Prewar vs. Postwar Apartments in NYC
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Apartment hunting in NYC is exciting and terrifying at the same time. 8.468 million people live here, and even though it saw a 0.9% decrease in the last year, it is still one of the most popular moving destinations. Thanks to the trendy lifestyle and job opportunities that it offers, around 33,000 households moved into Manhattan alone in the pre-pandemic years. This is also thanks to some of the best movers NYC, who make moving seem easy. If you are moving to The Big Apple for the first time, you will likely see new terms during your apartment hunt. This guide will have prewar vs. postwar apartments in NYC explained in detail.
What Should You about the Prewar vs. Postwar Apartments in NYC?
Sadly, people have fought many wars on the territory of the USA, but there is one that had effects on a global level. The end of World War II marked the beginning of a new era. People also take it as a timestamp for when buildings they made buildings, resulting in prewar vs. postwar apartments in NYC. The first difference that you will notice is the architectural style, but there are more differences than that. There are certain benefits and bad sides to choosing each, and we will explain them in more detail below.
Prewar buildings have certain features that are characteristic of this era
The pre-war period is defined as the time between 1900 and 1939, so the early 20th century. All the buildings constructed at this time are categorized as prewar buildings, and they are quite numerous. Many people prefer them over newer built buildings, for many reasons. You will notice their characteristic charm as soon as some local movers NYC drop you off. Some characteristic features are the:
- Unique buildings – the people who designed the building made each unique, without following a standardized plan. Because of this, you won’t find two similar buildings
- High-quality materials used – since the construction took a long time to finish, they used only the best materials. This resulted in solid wood construction and thick walls
- Characteristic visuals – high ceilings above nine feet tall, hand-finished walls, ceiling ornamentation, and built-in bookshelves are an easy way to determine that you are looking at a prewar building
Postwar apartments are more modern
Postwar apartments are the ones built after the war but before the 1990s. These are the more uniform buildings, that fit a certain standard. Even though similar in construction, the style, and design vary, depending on the trend that was popular when people built it. If you were to ask some of the best movers in Manhattan, they might prefer moving items in this type of building, since the hallways are usually wider than in prewar buildings. Some unique features of this type of apartment are:
- Predictable layout – since these buildings are similar, you know what to expect in one. The ceilings are lower, usually around 8 feet, with large windows
- Functional amenities – people constructed these apartments in the modern era, where functionality was important. Therefore the kitchen area and bathroom are more spacious compared to their older counterparts.
- Modern look – if you are looking for a place that has a more up-to-date style, the postwar building should be your choice
What Are the Prices for Both of These Apartment Types?
Even though prewar apartments are more luxurious and rich looking, they lack the requirements and amenities for a comfortable, modern lifestyle. The price that you can expect to pay for these apartments is from $2,000 to $4,000 a month. If you want to move to a home that has its unique charm, then you should look for it in neighborhoods like Queens, Bronx, and Brooklyn. People usually rent apartments constructed after the war for $3,000 to $11,000 a month, and you can find them in Midtown, West Side, and Upper East Side. If you plan to hire some residential movers NYC, you can expect to pay from $20 to $60 per hour per worker.
Which One to Choose?
As you can see, prewar vs. postwar apartments in NYC can be found in specific areas of the city. Whatever area you pick, make sure to investigate it well before you make a decision. The apartment might be the biggest concern, but the neighborhood, cost of living, and community should also interest you. Whichever you choose, you will enjoy it.
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