Strange. Then I’m not sure how to explain what happened to me. Yes I could be wrong then
Airheaded, you definitely won’t find a 1-bedroom or studio in Financial District – or anywhere close to it for that matter – for $2,000. You’ll have to consider the trade-offs between living close to work, getting a roommate, and not being concerned about your monthly rent. You basically get to pick two out of the three.
My advice is that if you don’t care that much, try browsing Craigslist or send an e-mail out to your alumni list to see if anyone in the area wants to share a room. If you have a roommate in mind you can also search in Tribeca. I live in Tribeca and it’s expensive, but if you have a roommate the prices there – and anywhere in NYC – will be a lot more reasonable. It also has more of the “neighborhood feel” that you are looking for.
Regarding your inquiry about Herald Square, rents definitely aren’t cheaper after the unfortunate shootings in August. People that lived there were sort of scared, but it really hasn’t affected the rental market at all. You’re looking at $2,900+ for studios and $3,400 for one-bedrooms. I know because my ex-girlfriend lived in one of the high-rises there and we searched for some studios and apartments in the vicinity to try to save money, but unfortunately they’re all in that range.
Best of luck with your search and keep us posted…