Living in Brooklyn

If you are new to the area, some of the terms used by agents and in listings can be confusing. Here's a primer on typical living arrangements and lifestyles here in Williamsburg.

Apartment Living

Apartment living is the most frequently found form of dwelling in the big city. From ugly high rises towers to shabby vinyl or aluminum clad three family brownstones, apartments are crammed into buildings of all sizes and shapes - all offering the key component - convenience. Typically tiny and poorly maintained, inner city apartments are generally boiling hot in summer and freezing in the winter. Unless you're lucky enough to find yourself in one of the new poly clad and spray-creted remodeled buildings that are popping up all over the Burg. The polystyrene adds "insulation on the outside" which is very effective, if not always popular with prissy designer types. It's also extremely flammable.

The 2 or 3 bedroom apartment

Very few of the genuine article exists, or, as you'd probably say back home, they're rare as hens' teeth. Most Two or Three bedroom apartments began life as one bedrooms. Then in their apartment adolescence powerful urges came over them and they couldn't help themselves... just kidding. a little real estate humor for you.

Most of these units are created by throwing up a few dodgy new walls in order to "create space". If you come across a decent one, then get in there no matter what it takes (we are not suggesting bribes but we're not saying such things don't happen either) and never leave.

Railroad apartments

Railroad apartments (locals refer to them fondly as black cabooses) are a fantastic way to go. We, or some enterprising fellow before us, will take a standard two bedroom apartments (one whole floor of 3 or 4 family building) and turn them into 2 apartments. Everybody benefits from this simple conversion - it's twice as much rent money for us but hey- it creates more a dynamic, energy-packed environment. Which is what you're here for right?

Studio apartments

Kids, adults if you prefer, this is what you're looking for. If not what you're looking for then, well it's what you'll end up with just the same so learn to love it. It's easy!

We love 'em because we get 4 times the rent that we made originally, but this isn't about us- it's about you! And you, my hip young friend will find much to love: live, work and sleep in one room! Yes, just one room to clean! Just one room to furnish!

The benefits go beyond the practical. How many have sung it's praises in verse and rhyme? Yes, there is something quintessential, poetic, Dylan-esque about living in a shabby one room apartment in New York City.

Lofts

Living in a loft was a fringe fashion when it first emerged in New York during the 1940s, as artists and designers moved into unused industrial buildings so that they could work in their places of residence inexpensively. What began as a radical alternative to conventional accommodations has changed the face of urban housing city-wide. Features include high ceilings, wide-open space, ceiling to floor windows and one key component—enormous flexibility. Realistically, renting a loft will be the only time you have the opportunity to design your own space, without owning it. You have the ability to customize the space the way you like—whether you desire an open, airy feel or prefer separation. In most cases, you have the freedom to add bedrooms, an office or the popular choice, a studio; the possibilities are endless.

Basements and cellars

Basement and cellar living has a rich history, dating back to 16th century London, where it was commonly believed to be the ideal breeding ground for the class of folk that prospered and multiplied so successfully many had to be shipped off to Australia.

Today they are more popular than ever. If you've already got a "Goth is Good" bumbersticker on the car you soon will no longer be able to afford to keep we hardly need to say way. And although they can be dark, cramped and sometimes accessible only through another tenants space there is much to be recommended. They're often cheap (more drinking money) generally damp (reduces dandruff) cold all year round (a big plus in the summer).

Van and cars

Vans and cars: Living in your car is not as bad as you might think.