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I am looking to rent an apartment in New Jersey this September. I currently live in Brooklyn and was wondering how the real estate system in Jersey compares, especially time-wise. Can you rent far ahead of time in NJ, or is it a last-minute free-for-all kind of like NYC, where you rent an apartment for September in August? (Seller's market, etc.)
Just to give a bit of an idea...I'm looking for a place close to the city. A place like Jersey City, Ironbound, Harrison or Weehawken...I'd prefer something on the PATH train since I'd be going into NYC regularly, but am not dead-set against not living by the PATH if there's a good, cheap bus. On that note, how do you find the buses? Are they good, reliable?
I am looking to rent an apartment in New Jersey this September. I currently live in Brooklyn and was wondering how the real estate system in Jersey compares, especially time-wise. Can you rent far ahead of time in NJ, or is it a last-minute free-for-all kind of like NYC, where you rent an apartment for September in August? (Seller's market, etc.)
Just to give a bit of an idea...I'm looking for a place close to the city. A place like Jersey City, Ironbound, Harrison or Weehawken...I'd prefer something on the PATH train since I'd be going into NYC regularly, but am not dead-set against not living by the PATH if there's a good, cheap bus. On that note, how do you find the buses? Are they good, reliable?
As far as rentals, start looking now for fall, especially in high demand places such as Hoboken and JC. It's a good idea to become familiar with the going rates, and how many apts in your price range are available at any given time. I know that nice apts in JC, Weehawken, Hoboken, get snapped up very quickly. I friend saw one just get posted, occupancy to start a little over 30 days from then, and it was snapped up in less than 2 days. He reports that this typical. Take the time to come over to the Jersey side and check out the towns and neighborhoods, see where you feel is comfortable and suits your needs/wants/desires so you can narrow down to a few neighborhoods to concentrate your apt hunt on. Many apts never are advertised at all, except for a small sign up in front of the bldg, or on a flyer put up at the local grocery store. Be very careful with regards to the listings on Craigslist.....there are a ton of scammers on there. I found the rental section of nj.com to be more reliable, (Apartments & Condos for Rent Listings - NJ.com) as well as simply walking around neighborhoods looking for for rent signs when I was helping with an apt search in the area.
Be careful too of some areas in JC, as while the area is experiencing a renaissance presently, not all areas have been gentrified, and are still rather dangerous, esp. at night. I am sure people on this forum, when asked, with regards to safety in specific areas of JC can give you the scoop. Feel free to post queries on specific neighborhoods are good, and which ones to avoid on this forum.
Thank you so much for the reply. I will definitely check all of that stuff out.
I started looking a couple weeks ago. I've been to Jersey City a good number of times, and have also been to Harrison and Hoboken (which I've ruled out...Too expensive for me). I have a pretty good feel for the areas and neighborhoods, but I don't have the best idea of how the real estate biz works over there as compared to NYC.
I have a pretty good feel for Jersey City. I will be avoiding Greenville and Bergen-Lafayette areas, but if there are any others feel free to add them. I am a man and have a pretty high tolerance for neighborhoods most people deem as bad (I currently live in Flatbush, Brooklyn). That said, I don't want to live anywhere too bad, and it would be nice to live somewhere that's a little less of a concrete jungle than where I live now. I think I would be OK living in Journal Square or Jersey City Heights (though I'd prefer to be within reasonable distance to the PATH or a good bus). Also, the Ironbound in Newark looks like a cool place. I've also thought about North Newark but it seems like it's still a bit on the dangerous side...
Thank you so much for the reply. I will definitely check all of that stuff out.
I started looking a couple weeks ago. I've been to Jersey City a good number of times, and have also been to Harrison and Hoboken (which I've ruled out...Too expensive for me). I have a pretty good feel for the areas and neighborhoods, but I don't have the best idea of how the real estate biz works over there as compared to NYC.
I have a pretty good feel for Jersey City. I will be avoiding Greenville and Bergen-Lafayette areas, but if there are any others feel free to add them. I am a man and have a pretty high tolerance for neighborhoods most people deem as bad (I currently live in Flatbush, Brooklyn). That said, I don't want to live anywhere too bad, and it would be nice to live somewhere that's a little less of a concrete jungle than where I live now. I think I would be OK living in Journal Square or Jersey City Heights (though I'd prefer to be within reasonable distance to the PATH or a good bus). Also, the Ironbound in Newark looks like a cool place. I've also thought about North Newark but it seems like it's still a bit on the dangerous side...
Anyhow thank you again for the great reply!
Jersey City can be an issue for safety. Some areas of the Heights are ok for those with decent street smarts, but if you go a couple of blocks you're in an area where shootings, muggings, etc are not uncommon and fairly frequent. There are several shootings and stabbings occurring every month in JC, not to forget all the muggings, assaults, etc. News reports such as this are all too commonplace, Jersey City cops probe shootings of two men | NJ.com Being male can make you more of a target for gang violence, and as always, bullets do not care which sex you are as they fly though the air.
KoalaNJ
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