Desperate in JC (Jersey City, Union City, Union: apartments, home, dorms)
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Yes i am, all the way down on Kennedy Blvd and the bldg is turning out to be awful so I want to leave!! I am trying to familiarize myself with the area the best I can and see what my options are b/c I don't know where else to move to where I can still commute to my job in NYC. and the rents aren't going to kill me!!
Not sure about the lease situation but it is the least of my worries, if you kind of know what i mean, and no i'd rather not stay in JC, just here b/c of a few friends!! nothing more...
Dana, the most desirable area of JC is downtown. One day when you're on PATH, get off at Grove Street or Newport and walk around, see if those areas appeal to you. It will be difficult (though not totally impossible) to get a 1-bedroom near the Grove Street PATH station for $1200. Just two years ago I nearly moved into a nice top floor (3rd) 1-BR on York Street by Van Vorst Park for $985. Deals are out there. It is easier to find a 2-bedroom to share. In that price range ($2000-2400) there are tons of 2-BR places that are nice. Start with craigslist. There are lots of people posting roommate-wanted ads. Also, if you are willing to take a bit of risk, you can move into a 2-BR and then look for a roommate yourself. That will let you choose a place you like, and then interview prospective roommates. Either way, give yourself plenty of time and be patient. Don't jump into a situation you're not 100% comfortable in.
I had a friend who moved to Downtown JC last year, and he needed to find a bedroom in a 2-BR. He browsed ads and went to meet people/see places after work at least 2 evenings a week for about 2.5 months before he found a place he liked and a roommate he felt totally comfortable with (this guy is ridiculously picky though [no, really], so hopefully you could find something sooner). He found a great place 2 blocks from Grove ST Path, great roommate, $800/month each.
It's a daunting process, but since you're in a lease that isn't expiring tomorrow, you have time to explore and research. Start by exploring what neighborhoods you'd like to be in. Next, browse the ads on craigslist, contact people and meet them. If you don't find what you're looking for there, you can try a pay site like roommates.com. Also, some of the real estate brokers downtown might work for finding roommates (not sure if they get into that business or not, but check it out!). You'd have to pay a fee if you take a place they find for you, but it could be worthwhile and make the process easier for you.
Good luck! JC isn't all bad. If you put in the work you can find something great!
There are places that are still pretty cheap and nice in the outer boroughs Like maspeth, ridgewood, middle village in Queens
Even a place like Wash Hi (Washington Heights) which is in Manhattan is rapidly changing, and is perfectly safe
You get huge rooms there for less price, and the amenities are inexpensive also
You do not have to live in JC
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