You're going to read a lot of ads for tons of NO FEE apartments along East Village's alphabetized Avenues. Parts of Alphabet City can get dicey and barren, I get it. You'll also see lots of no-frill new constructions here, mirroring the generic "luxury in a box" trend of Brooklyn but only 30% smaller and 50% more expensive. Parts of the East Village can also be up to 20 minutes away from a subway station.
How do landlords twist your arm into making that long, sometimes lonely walk, often to face even more walking since you're the 6th floor of a walkup? They pay the fee, saving you a bundle for living the hiking/pepper spray life. So color me surprised when I visited these NO FEE units and met the personification of the best "amenity" yet: Juan.
Before getting to Juan, let's address both elephants in the room: this unit is on 2nd Avenue, less than 5 minutes away from your 10-minute ride to the cheap drinks of Brooklyn on the L train (or shopping at Union Square). Also, this pet-friendly building has two elevators, so taking the laundry to the 2nd floor or Spot for his walk won't be a chore. It's also charmingly vintage-pre-war 10' (ish?) ceilings, arched entrances... Those light wood floors most will call oak, but I didn't bother with a DNA test. Really handsome and charming stuff. All of this adds up to a convenient and well-priced package. The shock came when I met the doorman (24 hours?! I think there's a Juan II), Juan.
Juan was patient while I fumbled for my ID and offered me a napkin when he noticed my blazer caused quite the sweat. Juan even told me about other vacancies that weren't in our database-thanks, Juan! Lastly, this is what really impressed me: "What are the apartments like? I don't know. I've worked here for years and never stepped into one." Not even curious, Juan? That's integrity-Juan's a guy who will bring you that package without peeking in or commenting snarkily about your revolving door of guests. Juan isn't just a professional, Juan is chill. FYI, the best bribe for Juan is either a Snickers bar or Butterfinger, but if you bring him a Butterfinger, add a bottle of water because it messes with his teeth.
Location ammenities: google maps the Urban Outfitters on 2nd Ave. I'm kinda too old to pretend I karaoke on St. Marks, but all the fun shit's walking distance - do your own research.
Crap, I've already been scolded for being wordy. Oh, the closets are lit! No, they're not just awesome-the reach up to the heavens at I believe 10 feet and have individually controlled lighting! There's also a bunch of them.
Samuel, a quintessential Queens native, is joyfully juggles filmmaking, writing, and dancing his ass off (Thursdays, HOY- see you there), all while harboring an innate and genuine passion for helping fellow artist "immigrants" find their footing in the chaotic wonderland that is NYC. Inspired by his Indian immigrant parents, who somehow managed to build a legacy from scratch in this concrete jungle, Samuel's dedication to real estate and social justice reform is nothing short of obsessive. He love/hates the process - shopping is fun, sealing the deal takes some grit in this buyer beware market. When he's not behind the camera, he's playing the role of devoted dad and plays an active role in his family's life, living just a stone's throw from his dear mum. His commitment to inclusivity is as unwavering as his love for a good coffee chat, always ready to turn your real estate journey into a lifelong partnership and, yes, friendship.
