[Kephael]

You can maybe get a micro studio in cap hill for $1500/mo, but any 1 Bed / 1 Bath at that price point probably hasn't been renovated since 1974. You need to spend 50% more to get something "decent", and your walking commute to actual jobs is going to approach 30 minutes for the lower priced stuff.

[ahelwer]

Let go of your desire to have something built within the past five years and your horizons broaden considerably. There are plenty of beautiful buildings just a few blocks off the Pike/Pine corridor that are perfectly comfortable & livable. A quick look at craigslist confirms this, although prices are higher now that weather is nice - you can usually save $200/month by renewing your lease in January or February.

[Kephael]

In those old buildings without a concierge your packages will get stolen and you'll be living in a high crime area. I've lived in old places before and it's terrible. At minimum, you deal with poor infrastructure (no in unit laundry or dish washer) and bugs. Prices are actually low due to COVID. I've lived nearby to Pike and Pine and know the area well.

I'm happy to maximize my TC and not worry about the extra $10k a year to live in a nice, modern building.