Hi all. I love NYC and will be moving there soon.

I’m very familiar with neighborhoods but torn between Brooklyn/Queens with a stable rent (studio up to 1800), or take advantage of cheap Manhattan rents that might go up next year, when I renew.

I’m worried about getting a great deal in the East Village, as an example, for around 1900, only to have it increase to an unaffordable 2,500 (or higher) when the lease renews. I look at StreetEasy past living history and it seems rent will eventually go up but some units show big discrepancies. My max would probably be 2,100. Is this even possible post COVID in Manhattan (besides far upper Manhattan). My work will be near Foley Square.

Is it common for people to live in Manhattan first and then relocate in the outer boroughs the second year? I’ll be making 74k the first year I am there, then guaranteed 90k after. I plan to stay in NYC for a long time.

Edit: should clarify that I would love to live in Manhattan but would be happy in other areas too.