I toured 3 apartments around $1,500 in Raleigh, NC, and still wouldn't give up my New York City apartment

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I toured 3 apartments around $1,500 in Raleigh, NC, and still wouldn't give up my New York City apartment
  • On a recent trip to Raleigh, North, Carolina, I toured three one-bedroom apartments.
  • They cost around $1,500 a month, with one costing as low as $1,428.
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I live in a two-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn with two roommates. Although I love my apartment, I've always thought about living alone.

I live in a two-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn with two roommates. Although I love my apartment, I've always thought about living alone.
The living room in my apartment.Erin McDowell/Insider

My apartment is located on the first floor of a historic brownstone building in Bushwick, Brooklyn. It's considered one of the "trendier" neighborhoods in Brooklyn and is home to coffee shops, restaurants, and a quaint neighborhood feel.

However, my area of southeast Bushwick is definitely not as bustling as neighborhoods like Williamsburg, which I lived in for about a year, or most areas of Manhattan.

For my room in the apartment, I pay $1,200 a month, while my two roommates (who are a couple) pay a larger share for their room.

For my room in the apartment, I pay $1,200 a month, while my two roommates (who are a couple) pay a larger share for their room.
My bedroom in my apartment in Bushwick, Brooklyn.Erin McDowell/Insider

In total, the rent for my apartment is $2,850, which is pretty expensive. However, as you can probably tell by the photos, our apartment is a really good size for New York City and by far the largest one I've ever lived in.

In September, our rent is increasing to $3,000 due to the rising market cost of apartments in New York City.

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While I can afford to share this apartment with two other people, getting a one-bedroom of my own still feels out of reach.

While I can afford to share this apartment with two other people, getting a one-bedroom of my own still feels out of reach.
The kitchen in my apartment.Erin McDowell/Insider

On average, a one-bedroom apartment in New York in July 2022 costs $4,761 per month, according to Apartment List, up from $3,805 per month in October 2021.

Our apartment comes without many amenities you would expect from a high-priced apartment. We wash all of our dishes by hand and have to take our clothes to the laundromat as there's no dishwasher, washer, or dryer in the building.

However, the cost of our two-bedroom apartment is still far below the average price of a two-bedroom in New York, which is $6,188 per month.

Despite not being a "luxury" apartment, I really do love the historic charm of my home.

Despite not being a "luxury" apartment, I really do love the historic charm of my home.
The bathroom in my apartment in Bushwick, Brooklyn.Erin McDowell/Insider

It features tons of crown molding, original hardwood floors, an original chandelier, and lots of other historic details. Given that the brownstone was built in 1905, the apartment has a lot of charm — something you simply don't get with a new build, in my opinion.

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We also have access to a private backyard, something that's a bit of a rarity given our budget.

We also have access to a private backyard, something that's a bit of a rarity given our budget.
The backyard.Erin McDowell/Insider

I know that if I was ever to move, either within the New York City area or further afield, outdoor space would be a must-have.

On a recent trip to North Carolina, I decided to check out a few apartments to see how they compared to what I have in New York and if it would be possible to live alone.

On a recent trip to North Carolina, I decided to check out a few apartments to see how they compared to what I have in New York and if it would be possible to live alone.
A photo of the author while visiting North Carolina.Erin McDowell/Insider

I toured three different apartments in Raleigh, North Carolina. The city is certainly up-and-coming and is attracting scores of millennials from across the country who want a big-city feel without the high price tag of cities like New York or other metro areas.

I lived in an apartment in Burlington, North Carolina, for two years when I was attending Elon University. When I lived in an off-campus apartment during my junior and senior years, I paid half of the $930 total rent per month to live in a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment with a roommate.

While paying between $1,500 and $2,000 a month in rent would definitely be a stretch, it's a lot more doable than the average price of a one-bedroom in NYC. Suddenly, having a place of my own seemed a lot more within reach.

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The first apartment I toured was at The Providence at Brier, a community located in northwest Raleigh.

The first apartment I toured was at The Providence at Brier, a community located in northwest Raleigh.
The Providence at Brier.Erin McDowell/Insider

The apartment complex was located a stone's throw away from Raleigh-Durham International Airport, but it definitely didn't feel overwhelmingly urban. While the apartment wasn't located in the heart of Raleigh, it was a short distance away from Target and a few other major retailers, as well as restaurants.

There were lots of trees and grassy spaces scattered throughout the complex, giving it more of a suburban feel.

There were lots of trees and grassy spaces scattered throughout the complex, giving it more of a suburban feel.
A pond with a fountain at The Providence at Brier.Erin McDowell/Insider

There was also a small pond with a fountain near the pool area and main business center.

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The apartment I toured was located in one of the complex's many buildings.

The apartment I toured was located in one of the complex's many buildings.
The Providence at Brier.Erin McDowell/Insider

It was a very walkable community, while still offering tons of parking. I didn't feel like I was in the city at all — even though I was technically in an urban area.

The apartment I toured was one the complex sets aside for tours, but reflects the layout and amenities of their one-bedroom apartments.

The apartment I toured was one the complex sets aside for tours, but reflects the layout and amenities of their one-bedroom apartments.
The kitchen in an apartment at The Providence at Brier.Erin McDowell/Insider

The kitchen had a tile floor, white appliances, and warm brown cabinetry. Apartments similar to the one-bedroom apartment I toured cost $1,428 per month, plus a community fee and the cost of the internet.

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I thought the living area was very spacious for one person.

I thought the living area was very spacious for one person.
The living room in an apartment at The Providence at Brier.Erin McDowell/Insider

I also liked that despite having an open look from the kitchen into the living room, there was a degree of separation between the two spaces thanks to the difference in flooring and a wall with a hall closet.

There were pops of grey paint throughout the apartment, giving it a cozy feel.

There were pops of grey paint throughout the apartment, giving it a cozy feel.
The living room in an apartment at The Providence at Brier.Erin McDowell/Insider

I could see myself really enjoying this space. However, my one con came from the flooring.

The flooring in the living room and bedroom were both carpet. Although this definitely made the space feel cozy and inviting, I personally prefer hardwood floors as I find them easier to clean and they're generally more in line with my personal design style.

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The bedroom was on the smaller side but had plenty of room for all of my furniture.

The bedroom was on the smaller side but had plenty of room for all of my furniture.
The bedroom in an apartment at The Providence at Brier.Erin McDowell/Insider

There was space for a queen-sized bed, two nightstands, and a dresser.

The bathroom wasn't super modern, but I thought it was cute.

The bathroom wasn't super modern, but I thought it was cute.
The bathroom in an apartment at The Providence at Brier.Erin McDowell/Insider

Every inch above the toilet was maximized for more storage, and there was a vanity with space for toiletries.

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The shower came with a tub, which I really liked.

The shower came with a tub, which I really liked.
The shower in an apartment at The Providence at Brier.Erin McDowell/Insider

I'm lucky to have a tub in New York, but it's definitely not common in other apartments I've seen in the city.

What really sold me on this apartment was the closest space.

What really sold me on this apartment was the closest space.
The closet in an apartment at The Providence at Brier.Erin McDowell/Insider

The walk-in closet is about four times the size of what I have now.

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There was also a washer and dryer in the apartment unit, which is rare in New York City.

There was also a washer and dryer in the apartment unit, which is rare in New York City.
The laundry room in an apartment at The Providence at Brier.Erin McDowell/Insider

I've never lived in an apartment with in-unit laundry, and the apartment I have currently doesn't even offer it in the building.

New York City apartments that do have in-unit laundry tend to be way above my budget, so I was intrigued. This is a major amenity that I wish I currently had and would be able to afford if I was to move into this apartment.

There was also a small outdoor balcony space.

There was also a small outdoor balcony space.
The balcony in an apartment at The Providence at Brier.Erin McDowell/Insider

The apartment was on a lower floor, so there wasn't an incredible view or anything. However, I liked that I would have the option to sit outside with my coffee in the morning and soak up the North Carolina sun.

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The apartment complex also offered luxurious amenities like a pool.

The apartment complex also offered luxurious amenities like a pool.
The pool at The Providence at Brier.Erin McDowell/Insider

I found through my tours and from my time living in the state that pools are pretty commonplace at apartment complexes in North Carolina. Every complex I toured had one or was in the process of having one built.

A few of the amenities included in the apartment complex included a gym and a small business center with computers.

A few of the amenities included in the apartment complex included a gym and a small business center with computers.
The gym at The Providence at Brier.Erin McDowell/Insider

The 24-hour gym was small but had everything you would need for a basic workout. All of the amenities are included in the monthly rent, plus a small community fee.

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There was also a relaxing indoor-outdoor living space with a fireplace, television, and grill.

There was also a relaxing indoor-outdoor living space with a fireplace, television, and grill.
An outdoor living space at The Providence at Brier.Erin McDowell/Insider

This would be a perfect space for entertaining or grilling when the weather isn't as nice.

Overall, I really liked this apartment and could see it definitely working for one person. The number of amenities and option to live alone made the apartment seem worth the price.

However, I wasn't as crazy about the aesthetic of the actual apartment — it was simple, clean, and comfortable. However, I prefer the unique quirks and pre-war style of my current apartment.

The second apartment I saw was at The Summit at Avent Ferry.

The second apartment I saw was at The Summit at Avent Ferry.
The Summit at Avent Ferry.Erin McDowell/Insider

The apartment was located a close distance away from Lake Johnson Park on the west side of Raleigh. It was in a more centrally-located apartment complex, while still feeling homey and away from the real hustle and bustle of the city.

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I toured a one-bedroom apartment that was staged for potential renters.

I toured a one-bedroom apartment that was staged for potential renters.
The living room in an apartment at The Summit at Avent Ferry.Erin McDowell/Insider

Right away, I really liked the overall style of the apartment. Although the living area was carpeted, I really liked the color of the walls, the large window that looked out onto the surrounding trees, and the fireplace.

One-bedroom apartments at The Summit at Avent Ferry run between $1,535 and $1,915 per month, depending on the unit, plus the cost of administration fees, trash removal, and pest control.

The lighting was a little dim, but that could also greatly depend on the time of day I saw the apartment and the shade offered by the trees outside the window. I toured the apartment in the late afternoon on an overcast day, when the sun was hidden.

The kitchen was also clean and modern.

The kitchen was also clean and modern.
The kitchen in an apartment at The Summit at Avent Ferry.Erin McDowell/Insider

I loved the large island, modern black appliances, and the double-sink. There was also space to have a few bar stools, adding even more dining options to the space.

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Like the other apartments I saw, there was a full-sized dishwasher.

Like the other apartments I saw, there was a full-sized dishwasher.
The dishwasher.Erin McDowell/Insider

This was an upgrade from my current apartment, which doesn't have a dishwasher.

In the space behind the bar stools and the island, I could fit a full dining room table.

In the space behind the bar stools and the island, I could fit a full dining room table.
The dining space in an apartment at The Summit at Avent Ferry.Erin McDowell/Insider

In my current apartment, there's no space for a dining room table at all inside. This would be a major upgrade when it comes to having people over for dinner parties, as well as being able to sit at a table to eat my meals every day.

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The bedroom was stylish and spacious.

The bedroom was stylish and spacious.
The bedroom in an apartment at The Summit at Avent Ferry.Erin McDowell/Insider

The blinds were drawn when I visited, but I imagine they would let in a fair amount of light when they were open.

The bathroom was simple, but the space was maximized for a single person.

The bathroom was simple, but the space was maximized for a single person.
The bathroom in an apartment at The Summit at Avent Ferry.Erin McDowell/Insider

There were multiple mirrors and a tub-shower combo.

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There was also in-unit laundry, which included space above to keep linens and extra toiletries.

There was also in-unit laundry, which included space above to keep linens and extra toiletries.
The laundry room in an apartment at The Summit at Avent Ferry.Erin McDowell/Insider

The laundry machines were similar to the ones I saw in the first and third apartments I visited.

There was also a small screened-in balcony off of the living room.

There was also a small screened-in balcony off of the living room.
The porch of an apartment at The Summit at Avent Ferry.Erin McDowell/Insider

I really liked that, unlike the first apartment I saw, the porch was screened in to prevent bugs and other wildlife from the surrounding trees from getting in. I imagined this space would be comfortable to sit out on at night and was large enough to fit at least three chairs and a table.

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The apartment complex also had a dog park and a tennis court.

The apartment complex also had a dog park and a tennis court.
The dog park and tennis courts at The Summit at Avent Ferry.Erin McDowell/Insider

The agent I spoke with said the dog park was very popular among residents with dogs.

However, it's worth mentioning that the apartment complex doesn't allow all dogs. Pit bulls, Staffordshire terriers, Dobermans, Presa Canario, Malamutes, Rottweilers, Chows, Akitas, and wolf-hybrids were all listed as "restricted" dog breeds on the information pamphlet I was given.

The apartment complex also had a large pool, which people were swimming in on the day I visited.

The apartment complex also had a large pool, which people were swimming in on the day I visited.
The pool at The Summit at Avent Ferry.Erin McDowell/Insider

It was extremely hot the day I toured, so I would have loved the opportunity to hop in.

Overall, I really liked the apartment's general style. I loved the fireplace and the screened-in balcony and thought it was also really spacious for the price. I liked the amenities and the pool, as well as the location. Compared to my current space, it was definitely an upgrade.

However, I thought having a more modern communal area to do work in would have been nice, and I was still iffy about the amount of light that would come into the apartment due to the shade and the weather on the day I visited.

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The last apartment I saw was at a brand-new complex that was under construction.

The last apartment I saw was at a brand-new complex that was under construction.
Novo Blue Ridge.Erin McDowell/Insider

The apartment was the most centrally-located one I visited. It was a short distance away from downtown Raleigh, the North Carolina State Fair, the North Carolina Museum of Art, and North Carolina State University.

There were still construction crews bustling around the complex when I visited in mid-June.

There were still construction crews bustling around the complex when I visited in mid-June.
Novo Blue Ridge.Erin McDowell/Insider

When I spoke to the agent, she said that the very first residents had just begun moving into the already-finished buildings, with more apartments opening up very soon.

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The apartment I toured was an actual one-bedroom available for rent.

The apartment I toured was an actual one-bedroom available for rent.
The living room in an apartment at Novo Blue Ridge.Erin McDowell/Insider

It cost $1,525 per month, plus standard fees. The apartment was bright, spacious, and modern, with wood flooring in the kitchen and main living room. I liked the fact that I could visualize how my own furnishings would fit into the space given that it wasn't staged for viewing.

The kitchen was bright, clean, and modern.

The kitchen was bright, clean, and modern.
The kitchen in an apartment at Novo Blue Ridge.Erin McDowell/Insider

All of the appliances were brand new, and I liked the tan-colored granite countertops. There was also a dishwasher and a laundry room off of the kitchen, which had both become must-haves for any apartment I was looking at by this point.

The agent said that an island would also be going into the space to provide additional seating.

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The bedroom was simple and clean.

The bedroom was simple and clean.
The bedroom in an apartment at Novo Blue Ridge.Erin McDowell/Insider

It had carpeting, but since the apartment was brand new, I didn't mind that as much.

The bathroom was nice, and I liked the subway tile back splash on the tub-shower combo.

The bathroom was nice, and I liked the subway tile back splash on the tub-shower combo.
The bathroom in an apartment at Novo Blue Ridge.Erin McDowell/Insider

I could see the space fitting perfectly into what I was looking for.

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I was really sold on the apartment with the amenities provided.

I was really sold on the apartment with the amenities provided.
The gym at Novo Blue Ridge.Erin McDowell/Insider

The gym was absolutely massive and included everything you could possibly need for a full-body workout. Thanks to the large windows lining the walls, the space was also bright and airy.

The gym also included modern workout equipment like a smart Mirror workout machine and Peloton-style exercise bikes.

The gym also included modern workout equipment like a smart Mirror workout machine and Peloton-style exercise bikes.
The gym at Novo Blue Ridge.Erin McDowell/Insider

This was by far the most well-stocked gym that I saw during my apartment tours.

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There was also a stylish lounge area located in the main business center for residents to use.

There was also a stylish lounge area located in the main business center for residents to use.
The communal room at Novo Blue Ridge.Erin McDowell/Insider

A television was also being installed, making the space perfect for watching the NC State football games with friends.

The space included a kitchenette, comfortable seating, and snacks.

The space included a kitchenette, comfortable seating, and snacks.
The communal room at Novo Blue Ridge.Erin McDowell/Insider

I could see myself coming here to do work and socialize.

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A very large pool was in the process of being put in when I viewed the apartment.

A very large pool was in the process of being put in when I viewed the apartment.
The pool being put in at Novo Blue Ridge.Erin McDowell/Insider

The agent let me know that the pool would soon be open for residents to use, potentially as early as the first week of July.

Overall, I was really impressed by this apartment complex and could see myself living here. It was right within my budget, the amenities really blew me away, and I loved the location. If I was to make the move to North Carolina, this apartment complex would be at the top of my list. I also liked the other apartments I saw, and thought each offered something desirable.

However, I'm still torn about whether I really want to give up my current space in New York. I live with roommates for about the same price as what it would cost to live alone in a stylish Raleigh apartment, but I get to live in New York City with all of its hustle and bustle, culture, and historic feel.

Talk to me again in a few years. However, for now, I'm happy right where I am.