I'm currently looking for a new apartment here in New york City. Do you have any tips as I shop?
I guess it depends if you are looking for an apartment to rent by an owner, or leasing by another tenant?
I'm not picky. Just some place roomy. Do you think it would be better to get a house?
I don't know. I guess it depends on your style. You have so many choices, like a complex, duplex, high-rise, and even apartments in renovated mansions. 
An apartment in renovated mansions would be great but here in New York the rental prices are crazy. A 2 bed room will cost me more then 2500 a month.
Oh, yeah, that's true! It might be better to rent a flat in NY, since it usually only has 2 or 3 units. Smaller apartments and units are usually more affordable.
Good Ideal. I'd love to but can't afford it. So the apartment rental life is for me. 
I understand that. It's strange that in the UK, apartment isn't really a common term, except more so by professionals like real estate agents. They refer to an apartment on a single level as a 'flat'.