Please go to admin panel > Menus > select Global menu and add items to it.

Yearly Archives

2017

Blog 3 > Blog > 2017
24 May 2017

7 NYC Cheap Eats Every Millennial Needs to Know About

7 NYC Cheap Eats Every Millennial Needs to Know About

Savvy millennials flock to New York City for its limitless attractions and opportunities, but the cost of living in the Big Apple isn’t for the faint of heart. And with the micro-kitchens that are typical of New York apartments, eating out is far more attractive than dining in. Fortunately, there are plenty of places around town to get a great meal at a reasonable price.

Mamoun’s Falafel in Greenwich Village

Where else but NYC could you find world-class falafel at 5 a.m. on a Sunday morning? Mamoun’s Falafel gets rave reviews among hungry, young locals looking for a quick bite. Here, you can grab a vegetarian pita bread sandwich for just $3.50. A plate features double the amount, served on top of a tasty salad with pita bread on the side — all for just $6.00! Mamoun’s also serves omnivore options, tempting sides and scrumptious pastries that are sure to satisfy your craving for Middle Eastern cuisine. You’ll find Mamoun’s in Greenwich Village at 119 MacDougal Street.

Whitmans in the East Village

Few meals satisfy quite like a tasty burger, and Whitmans has some of the best in town. Its most coveted menu item is the Juicy Lucy — a beef short rib blend that’s stuffed to the gills with pimento cheese and topped off by caramelized onions and spicy pickles. Whitmans also offers a blue cheese version of the Juicy Lucy — the Bluicy. For diners who are feeling particularly virtuous, Whitmans’ kale salad offers a satisfying crunch. The menu also offers sautéed kale and crack kale, which is as addictive as it sounds. Excluding the salads, the cheapest item on the menu at Whitmans is the BLT. For just $7, you’ll get Applewood smoked bacon and special sauce on Blue Ribbon Pullman bread. You can find the East Village location of Whitmans at 406 E 9th Street.

Potjanee in the West Village

You’ll find this delightful Thai eatery at 48 Carmine Street. Millennials love this eatery for its atmosphere, quick service and great food at even better prices. Potjanee is the place to go for pick-up, dine-in or delivery Thai food. Some of their menu items are on the pricier side, like the Salmon Roma and Kang Sapparod Duck, but there are definitely plenty of affordable dishes, too. Choose from six different spicy curries, four fried rice dishes (including pineapple fried rice) and more noodle dishes than you can shake a stick at.

Naruto Ramen in the Upper East Side

If you’re looking for a quick bite on a short lunch break, head for Naruto Ramen in the Upper East Side. It’s at 1596 3rd Avenue. You won’t find college students’ ramen noodles here — it’s all authentic Japanese comfort food. Pull up a seat at the bar (there are no tables) and treat yourself to rich, full-flavored broth, perfectly cooked noodles and crunchy edamame.

Broadway Bagel in the Upper West Side

Broadway Bagel is the go-to spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Upper West Side. It’s at 2658 Broadway, and it’s famous for — you guessed it — bagels. But these aren’t just any bagels. They’re hand-rolled, satisfyingly crunchy and pair perfectly with eggs on the side. Broadway Bagel also serves omelet platters, burgers, wraps and salads at reasonable prices.

Los Tacos No. 1 in Chelsea

If you’re new to Chelsea, the Chelsea Market should be at the top of your must-see list. At 75th 9th Avenue, Chelsea Market houses some pretty unique eateries, including Los Tacos No. 1. It’s a food truck-style eatery (no seating) with very affordable tacos, tostadas and quesadillas.

Previti Pizza in Murray Hill

No rundown of NYC eateries would be complete without a pizza spot. Previti Pizza at 123 East 41st Street is a counter service pizzeria that proudly features focaccia and thin crust slices. The artichoke and spinach pizza is a house specialty, and the sandwiches on homemade bread are just as affordable as a couple of slices.

Regardless of which NYC rental you choose, you’re sure to find exceptional cuisine at affordable prices. Check out NoFee Rentals to start your stress-free search for New York apartments.

13 May 2017

Stocking Your First Kitchen

Stocking Your First Kitchen

Moving to New York means having your choice of NYC rental apartments to check out. Whether you’re looking at studio apartments in New York or planning to share a three-bedroom with friends, you’ll have plenty of options to consider. But one thing that all NY apartments have in common is a kitchen! In order to make your new apartment as homey as possible, you’ll want to stock your kitchen with all of the basic essentials so you can enjoy home-cooked meals whenever you like.

Everyone has different needs for their kitchens — some people are amateur chefs and love to cook at home all the time, while others only make the occasional sandwich or bowl of cereal. Regardless of your cooking habits, it’s a good idea to outfit your kitchen with the basic essentials so that you have the option of cooking whenever you want to. Here are some tips for stocking your first kitchen in your new apartment.

Basic Dishes

No matter how much of a gourmet cook you are, you can’t eat without the proper tableware. Here is a basic list of dishes and flatware that can help get your new kitchen into great shape.

  • 4-6 water glasses
  • 4-6 coffee mugs
  • 4-6 plates
  • 4-6 bowls
  • 4-6 sets of silverware
  • 4 wine glasses
  • A set of mixing bowls
  • Serving platters
  • Serving bowls

As long as you have a set like this, you’ll be able to cook for yourself or invite a few friends over to help you warm up your new apartment.

Necessary Kitchen Gadgets

Some of these are things you might not use that often but you’ll be glad you have them when you need them.

  • Can opener
  • Corkscrew
  • Kitchen shears
  • Pot holders
  • Serving spoons
  • Spatula
  • Knives: butcher, paring and serrated
  • Cutting boards
  • Grater
  • Tongs
  • Peeler
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Groceries and Shelf Staples

Everybody has different tastes, so you’ll have to make sure you have the ingredients you like best. But these are some of the ones that people tend to use most often.

  • Dry pasta
  • Rice/quinoa
  • Olive oil
  • Vinegar
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper
  • Spices: basil, bouillon, cayenne, chili powder, cinnamon, garlic, ginger, nutmeg, onion powder, oregano, paprika, parsley, rosemary, sage and thyme
  • Broth
  • Canned tomatoes
  • Tomato sauce
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Ketchup
  • Mayo
  • Mustard
  • Soy sauce
  • Butter
  • Milk

Over time, you can start adding in more staples, like fresh veggies, produce, peanut butter, canned and frozen fruits and veggies, and more. But this list will help ensure that you have all the basics to cook a decent meal.

Cookware

You’ll need pots and pans in order to do all your cooking and baking.

  • Skillets
  • Saucepans
  • Baking dishes
  • Cookie sheets
  • Colander
  • Cooling racks

Small Appliances

Small appliances can be considered a luxury until you’re ready to buy them. But here are a few you might consider starting out with.

  • Toaster
  • Blender
  • Coffee pot or French press
  • Coffee grinder
  • Microwave

Food Storage Items

It’s great to have items on hand to help you put away leftovers and preserve fresh ingredients.

  • Plastic baggies and freezer bags
  • Plastic wrap
  • Tin foil
  • Waxed paper
  • Food storage containers of all sizes

Getting your kitchen set up as soon as you move in can make your new NY apartment start to feel like home right away! Don’t have the home yet? Check out our available apartments now.

2 May 2017

5 Key Organizational Tips for Tiny New York Apartments


Living in New York City certainly has its perks — but generally, space isn’t one of them. In fact, recent studies have shown that the average home size in New York is only 866 square feet. One of the biggest challenges of living in a space that small is finding a place to keep all of your things — especially in a way that is functional, and looks good, too. If you live in a tiny New York apartment, check out the list of organizational tips below. These ideas for stashing your stuff will ensure that you can reach it all easily, and that your space feels livable and looks great.

Use Every Surface

Sure, you probably have a closet or two in your space, but that’s not the only place you can use for storage. Take advantage of every possible surface in your apartment — including the backs of cabinet doors, open wall space and, of course, under the bed. Add hooks to the backs of doors and hang items like towels, brooms and mops on them. Use empty wall space to install shelves. When space is at a premium, you can’t afford to let any of it go to waste.

Simplify, Simplify

Having a lot of things can feel nice — but when you don’t have a space for them all, it can make your life feel cluttered. Go through all your belongings once a year, and get rid of anything that you haven’t used in the last year. Decluttering is a great way to ensure that you stay organized. Once you find items you’re not using, consider donating them to charity — it helps people out, and feels good, too.

Hang Pots and Pans

Find a wall in your kitchen, and use it to hang your pots and pans. This frees up cabinet space, which you can use to stash other items (even if they’re not kitchen specific). You can find a pot rack from a home goods store that is intended to be used for hanging kitchenware, or simply buy a pegboard and hanging hardware from a hardware store, then use them for organizing your cookware.

Raise Your Bed

Under the bed is an excellent spot to stash stuff that you don’t use that often, like holiday decorations and out-of-season clothing. To create more space under your bed, put it on risers. Risers lift a bed up a few inches, meaning you can stack more things there, out of sight. To take advantage of the space under your bed, consider buying storage boxes specifically designed for that space. They will easily slide and stack under your bed.

Buy Multipurpose Furniture

When buying furniture for your apartment, consider pieces that are multi-use. For example, an ottoman can have storage inside of it, where you can keep linens and blankets. Or a coffee table with a liftable surface to offer space to stash remotes, magazines and more inside. Buying multipurpose furniture gives you more space for organization, and cuts down on the need to buy even more furniture for storage (like chests and shelves).
Living in New York can be a challenge when it comes to finding a space that can fit all of your stuff. Luckily, what you sacrifice in apartment size in the city, you make up for in exciting opportunities. Ready to find the perfect apartment? Start HERE.
15 Mar 2017

Leaving Home For the First Time

Leaving home for the first time is no easy feat. People deal with everything from homesickness and financial stress to uncertainty about how to deal with new situations. It is an exciting time but can also cause all of these common feelings. That’s why you want to put some time and thought into how you can make this change as smooth as possible. Check out these tips to help you transition into your new life while maintaining a happy and healthy relationship with your parents.

Secure a place to live

One of the biggest keys to making leaving easier on yourself is to find a place that you like living in. NY apartments are great because there is such variety – whether you are looking for apartments in Chelsea, Greenwich Village or somewhere else entirely. You’ll have a great selection and you can find a happy, cozy home you will love coming back to every day. Plus, your parents will rest easy knowing you are in comfortable digs in the city. Added bonus is if you can find a great no-fee rental and save both you and your parents a lot of cash!

Finances

Before leaving, establish a financial budget with your parents. Are you going to work and pay your own rent and living expenses? Are your parents paying rent but expecting you to cover bills and stuff like food and clothing? Having a clear understanding of what your financial obligations are can help you plan appropriately and make sure you won’t be stressed about cash.

Boundaries with parents

It’s sad to say goodbye to your family, but nobody wants Mom and Dad showing up at the door every other day. Make sure you set up boundaries with your parents so that they understand how often you would like to get together. It’s also good to agree upon advance notice of when they want to come over. This goes both ways, too – they might not want you showing up at the house every few days! It doesn’t mean they don’t love you, it’s just a sign of growing up and showing mutual respect for each other.

When to call home

Inevitably, you’ll have to deal with some bumps in the road. These problems will range from big to small, and it’s good to get into the habit of taking care of the trivial ones yourself. No need to call in help for a broken light bulb or a dead bug in the shower. However, if the issue is a big one that you’re not sure how to handle, it’s okay to call your parents for help or advice. Since they might be guarantors or co-signers on your lease, they will have your best interest and that of the property in mind.

Leaving home for the first time is a big adventure. As long as you put a little time and thought into how the move and your new life will look and feel, you should be in for a comfortable transition. And don’t forget to enjoy it! You’ll look back on these years fondly for the rest of your life. Now, get out there and find the perfect apartment! Your search begins HERE.

8 Mar 2017

Dealing with Obnoxious Neighbors

Pretty much all apartments in New York City for rent have one thing in common: you have lots of neighbors. In a city of over 8 million people, it’s no surprise that apartments are built to house a lot of people and that means you might be in pretty close proximity to others in your building. This has its ups and downs. It’s a great way to meet new people and make friends – and you’ll always have people to ask for help, pet-sit, water your plants or check your mail if you’re away! But what if you have to deal with the dreaded obnoxious neighbors? Here are some tips to help you navigate nasty neighbors in NYC rental apartments.

Noisy Neighbors

Sometimes people have problems with their neighbors being super noisy. This can be a nuisance for plenty of reasons. It’s annoying to hear other people’s voices all the time, but it can be especially terrible if they are loud or play music when you’re trying to get a good night’s sleep. Try to talk to them face to face at first. They might not realize they are being so loud and politely asking them to keep it down could do the trick. If that doesn’t work, file a complaint with your landlord – he or she can warn them to keep the noise levels down, at least at night. It can also help to use a fan or white noise machine to drown out some of the volume.

Sensitive Neighbors

Maybe you have the opposite problem and your neighbors complain that you are the one making too much noise. If you are, try to be considerate during hours when they might be sleeping or need their house to be quiet. If they’re just being overly sensitive, you can still try to find ways of muffling the noise in your apartment. Listening to music and television at lower volumes might be all they need. You can also get area rugs for your floors to absorb some of the noise you’re making. Check out this guide to reducing the volume coming out of your apartment.

Nosy Neighbors

Is your neighbor constantly knocking on your door or stopping you on your way in or out of the apartment to chat and ask questions? Do they snoop through your mail or invite themselves over when they’re not wanted? Some people just don’t get the hint that your home is your private getaway and you might not always want visitors around. If they’re crossing boundaries, you have a right to ask them to give you a little more space and not to come knocking on the door whenever they feel like it. They might get their feelings hurt at first but anyone should understand your wishes and respect your personal space. Check out these three tips for dealing with nosy neighbors.

Forgetful Neighbors

Another problem can be neighbors who borrow something from you and then don’t return it. This is a little awkward because you might need the item back but don’t know how to ask for it. Try to come up with a reason why you have to use the item – you are hanging a painting and need your hammer back, for example. Or just be direct and polite and remind them that you loaned them something a little while back and you were wondering if they were done using it. There’s a chance they just forgot and will return it right away!

Obnoxious neighbors certainly aren’t ideal, but don’t let them ruin your experience in your New York apartment rental! It could be adding up to great material for a sitcom, after all.

And, while we can’t help you find the perfect neighbors, we can help you find the perfect apartment. Browse our website or contact us today.

Powered by Scripted.com

1 Mar 2017

On Your Own or All Alone? Adjusting to Your New Apartment

Congratulations! Finding an apartment in New York City isn’t easy, but at last you have a place to call home. Here’s a few quick tips to help you make a smooth transition to apartment life.

1. Face Time

Living alone for the first time is an exciting milestone in anyone’s life. It’s a chance to become more self-reliant, make your own rules, and explore your personal style. It’s also a little scary; you might be spending more time alone than you ever have before.

Create a routine that includes getting out and about regularly. Frequent local shops and cafes, introduce yourself to the neighbors, and join local community events. Invite your friends over — a lot. Make the most of this experience to develop your social skills, face to face to face.

2. Roommates

Sharing your apartment can be just as much fun as it looks on those classic television shows, if you find the right roommate. But don’t rush into this new relationship. Compatibility is important, and so is dependability; an error in judgment or a misunderstanding about commitment could mean more expenses for you.

Find out up front what might be deal breakers for each of you, and don’t let small annoyances simmer. Choose your “compromise zones” — usually shared spaces, such as the kitchen, bathroom and living room — and reach a mutual understanding about decorating and maintaining them.

3. Keeping House

You don’t need to break the bank to turn your apartment into home, sweet home. Throw pillows or an area rug are inexpensive ways to personalize the space, while lamps and accent lights in key places help create a warm atmosphere. If you’re sharing the apartment, go shopping together to find items you can agree on, especially for those compromise zones.

Keeping the apartment and appliances clean saves problems in the long run, and it’s essential for healthy living, both physically and mentally. Don’t let the chores build up — find a system that works for you, turn on some music and get down to it.

4. Storage

A New York City apartment probably means adjusting to a living in a more compact scale than you might be accustomed to. At first it seems like you have much more stuff than space, but assessing storage possibilities will soon be second nature to you. Take advantage of the move to cull dead weight, and aim for charming instead of cramped when you decorate.

Use design techniques that make the space seem larger, such as limiting the color palette and placing mirrors strategically to reflect light. Clutter-free surfaces help create the illusion of space, too. Some furniture items can double as storage or be hidden away when not in use. Maximize vertical storage solutions to keep floor space clear — hooks and shelving are practical and can also be visually striking features.

5. That Safety Habit

No matter how safe the neighborhood is, it’s wise to cultivate a habit of safety. If it locks, lock it; always lock your door and windows — and yes, that goes for apartments above the first floor, too. You should know all the potential routes around the apartment and where the emergency exits are from any point inside the building.

You don’t have to be nosy, but be aware of the general habits of your neighbors so that you’ll recognize when any activity is out of the ordinary. If you have a roommate, you should discuss a safety plan with him or her, including locking the door, not giving away keys and being careful about who enters your home.

Whether you’re a lone wolf in search of the perfect studio or pairing up with a pal in flexible one bedroom or larger apartment, we have exactly what you’re looking for in NYC’s hottest neighborhoods. Take a look HERE or give us a call and let a leasing specialist help.

Categories

Archives