Karen Jeanne Radley, a 51-year-old freelance website developer and consultant, has navigated multiple rent increases and housing challenges in New York City before settling in a senior living community in Far Rockaway, Queens. After nearly two decades on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, a significant rent hike in 2020 prompted her to move in with her mother on the Upper East Side. Subsequent rent increases forced them to downsize within the same building and eventually seek alternatives outside Manhattan.

In 2022, Ms. Radley and her 83-year-old mother relocated to a beachfront neighborhood in Far Rockaway, where they share a one-bedroom apartment for $941 per month. The arrangement was facilitated by the Jewish Association Serving the Aging. Despite the unconventional setting—residing in a building primarily housing older adults—Ms. Radley views the larger, affordable space by the beach as a positive trade-off. She has adapted by creating a makeshift bedroom in the living room and converting the dining table into a workspace for her consulting projects.

Ms. Radley’s career began in marketing after graduating from Bard College in 1997, shifting to consulting roughly a decade ago after losing her job. While her business grew initially, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a reduction in income. Although she explored employment opportunities in cities like Boston, Atlanta, and San Francisco, she ultimately remained in New York due to existing clients and professional ties. To manage expenses, she occasionally trades web design services for goods such as haircuts.

Despite financial constraints, Ms. Radley utilizes city resources to enjoy cultural and recreational activities. She holds an IDNYC card, which grants discounts and free access to theaters, museums, and events like the Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden. As a tennis enthusiast, she also attends free activities during the U.S. Open Fan Week. She employs frugal strategies such as sourcing discounted movie viewings, borrowing books from public libraries, and purchasing free e-books.

Budgeting carefully, Ms. Radley allocates approximately $100 weekly for groceries, often taking advantage of a community center’s monthly trips to large retailers like Trader Joe’s and Costco. She has reduced dining out in favor of cooking meals at home and freezing leftovers. Additionally, she spends $64 monthly on a Rockaway Y.M.C.A. membership, which provides access to gym facilities and lectures, and sets aside $50 each month for expenses related to her two dogs.

Family support plays a significant role in Ms. Radley’s stability in New York. Despite living farther from Manhattan, she relies on friends in the city when needed. Reflecting on her upbringing on the Upper West Side, she credits her parents with fostering a deep connection to the city. Though she has considered relocating beyond New York, she remains committed to maintaining her life in the city, open to continuing her search for affordable housing and new experiences.