I am originally from NYC, and have dreamt of housing stability for many years. I thought I'd put my wish list out there and see what comes back!

Move in: now until end feb (though flexible date for the right fit).

Dream apt: large studio or 1-2 br under $3K. Rent stabilized and/or lease takeover a plus, though would be happy to work with a private landlord looking for a reliable, responsible tenant.

Pet friendly, as I have two small house bunnies (<4lbs). Would prefer under an hour commute to the west village, max 3rd fl walk-up or elevator building because I bike, and some sort of outdoor space would be a cherry on top!

This said, none of the above is a dealbreaker and any combo might work on my end.

My priority right now is finding an apartment that I can settle in for the near future, and to get a reprieve from the precariousness of moving due to rent hikes or paying more than I can afford for something decent in the city that I love.

Lifestyle: I am quiet, write at home a lot, love a tidy and clean space, and care deeply about tending to my home. I work at a university in Manhattan, and like my solitude at the end of the day. Because I was a chef for many years, I do love to cook (pescatarian), and occasionally have one to a few friends over for a meal.

I have some favorite neighborhoods, of course (south slope, sunset park, ditmas, gowanus, greenpoint, east village), but totally open to location - including to somewhere I haven't lived before, like queens!

About This Lister

I am a late 30s, 3rd gen New Yorker with strong familial and social ties to NYC. I am currently a PhD Candidate in English (my dissertation is about medieval Christian mysticism), and work as an instructor at my university in Manhattan. For extra income, I also freelance as a private college essay coach and English language tutor on the side.

I am mature, communicative, financially stable, and have a consistently good (though not finance/tech level!) income of around 75-85k+/year. I also have a good amount of savings. Additionally, I have excellent credit (score of 760+), and have never been late or missed a rent payment in my life (with proof!). If my income is a limitation, I also have options for a guarantor, if needed.

Beyond the quantitative: I pride myself in being a good neighbor, kind, respectful, and I care deeply about this city and the people who live here. I take care of the place that I live in like it is my own (always leave somewhere better than you found it) and have exemplary references from both landlords and roommates (and/or from work, if that applies).

Lastly, some of my way-too-many hobbies: I love houseplants (particularly the kind that are very hard to take care of), am an avid movie go-er, make pottery when I have the chance, keep a stack of books by my bed at all times, and have recently started working with elementary school kids on writing skills, pro-bono (I love teaching at every level). I also love my senior bunnies very much, and they are very cute (pics available for verification!).