Somehow the quality and quantity of our purchases are decreasing yet the cost of everything is increasing. New York has always been expensive because it’s pretty much the place to be. The glitz and glamour, the skyline, great food, incredible nightlife, shopping, and the list goes on. New York has so much to offer, it’s no wonder why it’s so expensive. A young man named Alex Verhaeg was featured in a video by CNBC Make It where he gave an inside look at his 95-square-foot apartment. Not only is it a very tiny New York apartment but he pays over $1,000 a month in rent.
Convenience.
It’s no secret that one of the most amazing things about New York is the 24-hour businesses. Ordering takeout at any time of the day or night comes in handy. On those long nights of partying nothing sounds better at 2 am, with a stomach full of alcohol, than endless food options. The convenience of 24-hour service is also particularly helpful to those who work multiple jobs.
Long hours are sometimes required in order to pay for their expensive and, also, tiny New York apartment. Alex Verhaeg is a 23-year-old living on his own and working 3 jobs.
Read: Boston’s skinniest home that was built out of spite is now on sale for $1.2 million. Take a look inside.
Working Hard to Pay the Bills.
Manhattan’s East Village neighborhood has the benefit of being within walking distance to countless 24-hour stores and restaurants. Verhaeg works 3 jobs in order to pay for his tiny New York apartment. On the other hand, being centrally located is a huge benefit. Verhaeg works as a licensed barber, content creator, and bike messenger. With all the energy he expels daily, it’s no wonder how such a tiny New York apartment could be worth all the expense.
Not Just Small, But a Tiny New York Apartment
The apartment is a 5th-floor walkup with 10 apartments on each floor. The building has 3 shared bathrooms and 2 showers. It has been described as “dorm-style” living and is big enough for a twin-size bed. Verhaeg has to sleep diagonally to fit but he also has some small furniture that makes him feel a little cozier.
He has a breakfast table, a television wall unit, and a sink with a medicine cabinet. During his interview, Verhaeg stated that he paid $2,000 upfront for the move-in costs. He found the cozy little East Village Apartment on Zillow. At the time Alex Verhaeg moved in rent was $1,000 per month and has since increased by $100.
Read: These Florida Village Tiny Homes Go for Only $1,200 a Month
Amenities?
His tiny New York apartment doesn’t even have an in-unit shower or toilet and the kitchen is just a cooktop. Alex doesn’t seem to mind the high price he pays or the fact that he’s in a tiny New York apartment because he’s in a highly sought-after location. When speaking with CNBC, Alex said, “I wanted to move to Manhattan for the convenience. I don’t like taking the train a lot, so I’m very happy now that I can walk everywhere, as well as I have a terrible sleep schedule, so it’s nice that stores and restaurants are open 24 hours near me.”
Because there are no in-unit washers or dryers, etc., Alex pays very little for utilities and explains that living in his tiny New York apartment has given him a new perspective on living simplistically and about the things that are truly important in life. Verhaeg has been living in the tiny New York apartment for about 2 years now and plans to spend one more year here before moving on to new and exciting endeavors.
Sometimes it’s hard not to take a look at the world and those around us and wonder why we’re all working so hard for so little. Alex’s newfound perspective is a gentle reminder to all of us to be aware of the things that matter most in life, and also, why are we paying so much to live life?!