New York City – They do their dishes in the shower, sit sideways on the toilet and need to watch their weight just to fit into their bathrooms.
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But these cramped New Yorkers wouldn’t have it any other way.
A week after The Post told the story of Zaarath and Christopher Prokop and their 175-square-foot micro-studio on Sunday, other New Yorkers lined up to share their tales of living small, including a 55-square-foot apartment in Hell’s Kitchen and a 90-square-foot home on the Upper West Side.
“To me, it’s all about location,” said Eddie Rabon, 24, who lives in a microscopic Hell’s Kitchen abode. “I’m in an amazing neighborhood, and the money I save on rent alone lets me really enjoy New York for what it is. My apartment is a place to hang my hat and catch a few hours of sleep. That’s it.”
55 sq. ft., Hell’s Kitchen
When freelance event planner Eddie Rabon talks about his itty-bitty pad — just one square foot larger than a Rikers Island jail cell — the excitement is clear in his voice.
“It’s fantastic,” he said. “It’s a great neighborhood in the greatest city. It’s about $800 a month. You won’t find that price anywhere else in this area. I feel like the money I save not having to get on the train to get around because I’m in the center of everything is worth it.”
Rabon said the longest wall in his apartment is 121/2 feet, and that includes the apartment door. At its narrowest spot, he can spread his arms and almost touch both opposing walls. He said he has trouble turning around in his little shower, and said taller friends have been unable to close the bathroom door if they need to sit.
“The bathroom has an airplane sink turned lengthwise,” he said. “So I can’t actually fit in over the sink
90 sq. ft., UWS
The first night Felice Cohen, 39, slept in her tiny apartment — with a full-size loft bed only 23 inches from the ceiling — she had a “panic attack.”
“But now I love it. It’s cozy,” she said of the 12-by-7-foot place, which rents for just over $700 a month.
Her tiny bathroom is a challenge, though: “I had to learn to sit sideways on the toilet so I don’t bang my leg on the tub.”
105 sq. ft., Greenwich Village
Genevieve Shuler, 31, always knew she wanted to live near Washington Square Park, the neighborhood her parents once called home. “When I first walked in, I thought, ‘This is really incredibly tiny,’” she said of the $780-a-month pad. “There were no closets, no real kitchen. But I knew I could do more with it . Once I knew my loft bed could fit, I took it.” When it comes time to do the dishes, because the kitchen sink is so small, “I do them in the shower.”
No thank you, I will stay here in my 2800 sq. ft. 5-bedroom house.
Of course they like it. The worm in the apple thinks it’s in heaven. The worm in the radish thinks it’s the sweetest place in the world. The richest person in the world is he who is satisfied. Still doesn’t beat $100 million and an 8 bedroom, 9 bathroom duplex on Fifth Avenue.
come to meah sherim and try it with 12 kids.
then you will see how olem hazeh means nothing here.
(olem haza domeh l prozded lifnei olam habah).
Let’s get 2800 sf of baba kama and baba metzia to bring into the next world!!
Ah to be young and happy in a place like that.
Thank god for my father-in-law
For that money, I can get a two bedroom apt. in Lakewood, with fresh air to breath and plenty of shopping, parks, noise, traffic and whatever else you think you’d be missing, (crime, too) if you didn’t live in New York.
i went to school with eddie and he was always very thrifty and creative. the fact that you can make it work in a 55 sq ft appartement. i camend you. you are doing a great job, and can you say thinking green is now in.