Maligned though New York’s rental market may be, a fortunate few do manage to stumble onto the ideal apartment early and easily. Such was the case with Sacha Moore, who scored a charming one-bedroom with a working fireplace in Brooklyn Heights (with the help of her sister) when she and her husband moved back to the city from New Orleans in 2003.

At 350 square feet, however, it seemed an unlikely candidate for the long haul. But 14 years, two children, two cats and a bunny later, Ms. Moore is still in her beloved Middagh Street walk-up.

“As soon as I moved to this neighborhood, I was like, ‘I love it — good job, sister!’” Ms. Moore said. She was delighted by its prettiness, how much everyone who lived there seemed to like it and how it felt both idyllic and down-to-earth, a place of not only stately houses but long-term renters.

Her husband attended law school and she got a master’s in social work. He went to work for Brooklyn Defender Services. She prepared court reports. Though small, the apartment felt suitable for two. The birth of their daughter in 2008, however, made them reconsider. (The couple separated three years ago and are now divorced.)