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I think I am slowly getting how serious a problem safety around SH is ...thanks guys for your inputs. Hope to check Bayonne tomorrow and get a better feel.
In terms of investment though which would seem better since there is a diferential of 6K a year on tax.
I did read in another forum about cop problems in Bayonne ... hard to believe but if it is true then thats a big issue.
Those places Tommy mentioned made me cringe and remind me of my old condo in JC. These are really just converted apartments and renamed to 'condo' for the money appeal. 800SQ is extremely small. Too small for anyone unless you are a single person. I cant stand the layouts - 1 giant room that is supposed to be your kitchen, living room, and den. The bathrooms are like port-a-john size.
With that being said, maybe you can get more space for your $$ if you rent. I would not move to Society Hill. Bayonne is tough commute to downtown. You might want to try another neighborhood further from city - Rutherford, Cranford..
Also, I have never been to Bayone or Society Hill, but I am wondering.
If you live in Society Hill, it looks like a pretty big complex/community. Why would Greenville be an issue? I mean, you don't have to go there if you don't want to. Why would someone living in Society Hill be "confined" to just there? When they can easily get into their car or on the bus and go wherever they like? Just because it borders on a bad area does not make it unsafe.
There are lots of nice places that border not so nice places.
Since I have surveyed society hill a lot I do know a lot of happy people living there (old and new phase) who say the safety is good inside ..otuside it is definitely iffy. I am trying to get in touch with some people at boatworks so that I have similar feedback from them and be able to compare. Will post it soon hopefully for others.
One thing though worth noting is that despite all the bad vibe about SH, the prices of those properties is pretty stable with only 10-15% erosion ..they still are pretty expensive. On the other hand boadworks costs have crashed, I know one that has come from 511K to 399K. These has to be reasoning behind this too.
Since I have surveyed society hill a lot I do know a lot of happy people living there (old and new phase) who say the safety is good inside ..otuside it is definitely iffy. I am trying to get in touch with some people at boatworks so that I have similar feedback from them and be able to compare. Will post it soon hopefully for others.
One thing though worth noting is that despite all the bad vibe about SH, the prices of those properties is pretty stable with only 10-15% erosion ..they still are pretty expensive. On the other hand boadworks costs have crashed, I know one that has come from 511K to 399K. These has to be reasoning behind this too.
I really can offer only my opinion, and it comes from living in Bayonne (and the JC area) for 25 years. All things being equal, I'd personally pick Boatworks - it's definitely more "neighborhoody" and the surrounding area is infinitely safer. I COMPLETELY understand your reluctance due to the taxes though. As far as prices crashing, I looked at the records - those who purchased in 04 paid anywhere from 320 - 370 (this is on Boatworks Dr.). Those who purchased around 06 paid mid-400's to mid-500's - that's right around when things started going south. If units are going for around $400K now, that doesn't seem *too bad*. I don't have a crystal ball so I can't predict future value, but given that both places have good public transport to NYC, I think they'll recover faster than more outlying areas.
If you decide on Society Hill, what will you do about schools for your son? Catholic?
Lynne, I think it is very safe INSIDE Society Hill. But are there food stores, etc all in there? I don't think there are. I would personally feel confined. Even if you DRIVE out to other areas, you are driving through Greenville which is NOT pretty.
Lynne, I think it is very safe INSIDE Society Hill. But are there food stores, etc all in there? I don't think there are. I would personally feel confined. Even if you DRIVE out to other areas, you are driving through Greenville which is NOT pretty.
I think the closest grocery store is Pathmark on 440 - I used to shop there. An episode of COPS was filmed there, 'nuff said. LOL
This is what I'm wondering re: Greenville. Must you drive through it to get anywhere? Does the bus that goes from JSQ drive through Greenville?
I honestly don't know. All I;m saying is that if someone is aware they are moving to a gated community that is nearby a bad part of town, they probably realize they are going to have to drive to get groceries, etc. Some people don't have issue with this (like everyone in the suburbs). I'm just wondering if there are other ways to drive except through Greenville cuz I wouldn't want to HAVE to drive through there every single day.
Society Hill is on the west side of Rt.440 and is a fairly safe community by JC standards. BORDERING SH to the east is the Country Village section which is also a fairly safe section. The side of greenville that is close by is called west bergen side which is so so area. The part of Greenville that is the pits with major, major crime is east of Kennedy Blvd. That being said SH has 3 phases, one still ongoing that is the safest and most affluent section. There are 2 guard gates coming into and out of the facility. SH has a very active HOA which keeps the area up and up. Many professional people along with judges, senators, police officers and fireman live there. So the police make a habit of dropping in to make sure their families are safe. It is racially diverse area with hard working people. As far as schools go, no good. As far as shopping goes there is a Pathmark right next to the complex. Sometimes a rough crowd in there on weekends as I have worked security in Pathmark. If you lived in Newport, society hill might be a good fit.
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