When looking for a home in New York City, you might find that your budget limits the available choices to either a studio or a one-bedroom apartment. These types of homes tend to make up the bulk of affordable listings (especially in Manhattan). But despite their apparent size, either one has all the essentials needed to live comfortably for both solo buyers and couples. That said, while they do share some similarities, there are also some differences between the two.
Before beginning your search for an NYC apartment, it is important to understand what these differences are. Only then will you be able to make an informed decision about which apartment is right for you?
What is a Studio Apartment?What is a Studio Apartment?
A studio apartment can be defined as any dwelling that has just a single room. The living room, dining area, kitchen, and bedroom are all contained in one open-space area, with no dividers between them. Fortunately, this doesn’t include the bathroom, which is kept separate thanks to mandated U.S. housing laws. In terms of size, studio apartments vary greatly as there is no set standard they must abide by. On average, though, most studios are somewhere between 400 and 600 square feet.
What is a One-Bedroom Apartment?What is a One-Bedroom Apartment?
As the name suggests, a one-bedroom apartment is an apartment with just one bedroom. A legal bedroom is considered a room with minimum dimensions of 8 feet x 8 feet x 8 feet, with a minimum floor area of 80 square feet. The room must also have a 12 square feet window minimum. In most cases, the rest of the home (apart from the bathroom) will have an open-plan concept. But unlike a studio, this bedroom will be separate from the rest of the home and contained within its own enclosed area. For larger one-bedroom apartments, there may also be a separate dining area. On average, one-bedroom apartments tend to be slightly larger than studios, approx 650 – 800 square feet, though that’s not always the case.
Deciding Between a Studio or a One-Bedroom ApartmentDeciding Between a Studio or a One-Bedroom Apartment
There are several things to consider when deciding between a studio and a one-bedroom apartment. This includes:
1. Size1. Size
The main benefit of a one-bedroom over a studio is that they tend to be larger and more private. This is a huge incentive for couples as it means more space, more storage, and greater comfort. By contrast, studios can feel far more cramped, with the close quarters being pretty aggravating and tedious when you have to share it with someone. Just ask anyone who’s had to share a room with someone in college!
For anyone working from home, a one-bedroom can also make that much easier. True, you can work perfectly fine from a studio. But being confined to the same surroundings every day can start to wear on you after a while. With an extra room, you’ll have much more flexibility for changing your surroundings every so often and creating a barrier between “work-space” and “leisure-space.”
2. Price2. Price
But with all that extra space comes a higher price tag. In NYC, the price difference between a studio and a one-bedroom can be pretty substantial, even when there isn’t much difference in square footage. This can also translate into higher utility bills. It’s almost always cheaper to purchase a studio compared to a one-bedroom. However, the reduced size of the home needs to be taken into consideration. Is it really worth it if you have to upsize to a larger home in less than five years?
3. Lifestyle3. Lifestyle
Your home will be a reflection of your lifestyle, so it must mirror that correctly. Solo buyers who spend most of their time at work or out in the city will find a studio more than adequate for their needs. However, this can become a problem when having guests over. Your bed will likely serve as part of the seating area, and your personal effects surround them. For both you and your guests, this can feel pretty invasive. It is not impossible to deal with, but it can be a challenge and severely limits how many people you can have over.
One-bedroom apartments are far more conducive to having a full social life. It also means more space for decorating, collecting gadgets, and adding more furnishings to your home. Not by a lot, but certainly more than a studio.
4. Location4. Location
For many buyers, the location may be the deciding factor. There’s really nothing like living in the heart of Manhattan, and if you want that, then a studio might be your only option. Brooklyn and Queens might only be a train ride away, but that can feel like a long-distance when you consider the opportunities and unique flavor that only Manhattan living can bring.
It really depends on what you’re looking for. For older buyers in need of more space and quiet, a one-bedroom in Queens or Brooklyn might be more to their liking. Though that’s not to say that there’s be a big price difference. In some Brooklyn neighborhoods, it’s possible to pay as much or more for a one-bedroom as you would for a studio in Manhattan.
Final ThoughtsFinal Thoughts
In short, it is a question of price vs. privacy; which one is more important to you? Those with the budget to afford a one-bedroom will see a lot of advantages in doing so. This is especially so for couples who could use the extra space. That said, if you really need to stretch your budget to afford a one-bedroom, then it may not be worth it. In a city with a high cost of living like NYC, a mortgage of just a few thousand dollars more each month could make a big impact on your quality of life.
In the end, the choice is down to you. Many people are thrilled with a studio apartment, while others can’t accept anything less than a one-bedroom. Take plenty of time to consider what is most important to you and what you can afford. Location will be a big factor, and your decision might come down to either a studio apartment in a nicer area of town or a one-bedroom in a less desirable neighborhood.
