Why is real estate so expensive in New York?

[QueenServilla]

This lady was looking for a two bedroom condo in New York and her price range was between $350,000 -$500,000. The homes she was shown were so small and the laundry room was always in the basement of the complex. Is this the norm for New Yorkers?

The condo she purchased is a nice size (1200 sq ft) but only has one bedroom, and it includes a doorman. Did she get a good deal or was she ripped off.

The area: Washington Heights... I think

[TrueUrbanite]

The norm for New Yorkers is going to a laundromat, ordering out, walking, and living in a studio apartment. Washington Heights can be pretty sketchy in certain parts especially for a woman. But she should be fine it's not nearly as bad as East Harlem. And Washington Heights has gotten better. East Harlem is just going nowhere, it's hell on earth there. East Harlem is one of the highest crime neighborhoods in the country. Brownsville, Brooklyn or Red Hook, Brooklyn (can't remember which one) is the most dangerous urban neighborhood in America.

I think she got a good deal.