Some people have no choice. In NYC, basement apartments are the only units you can find for under $1000/month. If you're an immigrant new to the US, if you're trying to find your footing after a tragedy, or if you're a new graduate looking for your first job after school-- it works as a (hopefully temporary) solution. Lived in a basement apartment as a child for a decade. I came out fine. But yes, would certainly not…
Ask HN: Do not rent and live in basements
11–20 of 46 posts
Re: Ask HN: Do not rent and live in basements
#12What you're saying is just plain wrong. You're not a super old person stuck in a chair that needs to see things from the inside. Go outside. If you are young, you should view the place you are living as your basecamp to sleep so you can go out and explore your world - not look at it through a window. Plus basement dwellings tend to be cheaper in which you can use the extra money you save for exploring.
Re: Ask HN: Do not rent and live in basements
#13Re: Ask HN: Do not rent and live in basements
#14Re: Ask HN: Do not rent and live in basements
#15Some people have no choice. In NYC, basement apartments are the only units you can find for under $1000/month. If you're an immigrant new to the US, if you're trying to find your footing after a tragedy, or if you're a new graduate looking for your first job after school-- it works as a (hopefully temporary) solution. Lived in a basement apartment as a child for a decade. I came out fine. But yes, would certainly not…
Why is moving out of that city not a choice?
Re: Ask HN: Do not rent and live in basements
#16Still, sunshine is a good idea generally for both physical and mental health, and its easy to slip out of a reasonable sleep cycle when staying in the basement away from the rhythms of the sun. So your mileage may vary.
Re: Ask HN: Do not rent and live in basements
#17I own a house but my remote work space is at the basement. There's a small window but it's quite dark and cold here still. Not ideal but way better than coding in the kids' room as I did still year ago.
Re: Ask HN: Do not rent and live in basements
#18Anyway, for The IT Crowd, basements are essential.
Re: Ask HN: Do not rent and live in basements
#19There are a lot of NYC apartment that also do not have windows at all. Priced at $2k and above. NYC leaves a severe mental scar on me (not just windows, but everything pretty much), yet I am still here because I need the money.