Atlantic City (Hoboken: real estate market, rentals, condos)

[slmpickens]

i'm looking for a vacation rental in AC, and i found what looks like a nice place at the right price - but i'm not sure if the neighborhood is safe (i've heard some parts of town aren't the best, although i've never been). does anyone know anything about the neighborhood a few blocks from the beach between the Hilton and Tropicana??

also, while we're at it, any other tips/recommendations for my visit (in march)???

thanks!!

[DowntownJerseyCity]

Bring a Glock .9mm, a bullet proof vest, and if you believe in God, it would be wise to ask the big man to watch over you.

[JERSEY MAN]

Originally Posted by HobokenGuy

Bring a Glock .9mm, a bullet proof vest, and if you believe in God, it would be wise to ask the big man to watch over you.

Well I have them three covered, I guess I should be off to AC. LOL

[slmpickens]

anyone else?

[krusher]

If it were me, I'd stay in a hotel and scout out possible rentals for the next time. There aren't a lot of safe areas IMO except for the casinos and boardwalk so I'd be skeptical of any rentals.

[sped]

Given that you have never been to Atlantic City, I would definitely agree with krusher that you should stay in a hotel and scout out the area for rentals for next time.

My in-laws bought a house in Atlantic City about ten years ago as an investment property. The house was just 1.5 blocks from the Boardwalk and the beach, right between Caesar's and Tropicana. You could see the boardwalk when you stood on the sidewalk right in front of the house. It's that close. Their realtor said the house was a great deal and was definitely going to appreciate in value as Atlantic City gets more developed (after all, it was only 1.5 blocks from the beach!).

Five years later they sold that same house right before the U.S. real estate market boom and barely broke even. The neighborhood was crime infested and they had a series of problem tenants. Lots of vandalism. They felt lucky they sold the house.

This past summer we went to Atlantic City with them. It was the first time they had been there in about five years. Although the strip club across the street had changed names, everything else on the street was still the same. If I had been there walking by myself, I would definitely have been afraid for my life. This was in broad daylight. (And I grew up in Brooklyn, so I'm not afraid of urban environments.)

In any case, if you are still interested in a vacation rental, they seemed to be building some nice luxury condos near the Borgata. That might be a safer area.

[judogl44]

All the above advice is right on! Go off the main drag and you're toast.

[slmpickens]

well it sounds like a lovely town. i can't wait to visit!

thanks for the advice. any recommendations on things to do. which casinos are best, etc??