I think I saw that episode!

It looks like I will probably sublet initially and then once I have established myself in a good paying job, then I can look for my own apartment.

It is a dream for the future, but if I keep focused, I just may be able to accomplish it. :)

I agre with everything that's been said. lmoneylsauce is right on the money about Hoboken. I've been hearing about how wonderful Hoboken is for 20 yrs. or more and it's not all that. It is a good, convenient, less expensive place to live. I personally would place my bets on Jersey City to "do it" before Hoboken.

Meanwhile, back to ilovetotravel29, you keep saying you'll sublet first and find a job. You will need a JOB before you sublet. Even a sublet landlord is going to want financial info. I think you're focusing on the wrong thing. What is it you do, how much will you earn in NYC and how difficult will it be for you to find employment here? That's what you need to focus on, WORK, NOT the apartment/neighborhood. Where you work may well affect where it will be best for you to live--ie Hoboken works for Wall St. but it wouldn't be fun if you worked at a museum on the upper east side.

Hoboken is about 10 million times better than Jersey City. You're housing options in JC are limited to new luxury buildings on the river (not cheap) with no real "neighborhood", or living in downtown JC which is not safe (muggings, car jackings). JC has a huge transient work population which comes in during the day to work at the back offices of Goldman, and leaves at the end the day to back to the city, explaining the lack of the nightlife or late dining options.

ILT - one option that you might consider is finding a room to rent with roommmates. You'll see these advertisements all over craigslist and websites like roommates.com. Most of the time, you'll deal directly with the existing tenants and take over someones lease without involving the landlord.

mcclaurie----I did not state that I was not focusing on the work aspect. I realize the financial requirements I will need for my trip and I would not move to NYC without have concrete work options/plans.

Hoboken is really not a place I am considering at all. Nope.

Thanks for the info, everybody. I will definitely use it and will let you all know how my plans are turning out.

:)

Rents in Hoboken can be steep. My son would rather live in the City, but since he works in NJ, he needs to keep his commute reasonable.

He lives in a PH apartment with two other roommates, each with their own bedroom and bath. Views of the Empire State Building and views of the City and river. Pretty good living for a 23 year old. Oh, and he's saving to buy that NYC apartment - he'll do it too.

I am focusing on harlem, brooklyn, the bronx, queens, primarily.

I have a bit of time to get more info, I am just keeping the idea fresh in my mind.