Kelly Kreth
Contributing writer Kelly Kreth has been a freelance journalist, essayist, and columnist for more than two decades. Her real estate articles have appeared in The Real Deal, Luxury Listings, Our Town, and amNewYork. A long-time New York City renter who loves a good deal, Kreth currently lives in a coveted rent-stabilized apartment in a luxury building on the Upper East Side.
Posts by Kelly Kreth:
It's no secret that private and semi-private outdoor space in New York City is at a premium. For those of us without the luxury of balconies, roof decks or common garden areas, we must work that much harder at figuring out how to get outside the confines of our tiny units.
When I first moved to Manhattan I had a sixth-floor walkup rental in a rundown tenement, just about six blocks from my current place, where I could easily sneak onto the roof, although technically it was prohibited.
All has been quiet on the western front lately (fortunately), giving me time to think back a bit about how I happened to move here.
I've recounted part of the story before, in my still aptly titled piece on this site, Goodbye Douchebaggery, Hello Hell's Kitchen. But I didn’t really go into detail about the precise catalyst for my move.
I'd just won the war against my super, and he'd finally stopped propping our building’s doors open with rocks. I was ready to breathe easier, happy to be living in a more secure building.
After my victory over those animals that live on the fifth floor who were throwing used condoms and lit cigarettes from their window, I needed a rest.
