New York City's high-end market may be softening a little, but the tried-and-true starter apartment category still is hectic; after all, it's the first rung in the so-called property ladder. And the simplest place to start, architecturally and price-wise, is with a studio. But it's not so simple with a limited budget—at least in NYC, as anywhere else, this would buy a house—of $250,000. If you're on the hunt for a studio at this budget, this sampling of this weekend's open houses are happy for you to visit.

800 Grand Concourse, Apartment 1RN, Concourse. Though it's a studio, this co-op in a doorman, pet-friendly building has discrete sections for the kitchen, dining area, and dressing area, making it seem more spacious. Asking price: $145,000. Saturday, October 22, and Sunday, October 23, 12 noon to 1 pm.

5800 Arlington Boulevard, Apartment 5R, Riverdale. This studio has an enclosed alcove that works as a separate bedroom and has a window onto a terrace that itself has open-sky views of the Bronx and beyond. Asking price: $175,000. Open house: Sunday, October 23, 1 pm to 2:30 pm.

70 Park Terrace East, Apartment 4A, Inwood. This bright studio is in a pet-friendly building with bike storage and a garage (though there's a waitlist). Asking price: $229,000. Open house: Sunday, October 23, 12 noon to 1 pm.

59-11 Queens Boulevard, Apartment 5P, Woodside. A foyer allows for gracious entry into this tidy, renovated prewar co-op. Asking price: $235,000. Open house: Sunday, October 23, 12 noon to 1:30 pm.