DU-NYCers! Need some transition advice......

[Catchawave]

Currently weighing my options for relocating with my mentally disabled (moderately retarded) adult son.

My first choice is returning to the NYC area, and we'll have a combined fixed income of approximately 35,676.30/year.

In your opinion, is this doable? I'm a little discouraged with the rental results from the Craigslist and V.Voice ads. Also, most agents require alot of personal information just to let me search their sites, and I'm not quite ready to commit, nor do I know who to trust quite yet with this information.

Any area will be fine, as long has it has public transportation nearby. I'm even considering the Coney Island/ Far Rockaway areas.

Thoughts? I'm going through a 35+ year "anticipation" separation/ divorce, be gentle :) Trying to walk out of this with my head held high, and a plan ! Thanks for your help.

[KurtNYC]

1. The NY Times did a story on apartments around $1000

you may find that helpful:
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/13/realestate/13cover.html

It seems like upstate communities would give you more for money and not just on rent but I love the City and would probably struggle to make it happen here.

[ClarkUSA]

2. Start here....good luck!

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/13/realestate/13cover.html

If you are willing to live near a train/bus line, then NJ may be a good option, too.

[Historic NY]

3. look for the whole metro area outside the city too

I live in Orange County 60 miles north and we do have transit service into NY which is constantly being upgraded. As far west as Port Jervis/Pa border has service going into NJ and onto the city also. You would probably get more bang for the buck. As for your son in Orange County there is AHRC & Occupations which employ or place them in meaningfull jobs or positions. We also have community group homes in residential neighborhoods, my town has 6 homes for adults.

So my advice is don't get hung up on just the city look around, it will give you more options than you thought.

[OneBlueSky]

4. I agree that going north is a good idea . . .

there's pretty good transportation to NYC all the way up to Poughkeepsie (if not farther) on the east side of the Hudson as well . . . on the west side, Orange, Sullivan and Ulster Counties would be good places to look . . . living in the city itself is for masochists and millionaires . . .

[mcscajun]

5. I concur with the recommendation for Orange County

I have friends who live there, and their social services are outstanding! Nice scenery, too, and the train service is convenient.

[Catchawave]

6. Thank you all so much !

I've made copious notes and looking forward to expanding my options and searches. You've been very helpful, and as always, feeling that special DU "love" :)

[Historic NY]

7. A few OC links for you...good luck with your move.

http://www.co.orange.ny.us/
http://www.bearsystems.com/Orange/orange.html
http://www.cce.cornell.edu/~orange/cornel_ce/other_information.htm

[phylny]

8. I live in Orange as well.

Beautiful place to live, and good services.

[BrklynLiberal]

9. Check out Seagate.next to Coney Island. Might be able to find something.

[union_maid]

10. Maybe the Albany area?

The NY metro area is awfully high. The high prices are moving farther out from the city all the time, too. Here on Long Island, where I live, the low income towns are still low income, but very high rent and you don't get much for your money. If I was relocating now I'd consider it a nice place to visit..

Albany seems to be a great city and there are a lot more options to live nicely on less there. Everyone I know who lives there loves it. I'd like to have the chance to give it a try someday.