<p>I have to disagree with posters who say it’s a horrible idea - depends on the person and what they want and what they are willing to give up. I live in Manhattan. My apartment is not expensive by Manhattan standards (less than $1,500 a month). It’s a studio. I have no roommates. Is the building old and not that well maintained? Yes. Did I have to give up space (as opposed to people paying as much living elsewhere)? Absolutely. However, it was (and still is) worth it to me. If she really wants to live in Manhattan, she CAN make it work with no roomates. However, that might also mean she will not be RIGHT next to LIRR. </p>
<p>I have always lived on the Upper West Side, so I would check out Upper West Side - 90’s - it’s right next to the 1,2,3, which makes for a quick trip to Penn Station. If she wants to save even more money, have her look into living on the Upper East Side - the closer to the river you go, the cheaper it is. The big drawback is that transportation is not as accessible, but if she is willing to make it work to live in the city, it might be worth it to her.</p>