Garcias to walk 20 min. in the NYC winter to save $2,150/month: Would you?

We’re working with the Garcias—newlyweds certain about their commitment and their desire to settle in, but unsure if the future includes kids or pets . They’re flirting with the 'burbs but still crushing hard on city life . So… what’s the move?

After checking out two city units—one within walking distance of work and the other in Harlem—we’re heading north to the Bronx.

Review the full methodology here, or scroll to the bottom for the abridged version.

Property #3: 4317 Boyd Avenue, Bronx, NY 10466

A fully detached two-family brick home in Wakefield, offering over 4,500 sq ft across two legal units plus an above-grade walk-in level with a private entrance:
Top unit: 4 bedrooms
First-floor unit: 3 bedrooms
Walk-in level: 2 bedrooms (yes, full-height ceilings & big windows!)
3 baths
Hardwood floors & high ceilings
Fenced backyard
New roof & recent brick pointing
Private entry for walk-in level
3 full levels of spacious living

Close to public transit, schools, parks, shopping. But, the property will not be delivered vacant. More on that below...

Details on Property #3
Type: Multifamily Home
Location: Bronx / Wakefield

Commute Breakdown
Train Stop: Wakefield (Harlem Line, Stop #8)
Distance from Station: 1.0 miles | ~20 min walk
Train Ride to GCT: 30 min
Total Monthly Commute Time: 37 hours
Monthly Commuter Cost: $180.00 (Train only)

Financial Summary

List Price: $949,000.00
Monthly Mortgage (P&I): $4,799.00
Utilities & Suburban Overhead: $1,397.00
Property Tax: $655.08
Total Monthly Cost: $7,160.00

Comments

This spot checks some serious boxes : Close to the 2/5 subway, Metro-North, Van Cortlandt Park , Montefiore Medical Center , and solid local eats .

But, here’s where that commute starts stretching:
It's 6x longer than the Midtown (walking) option
2x longer than the Harlem commute
Plus, 20 minutes walking to the Metro-North Wakefield station—not as fun during NYC winters

Counterpoint? It’s just an 8-minute walk to the Nereid Ave 2/5 subway —still a solid GCT route.

And here’s the kicker: For that longer ride, the Garcias could save $2,150/month vs. the Midtown unit and score 9 total bedrooms. Did someone say… nine?!

Yes, but there’s a catch…

This property won’t be delivered vacant. Translation? It already has a tenant, and the lease conveys with the sale. So… do the Garcias want to live on Floor 1 and become landlords?

That depends on:
Occupied units
Lease terms
Layout flexibility

If the existing tenants can access the property via separate entrances—and the Garcias still get their preferred space—they could offset the $7,160 with rental income . Now, that’s something to ponder.

Methodology
I identified properties priced at or below $1,000,000 near Harlem Line stops (plus one LES subway wild card) to compare commute time, costs, and ownership overhead. Assumptions include consistent walking pace, standard fares, and normalized monthly costs across property types.

Full methodology here.