Ah, I see, thats probably a better way to calculate it in a city. Everything I've been seeing has been saying monthly income 3x which would put me at almost $1600 for recommended rent but saving more definitely sounds better. Thank you!

$1400 including utilities or no? I've been seeing some for $1300 not including and some for $1500-$1600 that include and not sure which is the way to go.

I am looking on that app as well! There are a few downtown that sound nice with nice sounding roommates but still pretty nervous. I'll have to look at the Heights too!

Was your experience with the roommates you met on there good?

I don't know if 30 is considered young anymore haha, but yes. I have been looking at a few and am hoping it goes well and hoping to have a fun time and meet new people.

I am not able to visit, no. I have to be there by the end of the month and I'm in the Pacific Northwest (so the other side of the country). So kind of relying on other peoples help to get a feel for Jersey City. I'm also from a small town of about 1400 people so that's probably why the realtor was advising me to live outside of the city, she was assuming that I would prefer other areas I suppose. Really talked up Secaucus where she lives.

Oh wow. Thanks for the advice!

I make 57k a year so...affordable lol! But yeah, not a lot in my price range, so I might look into doing a roommate for a while until maybe more becomes available.

I wouldn't mind finding a roommate, have to find one to get along with of course but I myself am open to it. But then, there's the question...how do I do that? First time renting outside of a college dorm room so not quite sure how to find a good roomie, hahaha.