<p>The thought that $40K is QUITE livable in Manhattan is a hoot. I made $45K over 25 years ago, and felt that I could not really get a livable studio apt in a decently located area in Manhattan while still continuing to buy clothing, have a social life and go on an occassional vacation. I opted to live in an area close to Park Slope in Brooklyn ( a safe middle class area but far from trendy). I was able to go out and enjoy Manhattan by not living in Manhattan and had some leftover money to buy clothes and travel. But remember that was over 25 years ago and the cost of living was much lower!</p>
<p>Living in Washington Heights is far from the experience that most kids seeking to live in Manhattan would want. I don’t think that it is being pampered to expect certain things from a living situation. I do not ever want my D to compromise safety, nor would I want her never to be able to save any money and live totally pay check to pay check by necessity. Too many kids are paying way too much of their salary towards rent and are sacrificing the ability to enjoy life in the city by having zero cash flow after rent.</p>
<p>I would much rather have D move back home after college and focus on saving money until she could realistically support herself in decent style. I have a friend in her 60’s now who is still living in her first apartment in downtown Manhattan and who has never really moved beyond that. While her rent is a bargain now, it wasn’t for many years and her expenses kept rising. She has never quite caught up!</p>
<p>I have no doubt about my D’s ability to make it on her own in the city. She has been dorming at NYU for the last 4 years. But when she does move out I want her to be able to truly support herself and be safe.</p>