Considering getting a New York apartment?

Question

Alright so here is my situation; I'm 18 years old with 2 younger sisters, and I live with my mom and step-father in a nice house in the suburbs. From the outside, everything looks perfect, but from the inside it's far from it. I know my mom is not happy here, and neither am I. He's a crazy guy, and just talks to people how ever he wants because "he can". He shows no consideration for anyone and has an anger problem. But the thing is, I want to go to college, and all I'm doing now is working for the little things I want so I don't have to ask anyone for anything. I'm an artist, I spend as much time as I can creating my art and working to support myself. I've made some really great friends here and I would really miss them, but they're all going off to college. I don't know what to do here. I was looking for some apartments in New York for my mom, sisters and myself to live in and so she's able to commute to work. My mom only makes about 50,000 a year, and has her own car so transportation isn't really a big deal. I just want my mom to be happy, and I want my sisters to feel happy, and most importantly I want to be as well. Does anyone know of any apartments in NY that are affordable and not in any dangerous neighborhoods?

Update:

I'm aware that finding an affordable apartment in New York is like asking a drug dealer for free drugs, but at least an 1500$ apartment. I appreciate all the advice you guys. He's not physically abusive, he is very verbally abusive and says things you shouldn't say to children. My little sister should not have heard the things he says and the way he treats people.

MomSezNo · Accepted Answer

Why not get him out of the house, since he's the one causing the problems?  If she's willing to leave him, then she should be OK with divorcing him and kicking him out.  She should talk to a lawyer.

Jamerican Steve · Answer

A dealer will give you free drugs. Why in the world would they do that?
It is in hopes to get you hooked and to become a life long customer.

As for the apartment, your Mom should look for places that is 1/40th of her income.
Therefore, if she is making 50K per year (w/o bonus and OT) $1250 is the rent max.
Since you are 18, you are old enough to work and help her out as well with rent.
http://411newyork.org/guide/2007/08/01/questions-to-ask-when-renting-in-new-york/ (Renting tips)

A 'Linds' mentioned, http://www.safehorizon.org and other shelter service will help
your family out should you need to leave the residence.
http://411newyork.org/guide/2007/05/10/shelters-in-new-york/ (Shelters)

If you do plan to leave, make sure that all your proper documents (like the car's title)
are taken. That way, you do not have to return for them or have them destroyed in spite.

? · Answer

Hey, I'm sorry your family situation is so rough. I can definitely give you some advice on relatively inexpensive (for New York standards, anyways) and safe neighbourhoods of the city (and they'll be places with ample parking; just be aware that the parking rules can be a pain in the neck depending on where you are):

Queens:

-Astoria
-Long Island City
-Woodside
-Jackson Heights

Brooklyn:

-Greenpoint
-Williamsburg
-Park Slope

Staten Island:

-South Shore area

AVOID (for safety reasons):

The Bronx:

-The South Bronx

Staten Island:

-North Shore

Queens: 

-South Jamaica
-Ozone Park
-Flushing

Brooklyn:

-East New York (I cannot stress this ENOUGH; avoid this neighbourhood like the plague.)
-East Flatbush
-Bed-Stuy
-Brownsville

Good luck with the search, yo. Things'll look up. :-)

Linds · Answer

If your step father is really as abusive as you say. There are places that can help your mom, get her and your sisters and you away from him. They can probably even help you find a affordable safe apartment.

mccoyblues · Answer

Affordable, Safe and NYC don't necessarily go together.

Anonymous · Answer

yes, get one

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Considering getting a New York apartment?

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