The buildings we were looking at down by BPC were not populated by recent grads at all. They were new buildings that simply required the 80x so as not to get a building full of the "too young" set having wild parties and 4 roomates! They *did not* allow co-signers either. I find the 80x a little ridiculous at times but... c'est la vie here in NYC.

Okay, so is there any hope for anyone like me who lives on an academic salary in the upper 30's (quite comfortably in Chicago mind you) ever having a shot at the big apple?

Well - I'm not sure what your "academic" position is - but you have to realize salaries in NYC tend to be higher than most other places.

I recently had to hire a new admin asst. Granted I wanted an experienced person- I don;t have time to train a junior - but no one would interview for less the $50. My junior stafffers make $65-$80 and the midrange people (5+ years exprience and capable but not rocket scientists - make $90-$110).

So I doubt your salary in NYC would be in the upper 30's. (In terms of academics - the brother of a friend of mine is the dept head of a high school department and makes about $90.)

If you really want to live here look into the job market seriously first - then decide if you're willing at first to live alone in the outer boroughs or share in Manhattan.

Agree with NY -- your salary here in NY would most likely rise, as would your expenses. Unfortunately (VERY) with the way RE prices are in NYC now, a salary of $90-120K doesn't get you very far.

Thanks to all for your wonderful advice! We were successful in renting a great apt. in Murray Hill without a broker.

Bonnie