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I am 28 years old and currently rent in Northern Manhattan. I am saving to buy a condo in 3-5 years. I like NYC but I need big windows and sunlight. Unless you have millions to spend in the city you are going to look at bricks or the building across the street.
Does anyone have experience living in a highrise in downtown JC or Pavonia/Newport? Is it like a ghost town on weekends/nights? Can you find a nice 1br for $300-$350k? I'm single and don't plan on kids but was wondering about the school district in that neighborhood. In my price range would you recommend JC or Hoboken if I want to live in a walkable neighborhood near the Path?
Also, any specific buildings you would recommend? Keep in mind convenience, sunlight, and my price range.
It is not a ghost town on the weekends, but I think that most people who are looking for a wild night out head into Manhattan. The younger crowd might head into Hoboken for that scene. There are some REALLY cool bars in Downtown JC though, and new spots are popping up every day.
You can find a decent one bedroom condo for $300k-$350k, but it won't be in a luxury hi-rise. For that price range, check out Dixon Mills. You can get a nice one bedroom there, it is close to the PATH and only 10-minute walk to the waterfront.
Hi Jawny08. Tommy below is right about Dixon Mills. It is one of the most afordable places in Downtown JC. It is a very unique condo complex that was once a pencil factory. You can find a nice one bed with lots of windows in your price range. The highrises on the waterfront are going to run you a little more. Hoboken is generally higher as well. You can find a charming one bed further away from the water for 350k, but the closer to the river the higher the price. I am a realtor in Hoboken and work in both areas so I am familiar with what you can expect. Let me know if I can answer anything else.
Tommy, how about going 5 minutes on Montgomery St towards Kennedy Blvd?
At least the OP would be near the Second Street Bakery!
Newport. 5 minutes walking west, you're in Hamilton Park, one of most desirable areas in town. 5 minutes walking south, you're in Exchange Place on the waterfront in the Financial District. 5 minutes walking north, and you're in Hoboken. 5 minutes walking east, and you're swimming with the fishes in the Hudson River. Which is where YOU'RE gonna be if you don't stop picking on JC !!!
I'm originally from upstate NY and moved to historic Tarrytown (Westchester) 2 years ago. I had tons of large windows with views of the Hudson River and TZ Bridge. Great sunrises and sunsets!
I recently moved to Inwood/Wash Hts. (uptown) to have a shorter commute and less hassle living w/o a car. I just don't like having small windows and courtyard views. I like the layout of a lot of the condos in JC. I like modern kitchens, with floor to ceiling windows in the living room w/ nothing seperating the kitchen except a bar/island.
I see a lot of places on CL that are very nice in my price range, but they are near Liberty State Park (near the light rail), Journal Square, and downtown Newark. I'm not familiar with these neighborhoods and I get the sense these places are cheap for a reason.
Would I be better off spending money on rent for an extra year or two in order to save for a place in Newport/Downtown or are these neighborhoods okay or getting much better?
Yeah, stick to Downtown (Downtown JC includes Newport). Although I think Journal Square might be a decent investment. It's just really seedy (always was, to be honest).
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