A laundromat in Nina Scholl’s Williamsburg neighborhood. (Credit: Zhenjia Zhang)
All New Yorkers need clean clothes. And while laundry is an important part of daily life that brings dignity to many Williamsburg residents, each load of laundry becomes increasingly lawful as rising rents drive up laundromats’ prices or close. It is becoming more and more expensive.
Nina Scholl, who has lived in Williamsburg for eight years, used to do laundry 10 minutes from her apartment. However, the laundromat has changed hands and is temporarily closed.
“Now, most of the time, I just go back to my friend’s building and do the laundry, and it only costs $1 each time,” Scholl says.
Another laundromat called Celcious sold drinks to people who wanted to hang out while their clothes were washed, but during the pandemic, the laundromat only dropped drinks and hasn’t returned to its previous service, he said. Scholl said. According to Celsius’ price list, prices start at $13 for small packages up to 10 pounds. X-Large costs up to $30. Some special offers are even more expensive, up to $59.
“It’s pretty expensive,” she said.
Gentrification is nothing new in Williamsburg, but now residents can no longer afford basic laundry due to rising costs due to rising rents. Laundry prices are rising Housing and economic crisis for many rent-burdened New Yorkers.
Even the remaining affordable dry cleaners in your neighborhood are becoming less so.
“Usually it costs $0.25 for six minutes to do laundry. It used to be $0.25 for seven minutes,” said Jack Downs, a Williamsburg resident who has lived in Williamsburg for six years.
Many buildings in New York City were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Back when indoor laundry was not common, The plumbing and electrical systems in these buildings are You may not be able to use multiple washing machines.
“Depending on the age of the house and the condition of the plumbing, some people may not have an indoor washer/dryer,” said David Malone, who has lived in Williamsburg for 24 years. “Most people are renters, so it’s not up to you to actually install it. It’s a luxury to have it in your home.”
On the other hand, if you live in one of the area’s many renovated or newly built apartments or luxury condominiums, Washer and dryer in unit or building No laundry service required.
Home laundry statistics for both rental and owned properties also show that some New Yorkers have access to it. According to StreetEasy, a marketplace that provides real estate listing information in New York City, There are currently more than 3,800 rental properties in New York City with in-unit laundry. This represents approximately 27% of all available rental units. Of the 18,500 apartments for sale on the website. Approximately 7,300 people (approximately 39%) have in-room laundry facilities.
Williamsburg locals say more upscale laundromats have also popped up in Williamsburg in recent years to cater to the needs of wealthy residents. Coin Laundromat also offers “Laundromat Hangout”, “Laundromat Date”, “Mini Mart Shopping at Laundromat”, and “Laundromat with Bar” to Brooklyn customers.
The additional social experiences these rebranded laundromats offer come at a higher cost.
According to the new investigation According to online apartment search platform RentHop, northwest Brooklyn neighborhoods such as Williamsburg will also be more expensive for renters in 2024 than they were the year before. Renters can expect to spend at least $4,000 for a one-bedroom apartment in this area. Residential building rents also influence commercial rents, causing them to rise and making it harder for mom-and-pop laundromats to afford to pay rent for their retail space.
Jacob Sloan, who has lived in Williamsburg for 20 years, said, “Commercial rents have risen faster than inflation since I moved here to do business. “Commercial rents were much lower, even after adjusting for inflation.” year.
Popular newly built/renovated townhouses with outdoor space Prices continue to rise as Manhattan continues to attract budget renters.
“There used to be four laundromats in this area, but now there are only two,” said Yolanda Hernandez, who has lived in Williamsburg for 47 years. “Management changed, rents went up, the area was renovated and lots of new bars and restaurants came in. That’s why they closed.”
