Rental Reality: $2,500 in the E. Village, Chelsea, and Harlem

Welcome to Rental Reality, Curbed's look at the market we all love to hate. Today's challenge: We took $2,500 to the East Village, UWS, and Chelsea. Shopper's survey says ...

WHAT: 1 bedroom in the East Village; 12th Street @ Avenue A
HOW MUCH: $2,400/month (no fee)
KNOWN: Newly renovated with decent finishes; marble, stainless steel -- rare for the East Village! Brick walls, 11-foot high ceilings. Heat and hot water included. Pets: OK.
UNKNOWN: Walk-up or elevator? 12th Street or Avenue A -- big diff in terms of traffic and noise.
REALITY INDEX: Photos have air of legitimacy; points off for "5 minute walk to Union Square" claim;" Typos not hugely damaging. A solid 90% chance.
· NEVER BEEN LIVED IN^^ LAUNDRY ^^MUST GO ^^1 Bed E.village!Wont last [Craigslist]

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WHAT: 1 bedroom, Chelsea
HOW MUCH: $2,500 (no fee)
KNOWN: For the "American Dream = new condo" types. New construction, rent stabilized. Nice touches: high ceilings, wood floors, stainless/ granite kitchen. Extra bonus features: public roof decks, on-site health club, parking, elevators, and a doorman. No pets.
UNKNOWN: Address not listed. New construction and rent stabilization generally do not go hand-in-hand.
REALITY INDEX: Sure, this listing is connected to a broker -- good sign. But otherwise? Not outside the ream of possibility, but still somewhat dubious.
· CHLSA/FLATIRON**HUGE 1BR**ELEV/DM**~SS KITCHEN**NEW! [Craigslist]

WHAT: 3 bedrooms, East Harlem -- Low 100's "an UES alternative!"
HOW MUCH: $2,500/month (no fee)
KNOWN: Gut renovated -- Elevator, 24 hour doorman. hardwood floors, carpeted bedrooms, over-sized windows. Stainless steel and granite in the kitchen, plus a microwave. Close to all transportation lines. Utilities included.
UNKNOWN: Not much.
REALITY INDEX: Too good to be true? Perhaps, but at this price, we're feeling hopeful.
· $2500 / 3br - **SPACIOUS REAL 3 BED/2 BATH** NEWLY RENOVATED - ELEVATOR BLDG - UTILITIES INCLU For more stories from Curbed, go to curbed.com.

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