Introduction to Olivia Page-Pollard’s Journey
For 10 years, Olivia Page-Pollard was a serial New York renter, hopping from neighborhood to neighborhood, almost always in Brooklyn, never staying in one place for more than three years.
Early Life and Career
In 2021, she moved to Chinatown for a pandemic deal, “because I felt I would never have the opportunity to live in Manhattan due to rents going up,” she said. But she found moving so often — seven times in 10 years — to be too unsettling. And she never stopped saving for a down payment.
Career Progression
Ms. Page-Pollard, now 31, began her career as a legal assistant at a nonprofit. “The pay was not enough to live on the way I wanted to live as an adult,” she said. So she worked part-time waiting tables, and later matriculated at CUNY School of Law. She is now an immigration lawyer at a nonprofit.
The Decision to Buy
By last year, she was rooming with a friend in Park Slope, paying $1,300 for her share — until the friend moved away for work. “I needed a place that I knew was stable, where the rent was not going to skyrocket or my roommate was going to have a life change,” she said. “I needed something that was mine.”
Leaving Brooklyn for Queens
For her first purchase, Ms. Page-Pollard abandoned Brooklyn for Queens. She had friends there, she loved the restaurant scene, and she knew she could find a suitable and affordable co-op in Jackson Heights.
Why Jackson Heights?
“Jackson Heights is gorgeous,” she said. “The streets are tree-lined and there’s a ton of great small businesses. You can get Nepalese momos down the street from Colombian empanadas and Peruvian ceviche. It’s a microcosm of the whole world in terms of cuisine, and it’s one of the most diverse places in the country.”
The Search for the Perfect Co-op
With around $300,000 to spend, she sought a place with good light and a low monthly maintenance fee. She was undeterred by the relatively long commute to her office in the financial district, though she often commutes by bicycle, so bike storage was a plus. “I was not looking for space,” she said.
Conclusion
Olivia Page-Pollard’s journey from being a serial renter to a homeowner is a testament to her determination and hard work. She found a perfect balance of affordability, diversity, and quality of life in Jackson Heights, Queens. Her story serves as an inspiration to those who are looking to buy their first home in a competitive market like New York City.
FAQs
Q: What was Olivia Page-Pollard’s budget for buying a home?
A: Olivia Page-Pollard had around $300,000 to spend on her first home.
Q: Why did Olivia choose Jackson Heights over Brooklyn?
A: Olivia chose Jackson Heights for its affordability, diversity, and vibrant restaurant scene.
Q: What were Olivia’s priorities when searching for a co-op?
A: Olivia prioritized good light, low monthly maintenance fees, and bike storage when searching for a co-op.
