Escape From New York -- Go to Denver
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Welcome to another installment of Escape From New York, in which I find new cities, and homes, for New Yorkers priced out of the real estate market.
Today we meet Jamie and Paul, a writer and therapist, respectively, with two cats (and no kids … yet) ready to leave their 550-square-foot one-bedroom in Sunnyside, Queens.
Why?
Despite its close proximity to the subway and New York City and having a great super and management company, the apartment is too small ("the dishwasher doesn't even open fully," says Jamie) and too dark. Also, "the nearest park is completely paved over."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}And, as Jamie says, "there's just no future in New York City, no possibility of ever being a homeowner unless you're a millionaire."
Their must-haves: They want to live where they can own a car, have easy access to nature and cultural, culinary, and ethnic diversity they've loved about New York. Let's try to give them that, plus walkability, bike-friendliness, and some sort of public transit. The location must have winter. (They're in luck -- most people want the opposite.) And the cost of living needs to be reasonable.
Their deal breakers: Humidity -- they've had enough. Rude people (bye, New York). And anything resembling a suburban townhouse.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Their goal: A freestanding single-family home with a backyard (it doesn't have to be giant), garage, dining room, and basement. They'd like a guest bedroom and an office. They're also hoping for "close enough to a city to be convenient, but far enough that our (currently nonexistent) kids can play in the street." And sunlight.
Their budget: $300,000 to $400,000 -- a little less if they're farther out of the city.
Jamie and Paul, a little birdie tells us you've been pondering humidity-free, nature-filled Denver, so let's send you there! There's good food, 300 days of sunshine, and bike lanes.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The press has lately been filled with stories of how pricy Denver is, but I found plenty of adorable options under $400,000. Here goes:
Address: 4828 W Hayward Pl
Price: $399,900
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}This one should do it. Garage? Check. Outdoor space? Check. (Plus deck with views!) The 1,592-square-foot ranch has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, leaded stained-glass windows, and a walkout basement. In case you're wondering who lived here before: "Previous owner was very 'artsy.'"
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Address: 4488 Pecos St
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Price: $319,900
It's sort of shotgun-does-modern. It has "all new stainless steel appliances, cabinets, flooring, windows, carpet, doors," as well as "hand scraped solid hard wood flooring." A modest 1,222 square feet (way bigger than your current pad, though), with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. It, too, has a garage.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Address: 2469 Lowell Blvd
Price: $388,000
Wait, don't say it: I know you nixed attached homes off the list, but this one's worth a look (and it's attached on only one side!). It feels like a house and has three bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, lots of sunshine, and a yard. Also, yes, a garage. The fireplace, alas, is decorative. Be aware: It's being sold "as is."
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Address: 3427 N York St
Price: $379,900
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Here's some real potential. A remodeled bungalow, with a fireplace, renovated kitchen, a finished basement, and a two-car garage. Also, it comes with a $2,000 carpet allowance.