a friend is moving to manhattan for work, looking to definitely be in Manhattan (south of 96 but north of say canal) and is trying to figure out the best bang for the buck neighborhoods for a small one bedroom non-luxury rental. Figure $1750-2000 would be ideal.

i was thinking east village, but it seems that the upper east side (at least the east half of it) is even cheaper, lots of ok small walkup buildings with renovated apartments per some of the streeteasy searches.

Any other neighborhoods for her to consider in that light?

What about west 41st street? You can get a 4th floor walk up (1 bedroom) for $2,000 a month. I have a relative who is renting this apartment, but wants to sub-lease it out because she wants to move to the suburbs. Let me know if your friend is interested.

Try Tudor City. Perhaps not a 1 bedroom but a nice studio in a doorman building and right at 42nd Street.

Oh, and the apartment is completely renovated.

I second the vote for Hell's Kitchen - if she's willing to go far enough west, prices drop meaningfully. And even off 9th (which is great, IMO), you can find walk-ups with decent prices.

Thanks guys, I will tell her to check out the HK area... will let you know what comes of it.