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Living in Long Island City, Working in Jersey City, for that New York City Dream

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Welcome to It Happened One Weekend, our weekly roundup of The New York Times real estate section...

The Hunt: Every "The Hunt" column begins with the Hunters describing the apartment they want, and ends with them rationalizing whatever they came away with. This is The Hunt: Dreams vs. Reality

The Hunters: A couple living in DC making the move to NYC.

Price

Dream: $4,000 a month

Reality: $5,095 a month

Neighborhood

Dream: Somewhere with an easy commute to Jersey City

Reality: Long Island City

Amenities

Dream: Two-bedroom

Reality: Two-bedroom

Summary

Kenlyn and Collin, west coast natives, were living and working in Washington, DC. They’d been to New York City, but never thought they could move there, but Kenlyn got wind of a job opening in Jersey City. She couldn’t say no. Collin found out he could work from home and they started looking for a new home in the city. It had to have outdoor space and two-bedrooms (room for office space and his kids from a previous marriage to visit). They budgeted $4,000 a month, but realized they had to up that to $5,000. They also realized the Financial District was unfeasible. In fact, for what they wanted, Manhattan wouldn’t cut it. The agent they were working with suggested Long Island City, which they hadn’t heard of. They were sold instantly. They’re 12 floors up with plenty of space and an east-facing terrace. It’s a bit windy, lacks enough storage space, and Kenlyn has to take the E and PATH to work, but they’re happy – and she’s reading and listening to podcasts. [The Hunt/Renting an Experience in Long Island City]