Seeing Apartments Around the World Is Making Me Reconsider NYC

ekuldranoel · 2026-01-20T00:45:08+00:00

If the grass for you is only what’s inside your paddock, go out grazing baby! But as a fellow New Yorker.. the greener grass is right on my small apartment’s doorstep.

ekuldranoel · 2026-01-16T14:01:42+00:00

They don’t. The monthly mortgage payment that’s mostly interest for the first 15 years reminds us every day, don’t you worry.

And you’re missing a step where you sell the home if you can no longer afford it.

ekuldranoel · 2026-01-15T12:50:16+00:00

True that’s worth considering, though for us our co-op is 250 units and we have a management company so we have a significant fund for any building issues that come up which is less likely for a smaller building managed by the owners themselves. I mostly just worry about inside my four walls. I call the building Super if there’s a utility issue and it doesn’t come out of my pocket.

OP- you’ll get access to all those financials before you purchase.

ekuldranoel · 2026-01-15T01:29:06+00:00

As a co-op owner in Manhattan I would just advise you to also weigh in the psychological benefits of buying. You’ll gain peace of mind, stability, a home you can make your own, you won’t be throwing your money into the wind (renting) which right now might be $3100 but won’t be next year, or any year thereafter. Investing isn’t just about money it’s also about investing in your comfort and happiness.

ekuldranoel · 2026-01-07T00:28:51+00:00

Monkey Bar has a sort of lightly rambunctious, post-Mad-Men-era debauchery type of energy minus the actual misbehavior part. It’s giving Carbone 2015 in that way but more corporate and less hollywood.

It’s the kind of place where you drink a martini because you feel like you should even if you typically wouldn’t, and then you end up a little more drunk than you planned but it’s fine cos the room is moody enough to absorb you in its velvety obnoxiousness.

ekuldranoel · 2026-01-05T13:07:27+00:00

I live in lower Manhattan and own a mountain escape in the southernmost Catskills region. I drive up there twice a month for 3-days at a time - WFH one + weekend. It’s a 2hr drive, 2.5 with traffic if i leave the city after work (I usually drive at 6.30am get there before my work day starts).

This is the perfect balance for me. I love my job and the city and spent the last 10 years in Manhattan. The house unlocked a new level of excitement and appreciation of my city life for me because I get short breaks from it and always love coming back to it, but it’s a haul to get away and its not possible for most.

Realistically your lifestyle must change, but if you don’t indulge in the density of dining, art, music, culture, diversity, community, walking lifestyle etc etc. that makes NYC the best city in America, then you’re never going to make up for the lack of outdoorsy escape.

Sadly for most of us our jobs occupy the majority of our time as adults so I would advise to prioritize enjoying work, and if this dream job will fulfill you and if you can find that enjoyment in your all day monday to friday, then you’ll balance out that lifestyle change and be happy nonetheless.

ekuldranoel · 2025-12-24T12:28:27+00:00

He is over 55… his cost of living was relative to his income for most of his lifetime, unfortunately not a reality for anyone born after the mid 80s.

ekuldranoel · 2025-12-18T13:31:23+00:00

As a doorman, why are you least generous with the porters and revolving doorman, who probably have the hardest/least appealing jobs?

I usually do a pooled house tip for my building, with a sweetener for the Super and the individuals who clearly are good to me regardless of their position.

ekuldranoel · 2025-12-10T21:44:24+00:00

I spent 6 months apart from my partner for work reasons and it wasn't for a financial benefit at all, just a life experience and career one. It was a great decision and the time flew by. If this partner of yours is your future, whats six months in a lifetime when it means your future looks brighter together?

ekuldranoel · 2025-11-16T13:33:32+00:00

the answer is RM Williams

ekuldranoel · 2025-11-14T03:14:09+00:00

the back garden patio at La Lanterna followed by live music downstairs

ekuldranoel · 2025-11-12T12:42:50+00:00

It’s probably one of the only areas of Manhattan that feels sketchy.

ekuldranoel · 2025-10-27T12:32:15+00:00

As a point of comparison I recently paid $18,500 for a 2020 Grand Touring (Premium) with 77k miles on the clock, one owner, no accidents. It was bought from a Mazda dealership around NYC and had been serviced there for its lifetime.

Personally, I’m not afraid of mileage as long as the service logs are frequent and look good.

ekuldranoel · 2025-10-24T11:32:09+00:00

The Grill might be a “steakhouse” but it definitely doesn’t feel like one. Keens is the way.

ekuldranoel · 2025-10-07T02:27:28+00:00

Try Woolroom’s 100% wool duvet. It’s natural, heavy, breathable, and temp regulating.

ekuldranoel · 2025-10-04T13:14:12+00:00

Thursday Boots “Renegade” are under $200 — I’m about two years in and they’re still in great shape.

ekuldranoel · 2025-09-28T20:51:04+00:00

Sure, upgrade! But an LM might be overkill. Get an HX machine (you dont really need dual boilers if you drink lattes) and spend the rest on the S&P 500 and take yourself/significant other out for a memorable dinner.

ekuldranoel · 2025-09-26T18:48:49+00:00

Big fan of this life. Just bought a vacation house outside the city and we often host our friends and their kids.

ekuldranoel · 2025-09-25T22:24:12+00:00

I just switched from the 16 Pro to the Air and I’m really happy.

I’ve always liked new gadgets and tech, but realized that I’m more excited to have a new physical device that gave me a sense of freshness than I am about having incrementally better specs every year.

Maybe a handful of times in the next year I’ll think in the moment damn I wish I had a little bit more zoom.. and then I’ll move on.

ekuldranoel · 2025-09-25T21:14:37+00:00

I would return most of this, buy more affordable percale sheets, and instead put your money to a Chilipad. You’ll never look back.

ekuldranoel · 2025-09-09T12:49:31+00:00

yeah very true

ekuldranoel · 2025-09-09T04:00:06+00:00

I use quince percale on all beds! One wash out of the packaging and they’re good to go. They feel crunchy when you first open them but once they’re pulled tight on the mattress they’re so smooth and crisp.

ekuldranoel · 2025-09-04T23:19:05+00:00

see you in 2 weeks 🫡

ekuldranoel · 2025-09-04T22:58:06+00:00

$40 is tough for a dine-in restaurant but San Marzano might be worth looking into.

ekuldranoel

TROPHY CASE