https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 19 May 2026 02:37:48 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suburbs-to-city#post-2864917 Fri, 04 Jan 2019 12:11:16 +0000 psw27 2864917@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LCTBQE: the comments.... I mean, I feel like this every time I watch House Hunters (I'm a stay at home mom and I'm a cartoon reader and part time lifestyle blog graphic designer and our budget is $900,000). I am always intrigued by other people's money situations but of course can never ask! Our good friends recently started looking at $2.5mm houses and I was like dang how did that come about so quickly. But then they told us her parents were helping out so it made more sense.... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suburbs-to-city#post-2864911 Fri, 04 Jan 2019 11:36:41 +0000 MrsSCB 2864911@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LCTBQE: also, someone recently bought a huge, old house in my parents' neighborhood for a "steal" at $700K-something. It was basically falling apart. And we've heard from neighborhood gossip that it's taking them way longer to renovate because they discovered a huge termite problem and had to gut it. I'm like, A) how did your inspector not discover the termites BEFORE you bought it and B) just looking at the house, how did you not assume it would need to be gutted? There's a reason it was priced so low... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suburbs-to-city#post-2864910 Fri, 04 Jan 2019 11:34:29 +0000 MrsSCB 2864910@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LCTBQE: I feel like anytime the NY Times tries to do lifestyle real estate stories, it's just a shit show. It's always like, "Millennial editorial assistant lives in $1 million studio thanks to parents, and you can, too!" hahaha ok. (That place is gorgeous, but yeah, anyone being a SAH parent in NYC either needs an investment banker-type spouse or wealthy parents. No question). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suburbs-to-city#post-2864906 Fri, 04 Jan 2019 11:24:46 +0000 LCTBQE 2864906@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsSCB: made me think of this NYT article from a while back--it's about a SAHM and teacher whose first house was 1.7 mil. In the comments section everyone is pretty annoyed.<br /> <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/13/realestate/on-location-boerum-hill-brooklyn.html#commentsContainer" rel="nofollow">https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/13/realestate/on-location-boerum-hill-brooklyn.html#commentsContainer</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suburbs-to-city#post-2864903 Fri, 04 Jan 2019 11:18:56 +0000 MrsSCB 2864903@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The idea of parents gifting a large sum for a house doesn't seem *that* strange to me either. I live in a different very high COL area, so I definitely know people whose parents contributed generously to their home purchases. They don't really flaunt it or anything, but it's not that hard to figure out when you know what they do for a living and how much their house cost, haha. My ILs gave us some money that we used toward a small part of our down payment last year, however it was nowhere near this kind of money. Not enough to qualify for gift tax or anything, but I still considered it super generous of them! I can't imagine having parents who could gift over a million dollars, but I know they're out there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suburbs-to-city#post-2864894 Fri, 04 Jan 2019 10:50:55 +0000 LCTBQE 2864894@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: yeah, I also know people whose parents pay for the nanny/private school/travel sports team etc etc. for some reason it doesn't annoy me quite as much as the "here's a whole fucking house". that is so nice of you to fly your folks out, it sounds like you guys are really good to each other :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suburbs-to-city#post-2864891 Fri, 04 Jan 2019 10:47:21 +0000 LCTBQE 2864891@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetiePie: OMG, absolutely. When I read the engagement ring thing I literally said to myself out loud "ewwwww" ! Probably like a lot of pp's above, my husband and I have paid our own way since we were both 18 and we're really proud of being self-made people. I'm sure if my dad had paid my rent and bought me half a brownstone I'd find a way to feel okay about it too though ;)<br /> @periwinklebee: totally agree with your folks and sweetiepie, whoever pays gets to decide how things are, which, as an adult... yuck. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suburbs-to-city#post-2864861 Fri, 04 Jan 2019 08:47:50 +0000 SweetiePie 2864861@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: @LCTBQE: I think it’s just way more common in our tristate area. I also know many people who, if not the entire house/apartment, had a huge chunk taken care of. I know someone who’s parents bought the engagement ring he proposed with (and it was not modest). And a girl in her 30s who told me she hasn’t been to an ATM in years because her dad brings her $500 cash when he visits weekly. The list goes on and on.<br /> But I find that these things come with their own price tag. I would much much rather pay my own way through life than feel like my parents or in-laws have some type of say over how I do things. Or feel that since they bought the house they can come and go as they please (yes I know someone who has this issue). NO THANK YOU. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suburbs-to-city#post-2864859 Fri, 04 Jan 2019 08:43:05 +0000 Anagram 2864859@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LCTBQE: @Littlebit7: yeah, we will never be in that position--we pay for our parents to come visit us since they are all retired and on fixed incomes (with no secret stash of millions of dollars somewhere). So the concept is foreign to me personally, but not unheard of for some families I guess.</p> <p>It's not just houses though--I know families where grandparents pay for lessons, expensive camps, or pay their way to join the grandparents for expensive vacations. Again, all of that is the opposite for our family--if we want a grandparent to join us on vacation, we are paying their way, lol. In spite of all that, we have good families so I still feel lucky in a lot of ways, just not financially. ;-) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suburbs-to-city#post-2864828 Thu, 03 Jan 2019 22:25:55 +0000 periwinklebee 2864828@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LCTBQE: Hah, my parents are still paying their mortgage on a house in a very low COL place, so this was all so foreign to me. But I've since met SO MANY people whose parents have bought real estate for them in high COL areas... My parents used to tell me all the time - we're paying for the roof so we make the rules, when you pay for the roof over your head, you can make the rules. And I really like making the rules, even if the damn roof leaks :silly: </p> <p>I know nothing about NYC real estate, but the condo fees being cited here are truly horrifying :shocked: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suburbs-to-city#post-2864826 Thu, 03 Jan 2019 21:43:54 +0000 LCTBQE 2864826@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Littlebit7: @Anagram: yeah I know so many people whose rich moms bought their houses or "helped". how is it possible that there are so many people whose dads were VPs at Time Warner or who are heirs to the Chapstick fortune (seriously...). I can only say must be nice through verrrrry tightly clenched teeth :) </p> <p>I never looked in Manhattan, but we looked HARD in Brooklyn, where in a good school district, 1.5 will get you a nice-looking but smallish 2/1. I think this is the most livable for couples who only have one kid and that kid happens to be a placid-natured girl. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suburbs-to-city#post-2864823 Thu, 03 Jan 2019 21:35:30 +0000 Littlebit7 2864823@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: funny you say that. I also know someone who bought a house in Hoboken and I’m thinking...how in the world did they afford that. I later found out their parents paid for a sizable chunk. I think it happens more often that we realize. It boils down to not really ever knowing or being able to judge how people are doing financially. I have 4 close friends that also did this. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suburbs-to-city#post-2864796 Thu, 03 Jan 2019 19:30:17 +0000 SweetiePie 2864796@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: yes there are so many questions that need to be answered before any of us can answer OPs questions. There are just too many factors at play.<br /> And yeah, I was also going to say that sadly 1.5 million doesn’t get you much in the neighborhoods with the best schools. NYC real estate really makes me want to barf. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suburbs-to-city#post-2864774 Thu, 03 Jan 2019 15:52:12 +0000 Anagram 2864774@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just want to know the magical neighborhood where there are the best public schools, but you can also get a 1.5 million dollar place that’s big enough to raise a family! I guess NYC could mean the Bronx or the far reaches of Queens and Brooklyn, but are the schools top schools? </p> <p>And then I wondered, who is paying the taxes and maintenance on the 1.5 million house? That could range from 8k a month in a small coop to just a couple thousand month in taxes if this is a row house in far queens. </p> <p>I do know someone IRL whose parents bought her a condo in Hoboken, but (since it’s not my business) I don’t know the details about if she pays her parents rent, who pays taxes and HOA, etc. so I guess it’s not outside the realm of possibility if someone’s parents were rich and wanted to park some money while the market is down in NYC. 🤷‍♀️</p> <p>Edit: I actually know 2 people (married people with kids) whose parents bought their places in hoboken. Must be nice! Haha. But on both cases, I knew them for years before I knew about the arrangement. They didn’t offer up that info! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suburbs-to-city#post-2864764 Thu, 03 Jan 2019 15:34:36 +0000 psw27 2864764@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ElbieKay: Same thought so I refrained from commenting about all the things I thought were weird about the post. (is it rent free? or are you buying it? investing = buying but rent free = in laws are buying it?) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suburbs-to-city#post-2864755 Thu, 03 Jan 2019 14:56:25 +0000 SweetiePie 2864755@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ElbieKay: yeah I thought it was weird too.<br /> OP if you’re for real, you should join the FB Moms groups for the neighborhoods you’re interested in (UWS, UES, Midtown, Mad Sq Park, etc). There are only a few NYC bees on here and the FB groups will be able to answer questions about schools better.<br /> Most people are pretty happy with public school, at least through elementary. Highschool is more of a debate, but that’s so far off I wouldn’t even worry about it yet. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suburbs-to-city#post-2864741 Thu, 03 Jan 2019 14:17:38 +0000 Mrsbells 2864741@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Why isn't there an eyeroll emoji? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suburbs-to-city#post-2864726 Thu, 03 Jan 2019 13:18:56 +0000 wrkbrk 2864726@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ElbieKay: [insert hand slapping face emoji] </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suburbs-to-city#post-2864539 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 17:18:32 +0000 LCTBQE 2864539@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ElbieKay: I didn’t comment because I thought it was a troll whose singular purpose was to make me cry with longing </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suburbs-to-city#post-2864530 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 16:45:51 +0000 Anagram 2864530@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ElbieKay: ha, not the only one. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suburbs-to-city#post-2864524 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 16:33:41 +0000 Littlebit7 2864524@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ElbieKay: ha no. I thought the same!! But gave the benefit of the doubt. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suburbs-to-city#post-2864521 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 16:31:07 +0000 ElbieKay 2864521@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Am I the only person who is skeptical of a brand new-to-HB poster whose first post is bemoaning the stress of managing a $1.5mm gift? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suburbs-to-city#post-2864439 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 13:08:39 +0000 PurplePeony 2864439@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’m not clear from the details of your post how the gift is being handled, but in general the taxes on $1.5m would be pretty hefty. You might end up with substantially less than that to actually purchase the apartment. Just something to keep in mind. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suburbs-to-city#post-2864414 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 11:30:23 +0000 Anagram 2864414@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@g0ldplatinum: couple of questions: What neighborhoods have you researched? have you looked at what 1.5 mil will get you in the neighborhoods with the good elementary schools? Are you planning on stopping at 1 kiddo or maybe having more?</p> <p>Because most of the best schools are in expensive neighborhoods where 1.5 million doesn't go very far (unfortunately). Other bees that have lived around NYC can weigh in, but I have 1 friend that moved from Hoboken to Park Slope when her husband made partner in a law firm and the firm moved to Brooklyn. They ended up in a tiny, tiny, tiny 3 bedroom (like 1100 sq feet) and paid well over 1.5 million and it still had high maintenance fees every month. </p> <p>Maintenance fees or HOA/taxes can really vary depending on the building and amenities (I don't know of many places in NYC where you could get a row house for 1.5 million--I mean, they exist, but I don't know about the schools), but even if you buy cash, you won't be living rent free. It could still be a couple thousand a month in fees each month. So make sure to run all those numbers. =) =)</p> <p>My husband's boss bought a 2 bedroom condo in Tribeca several years ago when the market was a bit lower. He has 2 kids. The schools are good. But they paid closer to 2 million and their maintenance fees are several thousands dollars a month. The kids share a room. Prices have gone up since then, although the last 2 months has seen a softening in the market.</p> <p>SO I guess I would take a close look at neighborhoods, think about if you'll have more kids, factor in monthly fees, decide if it all still sounds like a good deal. It might be better to buy a rental and rent it out rather than living in it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suburbs-to-city#post-2864413 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 11:25:35 +0000 looch 2864413@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Are there any schools that are K-8? If so, I would focus my attention in that area. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suburbs-to-city#post-2864410 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 11:21:18 +0000 Beehive 2864410@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@g0ldplatinum: How exciting! We live in lower Manhattan and our 6 year old is in public school (his 2 year old sister is in private preschool). We love living in the city and wouldn't have it any other way. I would focus on finding a good zoned elementary school district at this stage (in a neighborhood you love), and worry about middle school / high school later. That's a very long way off. We love our public school, and are in a great, family-friendly neighborhood that is really geared toward children - so many activities, parks, playrooms in all the buildings, just a great set-up. Good luck with your decision! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suburbs-to-city#post-2864409 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 11:20:18 +0000 Alba4 2864409@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <br /><p><i>This comment has been deleted by the original poster.</i></p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suburbs-to-city#post-2864402 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 11:05:07 +0000 Littlebit7 2864402@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>And yes, great schools website can be a load off BS. I wouldn’t put any weight in those rankings. Join some local FB mom groups of the neighborhoods you are interested in or reach out to local mama friends you know. That will give you far better insight into the schools. Where I live, the rankings show the schools as sucking. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Some of my friends have had kids in the best districts in NJ and have moved back to Hoboken to send their kids to the public schools here and because they love Hoboken/city living. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suburbs-to-city#post-2864401 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 10:58:43 +0000 Littlebit7 2864401@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This seems like a no brainer if you know which neighborhood you’d like to reside in. Where were you thinking? UWS? Are you only looking at Manhattan? I know there are some BK bees on here as wel. There are good/excellent public schools in lots of nabes and private schools and preschools everywhere. If you aren’t paying rent then I wouldn’t see why private school wouldn’t be an option, no? Depends on your commute as well. I’d link up with a good broker who knows the districts once you’ve narrowed down a neighborhood and go from there. And also, I’d also determine whether or not you’ll be on the hook for co-op fees/maintence if you decide to go that route. It can be several thousand dollars a month in some buildings.<br /> FWIW we moved from NYC to Hoboken when we were starting a family. $1.5 will buy you quite a bit more here than manhattan to include outdoor space, private parking and even a luxury doorman building. Or even a nicely renovated townhouse with a yard for a hair more. We also have free full time (excellen) pre-K 3 and 4. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suburbs-to-city#post-2864399 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 10:57:04 +0000 MrsSCB 2864399@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't really see a downside to this if you prefer living in the city. I'd just move to whatever is your preferred neighborhood, and if you're really concerned about the schools when the time comes, you can always take what you would be paying in rent/mortgage and pay for private school (like @crazydoglady suggested). One word of caution: I don't know how you've decided the public schools are "bad," but if you're just looking on ranking sites like Great Schools and the like, they don't really provide a fair or comprehensive view of school quality. I'd try to talk to other parents in your neighborhood and visit the schools to get a better idea before committing to private school. But it seems like private would certainly be an option! </p>