It was nearly a year ago that I packed up my Volkswagen wagon and headed up to New York City to start a semi-new life. Leaving Philadelphia (even though I still had a home and spent most weekends there anyway) was a huge deal to me—as was settling in and landing my first NYC apartment. After subletting for a month, I finally got a place of my own, and let me tell you: shopping for an apartment in New York City, particularly as a single person not interested in roommates, is not for the faint of heart. Early-20-somethings who move here to follow their dreams (and have no parental assistance in doing so) are some of the bravest people alive.

Now that both the world at large and my personal life are going in a different direction, the apartment is back on the market after just 10 months. I’m going to miss it but I’m excited for what the future is going to hold for me. Now that my days here are numbered, I figured I’d give you a long-overdue tour.

My move to New York was probably one of the most excitement periods of time in my life thus far. I decided that I wanted to come here after a party that I hosted at Summerly, the rooftop bar on top of The Hoxton in Williamsburg last June. The first job I interviewed for was the one I got, and it’s a job I really, really love. In addition to that, I met someone I came to love dearly. Unfortunately it didn’t work out between us, but I’ll think of those early-in-love days so fondly anyway. Because I eventually wanted to try my luck with this guy, I knew that I would likely be at this apartment for a year at the most. I didn’t see us breaking up, I saw us eventually moving in together and figured a year and some months after we started seeing each other would be a good time to do that. What I did not plan was a breakup followed by a pandemic. But we learn.

How Did You Find Your Apartment?

I lucked out, I found my apartment listed on Leasebreak. I looked at (and was denied) for a few others that I didn’t LOVE. Because my original plans fell through, I ended up subletting for my first month in New York. I met my roommate on Craigslist, and, once again, lucked out because that could have been bad. I knew Bedford-Stuyvesant pretty well because it’s where my boyfriend at the time had been living before, it’s where my sublet was, and it was close enough to my friends in other parts of Brooklyn while still being affordable enough that I could live on my own without a roommate. Part of why shopping for an apartment in New York was so stressful pre-COVID (and why it’s stressful to try to sublet one these days) was that they go SO fast, so you might need to wait until the middle of the month before you start a lease to find a spot. Then, you have to move fast and have several thousands of dollars at your disposal for first, last, security deposit, and broker fees. (If applicable.) For context, I saw the listing for the first time on September 12th, looked at the apartment on the 13th, applied for it that day, signed the lease on the 17th, and moved in on the 28th. It’s QUICK.

What I Love About This Apartment

The light here is incredible. I also really love the decorative mantel and woodworking. When I walked in, I knew immediately that I’d need to put a desk near the window, just like Carrie Bradshaw. To me, this apartment does feel like 2020’s Brooklyn answer to her impossible rent-controlled Brownstone. (This apartment is also in a Brownstone—coincidence?) Living in a studio apartment definitely challenged me when it came to buying and keeping new things. I had to be very selective about what I kept here so it forced me to downsize my wardrobe and everything else, keeping only what I absolutely loved. I’m also very different than a lot of those who live in New York in that I love cooking, so a great kitchen was a non-negotiable for me. You’d be shocked (and possibly saddened) by some NYC kitchens. Some, especially in studio apartments, consist of a mini fridge, a sink, a sliver of counter space, and a hot plate. For some, takeout is a way of life so it’s not a big deal. For me though, I wanted a good kitchen, which I got. Bonus for it being kind of separate from the rest of the apartment and pretty spacious. HUGE win.

What I Don’t Love About This Apartment

Being on the ground floor and just off a busy road, it’s a bit noisy. Custom-made blackout curtains were the best decision I made, they help with the sound and with regulating the temperature as well. Obviously it’s a bit small, but that’s just New York City life. I’ve had a few friends over comfortably, but would definitely not have been able to host any sort of get-together. I’m not a fan of the kitchen design either, but the fact that it’s a nice kitchen with plenty of counter and storage space was good enough for me.

My Favorite Details

Like I said, I love the decorative mantel. The way the apartment is laid out, there weren’t many options for how to arrange my furniture. Putting my bed against this wall and using the mantel as a sort of headboard ended up being my favorite thing about this spot, I’m going to miss this corner more than anything else. I also love the large window ledge, especially in move mild weather, perching up there with a few pillows, a book, and a bowl is the perfect way to chill. I’m also proud of how it all came together, I love the pink accents and natural fabrics. I used the woven piece above the peacock chair as my inspiration to make sure that everything in the apartment was somewhat cohesive. If something could match that, it could stay. Living in such a small space where you can see every part all at once means everything has to be cohesive. (The hanging piece also covers the electricity panel.)

Because space is an issue, I had to carefully consider how pieces of furniture can be multi-functional. My TV stand actually serves as my dresser, and my bed frame leaves space for a rolling shoe storage under it. If you’re living in a studio, make sure to measure twice! I lucked out finding a sofa that perfectly fit in the only space that would make sense for it. Figure out what you NEED, and work from there. Once I had a desk, a bed, a sofa, a small table and chairs, and TV stand/dresser, I could add some other accents: a small tray table that I use as a coffee table, a peacock chair as an accent piece (that’s also functional), an ottoman, and floor mirror.

It’s bittersweet, but I’m thankful to be able to share my home with you. Fingers crossed it’ll go quickly—I can’t wait to share what my next move is going to be with all of you.

xo, e.m.