My Friend Got an Affordable Housing in Manhattan! Her Story and What It Means
My Friend Got an Affordable Housing in Manhattan!
Some great news came to me last week! My friend, who currently lives in the Bronx, messaged me one afternoon saying,
“I got an affordable housing apartment in Manhattan!”
I was like, “What!?”
Renting an apartment in NYC is getting harder and harder these days, so her news sounded like a miracle.
Now, I know you probably want to know how much the rent is and how she got it. I’ve actually started looking into it myself and thinking about applying too. But there are a few things you might want to know before you do it.
What Is Affordable Housing in NYC?
In simple terms, affordable housing is a program by New York City that offers reduced-rent apartments for people who have low to moderate incomes.
Instead of paying wild market prices, tenants pay rent based on their income level — not the luxury real estate market around them.
It’s all managed through a city system called NYC Housing Connect, where anyone can apply online for these housing lotteries.
Developers who build these apartments receive city incentives, while residents get a fair chance to live in neighborhoods that might otherwise be out of reach — even in Manhattan.
Here’s the part you’re probably most curious about:
She’ll be paying $1,900 a month — not exactly cheap, but for Manhattan, that’s actually a pretty good deal. Considering how expensive NYC is, $1,900 is quite reasonable.
How My Friend Got Her Manhattan Apartment
My friend, who works full-time in Queens, had been struggling to find an apartment in the city for years. She was still sharing a tiny room in the Bronx. The rent there wasn’t bad, but it was time for her to move out for personal reasons.
One night, she found a listing on NYC Housing Connect for a brand-new building in Lower Manhattan — complete with a gym, a rooftop terrace, and even a small garden.
She applied, thinking her chances were slim. A year later, she received an email:
“Congratulations! You’ve been selected for an interview.”
After income verification and some paperwork, she got the apartment. The rent will be higher than what she’s currently paying, but she’s excited because she can finally live in Manhattan — just like I do.
What Life Is Like in Affordable Housing
I haven’t visited her apartment yet, but I definitely will post about what it’s like. I’m very curious about the walls and acoustics since I’m a musician. I’m also curious about the size of the rooms, the design, and other details.
How You Can Apply
If you’re inspired by her story, here’s how you can apply too:
- Go to NYC Housing Connect.
- Create an account and fill in your household income information.
- Search for listings that match your income range.
- Apply online for as many as you qualify for — it’s free!
- Wait for the lottery results and stay patient.
Many people apply multiple times before getting selected, so persistence really matters – my friend tried three times.
A Chance to Dream in Manhattan
For many New Yorkers, affordable housing isn’t just about cheaper rent — it’s about having a chance to belong in this incredible city. It allows artists, teachers, nurses, and everyday dreamers to live near their work, friends, and communities.
My friend’s story reminded me that sometimes, hope in New York City comes in the form of a simple email — one that says, ‘You’ve https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/been chosen.’ It’s a true New York story.”
“If you’ve ever dreamed of living in Manhattan, even knowing it can be expensive, NYC Housing Connect might give you a chance to make that dream real. You never know — the next ‘Congratulations’ email could be yours.”
Related Articles
