cilla's Profile

I lived in a low-income community in NYC for 9 years before it took it's toll. The apartment was very cute (even a semi-finalist in AT's first smallest, coolest contest) and suited our needs. The rent was dirt cheap. Our super was decent. We even had a porter who cleaned regularly. I didn't mind living there at all, even when people gave me looks when I told them where I lived.

The tipping points were 1) the neighbors (domestic fights/abuse, pot smoking right next to my entry door), and the slow-to-rapid decline of the neighborhood. Drug activity picked up with no NYPD in sight. Streets became filthy, lots of people hanging out.

We were so traumatized by our living conditions that we moved out of state. We didn't want to pay almost double our rent to live in a so-so neighborhood or make a lateral move into another crappy apt.

I say talk to the neighbors (especially ones that have lived there a long time). Check out the place at night and make a wise decision.

Good luck!

We're currently using a towel to cover up one of my bedroom windows to block the view from my neighbors who are about 5 feet away. I refuse to use heavy drapes because I need sunlight to help wake me in the morning. My other bedroom window faces our fire escape which scares the heck out of me at night. The film is a perfect and aesthetically pleasing solution for us!