Okay I have to tell this story...b/c I didn't even realize this still occurred from the Depression. But one of my friends friend's grandmother (does that make since?) lives in New York, NY like right over some department store...apparently a nice location, I need to find out more. Well, anyway...the grandmother was a teenager during the Depression and her mom had bought the apt for 15.00 a month for life. So today the grandmother pays 15.00 to live in this apartment!! It was some rule during the 30's.....it was New Year's Eve, so I only remember half of what she was saying. But isn't that cool, she's going up there to visit for Spring Break.

Okay, I'm done bragging on this grandmother now.....back to crazy prices!!!!

True. It was an Astin Martin DB5. I've never found one with machine guns, armored shields, rocket launchers and a passenger side ejection seat, though.

I have heard stories like this. In the 50s and 60s mansions and townhouses on Fifth Avenue could be purchased for about $50,000. There are people in Manhattan who have lived in their apartments since WWII and pay $200/month. I have never met any of these people though. Sadly, none of them were my grandparents. Rent control was pretty prevalent. I don't know about your grandparent's friend's story. The rent is probably in perpetuity. There was a story a few years ago about a man who signed a rental lease for $100 rent per month in perpetuity. When someone new bought the building, they tried to raise his rent, but they couldn't because of this lease.

Planning a wedding causes massive sticker shock.

Tack the word "wedding" in front of ANYTHING and the price skyrockets.

I definitely know what you are talking about. It's getting expensive to live just about anywhere in NYC, regardless of the neighborhood's reputation. You're right - most of us will wind up spending at least 50% of our montly earnings on rent alone. You would think that companies and city agencies would take real estate prices into account when giving out salaries. It sucks that the real estate prices have gone up, while salaries pretty much remain the same.

NYC Rent
 

I pay $580/month for a large studio in TriBeCa with lots of closet space, in a doorman building. My rent includes utilities.

That's a ridiculous price.:D

ETA keep in mind that I'm not 92 years old, and that I've only been in my apartment for 5 years.

Re: NYC Rent
 

How on earth did you manage to get that apartment? $580/month is ridiculous in a really great way for you, a bad way for your landlord. Seriously Russell, please tell me your secret. :) I need some tips.

Re: NYC Rent
 

Is the doorman a homeless man, the studio a subway stop, and the closet the utility closet?

-Rudey

I've been looking at apartments pretty hardcore lately, and the horror stories are worse than the reality. It's more than I would pay in any other city except San Francisco, but it's not completely out of line with salaries, etc. I intend on staying in Manhattan, unless a really good co-op in Brooklyn Heights or Riverdale comes along. I'm not holding my breath, though.

There are people in my building who have been here for decades, and as a result their rent is stabilized in the neighborhood of $800/month for a 2 bedroom.

Re: Re: NYC Rent
 

i think this might be the funniest thing you've ever said.

Re: NYC Rent
 

You better stay there as long as possible!!!! :D :D

I just spent 62 DOLLARS on getting my eyebrows done and an eye pencil. Granted the lady is one of the best in Arizona, but 62 DOLLARS??? I am now seriously BROKE!!!!

ETA: OK, I guess it was worth it, because I just put on makeup and I look f-ing HOT!!!! Yes I'm broke but I look darn good...plus because I haven't straightened my hair in like five days, it is so healthy and shiny. I really need to see that boy tonight because I look GOOOD!!!!!