<p>Does anyone have suggestions for finding an apartment close to Pratt? We would like to find something as soon as possible but would prefer not to start a lease before August 1. Would also like to know areas we should be looking in that are considered safe and streets/locations to stay away from. Thanks.</p>
<p>Apartment hunting in New York depends on a number of factors–how much you’re willing to spend, how many rooms you’re looking for, how many people you’re living with, how close you’d like to be to entertainment/the school, etc., but here are a few basic pieces of advice:</p>
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<li><p>Your chance of finding a nice/big apartment in a good neighborhood at a low price increases enormously with each person you add to your list of housemates. Search with at least one person other than yourself, if not more.</p></li>
<li><p>Craigslist is probably you’re best bet for finding an apartment quickly, though it takes more effort than, say, hiring a broker. If you’re okay paying upwards of one month’s rent to a broker, though, that might be the way to go. Rapid Realty (rapidnyc.com) is a good balance between the two; I haven’t yet used them, but a friend of mine had great success finding a place through them.</p></li>
<li><p>If you’re having trouble finding an apartment for yourself, you could always consider subletting; furnished and unfurnished rooms are available, and sometimes there’s even an opportunity for you to renew the lease.</p></li>
<li><p>It is extremely convenient to live along a (major) subway line. It allows you to travel at least somewhat safely at all hours into Manhattan and around Brooklyn; if your neighborhood is somewhat lacking in nice hangouts, it’s also convenient to be just a quick train ride away from a more, well, happening area.</p></li>
<li><p>As for neighborhoods, you’ll hear different things from different people. Prospect Heights, Park Slope, Fort Greene, Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and anywhere west or north of these areas are great spots to live, and you will have no trouble finding fun things to do within a few blocks of your apartment. I have heard from various people that Bed-Stuy, Crown Heights, Kensington, and Bushwick are not exactly fantastic places to live, but while I wouldn’t advise walking around alone in these places at night, as long as you have apartment-mates they’re fine. I have friends who have lived in Bushwick, East Williamsburg, and Carroll Gardens, and I currently live in Crown Heights; and, while none are exactly “hip” and some aren’t all too accessible, I’ve heard plenty of good things. If you’re new to New York/Brooklyn, though, it might be a good idea to test the waters somewhere that’s not so taboo. Also somewhere your friends might want to visit.</p></li>
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<p>Hope this helps. I’ve found that apartment-hunting here is really all about getting lucky, so good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks for your input. We have been doing extensive research the past few weeks, made one trip last week and are unfortunately headed back again tomorrow. We have been using craigslist and the “no fee brokers” can play games. We are now planning on June 1 instead of August 1 to make sure we lock something in. This is for my daughter and a friend of hers who are transferring to Pratt. I have never experienced anything like this trying to rent an apartment. We have been focusing on Clinton Hill within 3 blocks of Pratt. We weren’t quite sure what streets are considered “safe” but are learning. Sounds like you know the area. We are considering something around Clifton and Classon if you are familiar with that area and also looking at something right at DeKalb and Classon although I hear that is close to the projects. We were told not to go past Classon towards BedStuy. </p>
<p>This has been an exhausting process. Thanks for the information and hope we have luck getting something secured this time.</p>