Hi everyone! I’m looking for advice/recommendations on finding a 1BR apartment in NJ with an easy commute into Manhattan < 20 minutes by public transit.
I’m hoping to avoid the more “standard” rental process if possible, especially situations where the renter is expected to pay a large broker fee. I’d love recommendations for:
- No-fee apts
- Landlord - paid broker fee listings
- Direct landlord/property manager contacts
- Lease takeovers or sublets (like leasebreaks.com or other websites)
- Any rental agents who work with renters and can help find no-fee or landlord-paid-fee options
My ideal apartment would have:
- < 2.3K / month
- 1 BR
- In-unit washer (dryer not really needed but fine if it is included)
- Parking included or available but not necessary required if the place is right
- Close to reliable public transportation into Manhattan
- Safe, well-kept area, can walk around during the day without feeling unsafe
- Updated or newer unit preferred
- Utilities included (or at least some like water or gas etc.)
I’m interested in areas near the George Washington Bridge or Lincoln Tunnel, including Fort Lee, Palisades Park, Leonia, Edgewater, Weehawken, Union City, The Heights in Jersey City, Hoboken, or anywhere else with a reliable quick commute into Manhattan.
Does anyone have advice on the best way to find rentals without getting stuck paying large broker fees? I’d also appreciate recommendations for rental agents who are helpful but not too salesy or pushy. Any tips for looking on FB Marketplace, Craigslist, or other postings without running into scams would also be appreciated. Recommended buildings, landlords, property managers, lease takeover groups, or renter-friendly agents would be really helpful. Thank you!