The one where they reconsider apartment living......
In honor of the 25th anniversary of “Friends” this month, we’re looking into the living arrangements of our six favorite “friends”: Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey and Phoebe. They were in their 20s and living in New York City’s West Village – in relatively large apartments.
We’ve all thought it, and it has even been analyzed multiple times, but Monica’s and Rachel’s living situation is just too good to be true. Two roommates, with average incomes for most of the series, would have had a very hard time affording a two-bedroom apartment in Manhattan. Let alone one with a living room of that size.
While they made renting in the Big Apple look relatively stress-free, there are downsides to their apartment living that could make anyone consider buying a home.
Annoying neighbors
From the “Ugly Naked Guy” to the late Mr. Heckles, Monica and Rachel dealt with their share of strange neighbors. Yet, they never considered moving out. A recent study conducted by Rent.com found that people living in multifamily homes, like apartment buildings, were willing to pay an additional $179 per month just for the ability to choose their neighbors.
While they had a ridiculous deal on their rent-stabilized apartment (1,125 square feet in Manhattan for only $200 a month!), the constant disturbances and lack of privacy would have probably led them, in real life, to at least consider finding a new home.
Lack of outdoor space
Outdoor space has become a must-have amenity for many homebuyers and renters, especially millennials who need to accommodate their pets. Throughout the series, the characters had a few different furry friends – Ross’ monkey Marcel, Chandler and Joey’s chicks and ducks – that may have benefitted from an enclosed outdoor space.
Additionally, the friends are seen using the apartment’s balcony for parties, barbecues and romantic moments. While it’s a nice addition, and one you can’t guarantee everywhere, a larger outdoor space – or even one that doesn’t require crawling out a window like Rachel’s and Monica’s – would BE (think Chandler’s inflection) more ideal.
Small/outdated kitchen
While most apartments aren’t praised for their kitchen spaces, it’s surprising that Monica, the professional chef in the group, seems to have no qualms with the lackluster space. While the gang seemed to get by with a somewhat-outdated kitchen (as evidenced by their many Thanksgivings held there), it’s one of the things that usually drives most renters to consider moving. Plus, any significant design change or upgrade would have needed the landlord’s approval. Given that Monica was subletting the apartment illegally from her grandmother, she probably avoided the landlord at all costs.
No elevator
The apartment building where Monica, Rachel, Chandler and Joey reside is a five-story walkup, meaning there’s no elevator access. Ross lived in a similar walkup apartment across the street. An elevator would have been especially helpful in Ross’ apartment situation when he is trying to move a couch upstairs himself instead of having it delivered. With an elevator, they could have avoided having to “pivot!” After a long day at the office, climbing multiple flights of stairs to get to a front door can be daunting.
Perhaps the characters of “Friends” are not getting such a sweet deal on their apartment if it means they must deal with all of these “quirks.” If you are feeling more proactive that Monica and Rachel and are ready to move on from renting, contact your local RE/MAX agent for advice on finding a space with all the amenities you desire.
We’ve all thought it, and it has even been analyzed multiple times, but Monica’s and Rachel’s living situation is just too good to be true. Two roommates, with average incomes for most of the series, would have had a very hard time affording a two-bedroom apartment in Manhattan. Let alone one with a living room of that size.
While they made renting in the Big Apple look relatively stress-free, there are downsides to their apartment living that could make anyone consider buying a home.
Annoying neighbors
From the “Ugly Naked Guy” to the late Mr. Heckles, Monica and Rachel dealt with their share of strange neighbors. Yet, they never considered moving out. A recent study conducted by Rent.com found that people living in multifamily homes, like apartment buildings, were willing to pay an additional $179 per month just for the ability to choose their neighbors.
While they had a ridiculous deal on their rent-stabilized apartment (1,125 square feet in Manhattan for only $200 a month!), the constant disturbances and lack of privacy would have probably led them, in real life, to at least consider finding a new home.
Lack of outdoor space
Outdoor space has become a must-have amenity for many homebuyers and renters, especially millennials who need to accommodate their pets. Throughout the series, the characters had a few different furry friends – Ross’ monkey Marcel, Chandler and Joey’s chicks and ducks – that may have benefitted from an enclosed outdoor space.
Additionally, the friends are seen using the apartment’s balcony for parties, barbecues and romantic moments. While it’s a nice addition, and one you can’t guarantee everywhere, a larger outdoor space – or even one that doesn’t require crawling out a window like Rachel’s and Monica’s – would BE (think Chandler’s inflection) more ideal.
Small/outdated kitchen
While most apartments aren’t praised for their kitchen spaces, it’s surprising that Monica, the professional chef in the group, seems to have no qualms with the lackluster space. While the gang seemed to get by with a somewhat-outdated kitchen (as evidenced by their many Thanksgivings held there), it’s one of the things that usually drives most renters to consider moving. Plus, any significant design change or upgrade would have needed the landlord’s approval. Given that Monica was subletting the apartment illegally from her grandmother, she probably avoided the landlord at all costs.
No elevator
The apartment building where Monica, Rachel, Chandler and Joey reside is a five-story walkup, meaning there’s no elevator access. Ross lived in a similar walkup apartment across the street. An elevator would have been especially helpful in Ross’ apartment situation when he is trying to move a couch upstairs himself instead of having it delivered. With an elevator, they could have avoided having to “pivot!” After a long day at the office, climbing multiple flights of stairs to get to a front door can be daunting.
Perhaps the characters of “Friends” are not getting such a sweet deal on their apartment if it means they must deal with all of these “quirks.” If you are feeling more proactive that Monica and Rachel and are ready to move on from renting, contact your local RE/MAX agent for advice on finding a space with all the amenities you desire.
