Incoming EM1: Amenities-rich apartment vs. affordability?
Howdy, incoming PGY-1 moving to a cool new city in the NE with higher COL than I’m used to.
I’m currently able to apply to 2 types of places, but having trouble wondering if I should prioritize convenience vs. affordability.
Option 1:
Basically luxury apartment
- about $300 above my monthly budget
- Smaller apartment (~600 sqft)
- Insane amenities. I’m talking huge state of the art gym, wellness center with saunas, spas, massage tables, etc. Huge pool, hot tub, fire pits, outdoor bar spaces, the works.
- Fully enclosed attached garage parking (so nice and safe from elements + vandalism, I’m also a young woman)
Option 2:
Refurbished factory building
- Closer to budget (~$100 over, which is acceptable)
- Exposed brick and wood beams with 1000 sqft
- In my absolute favorite part of town with 100/100 walkability that’s also about 10 minutes closer to my hospital
- A little outdated, will need a deep clean
- Parking has a waitlist that hasn’t budged in 6+ months, street parking is an option :/
- No amenities other some storage and secure package area
Should I prioritize convenience? My thoughts being that I’ll be in the hospital all the time so whatever extra cash I might normally spend out and about can go towards rent. I also struggle to prioritize my fitness, so having it available might make the difference in my wellness.
Thanks in advance!