Leigh,

New York City is like living in San Francisco, housing has always been outrageous, and will probably always remain so. You cannot compare that housing market to others.

Back in the mid 70's I shared a 1 bedroom, 1 bath apartment in San Francisco with 3 friends of mine. It was out in the Avenues right across from Golden Gate Park and 12-15 blocks from the ocean, rent was $1200.00 a month.  One got the bedroom, one used the dining room as their bedroom and I and another gal shared the living room which was the largest room in the apartment and had a window seat facing the park. Great neighborhood and great location, and it was safe.

In 2003 I was thinking about living in NYC, I looked at one apartment, a studio, 300 square feet, $1250.00 a month, another 3-400 a month to park your car in the garage across the street, I decided to live in New Jersey, while northern NJ is also very expensive for almost the same money you can get a 2 bedroom apartment.

Because of the housing demand in NYC and San Francisco I don't think prices will ever go down!

Jessica