What You Need to Know About 1-Bedroom Apartments
When hunting for affordable apartments in New York City, you probably already have one type of apartment in mind: the 1-bedroom apartment. Since they are the most common type of apartment (followed by studio apartments, you can find them practically everywhere in the city. What’s more, 1-bedroom apartments will fit almost any budget, whether you’re operating on a shoestring budget or you’re in the market for something luxurious.
While 1-bedroom apartments seem to be self-explanatory, there are some things that you need to know about these units before signing the lease.
Let’s check them out!
What is a 1-Bedroom Apartment?
A 1-bedroom apartment is a unit that has a separate bedroom attached to one large room. The bedroom is clearly demarcated by permanent walls, and it fits all the requirements set by NYC Housing regulations. It also has a separate bathroom.
In most 1-bedroom apartments, the large room is used as the space for both the living room and the dining room. When possible, there is also a separate kitchen area that is separated by walls. However, in smaller apartments, the kitchen might also be included in the large room floorplan.
In terms of square footage, 1 bedroom apartments are often the same size as large studio apartments or alcove studios. They can also be similar to junior-1 units. This is partly the reason why some people can become confused between these different apartments.
Difference between 1-Bedroom Apartments, Studio, and Jr-1
Considering that 1 bedroom apartments have almost similar floor plans to studio and junior 1 units, it’s not difficult to see why renters can have a hard time differentiating among these types. However, 1-bedroom apartments are different from both studio and alcove units because there is a clear demarcation that separates the sleeping area from the rest of the apartment.
In the case of junior-1 apartments, it can be a little trickier since many junior-1 units can also come with walls that separate the sleeping area. However, the sleeping area does not meet the NYC housing standards, thus, it cannot legally be called a 1-bedroom apartment.
When in doubt, it is best to clear these issues with the property manager or owner. Since 1-bedroom apartments usually have higher rent compared to studio or junior-1, you should be sure that you are indeed renting a 1-bedroom apartment.
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Benefits of 1-bedroom Apartments
Here are some of the things that you will enjoy when renting a 1-bedroom apartment:
Private Sleeping Space
The biggest benefit to renting a 1-bedroom apartment is that you will have a dedicated space for sleeping and resting. Since it comes with a door and windows, you will feel more relaxed and comfortable, compared to units with smaller bedrooms. If you have guests coming over, you won’t need to worry about people entering your bedroom and intruding on your personal area.
If you have guests over, you can simply lock your room so that guests don’t accidentally wander in.
Suitable for Single or Couples
1-bedroom apartments are great for singles that love having a spacious apartment, but the large square footage means that it is also suitable for couples. Even if there are two people living in the apartment, there is still enough space to move around without the apartment feeling cramped.
Organized Living Situation
Studies show that having a dedicated sleeping space is better for your mental health! You can separate your personal life and professional life more easily. When you enter your bedroom, you can change your mindset and be more focused on recharging, resulting in feeling more energized when you go back to work.
Having a separate walled-off kitchen can also be a huge benefit if you love cooking, but hate having your furniture smell like food.
What to Consider Before Renting a 1-Bedroom Apartment
Here’s what you should think about before you make the leap into the 1-bedroom life:
More Expensive
While 1-bedroom units make for great starter apartments, they are also more expensive compared to similar units. The average rent of a 1-bedroom rental in New York is around $2,650, while a studio can go for $2000 or less, depending on the location.
Not Suitable for Families
Since there is only a single true bedroom, families with children might not be comfortable in a 1-bedroom apartment. While it can work if the children are still young and are able to share a bedroom with their parents, the living situation might not be ideal once the children need their own bedroom.
Might Not Be a “True” 1-Bedroom Apartment
As mentioned above, there is some confusion over whether an apartment is a true 1-bedroom, or if it is closer to a studio or a junior 1. If you’re looking for a legitimate 1 bedroom unit, it can be frustrating to find out that the apartment is something else. You might need to personally visit the apartment to determine whether the unit is a real 1-bedroom apartment or not.
High Demand
The popularity of 1-bedroom apartments means that it can be difficult to find a unit, especially if you have specific needs in terms of price, location, and amenities. You might think that it would be easy to find a suitable apartment since there are so many, but you should consider that there are tons of other people who are probably looking for a similar apartment as yours. What’s more, many apartments that are reasonably priced and have great amenities can quickly get snapped up from the market if they are listed.
This is why you should move fast and be decisive when it comes to renting 1-bedroom units. A listing can quickly disappear right before your eyes!
Is a 1-Bedroom Apartment Right for Me?
1-bedroom apartments are arguably the most popular type of apartment because they fit the needs of the widest clientele base. They can come in a wide range of rental prices, sizes, and locations, and they can comfortably house multiple inhabitants.
That being said, there are still some situations where a 1-bedroom apartment might not be the ideal fit. For families, a 2-bedroom apartment might be a better choice. For people with roommates or those who want an even larger space, a duplex or a loft is more suitable.
