W 135th St: A Review for Student Renters
This residence at 135th Street in New York City offers a mix of four-bedroom units and standard apartments, targeting tenants who are comfortable sharing space or need a full apartment. With a monthly price range of $1,150 – $1,450 (indicative — confirm with the operator), it sits above the city’s entry‑level rental figure of $850 per month. The property holds a Google rating of 3.9 based on 20 reviews, and internal satisfaction scores show high marks for staff, social atmosphere, and location, but a lower score for amenities (3.5). Below is a balanced, fact‑based look at who this residence suits, who might not enjoy it, and what prospective renters should know before booking for 2026 or 2027.
Who Is This Residence For?
- Budget‑conscious renters open to sharing. The starting price of $1,150 per month for a four‑bedroom unit (likely a room in a shared apartment) makes it a relatively affordable option in Manhattan. If you are used to communal living and don’t mind sharing a kitchen and living area, this could be a practical choice.
- Students or young professionals who value a responsive, people‑focused management. Internal ratings give staff a 4.7 out of 5, and one long‑term resident (Radrian Outlaw) praised how management handled a difficult incident: “Management worked diligently to make sure our needs were met. Management and other staff, along associations, really helped.” This suggests that if you experience an issue, the team is likely to step up.
- Those who prioritise internet quality and location. Internal scores for internet sit at 4.8, and location is rated 4.7. The address on West 135th Street places you in Harlem, with good subway access and proximity to several colleges and cultural venues. The social rating (4.7) also indicates that the building may host community events or that residents find it easy to connect.
- Renters who need a fully equipped unit for a self‑contained apartment. The “apartment” unit type (as opposed to the four‑bedroom) likely means you can rent an entire flat with a private kitchen and bathroom. The price goes up to $1,450, which is still below many Manhattan studios. Tagged amenities include kitchenware and WiFi, so move‑in logistics for cooking and connectivity are covered.
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
- Tenants who expect fast, proactive administrative processing. A former applicant (Amsterdam Security) reported a frustrating application experience: “this management office isnt on point you gotta keep harassing them to see if anything went through … very unprofessional.. as a potential renter it shouldnt be like.” If you need a seamless, automated application flow, this residence’s office may not meet your expectations.
- Those who require a two‑bedroom apartment. One reviewer (Towanda Tieanna) expressed a wish to “view a 2 bedroom apartment for me and my daughter.” The property’s current listings only include four‑bedroom layouts and generic apartments (the size of the latter is not specified). If a two‑bedroom unit is what you need, you will likely have to look elsewhere or confirm directly with the operator whether any two‑bedroom apartments are available – but based on the given data, they are not listed.
- Renters who want high‑end amenities. The internal amenity rating is only 3.5. While the residence covers basics (laundry facility, kitchenware, WiFi), residents who expect a gym, rooftop, or concierge may be disappointed. The tag “not_available” also suggests that some services may currently be inactive; check with the operator before booking.
- Those who need a very tight budget. Although $1,150 is lower than the average NYU‑area room, it is still 35% above the city’s lowest price of $850. If your absolute maximum is $1,000 per month, you may need to look at shared houses further uptown or in the outer boroughs.
What Residents Actually Say
The Google reviews highlight a contrast between administrative trouble and onsite management quality.
Positive experience – Radrian Outlaw (5 stars):
“I’ve lived for awhile so far so, good no complaints, management, and the team they have, has done a good job so far considering my building 119 is where the shooting happened, with the Cops. Management worked diligently to make sure our needs were met. Management and other staff, along associations, really helped.”
This reviewer has been a long‑term resident and confirms that when a serious incident occurred (a police shooting in the building), the management team addressed tenant needs proactively. If you are concerned about safety or crisis handling, this testimony suggests the team is responsive.
Mixed expectations – Towanda Tieanna (4 stars):
“Reading the comments I would like to view a 2 bedroom apartment for me and my daughter and hope its based upon our income. We need a home close to her school. Im praying for a miracle.”
Though a 4‑star rating, the comment reveals that the tenant desired a two‑bedroom layout and hoped for income‑based pricing. The W 135th St property does not advertise such a unit type, so prospective renters with similar needs should verify unit availability beforehand.
Negative application process – Amsterdam Security (1 star):
“this management office isnt on point you gotta keep harassing them to see if anything went through or everything is up to date so they can process your paper work … very unprofessional.. as a potential renter it shouldnt be like.”
This is a clear warning. If you are a new applicant, be prepared for possible delays and the need to follow up repeatedly. The reviewer may have been an applicant rather than a resident, so the office’s onboarding efficiency appears inconsistent with the onsite management praised by the long‑term tenant.
Price Positioning & Room Type Guidance
The monthly price range of $1,150 – $1,450 sits above New York City’s overall starting price of $850. That $850 figure typically represents a room in a very budget‑friendly shared apartment in less central areas (e.g., Washington Heights or parts of Brooklyn). W 135th St, being in Harlem, commands a premium for its location and the type of units offered.
- Four‑bedroom apartments: The $1,150 price likely corresponds to a private bedroom in a four‑bedroom shared unit. You would share a kitchen, living area, and one or two bathrooms. Amenities include WiFi and kitchenware, so you won’t need to buy your own pots and pans.
- Apartments (single unit): The $1,450 price is probably for a one‑bedroom or studio apartment within the same building. This gives you complete privacy. Confirm with the operator whether this is a standard apartment with a separate bedroom or a studio.
Both price points are indicative — confirm with the operator before budgeting. The property’s tags include “not_available,” which may mean certain unit types are currently full or that the listing is temporarily offline. Always verify availability directly.
Booking Timing
Given the mixed reviews about administrative processing and the “not_available” tag, planning ahead is essential.
- For 2026 occupancy: Start reaching out to the operator at least 8‑12 months in advance. Early inquiries give you time to navigate any application delays and to confirm whether your desired unit type (four‑bedroom share or private apartment) is even being offered for your move‑in date.
- For 2027 occupancy: If you are planning two years out, you can begin preliminary research now, but actual booking will likely only be possible 6‑10 months before the lease start. The property’s social rating (4.7) suggests a strong sense of community, so living there could be easier if you join as part of a group already looking for roommates.
- Application strategy: Because one reviewer had to “keep harassing them” to get paperwork processed, consider calling and emailing simultaneously, and ask for a clear timeline from the management office. If you are a student relying on a fixed enrollment schedule, build extra weeks into your search window.
Remember that the property is located at West 135th Street in New York, which is served by the 1, A, B, C, and D subway lines within walking distance. The address is “New York, NY, USA” – a general locator; confirm the exact building entry with the operator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the $1,150 price for a whole apartment or a room?
The $1,150 price is likely for a single bedroom in a four‑bedroom apartment (shared living). The $1,450 price corresponds to a full, self‑contained apartment unit. Both prices are indicative — confirm with the operator as they may vary based on floor, lease length, and when you book.
Is there an elevator or do I have to climb stairs?
The given data does not specify an elevator. The amenity rating is 3.5, and the only listed features are laundry facility, kitchenware, and WiFi. If you need an elevator, call the operator and ask. For 2026 or 2027 occupancy, this information may change, so always verify.
Can I book a two‑bedroom apartment at W 135th St?
The listed unit types are “4b” (four‑bedroom) and “apartment.” No two‑bedroom option is provided in the data. If you absolutely need a two‑bedroom layout, you will either have to check with the operator for off‑market units or look for a different property in New York City.
Sources & data date: 2026‑07
Property details sourced from amber listing ID 266745 (W 135th St). Google rating and reviews as provided. City reference price ($850) and property count (212) from the same database.
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