UPDATES

So, believe it or not, I've actually been to see a shit load of apartments, both fee and non fee. None of them were either available when we needed them (they needed immediate occupancy), they were a little out of our ideal price range ($850 or more), or they just weren't ideal, BUT the ones that ARE perfect for us are definitely out there, they just need to be filled right away. Essentially, after talking to many brokers, I get the idea that you go see a place and if you like it, you fill out your app, your credit check, and put down your deposit immediately. If all goes well, you move in the next day or so. For me, it seems like we're cutting it close, but in reality, I guess this is just what people do (weird).

Because I'm going away this week, I'm just going to trust your judgment Amy. If you see the perfect apartment for us, and you can see us living there and being happy, then just get it. I really am not very picky, I just want it affordable, safe, and commutable. Layout, space, etc, all of that is pretty negotiable. Please make sure to mention to anyone that is hesitant about Miss Daisy that she is crate trained (ie: she's in her crate when no one is home), she's full-grown, 17 lbs, quiet, house trained, and I'm willing to pay an extra pet deposit if necessary (up to $350).

Here is a little of what I've seen so far, just to give you some ideas. I've uploaded an organized them on my photobucket, so just visit the links below to see the photos:

Apartment One $1600

This apartment was located 2 block from the N/Q at the last stop (Astoria-Ditmars), which makes it about a 15 minute ride from Midtown. It's close to the train, to laundromats, grocery stores, lots of Greek restaurants, etc. This area of Astoria is a little more family oriented, but just one stop away is all of the cool shops, etc that the area is known for. This was on the street level of a 4 family house, so it wasn't in a big, impersonal building. However, the common area was very small, and the price was $1600, which seemed a bit much for what we were getting.

Pros: Close to train, close to laundry/restaurants, safe neighborhood, lots of street parking, allows dogs, bedrooms are on opposite sides of the apartment, no broker's fee

Cons: Apartment is a little small for the price, common area is way too small, not in the middle of all the young people.

Apartment Two $1450

The great thing about this apartment is, obviously, the price. It was shown to me by the same broker as the first and is available whenever we would like. It has a pretty great sized common area, lots of closet space, and is generally well laid out. Both rooms are decently sized, though one is smaller than the other and lacks a closet (though there are lots of hall closets to make up for it). The room are side by side, and the apartment is located almost directly across the street from the first one, still right off the N/Q at the Astoria-Ditmars stop.

Pros: Again location, large living/dining area, all appliances included, street parking, lots of closet space, cheap rent, pet friendly

Cons: The biggest problem with the apartment is that it is below street level. While there are windows, they only show the top of people's feet.

Apartment Three $1500

This is a no-fee owner rented apartment located about three block from the N/Q at Astoria/Ditmars. Clearly, the most obvious advantage is the cost, so I went to go see it.

Pros: Location (close to the train and near shops), owner owned/maintained, month-to-month lease option, lots of street parking, pet friendly

Cons: No oven, Location (right next to Astoria Blvd highway), very small common area and fairly small bedrooms

Apartment Four $1700

This apartment was absolutely beautiful. It's located in a really great part of Astoria, right between 28th and 30th Ave, which anyone will tell you is the place to live. It's on a nice residential street with very pretty, well-kept buildings, and the apartment itself is one of four, though it has the entire 3rd story to itself. It has been gut-renovated, so everything in it is brand new. This apartment is also pet friendly.

Pros: Beautiful apartment, brand new everything, very large common space, very nice balcony that runs the length of the apartment, has a great set up for entertaining, etc

Cons: Second bedroom is really a home office, much smaller than first, which makes the price a bit high for what we're getting

Apartment Five $1750

This apartment was amazingly large and is located right in Astoria, two blocks from the N/Q at the Astoria/Ditmars stop. It's a little messy because the current tenants are...idk, messy, but it has an enormous amount of space, which could make it awesome. Downside is, of course, that it is a little pricey.

Pros: Very large space and beautiful kitchen, location, commutable, pet friendly

Cons: A little pricey, the landlord is a little old and stuffy, so he might not be party friendly, apartment isn't technically available until July 1st, though the landlord is sure he could kick out the guy early if we definitely want it.

Apartment Six $1600

This apartment is located in a similar building as the one above, so essentially everything is the same. The only difference is that one of the bedrooms is this apartment doesn't have a closet, but there are also a lot more closets out in the common area. This apartment is $50 more a month, but it's not in the same building as the landlord, so parties might be a bit more possible.

Pros/Cons are essentially the same as the apartment above