34 Hillside Ave

Building is poorly maintained; floors are never cleaned, the elevators are in terrible working order,usually one is out and the elevators can only have 3 people at a time, with a building of 183 units. Elevators smell toxic, really disgusting, they're never cleaned. The lock on the front door is always broken. I'm telling you, you can better apartments for less $$$ - keep looking!

Think twice before you take an apartment here, the management is the worse that can be and there is a constant problem with getting hot water. The neighborhood is okay, the normal drug dealing, but getting better, but if you can take an apartment in another building - do it.

Rent was reasonable for the size of the apartment - which was also freshly renovated prior to my moving in. It is well heated in winter. It costs extra to have a window A/C, but it does get hot in summer time. I do have a great view out to the cloisters in my bedroom, but the other windows lead to brick walls (not uncommon in Manhattan though). Hot water is maintained, but can be spotty at times. *The water pressure for hot water is spotty as well, which I didn't know before signing the lease.* It is an elevator building. The superintendent is very nice and accommodating. Repairs are arranged and executed efficiently. The building is Pet friendly. If you're a smoker, there are people who smoke in their apartments, but it is not permited in lobbys, hallways and elevators. Great Proximity to public transportation - my building is around 5 minute walking distance (at average pace) from both the 'A' express train, and '1' local train. Both trains hit many major points of the city. Parking is not great, but there are lots - some fairly cheap. West side highway, Cross-bronx, GW bridge, and FDR are all nearby. The vibe of the neighborhood - it can be "cliquy" at times. Many families with pets and children who know each other hang out throughout the area. I have some experience with hispanic culture, and although diverse, the area is very centered around hispanic cultures and languages. The dialectical differences have been tough - you won't get the most out of it from traditional High School or College Spanish, but in the local places, it is good to have at least a basic understanding. It is not necessary in most stores, and there are plenty of people who are not Hispanic that do just fine (like myself). If you want nightlife - there are some clubs, and bars all over, all within walking distance. Whether you like craft beer or tequila, music, food or just want to relax with a Hookah, you can find it here. I find that the clubs cater more to bottle service and tables over dancing, so I tend to hop the train to dance clubs with ease. Lots of local places deliver right to my building, including the liquor store. Proximity to parks - my building is only a few minute walk from Fort Tryon Park and the cloisters, as well as a dog park. Not a day goes by without people walking their dogs and jogging around, or visiting the museum. This area has a lot of foliage and natural quality to it. There are more aspects of nature here than most of Manhattan.

I currently live in a 3 room apartment and pay $1,560 worth of rent. I have 5 kids, two in which no longer live with me. I am currently employed but It's still not enough to pay my monthly rent on time.