’ve also included the first episode of this new apartment-hunting video series from my YouTube channel, so feel free to watch and then keep scrolling for the full story.
👇 Press play to watch the video here:
Why We’re Moving (aka Why NYC Rent is Testing My Patience)
Let’s start with the why. We’ve been living in a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment in Long Island City since 2021. It was our first real home after moving back to NYC from Germany, and honestly, it holds so many memories — from moving in during a pandemic to raising our daughter Julia there. But when the rent renewal notice came, things got wild.
Our rent was going from $5,500 to $6,300 a month. And on top of that, they were now charging $100 per person per month for access to amenities (which were previously included). So if we wanted to use the gym, pool, or lounges, we’d be at around $6,500/month. A nearly 20% jump?! In this economy? No, thank you.
It was bittersweet, but it felt like the right time to start fresh.
What We’re Looking for in a New NYC Apartment
Spoiler alert: we’re picky. Not because we’re high-maintenance (okay, maybe a little) — but because we know what works for our family, our routines, and our work-from-home lifestyle.
Here’s our list of non-negotiables:
1. Two or Three Bedrooms
We’re a family of three — me, my husband, and Julia — and we need space. Ideally, we’d have a separate bedroom for Julia and maybe even a third for an office. If not, a large living area where we can squeeze in two desks would work.
2. Washer/Dryer in Unit
Once you’ve had it, it’s impossible to go back. Especially with a toddler who’s constantly making messes. Having laundry in the unit is not a luxury anymore, it’s a necessity.
3. Dishwasher
Same logic as above — I’m not hand-washing a mountain of toddler cups, and I stand by that.
4. Natural Light
Southern exposure is the dream, but honestly, any unit that feels bright and happy gets bonus points. I work from home, film here, and just generally need sunlight for my sanity.
5. Pet Friendly
We’re not going anywhere without our furry daughter Oreo. Period.
Then there are the nice-to-haves:
- A doorman (great for security and packages, especially since I get lots of PR deliveries).
- Elevator access (because strollers, groceries, and tired legs).
- Proximity to subway lines, a supermarket, daycare, and possibly a Target.
- A layout that doesn’t feel like a shoebox.
Budgeting in a Pricey Market
Let’s talk numbers. Our budget for this move is between $5,000 and $6,000 a month. We could stretch a little if the space truly justifies it, but in general, we’re trying to keep it sane (ish?).
And yes, I know that in other cities, this budget could get us a backyard, a garage, and a white picket fence. But we’re not moving to the suburbs — we love New York, even when she’s unreasonable.
Our First Apartment Tours
We started looking back in November 2023, way ahead of our lease end, just to get a sense of what’s out there. Our first stop: a new building in South Harlem. We saw three different units in the same building, all slightly different in layout and price.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Apartment 1: The Bright One
- Three-bed, two-bath
- Southern exposure (light for days!)
- Loved the natural light, but the living area was a bit tight for our current L-shaped couch and dining table.
Apartment 2: The Spacious Kitchen
- Same layout but north-facing, so less light
- A better fit for our furniture, but not as bright
- Priced a bit lower
Apartment 3: The Wild Card
- Three-bed, three-bath
- Tons of light, huge kitchen island, and roomy living space
- Still within budget
- Honestly? Kind of fell in love with this one 😍
What’s Next?
This is just the beginning of our apartment hunting journey. We have more places to see and (hopefully) a final decision coming soon. I’ll be sharing all the tours, thoughts, and behind-the-scenes on YouTube and here on the blog — so definitely stick around.
If you’ve ever hunted for an apartment in NYC, you know it’s part rollercoaster, part heartbreak, and part “maybe I should just become a van-lifer.” But we’re in it together, and I can’t wait to share more.
Thanks for reading (and watching)! Feel free to drop your thoughts in the comments or DM me on Instagram — I love hearing your apartment stories too 💌
Until next time,
Flor.
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