How Big Are NYC Apartments?
You may wonder how big apartments are in New York City? After all, as the most populous city in the U.S, space in New York is very limited. But not to worry. The city that never sleeps offers limitless opportunities for everyone. You just may have to make some sacrifices in terms of size. Thank goodness you won’t have to sacrifice as much space as some residents in Hong Kong’s coffin like apartments. HA!
Let’s look at the different sized apartments in turn: studios, one bedrooms, two bedrooms, and three bedrooms.
NOTE: To search for NYC apartments go to frele.com (free service). Or, click for more rental tips
How Big are Studios in NYC? (350-550 Sqft)
Studio units are generally one-room spaces that best suit single occupants or couples (yes, even couples). They tend to range between 350 and 550 square feet. Studio apartments measuring 550 square feet and more are usually “alcove” studios. Alcove studios usually have a separate nook for the sleeping area or bedroom, compared to a traditional studio. Studios smaller than 350 square feet studios are considered small.
Note that Tudor City in the East 40s is known to have some very small but cozy studios.
How Big are One Bedrooms in NYC (550-800 Sqft)?
One bedroom in NYC range between 550 and 800 square feet on average. A one bedroom features a separate space for the bedroom area with a door. Singles and couples usually occupy one bedrooms, including couples with a small child.
Note that one bedrooms that are less than 500-600 square feet are regarded as small, while one beds measuring more than 800 square feet are considered very large. If these larger units have a separate dining room then they are usually referred to as “Junior 4’s”. The “4” stands for the 4th room. Junior 4’s often can be converted into a second bedroom. Junior 4’s can be the cheapest way to get a two bedroom apartment in NYC (albeit usually with only one bath!).
How big are Two Bedrooms in NYC (900-1400 Sqft)
Two bedrooms in NYC usually measure between 900 and 1400 square feet. A two bedroom has two separate bedrooms with a door separating them from the main living space.
Two bedrooms are usually occupied by couples, families, or even “shared” between friends or roommates, where each friend would get his or her own room. Two beds measuring more than 1,100 to 1,200 square footage are decent-sized two bedrooms. Units measuring 1,400 square feet or more are considered very large. Two bedrooms measuring 900 square feet are considered on the smaller side.
How Big are Three Bedrooms in NYC (1200-1800 Sqft)
Three bedrooms can vary greatly in size, but on average they measure between 1200 and 1800 square feet. A three bedroom has three separate bedrooms. Usually the living space is larger than it is in a one or two bedroom. Three bedrooms with 1,200 square feet or less are regarded as small while three bedrooms with 1,800 square feet and over are considered large.
In crowded cities people are able to do more with less space. New York City is no exception. This is why you may find in NYC some of the smallest apartments for a particular type of apartment you have ever seen. But you would be surprised how people can make any space work, especially here, in the greatest city in the world.
For more NYC rental tips, please go to frele.com/learn.
This article was written by:
Phil Horigan, NYC Real Estate Veteran
Founder, Frēlē, the free and honest NYC rental marketplace
Producer, Phil’s NYC Rental Tips [YouTube Channel]
Blogger: flowfreely.com
Instagram: @philiphorigan
Phil has been a licensed NYC real estate agent since 2004 working for some of the top real estate brokerage firms in the industry. He founded Leasebreak.com in 2013, and Frēlē in 2017. Frēlē and Leasebreak are free and transparent rental marketplaces to search for or post apartments for rent in NYC
Go to frele.com to search for NYC apartments (free service).