Signed!

So, we're moving in and hopefully, in the coming weeks, getting to know the people we'll be calling neighbors.

Recommendations on where to grab decent coffee and rooftops with the best view are appreciated.

Tonight, for only the second time in my life, I signed a lease. Here's what I learned:

The rent for the apartment was around $1,000 last year. But the company put $26,000 of improvements into it (new appliances, redoing the floors, etc.), so now, the rent jumped to about $1,500. It's still rent controlled, but next year, it could go to just over $1,700.

By 2010, I'm guessing this hits $2,000 and is no longer rent controlled. (Inching towards gentrification!)

Also, because of some deal with the broker, we get a month free of (basic) cable and Internet.