Reexamine Apartment Living -

Honoring 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 renting an apartment in New York City’s West Village.

We’ve all thought it, and it has even been analyzed several times, but Monica’s and Rachel’s living situation is just too good to be true. Two roommates, with average incomes for the majority of of the series, would have had a quite challenging time affording a two-bedroom apartment in Manhattan. Not to mention one with a living room of that size.

While they made renting in the Big Apple look relatively stress-free, there are disadvantages in their apartment living that could make anyone consider purchasing a home.

The One Where They Reexamine Apartment Living

Annoying neighbors

From the “Ugly Naked Guy” to the late Mr. Heckles, Monica and Rachel had to deal with their share of strange neighbors. Yet, they never considered moving out. A recent study conducted by Rent.com discovered that people living in multifamily homes, like apartment buildings, were prepared to pay an extra $179 each month just for a chance to choose their neighbors.

While they had a ridiculous deal on their rent-stabilized apartment (1,125 square feet in Manhattan for just $200 a month!), the constant disturbances and lack of privacy may have probably led them, in real life, to at least consider looking for a new home.

Insufficient outdoor space

Outdoor space has developed into must-have amenity for the majority of home-buyers and renters, especially millennials who need to accommodate their pets. Through the entire series, the characters had a few different furry friends – Ross’ monkey Marcel, Chandler and Joey’s chicks and ducks – that may have benefited 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) better.

Small/outdated kitchen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 While the gang appeared to get by with a somewhat-outdated kitchen (as evidenced by their many Thanksgivings held there), it’s one of the things that frequently drives most renters to think about moving. Plus, any significant design change or upgrade would have needed the landlord’s approval. Seeing 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 walk-up, meaning there’s no elevator access. Ross lived in a similar walk-up apartment across the street. An elevator would have been especially useful in Ross’ apartment situation when he is attempting to move a couch upstairs himself as opposed to 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.

Possibly 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.” For anyone who is feeling more proactive that Monica and Rachel and are wanting to move on from renting, contact us at at 813-300-7116 for suggestions about locating a space with all the amenities you want. We are always available to answer your questions or you can simply click here and we will be in touch with you shortly.

Need to get started with your mortgage process? You can contact Kyle Edwards with Iberia Bank at 813-495-5131, or simply click here to start your online application.