I adore New York. Besides Paris, it’s probably my favorite city worldwide. I first visited when I was 15, thanks to my mom, who took me there to see some family. That trip left a lasting impression on me, making New York my first true travel love. Recently, I came across an article in the Daily Mail about the city’s housing situation, which piqued my interest.
The article starts by acknowledging that housing in New York is expensive but announces a plan to build a block of budget-friendly, micro-apartments, each under 400 square feet. This was pitched as good news for city dwellers.
Imagine living in a space less than 400 square feet—that’s tiny! Once your guests leave, you’d fold up your table, and a sofa that seemed to disappear would transform into a bed. Since New York is also a surfing hotspot, there’s even space planned for storing a surfboard.
These new apartment units will be constructed in Brooklyn and assembled with a crane. I’m curious about how they’ll manage hallways, water pipes, and electrical wiring. Interestingly, some of these units will even have four windows.
The article mentions there will be 55 new units on East 27th Street in Manhattan, with 40 percent allocated for low and middle-income New Yorkers. So, yes, you can buy if you’re wealthy, but the units will only be 250-370 square feet in size. The building will also feature rehearsal spaces, lecture halls, a café, laundry rooms, and other amenities that would be challenging to fit inside these tiny apartments.
Mayor Bloomberg announced that New York’s ability to adapt is what made it the world’s greatest city and would keep it strong in the 21st century. However, I wonder if this really meets the needs for sustainable, quality housing.
I’ve lived in small apartments myself, during my college years in Paris. But that was temporary; I wasn’t a fully grown adult with a stable income looking for a place to relax after long work hours. Is it really worth all the sacrifices to live in such confined conditions just to be in the city? It reminds me of how people in Hong Kong rent incredibly small “coffin-sized” quarters.
Some may say, “I’m young, I can handle it.” Sure, get a big loft and two roommates, or rent out a room to tourists via Airbnb. Others claim, “I earn more,” but remember, spending also increases. While New York needs teachers, firefighters, and nurses, these professions pay slightly less in other areas with a much lower cost of living.
Many love the city life, visiting big cities a few times a year to enjoy events and attractions. But when was the last time you, as a city resident, visited a major attraction like the Broadway show, Empire State Building, or Ellis Island? If it’s been a long time, maybe city life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
Some argue their kids need the cultural exposure of the city. However, kids in smaller towns can enjoy nature, learn about wildlife, and participate in outdoor activities, visiting major museums occasionally.
If you can afford city life comfortably, that’s wonderful. My cousin lives in NYC, married to a trader, working at a top art museum. They manage a large apartment, expensive school tuition, and frequent European holidays without strain.
For myself, I always aimed to keep my housing costs around 25% of my income, often even lower. Many of my peers, however, spend half or more of their earnings on rent and commuting. Yes, living in the heart of everything is exciting, but it comes at a high price.
Take Felice Cohen, who lives in a 90-square-foot apartment on the Upper West Side, paying about $700 per month. That choice allows her to live where rents average $3,600 per month. This might work for some, but your primary concern should be your well-being and that of your immediate family. Sacrificing basic comfort and space makes one question the worth of staying in such a place.
In Guatemala, houses are spacious, with ample room for every family member and even staff. When my partner and I visited Europe, he was shocked by the modest size of my friends’ homes despite their good incomes. Many were considering moving to the South of France for more living space once they had kids.
While everyone deserves decent housing on a middle-class salary, we can’t change the size of Manhattan, making housing prices soar with demand. Are you really willing to compromise your well-being to live there?
I like the concept of a small house. Mine is small by Guatemalan standards but offers space to relax, entertain friends, and enjoy a scenic view. Should I feel claustrophobic, I can look out at nature, not a neighbor.
Consider your priorities and the true cost of living in a big city:
– Higher mortgage or rent
– Extra taxes
– Increased food costs
– Higher entertainment prices
– Transport costs
– Commute time
Is it all worth it?
WHAT ABOUT YOU? WOULD YOU LIVE IN THE BIG CITY WITH A SMALL PAYCHECK?