542 Saint Marks Ave

Upon moving in, there were a number of issues with my apartment like a broken washer and dryer, weird smell coming from AC, water leaking from the refrigerator, just to name a few. They took over 6 months to repair the washer and dryer, while still charging me the washer dryer fee. Additionally, I had water leak through the walls of the apartment from the unit next door one night and could not get ahold of anyone. Getting things fixed or management to respond was impossible. It's been four months since I've moved out and they have not returned my deposit. Stay away from Plaza Management.

It's OK. I looked at an apartment on the 4th floor recently. The space is really nice and modern; I loved it actually. But the person living next door was blasting music, the walls were shaking and you could hear exactly what the singer was saying through the walls. It was bad. Walls must be thin. And the entire place reeked of weed (the apartment outside in the corridor), so those 2 factors, the smell and the loud music, really turned me off. I'm happy I was there to experience those things so that I didn't actually truly fall in love with this place and move in and have to deal with that stuff all the time.

We'll start with the hood. Nobody wants a nice shiny beautiful gloriously spacious palace (not that this is exactly that place) in the worst neighborhood. Located in Crown Heights right off of Franklin Ave, you really are at the heart of everything you could need. I mean, everywhere in NY is "at the heart of everything you need," so I suppose it depends on what everything you need is. But the neighborhood is still booming, which means it's almost super overpriced. Get in now! It has gotten so much better in just these last few years, and there is so much more to come. And by better I'm not referring to more young hip couples, families, independent coffee shops, high rise condo buildings, and happy hours at beer halls that serve craft beers and fusion snacks (although that is definitely happening, it is Brooklyn). By better I just mean more things to keep you busy, and entertained, and excited about living relatively central to what you would need in NY without completely breaking the bank. ALL walking distance from home. As for the apt (7th floor unit) don't let the sound of 500 sq. ft scare you. Most of the units here are 2 stories, which means the space is laid out wonderfully and you actually feel like you have more room than you do. It also means that if you are fighting with your significant other you can actually go to a completely different floor to get away! Try doing that in a studio in the east village... Very modern design aesthetic allows a blank slate that you can warm up with your own personal touches. Everything runs on electric, which can get REALLY pricy if you're not careful with heating and AC usage. But rooms are like 10x10, only takes minutes to cool off or heat up. Plus having just one utility bill is nice. The concrete floors get pretty cold in the winter. Answer: rugs. Floor to Ceiling windows on BOTH ends of the room let in tons of natural light, and warmth from the sun. Oh yeah: Balconies! No description needed there. Building is super safe, NEVER any issues. Tenants are mostly couples. Very quiet building, with the exception of the shuttle train passing all day and night right outside. It's not bad at all, just important you know. Sometimes you may go days without seeing neighbors. The Management company is a little flaky, unhelpful, and hard to get in touch with, but it is MORE than made up for by the amazing live in Super who will make you feel at home and help you in any way possible. It's been a satisfying 3 years.