The Everything Guide to Belt-Tightening: Bargain Hoods
Brokers pick the areas with the best values for buying and renting.
Midtown, west of Ninth Ave. picked by Holly Sose, City Connections Realty Inc.
Even though it feels removed, "you're still close to transportation, and it's got interesting restaurants and bars," says Sose. "Some call it `Hell-sea.' It's got the vibe of old
To Buy
Larry Zarr, the Corcoran Group
A large 780 square feet floor-through co-op. $575,000.
To Rent
Adam Rueda, Bond
A 450-square-foot rental in an elevator building (no doorman). $1,900 per month.
Clinton Hill/Bed-Stuy picked by Deborah Rieders, The Corcoran Group
The neighborhood gets a bad rap for being hard to reach, but the apartments-co-ops and condos-are large and airy. "They were designed with artists in mind," Rieders says.
To Buy
Deborah Rieders, The Corcoran Group
A 1,000-square-foot duplex loft in a former chocolate factory. $499,000.
East Williamsburg/Bushwick picked by Deborah Rieders, The Corcoran Group
Cross the BQE from the 'Burg and save 10 percent. "The housing stock"-older lofts and frame houses-"is more humble, so [landlords] can't ask for as much," Rieders says.
To Rent
1079 Broadway
Alan Zeitler, developer
A 500-square-foot rental with a private roof deck. $1,390 per month.