Cozy one bedroom apartment for rent in Brooklyn. Heat and hot water included. Eat-in kitchen. Laundry in building. Close to subway. This one is sure to go fast!
Sound good?
What if I told you it was excellent-brunch-place adjacent, came with friendly neighborhood bartenders and was just a short walk from delicious vegetable and goat cheese omelets.
Even better, right?
You see, I’m currently in the middle of the harrowing process of apartment hunting in New York City. After a sudden, gargantuan spike in the rent of my apartment, I’m on the hunt for a new home.
And I’ve learned something surprising: The things I’ll miss most about my current place aren’t at all what I expected.
Though I adore my tree-lined street and my apartment’s ample closet space and sizable bathroom—both pretty rare for New York studio apartments—I’m willing to part with those things. More than anything, I find myself mourning the loss of my local restaurants.
Like the Italian bistro that charmed everyone I ever took there and served amazing mussels in a spicy tomato broth, the quirky bar with an indoor bocce ball court, and the cafe where I’d treat myself to brunch-for-one while nursing a cup of coffee and diving into the Sunday paper.
Those things are tougher to replace. And they rarely make it into apartment listings.
Until now, I never stopped to think about how my neighborhood restaurants were so closely intertwined with my sense of “home.” So many memories from my nearly two-year stay in my neighborhood involve my favorite local dining establishments.
Sure, I can always visit those places after the move. But there’s something special about that sense of ownership you feel for a great restaurant just steps from your door.
Still, as I leave behind some of my signature spots, I also hold out hope for new ones. While touring apartments, I find myself looking at more than just counter space, natural light and the placement of electrical outlets. I’m stealing glimpses of potential new neighborhoods, keeping my eyes peeled for coffee shops, wine bars and places to grab a late-night snack. After all, those establishments would likely shape life in my new home far more than hardwood floors or new appliances would.
That’s why restaurateurs should treat local patrons as their greatest assets. Locals can become regulars with personal connections to your business as it becomes a backdrop for birthday celebrations, awkward first dates or gatherings with friends.
As I continue my search for a new apartment, I’m really also looking for nearby restaurants that make me feel like I have more than one home. So if you’re doing business in the New York City area after April 1, keep your eye out for a new neighbor. I could be your next best customer.
