Bed Stuy, the final frontier (at least for now)…The mission for those relocating from parts unknown…Explore a strange Brooklyn neighborhood…To seek out new life and civilization where it was thought not to exist…To boldly go where people from outside the borough had never gone before… cue the Star Trek theme music.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Seems this neighborhood has gotten popular in the last 10 years. But I knew it would eventually happen. Especially when while driving down Lewis Avenue to visit my mother in the projects on Gates Avenue, I happened upon a site I’d only seen in nearby Clinton Hill at that time:
A young white woman strolling down the avenue at 11am on a Saturday morning with her leashed dog, large coffee and New York Times tucked under her arm.
Who could blame her. A revival of the brownstone townhouse lifestyle put Bedford Stuyvesant on the map, and suddenly it’s an option for people moving to Brooklyn who were seeking that charming turn of the century architecture.
But tree lined brownstone blocks are not the only reason for migrating here.
How They’re Livin’ in Bed Stuy
We’ve seen new consumer offerings spring up in sections of the neighborhood that only previously enjoyed the corner bodega and Chinese restaurants as the ONLY shopping/dining choices available.
Just ten years ago, cafes like BushBaby, Common Grounds and Tiny Cup weren’t even a thought. Yet, they appear to anchor commercial drags on Fulton, Tompkins and Nostrand Avenues for new businesses. From art galleries to antique furniture stores to Brownstone Books, a variety in merchant offerings continue to raise the standard of living and quality of life.
And with casual dining experiences at Peaches and Sarah James, property owners have more to offer potential tenants than just a walk up apartment…
They have a neighborhood lifestyle that will compliment their efforts to lease that brownstone townhouse apartment.
But not all parts of Bed Stuy are equal
While the neighborhood is lined with historic row housing, not every commercial drag has been developed with new business offerings.
This explains why we’ve seen the masses migrate around concentrated areas of the neighborhood. No longer are subway stations the only draw for prospective tenants interested in leasing an apartment here.
And since the location that offers the most is what hard-working apartment shoppers are seeking, landlords with vacant apartments are going to compete harder among each other for the best tenants.
What can apartment shoppers look forward to?
The largest inventory of residential housing available to lease is found in turn of the century brownstone townhouses. The remaining inventory is concentrated in public housing and rent stabilized apartment buildings with 6 to 20 units.
Strangely enough, the public housing in the neighborhood is concentrated in the farthest points of it’s boundaries, with a stretch down Gates Avenue from Broadway to Nostrand, and around Greene Avenue and Lexington Avenue in and around Nostrand, being the exception.
Here’s the break down of what you can get on average:
- Anywhere from 4 to 6 rooms
- Offer 625 sq. ft. to 925 sq. ft. living space on average
- Can occupy up to 4 people
- Native accommodations are on an entire floor
- Will have Southern and Northern exposures into the apartments
- Will have a minimum 6 windows for fresh air and sunlight
The traditional floor plan layout will have the bathroom either in the center or the back of the apartment.
The kitchen will often be found at the back of the apartment. However, if the apartment’s been remodeled at any point in time, the kitchen will often be relocated to where the bathroom is.
If there’s one disadvantage that becomes apparent to everyone who has ever lived in these apartments, it’s the daily experience of going up and down stairs during the time of your occupancy. The best way to view this inconvenience is that you’re guaranteed to get your exercise 
.
Below is what a typical floor plan looks like for a brownstone townhouse apartment in Bedford Stuyvesant.
The WORST way to shop for an apartment
Hands down, it has to be Craigslist.
There are more scams being run on people looking for an apartment there than on any other website. When it was first introduced to the NYC public, it was a great tool that allowed customers to reach people with real offers. Today, it’s a cesspool for spammers, hackers and overseas con men.
I’ve written about 3 big problems I’m aware of from people who were victims of rental scams.
You could easily avoid the traps found on Craigslist by scouring apartment listings on other real estate web portals, but given the amount of duplication (and triplication, if that’s a word) that’s found in apartment ads, your better off applying a different method to identify the right apartment in the location you want to live.
The BEST way to find your new apartment
How about letting the search engine do the searching for you. Google, Yahoo, Bing and Ask have all done the hard work of reviewing and indexing the content published on the Internet, and that includes real estate apartment listings.
From the largest to smallest web site, every web page is cataloged by search engines that are prepared to serve up all the apartment listings you want that fit your criteria.
Since space won’t allow for a detailed explanation here on how to do this, there is one sure fire way to get Google to find your new townhouse apartment in Bedford Stuyvesant.
(And the good news is that it won’t take you any longer than it does to read an email.)
Ok, broker man, where are the right locations?
Now here’s where I’ll fess up if you work with me.
If you comment here…
- describing what your looking for,
- your rent range, and
- what amenities your interested in having in your new apartment…
I’ll reply back with great info you can’t get anywhere else.
And since you’re readers of the best damn blog in Brooklyn, I’ll even show you how to get the apartment for less than what it’s advertised for.
So if your ready…start commeting!
About the Author: Michael Corley is a real estate broker who blogs about Living in Brownstone Brooklyn Real Estate. You can follow him on twitter @MyBklynReport
Brownstone stairs are no joke!
Does anyone else agree that walking through the neighborhood and checking out “For rent” signs in windows are another good way to find an apartment, in addition to getting a feel for the area?
I agree, there are home owners that will simply place a sign on the window. I live adjacent to Saratoga park on Halsey st. with my wife and two children. My wife is from Eugene, OR ” parts unknown” and loves the area. There are many new conversions taking shape in this area, great place to invest in a condominium unit. The J train is very good and only two blocks from us. Saraghina is also a great restaurant with delicious coffee.
I think it’s somewhat inappropriate for a broker to be soliciting work through a blog post – but this is not my blog and perhaps you shouldn’t be held to jouranlistic standards of ethics. Just a thought.
Not mentioning Saraghina (the resturant and the cafe) is a big oversight. The stretch of Lewis starting with Brownstone Books going all the way to Saraghina is one of the best commercial stretches in Bedford-Stuyvesant. I just hope Craig Samuels opens something good in the place next door to Tin City.
@ Melissa Danielle
I see you’ve had experience with those long flights up, LOL.
I think walking through the neighborhood and checking out the For Rent signs is a great idea also.
My article was written for the person relocating to the neighborhood who didn’t have the time to walk the ENTIRE area.
But you have to be careful about For Rent signs. Their the first rental scams known by brokers in the business.
Too often apartments are illegally sublet by squatters and evicted tenants.
The other risk you run is being leased an apartment by a homeowner whose in Foreclosure and the property is close to going up for auction.
@ Walter
I can only reiterate what I mentioned to Melissa in my comments and will add the following.
Most people looking for an apartment in Bed Stuy are not familiar with the area. Even if your biking through and picking out blocks, failing to know the location can easily make the apartment less attractive.
I encourage anyone to shop using the explorer approach if they want to.
But you’re forewarned with the above caveats offered in my reply to Melissa.
(not every For Rent sign is a legitimate offer by a party with the authority to lease)
What kind of ID would you ask for to make sure the person you’re leasing from is the owner of the premises?
@ MaconStreetMan
I thought you’d be first to comment since I was expecting your remarks.
Here’s the case framed for you;
1. What’s not factual in the blog post?
Did you read it with bias from the experiences you’ve had with unprofessional brokers?
2. What’s the solicitation for business in the post?
Again, the article is written for the new entrants relocating to the neighborhood.
Their inquiries were going to be answered in the comments section of this post.
I’m sorry you’ve had such bad experiences with individuals who’ve held real estate licenses.
But when I read comments like this, I’m often reminded of what my Mother use to say, ” You get what you give “.
And it seems you may have been getting what you’ve been offering, while being completely unaware of it.
Bed Stuy Blog is a fine resource to all those interested in all things Bedford Stuyvesant. Just the fact that you’
re reading here speaks to the value of this imprint in the cloud.
Stick around MaconStreetMan….you might just get something of incredible value to you….that I’ll actually author
.
@ Mr. Corley
Those are some good points you make Sir. Thank you for your advice, I’ll keep those tips in mind when asked about rentals. If you are inclined to do so, come around our area by Saratoga park if you have not done so yet, nice area.
@ Walter
Thanks for the invitation, especially the heads up on the new coffee house I wasn’t aware of (The Changeling knows my addiction)
I love the Saratoga Park area, having played there as a kid while growing up on Madison Street.
I’m grateful for the invitation.
(and please, the gray hair I’m sportin’ should encourage formality…we’re all friends here…just don’t call me some of the things my wife does, ;-D.
Michael: I am confused by your response to me. I didn’t say anything you posted was factually incorrect. I never said I’ve had bad experiences with licensed real estate agents. In fact, I haven’t. I will say that I have always rented out my apartments without the use of a broker and have nothing but good experiences. You do seem to be reading a lot into what I wrote. No need to be hostile. I’m certainly not.
been living in brooklyn for over 5 years now, and haven’t had a problem using craigslist for sublets or apartment shares. There’s lots of decent people using it to find roommates, and the scams are OBVIOUS especially after you’ve seen one or two. It does seem harder to find a new or vacant place without a broker’s help, however.
@ MaconStreetMan
You and I are going to be just fine because there wasn’t any hostility offered.
I only called you out on your comment.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy reading others comments, but let’s be honest…if you go back and read your comment and then read the others, even you would be hard pressed to think you were adding anything substantive to the conversation (though I’ll leave it to others interpretation)
By questioning journalistic integrity evidenced that you didn’t read the post. To suggest the article came with a solicitation confirmed it.
I hope you continue reading my posts here and hopefully gain some value from it as others who’ve commented here have.
The truth is, the article is meant to promote the neighborhood and you couldn’t see that.
You only saw what your experiences allowed you to see.
And if you doubt my interpretation of your comment, just ask anyone else what their takeaway would be.
You are very presumptuous of what I think and what I “saw.” “You only saw what your experiences allowed you to see.” As far as I know, you have any idea what I “saw” or what I have “experienced.” You should stick to what I actually wrote. I am not going to play that game and will try to remain above the fray. I am not going to continue responding to this particular post, but if you feel you need to have the last word, go ahead. Don’t get so worked up and defensive. Relax and have a nice day.
All the best to you MaconStreetMan,
No insult intended. I’ll see you back here soon.
(but we all know where you were going in you comment)
@ Matt
I agree. Craigslist serves many neighborhoods well. In fact, neighborhoods that have a high homeownership rate have a low incident rate of the kinds of scams perpetrated on an apartment shopper leasing their first place.
Bedford Stuyvesant, along with Crown Heights, Canarsie and East New York, are neighborhoods where most rental scams appear on Craigslist.
Since a lot of first timers strike out without much of a process, they’re the targets of these scams.
Especially the most current one where evicted tenants and foreclosed homeowners apartments in properties heading to a foreclosure auction.
Why would I pay a third-party broker money to find me an apartment in Bed-Stuy? Talk about a scam…
So, Michael, what is the big secret to searching for a place? You don’t say. As a home owner in Bed Stuy, I am curious. Thanks!
@ mopar
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read this post.
The secret is using Google Alerts to set up a search criteria that the search engine will return results back to you as frequently as you like by email.
I provided a link in the post to the article I wrote that offers step by step instructions on how to set it up for an apartment search.
I think it’s the way to go considering how many web portals are showcasing apartment listings these days.
No one web site will ever have every apartment listing so by using this method, it will make sure you capture everything that’s out there.
Michael,
1st, great post. It seems that most of the newcomers tend to be popping up around the Nostrand A/C and the Bedford/Nostrand G stops. What area of Bed Stuy do you consider still under the radar as far as good housing stock, subway access and low rents?
And here’s a request:
What do garden level apartments with private yards access go for around Bed Stuy? Any advice on finding them?
@greyongray
$350s for 1300 sq. ft. duplex in beautiful limestone building. Completely redone with a deck and lower level patio. Saratoga park area is experiencing a dramatic change and these places are popping up everywhere around here. They sell quickly. People are realizing the fast commute the J train offers and also the proximity to the A and C train if one requires it. Lewis Ave is only a ten minute walk, or three minute drive.
@ GreyonGray
Thanks for taking the time out and reading this post.
The migration around Nostrand A/C train stop is still a large part of the migration to the neighborhood.
However, the G train stops at Bedford & Nostrand and on Myrtle Ave are feeding the Northern end of the neighborhood with new entrants relocating due to its close proximity to the dining, dive bars and nightlife in Williamsburg and cheap towbhouse rents in and around Vernon, Hart and Pulaski.
Unfortunately there aren’t as many garden level apts in that part of the neighborhood.
The majority of garden level apts with backyard access to lease are in Stuyvesant Heights along the A/C train stops between Utica ave and Nostrand Ave.
The range I’ve seen them offered in the last 3 months is between $1,350 to as high as $2,000 if its offered as a duplex.
The best advice to offer about leasing a garden level apt is base your decision to rent on the condition of the backyard and the degree of allowed use (I.e. BBQ, Doggy yard, etc)
Also @GreyonGray
I would suggest using the method I described to P Mopar here in the comments.
The link near the end of the article will take you to an article I wrote on how to get google to do the search for you (it’s pretty lengthy and space here would have made this appear as a doctoral thesis
).
I would also suggest using Google maps upon scheduling an appt to view an apartment and utilize their street view…it will provide as close to a current view of what that block and corner contain where the apt is located).
Hi Michael,
really enjoyed the tone of the article. I found it very informative. the description of the brownstones is spot on.
Sometimes Craigslist is bad, sometimes it’s amazing. I found an amazing place on Craigslist and it’s going on 6 years – same goes for many friends. If looking for a place, I wouldn’t count it out…
@ Snezan
Thanks for taking the time out and reading. I’m glad you enjoyed it and hopefully it’s been helpful.
Stay tuned for our monthly sales report here at BedStuyBlog.com.
@ Pamela
I don’t believe anyone should count out any sources for apartment leads. In fact the method I briefly described to Mopar and GrayonGrey in the comments here is explained in greater detail if you follow the link in the article.
I just wanted to help folks cut past the clutter and reduce as much of the BS found in many of the posts.
As a broker, I don’t use Craigslist to advertise apartment listings in certain neighborhoods because of the number of rental scams perpetrated on the public looking for apartments in certain neighborhoods.
@GreyonGray
I think Walter has something interesting you should check out in the Saratoga Park area of the neighborhood.
I like that part of the neighborhood a lot. Lots of uniformity in block appearance among the brownstone row houses. Strong residential feel with signs of great communities on each block in the vicinity.
The other location I forgot to mention was around the Chauncey St stop of the J train line.
I like that area because there’s lots of affordable townhouse apartments there for dwellers seeking their new place.
Though I’ll be the first to admit I don’t think there are many ground floor garden access rentals available in the area.
I would connect with Mopar in the forum here or at Brownstoner to see is guidance can be offered on anything coming up in the area that fits what your looking for.
Another great reason to read Bed-Stuy Blog….the community here is so awesome that I’ll bet GreyonGray will have at least 3 offers made to her just from those participating here.
@ Ben,
I don’t think you have to pay a broker anything to find an apartment in Bed Stuy.
Doesn’t mean you’ll be offered every available apartment that meets your criteria.
If the only view you have of a broker as someone running a scam then you obviously have no one to blame than the homeowners who hire them to deal with the public on their behalf.
There are some homeowners with apartments to lease who don’t rely on the “Good Vibrations” approach to renting their apartments to the public.
There are some who prefer that the tenant be evaluated by an objective source to verify their employment, income, rental history with character and criminal background checks.
I think you should start a forum here at Bed-Stuy Blog on the point you raised to see how many of the homeowners who are avid readers here who would agree with your sentiments.
Having been in landlord tenant court enough in my career on behalf of the average homeowner who lives in the home where the defaulting tenant resides, I’m firmly aware that FiCO scores and Income don’t guarantee a quality tenant alone.
There lots of suit and tie defendants in Landlord Tenant court facing eviction by landlords who have turned their backs on the “Good Vibrations” approach.
Hi Michael,
I’m looking for a 1 bedroom or studio in Bed-Stuy for Oct 15 or November 1. I’m a newly registered nurse working at NY Downtown Hosp and living near the A,C,E or the J train is perfect for me. I’ve lived in Crown Heights and want to make the move to Bed Stuy. Any help/info would be appreciated! Thank you!!
- Roisin
Thank you SO MUCH for this.
I am a recent graduate & Bed Stuy resident but I am looking to ‘spread my wings’ (so to speak) and move into a place of my own.
I want to stay in the area, a brownstone apartment preferred & my budget is $900 (slightly more if I find something I love). I am looking to move mid/end of November (am I jumping the gun? lol)
Hopefully you can help me out, thanks.
@ Ryane
Thanks for taking the time to give this post your attention. I’m glad it was helpful.
If you’re on twitter, I’d be happy to tweets some great places that seem to fit what you’re looking for.
I spotted these listings on Hot Pads over the weekend and hopefully they’ll work for you.
@ Roisin
Grateful that you’ve stopped by and gave my post a read.
I’ll extend the same invitation to you that I did Ryane. If you’re on twitter, I’ll tweet you a few apartment listings I saw this weekend on Hot Pads that may work out for you.
Hi, I am looking for a room rental in bed stuy for the upcoming year, but I don’t know how to find landlords who are renting. I have been using craigslist, but I need better options… any suggestions?
This guest post was neat. I’m trying to do something similar for Newburgh
Hello,
I am looking for a apartment share..the max that i can afford is $750 including utilities for a room in a brownstone…how do I find landlords who are willing to rent ? I have done the google alert for web updates.. do i have other options?
Newburgh? Good luck with that. That city is in serious need of rebranding/revitalization.
@ Melissa,
Sounds like you’re familiar with Newburgh. Let’s hope the best for their community to engage and invigorate their efforts.
How did you feel about the changes (re-branding) of Bed Stuy when it began?
@ Buritta7
Thanks for reading and using the Google Alerts. It will yield good leads in a short time.
However, if you wanted to jump head first into another web site then I would suggest you check out…
http://brooklyn.metroroommates.com/
Rooms for Rent in Brooklyn are a specialty as there are few neighborhoods which have housing that can be leased that way.
If I were you, I’d walk up and down Greene Ave, Lexington Ave, Van Buren, Quincy St, Pulaski St, Halsey St, Hancock St and Madison St.
You’ll often find Single Room Occupancy buildings along these residential blocks where property owners have a ROOM FOR RENT sign in the window.
However, rates for these units are pretty high and I would wait until I could afford to lease a Studio if you could.
Owners leasing rooms are asking close to $175 to $250 a week depending on the amenities they offer.
Hi Cher @ NewburghRestoration
I’m sure you’re going to create awesome content that will cause the residents in Newburgh to value their surroundings and community.
I applaud your efforts and look forward to reading about the great things happening there.
If I could offer any advice, I would take my cues on how to establish that community pride from what The Changeling & Alexa and the other great writers past and present have done here at Bed-Stuy blog.
I credit this blog for creating the energy found in this neighborhood from reporting on what their neighborhoods are doing, saying, feeling and offering.
The very best to you.
@Michael Corley
yes I am
@RyyeBread
thank you!
So I’ve been looking for a 2bdrm/1650 or below for the last several weeks with no luck. I’m looking for a place along the A/C line.
Can anyone suggest a way, besides craigslist and googlealerts, for finding an aprtment? Maybe a person that you know who is looking for tenants or a management company?
You can comment on this and we can exchange emails to get the ball rolling. Thanks!
@ Ryane
I’ll be tweeting those apartment leads to you @RyyeBread.
Looking forward to connecting with you on Twitter!
@ Michael
same here!
Hey broker man, I’m a 23 y.o. journalism student currently living in Bed-Stuy. But that’s not going to last forever, at least not in the pad I’ve been very lucky to live in for the rent I pay. Good to hear Craigslist is a bad idea, cuz you never know what you’re going to get. I have an option of getting roommates to join me so I can stay here, though. Any ideas?