If you’re looking for NYC apartments for rent, there’s a good chance you’ve seen a few listings for micro-apartments. They’re growing in popularity, and their rental prices can certainly make them sound like attractive options, but are they the right option for you?

Here’s what you need to know about micro-apartments in New York City:

What Are Micro Apartments?

Micro apartments are apartment versions of tiny homes. In New York City, the average size of a micro SoHo apartment is 400 square feet, although you can find some as large as 500 square feet. This makes them smaller than the average studio apartment, but still spacious enough to live in. 

Growing In Popularity

Micro NYC apartments for rent are growing in popularity, especially among young professionals who want to live on their own. The main reasons for this upward trend are that apartments can be hard to find, and they can be expensive. 

New York City continues to attract people from other cities and smaller towns. Young newcomers to the city quite frequently realize that larger apartments or apartments in specific neighborhoods may be out of reach financially. Micro apartments help make it possible to live economically in your desired neighborhood. After all, location is key and some New York City areas give a better summer experience than others.

However, some people choose to live in micro-apartments because they’ve embraced minimalism and living in a way that has less impact on the environment.

If you’re looking at micro apartments for rent in Manhattan, there are several things you need to know about them before you make a decision.

Important Factors To Consider

Consider the following factors if you’re thinking about renting a micro-apartment:

  1. Micro apartments are usually cheaper than traditional studio apartments: Micro apartments usually cost 20 to 30 percent less than traditional studio apartments in the same area. This isn’t always the case, as construction costs could push rental rates for micros to be equal to or higher than those of studios with more square footage.
  2. Micro apartments are suitable for one occupant: As mentioned above, the average size of an entire micro-apartments in New York City is 400 square feet. The average size of a primary bedroom is about  224 square feet. Fitting two people’s belongings in a space that’s smaller than two primary bedrooms can be tough.
  3. Micro apartment furniture can be expensive: If you’re serious about maximizing space in your micro apartment, you’ll want to look at furnishing it with dual-purpose furniture, such as a Murphy bed that you can turn into a desk. While helpful, specialized furniture can be pricey. Ori Design Studio produces a range of transformable furniture created with small living spaces in mind, such as a pocket office that offers workspace when needed and space for living when it’s not.
  4. Micro apartments are easier to clean and maintain: There’s less square footage to keep clean in micro NYC apartments for rent, which means saving time, money, and effort in maintenance. Of course, this means downsizing before you move in. Every item you bring into your home must have a place and a purpose for being there, or the space will become cluttered.
  5. Micro apartments may not be suitable for pets or for entertaining groups of friends: Some pets need space that micro-apartments can’t offer, which is why many of those homes have a strict no-pets policy. The small living space also means you probably won’t be able to invite more than one friend over at a time.

If you’re looking to rent a micro-apartment message Platinum Properties to kick off your rental or sales search.