The three best deals on a two-bedroom right now—all under $2,500
Pounce on a rental in Bushwick, Bedford-Stuyvesant, or on the Lower East Side
It’s not just speculation: New York City rents are indeed starting to take a dip. More apartments are staying on the market, and more landlords are offering incentives—no fees or a month of free rent are the big ones—to get their spaces filled. We know you’re wondering if you could get more for your money, and that’s why we’ve sniffed out the best deals on two-bedroom rentals right now.
The two-bedroom is a coveted upgrade, especially when months of quarantine have likely made us all desperate for more space, and more doors to break up that space. And with a range of two-bedroomers fleeing the city (families, student roommates) for the short or long term, now is likely a good time to pounce.
We found three no-fee, true two-bedroom units asking $2,500 or less—already on the low end of two-bedroom rents in the city—that are great bargains for their neighborhoods. Each apartment is in a desirable location with perks of its own, whether it’s rent-stabilized or because it has a balcony or in-building laundry. Our finds—hailing from Lower East Side, Bushwick, and Bed-Stuy—all come with video and/or virtual tours, which we’ve used to vet each pick.
Neighborhood: Bedford-Stuyvesant
Rent: $2,056
Why it’s a great deal: This Bed-Stuy two-bedroom is a prime example of the rental concessions—perks paid for by the landlord—rampant in the market right now. The gross rent is actually $2,350/month, but the landlord is offering one month free on a 12-month lease. The unit, located at 561 Gates Avenue, is in a great spot: It’s three minutes walking to Herbert Von King Park, five to Nashville-style chicken at Peaches Hot House or a rum punch at Lovers Rock, and 15 to restaurants Saraghina and LunÀtico. On top of the apartment’s updated kitchen appliances and cabinets, exposed beams and brick, high ceilings, and central air, the building also comes with a common laundry room, bike storage, and a roof terrace with views of the Manhattan skyline. See a video tour here and a 3D tour here.
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
Rent: $2,500
Why it’s a great deal: It’s pretty hard to find a rent-stabilized spot in NYC, but we did: This Lower East Side apartment at 65 Ludlow Street is truly in the middle of everything. Beyond restaurants galore, the apartment is just blocks from a few different public spaces, including Seward Park and the stretch of green along Allen Street known as Allen Malls—all of which are also easily reached by the dedicated bike lanes along Allen, Delancey, and Houston. The F, M, and J trains at Delancey Street are a block-and-a-half away. One of the two bedrooms is objectively small, sure, but will fit a Queen bed. And anyway the French doors, painted and exposed brick, closets, and windows more than make up for the slight crunch. Here’s a virtual tour.
Neighborhood: Bushwick
Rent: $2,349
Why it’s a great deal: This Bushwick two-bedroom has three of the most important amenities right now: private “outdoor” space (a balcony), laundry in the building, and central air. That’s not to mention the gleaming hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, and an updated bathroom. Flanking the living room, the two bedrooms are similarly sized, measuring at least 9.5 by 13 feet, and have large windows facing a leafy backyard. Located at 263 Evergreen Avenue, just a six-minute walk to the M train at Central Avenue, this third-story spot is also a 15-minute walk from Maria Hernandez Park (the apartment allows pets) and a 10-minute stroll to neighborhood favorites like Alphaville and Le Garage. Check out a video tour here.
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