I'm in need of good advice. My 19 yr. old daughter needs housing in NYC from June 1-Aug.8. She has a summer intern job in the area of Houston and Hudson. We know very little about NYC and could use some advice on how to locate housing of this nature. I would appreciate any advice. We've been looking at Craig's list but maybe someone out there has other suggestions as well. Thank you. Barb Cabot

There are some services, like Student Housing Services that might fit what you are looking for. Unfortunately, the deadline has passed for NYU's summer housing program but it is something to keep in mind if she wants to return to NYC for another summer internship. But it looks like Columbia's summer housing program has open enrollment until full. I have lived in the East Campus dorms and can tell you that they are very nice. However, I was not participating in the summer program at the time. The subway commute from Columbia to Houston is very easy and the upper west side is a fantastic, diverse neighborhood. The summer housing programs have the advantage of being in a secured building administered by a school or other non-profit, often in neighborhoods with lots of "cheap" services for students.

If you want to continue with looking at personal listings like Craigslist, I would also look at the rental listings for The Village Voice.

This place might be what you are looking for.

Thanks so much "perpetual traveller" and "gopika". I'll take a look at all the suggestions. Barb Cabot

Re Columbia housing service: Morningside Heights (Columbia's neighborhood) is great, but perhaps not an especially good choice for your daughter, who will be working in the south end of the West Village.

Although there's a subway stop just a couple of blocks away, at Houston and Varick (I lived there myself for a couple of years) your daughter would have a rather long ride, in the rush hour. And I believe she would have to change trains for an express at 96th Street or 72nd , which could be a daunting rush-hour experience for a young NY "newbie".

Thank you Marian. Those are valuable insights regarding transportation. Someone suggested "Habitat New York". Anyone out there used their services? Barb Cabot

We have two significant leads in the areas of Park Slope in Brooklyn and Jersey City quite near the "Path" station/Van Vorst park area. Does anyone have a feel for these areas? Thanks for all your help. Barb C.

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Originally posted by bcwired:
We have two significant leads in the areas of Park Slope in Brooklyn and Jersey City quite near the "Path" station/Van Vorst park area. Does anyone have a feel for these areas? Thanks for all your help. Barb C.

I would definitely recommend Park Slope as a great area for a 19 year old--lots going on, plenty of young people and great transportation to just about anywhere. Also, since it will be summer when she is here, a nice advantage of Park Slope is having the park (huge park with lake for running, picnicking, lots of free concerts) and if she's into the beach (being from California , an easy hop 2o minutes to the beach by subway. I have lived in or near Park Slope for 30 years, so if you need any specific information feel free to email me.

I would recommend against Jersey City. We lived on the waterfront for a year after living on the Upper West Side and found it completely lacking, even if a bit cheaper. It instantly feels like dense suburbs and certainly not enough entertainment for a young adult. Maybe in Hoboken, but definitely not Jersey City. You go "home" at night and never get back in to the city proper. We promptly moved back out to the Upper East Side when our year lease was up.

While I would say that the commute from Columbia (we're talking taking the 1/9 from 116th/Broadway Station with a transfer to the express at 96th two stops away) is a bit longer than living right next door to where she works, every New Yorker has some sort of commute at the cost of where they can afford to live as to where they work. Your daughter will be a pro with her subway commute in just a few days because she'll be doing it at least twice a day if not more. It took me 45 minutes to commute UWS to Wall Street and I'd just plug into my CD player and read either the newspaper or a book to kill the time.

But, all that said, nothing beats Park Slope. It's funky, diverse, and gorgeous if you can get a good rate on a place there!

Thanks Janet and Perpetual traveler. Your insights to the areas are invaluable. Now we will just have to wait and see what comes of the two leads. Park Slope sounds great but no deal is sealed so must keep my fingers crossed. I will be posting more as the days follow. Can't thank you enough. Barb Cabot

Here's an update on the search for housing in NYC. First thanks to one and all for your great suggestions. Special note to someone (Karen1) if you will email me directly I can give you specific hints that came flooding in to help in our search. The Park Slope apt. did not work out. They were looking for a permanent not short term roomie. We did after much research accept the Jersey City apartment. The commute aspect was a big, plus the fact that the other two young women roomies were friends of my older daughters college best friend appealed greatly. If this were for a long lease we would have considered more carefully about the aspects that Perpetual Traveler outlined. They were valid points but we felt for the short 10 week period there were enough positives about the apt. to seal a deal. Will let you know when all is said and done how the 19 year old manages with this apt.and area.Thank you again for all the great PM's and support. I have a ton of hints so if you need help email me personally and I will share. Barb Cabot

Barb,

So glad that you had a place work out for your daughter. I think that your daughter being with family friends and two other women is really a fantastic way for her to experience NYC this summer!

Barb, glad your daughter found something! And I know of lots of young people who are living in Jersey City and who find lots to do.

Marian thank you for your concerns and helpful hints. I've been emailing Karen1 about help in locating similar accommodations for her relative also doing a summer internship. She says she'll be attending her first gtg in Philly. I think you may be there too. Wish I could join in the fun. Hope to meet you someday. I've heard so many wonderful stories about you. We had a great time in Savannah and missed your presence. Take care. Barb Cabot

Barb, are you going to visit your daughter at all while she's here? Could be fun; another GTG perhaps. ?

Kim it's a wonderful thought but presently I don't have plans to visit. Much to catch up on here at home. Feels like I've been gone most of the winter. Who knows though, and certainly if I go east I'd love to gather with all the st'ers on the east coast. Great idea. Barb Cabot

Here's the latest update. Daughter arrived safely in NYC last night. She just called and was exploring Manhattan and having a blast. The apt. roomies picked her up from the airport and have taken her under their wings. She did a preliminary run on "The Path" which takes her from home to her job (she starts Monday). It was a breeze she said. It's off to a great start. She was so enthusiastic about NYC. Said, "This is unlike any place I've ever been, I LOVE IT!" Let's hope the excitement lasts. Thanks again one and all for your help . Barb Cabot

Thrilled to hear your daughter is enjoying her initial impressions of NYC and her roommates are taking care of her. There's a lot to love about this amazing city, and I hope your daughter is just as enthusiastic about it on her last day as she has been on her first.

Let us know of her discoveries for even a long-time resident such as I often learn things from visitors.

Barb, did I send you my phone number, in case she needs anything?

Hi Kim, I don't have your phone number but that would be wonderful. That would be something that would make me feel good. Just knowing there was an adult that could offer advice in a pinch. She seems to be loving every minute. I'll tell more later but so far Jersey City is working just beautifully. She said weather was lovely yesterday and she was hanging out in the park near the apt. reading, watching tons of kids play, people walking their dogs and young couples pushing strollers. She was on a natural high. Today she starts work. More soon. Thanks Kim. Barb

This is an update on my 19 year old in the city. The apt. is still working out great. She's joined a neighborhood gym (special summer rate was available for students-yay!) and makes her way there after work as part of the daily routine. The commute from Jersey city is an easy 15 min. door to door time frame. The job is thrilling for her but she admitted after the first day of wearing high heels she dropped that idea and went for comfortable flats. Every time she calls her voice is full of excitement for the city. Here is a bit of her joy:"Yesterday I went to MoMA by myself and made the day of it. I LOVE that art museum. It is up there with the Getty for me. I took tons of pictures so I can show you all the cool stuff I saw. I was in heaven with all the Picasso, Van Gogh, Matisse, Manet, Monet, and Dali. The pop art is pretty cool too.

I walked around Time Square (!) and saw the Empire State building--however, I am saving the journey up for another day." She is commenting as many of you east coasters are that it is stifling hot. She stopped by Target on the way home and bought a fan. Just wanted to let you know NYC and Jersey City is being wonderful to this teen. She is loving every minute so far. Barb Cabot

Barb,
Thanks for this update! I've been following this thread, and am happy to see that everything is working out so well. I love the vibrancy and opportunities in New York City, and can only imagine how exciting it must be for your daughter.

Colleen