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My husband’s a Costco baker, and I’m a copywriter/content marketer who works from home. We’re both in our late thirties, earning about $120K combined—just your regular, middle-class couple. No kids, just a nine-pound chihuahua who thinks he’s ten feet tall.

We’re looking to move from Texas to NYC. My husband is trying to transfer to the Harlem or Brooklyn Costco location. I’m a total creative—licensed cosmo, artist, writer. I love the chaos, the access to art, the food scene…everything about the city speaks to my soul. My husband loves it, too.

Ideally, I’d like an East/West side spot so we’re close to groceries, the park, The Met, and the community garden (my husband would adore that). I’m pretty sure I can level up my income once I’m there and in the coming months freelancing, but for now, we’re aiming to move around June or August.

We could push it to winter next year, but I’m not thrilled about sticking around Texas that long, especially given the political climate. By then, broker fees might disappear, and I’ve saved $10K for moving expenses.

So here’s the question: as someone who works from home and makes art, will $2,500 a month in rent leave me miserable, or can we pull it off without losing our minds? Is Brooklyn a better bet for space and pricing? My husband’s also in online college, so we want to be smart with our budget—and we do need some green space for our little dog.

I’d prefer a one-bedroom, but I can handle a decently laid-out studio that doesn’t feel like a closet. I’m crafty with interior design, and we’re rapidly downsizing everything we have.

Am I totally out of my league for Manhattan at $2,500 a month, or can it work? I know it might sound wild, but I’ve traveled a ton, and there’s just nowhere like New York. I’m a gal on a modest budget who’s determined to make it happen—without ending up in abject poverty.

Feel free to laugh me off or give it to me straight. I really want to make this happen, but that’s my budget. Currently looking on all of the apps but I know Summer will be a different ballgame.

Edited to Add: I got downvoted but I can take it. I know ya’ll are probably so sick of newbies asking for your help but I thank you to those that gave it! I will definitely look into Queens/Astoria as an option too (which we somehow missed.) It sounds like it would be possible, if not tricky. Thank you again!