I saw the apartment (it's better than I expected), I met the roommate (nice guy) and all seems well. I'm moving into a 2-family house in Astoria, Queens - the landlord's daughter and family live downstairs. My new roommate (he's been there for 3 years) and I have the entire 2nd floor (which is a 3 bedroom apartment), and I'm renting the middle-sized bedroom. If we get a 3rd roommate, I'll be paying less than half of what I'm paying in rent now in Manhattan. If he and I don't get a third person, I'll STILL be paying less than I am now.
Most importantly, my new roommate grew up with cats, and has no problems with my little dumplings moving in.
Now I have to finish getting my stuff packed and ready to go.
