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Christine

Re: Wave of gentrification that leapfrogged the Hudson has reached new heights - Jersey City Heights

#121

Home away from home

Quote:

Xerxes wrote:
[quote]BTW, there is NO PLACE on Ogden Avenue, not even on COngress and Ogden from which you can reach the light rail platform in 5 minutes without running, catching the light just right, having an elevator waiting and then sprinting North from elevator to Light rail platform.

And THEN you wait for the right train and THEN you walk a couple blocks through the station to the PATH platform and. If you live on Ogden around Bowers or Griffith plan an extra half hour to 45 minutes before you are on the PATH platform.

I lived in the heights for many years and DROVE to Journal Square to catch the PATH.

Anyone who can call the PATH crowded and smelly has NEVER been caught in one of those jitneys stuck in the Lincoln Tunnel for a half hour...and then the jitneys drop you off at Port Authority so you need to catch a subway unless you are starring in a show on Broadway!

The commute from the Heights into Manhatttan was usually a big pain in the ass. And that's why people pay a BIG premium to be atop a PATH train station.

Number 1 - The light rail elevator is easily no more than a 5-minute walk from Ogden and Congress unless you are a 90-year old and that includes the elevator ride down.

Number 2 - Not everyone (actually not most people) who live downtown are "atop a PATH train station".

Number 3 - Unless you work just along the PATH line in NYC, and not much above 33rd Street, you have to jump on a subway, too.

Number 4 - Plenty of people work in walking distance of Port Authority. It's called midtown.

At least be honest!!

Posted on: 2009/11/21 18:55

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Christine

Re: Wave of gentrification that leapfrogged the Hudson has reached new heights - Jersey City Heights

#122

Home away from home

Quote:

tommyc_37 wrote:
Christine,

Well, as to why somebody would move from Hoboken to Downtown JC ... the main reason is that people in Hoboken often tire of the late night shenanigans and youthful bar crowd that Hoboken is known for. These people can live in a "similar" neighborhood in DTJC that isn't overrun with that kind of stuff, but still enjoy conveniences of some bars nearby, some cafes, and some good restaurants ... but in a more tame setting.

Well.......I don't know that it's the best idea to compare food prices with real estate prices. But if we must, I'd say that the price of food is largely dictated by A) the actual quality of the meat/fish/whatever (for example, it's not absurd to say that the fish at WF is of a better and fresher quality than at TJ's), and B) the principle of supply of said product versus the demand of said product.

So are the houses in downtown JC of a higher quality than the houses in the Heights? In some cases I'd say yes, and in some cases I'd say no. So it's a draw when you look at "product quality" as a determining factor in real estate prices.

But a house or condo in Downtown JC, that needs a bit of work, and is NOT built with the highest quality materials, will typically sell for higher than a house or condo of the same square footage, but in better condition, in the Heights. Why? Because there are simply more people willing to pay a higher price for the house Downtown. There is more of a demand, for whatever reason ... "perception" of safety, walkability, transportation, more bars and restaurants. So a higher demand equals a higher price.

Yes, I know that people get annoyed with the noise in Hoboken. They outgrow the scene, etc. I agree with you on that.

I didn't narrow my comparisons to food prices soleley. I am telling you that the quality of the salmon in my opinion is the same between those 2 markets because I've tried both. I don't think that it would be absurd that one would assume the fish is of better quality, but assuming it doesn't make it true (just as, some may assume that downtown is better than the Heights doesn't make that so). I was trying to make the point that there can be an assortment of reasons and some will make sense and some won't.

Believe it or not, I think that you and I are in agreement because you're answering your question of "why are the prices cheaper in the Heights" with answers similar to mine. I agree that houses will sell for more downtown, but it's relative because they had cost more for the prior purchaser.

Each area has its merits and it depends on what the individual is looking for. What makes me mad is when people make authoritative blanket statements as if their perception is everyone's reality. I'm not accusing you of doing this. You seem like a reasonable person. There are, however, some posters who think that their thoughts are static, absolute truths when they are merely their own opinion.

Posted on: 2009/11/17 0:50

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Christine

Re: Wave of gentrification that leapfrogged the Hudson has reached new heights - Jersey City Heights

#123

Home away from home

Quote:

tommyc_37 wrote:
Christine, much of what you say may be truth, but let me ask you this...why, then, is the Heights so much cheaper than Downtown is?

Also, if I was a gambling man, I'd wager that more people move from Hoboken to Downtown JC than from Hoboken to the Heights.

This may seem insane at first, but bear with me. The point I'm trying to make is that there are so many possible reasons for why it's cheaper and some may have nothing to do with the value of something.

Why does the same cut of wild Pacific sockeye salmon cost almost twice as much at Whole Foods in Edgewater than it does at Trader Joe's in Edgewater? (same town, same road)

Why does the vendor at the corner of Congress and New York Avenue charge $3 for the best grilled chicken taco I've ever eaten?

Why does Orkin Exterminating charge condo associations twice as much for exterminating the same bugs as a local guy who uses the same methods?

Why does the cost of hardwood/granite/stainless steel appliances (same exact products) vary so much in price from dealer to dealer.

I think that when people do their homework, they get good deals. I have friends who will suffer in 300 square feet in Manhattan and complain about smelly garbage at the curb and mice infestations, but it's all worth it to say they live in Manhattan. Getting to say that is worth upwards of $2000/month for 300 square feet.

I find that it's tragically often got a lot to do with people guaging their self-worth/perceptions of success with what some realtor told them regarding a neighborhood. I've had people say to me that they KNOW that Ogden Ave is really nice, BUT they (admittedly) can't say they've been there.

As far as people moving to downtown from Hoboken...what would their motivation be? I can't speak for those people because I don't know any (I don't mean that they don't exist - I just don't know them). I can only say why the people I know moved to the heights. Many of them have New York views, a good commute, and lots of space for less money.

Posted on: 2009/11/16 22:49

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Christine

Re: Wave of gentrification that leapfrogged the Hudson has reached new heights - Jersey City Heights

#124

Home away from home

I love to hear the nonsense spewed about the heights by people who don't live here. Everyone is an expert on what homes are worth, what the neighborhoods are like, etc., without living here.

Downtown has its merits, but remember -- there are people who are from Jersey City Heights who actually KNOW where the best areas are for commuting and shopping. Since we're FROM Jersey City, we also know what downtown is all about. It has nice historic brownstones that most of the owners bought decades ago for cheap and charge very high rents to people who will pay them. Many of those people are probably fabulous.

There are, however, some who think that they are getting some wicked good deal over Hobokenites. Newsflash: you're paying Hoboken prices without being able to walk out of your apartment and have tons of retail shops and restaurants and bars to choose from.

People in the Heights know the following: they have a far easier (shorter) commute to midtown; downtown floods; downtown properties have very limited square footage; the taxes are exhorbitant; and the crime rate is no better than most areas in the heights, and that many people from Hoboken have moved up here (not downtown).

If you want specifics or want to know more about the Heights, why not just ask? Why assume that you know what you're talking about when clearly you don't. Ask about streets by name or general areas. People will tell you sizes of their apartments, their experience as far as levels of safety, commute routes, methods and timeframes, etc.

P.S. Aluminum/vinyl siding is ugly...that's almost a universal truth rather than opinion...but it can be changed quite easily to brick. Many people in the heights are doing just that. Many properties already have.

Posted on: 2009/11/16 21:54

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Christine

Re: Shooting on South St/Palisade Ave

#125

Home away from home

Just as an FYI:

Although this incident happened on South St. and WEBSTER (not Palisade), it didn't involve people who live in this neighborhood. This is a very nice and peaceful area to live in and the incident spilled out of some SUVs and ensued here.

The neighbors acted quickly and the police responded immediately.

My purpose for writing this is that one will assume that it's the neighborhood when they read about these things, and in this case, it really wasn't.

Posted on: 2009/11/15 23:43

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Christine

Re: PARKING: Jersey City might refund drivers for 'illegal booting'

#126

Home away from home

This is a joke. This ordinance has been in effect for a far longer time than anyone is acknowledging. I have shared this info more than once on JCList. Additionally, I have made the JCPA well aware of the ordinance's existence.

Most importantly: Who do you think SIGNED the ordinance??

Isn't it a bit interesting that this ordinance is left out of the ordinances that one can view online?? It sits in a drawer in City Hall.

The JCPA has a function. That function is to be aware of and enforce ordinances related to parking. Why is it that the only solution is that the city loses or the taxpayer loses? Shouldn't the burden fall on the entity that failed to perform the very function for which it is paid???

Before anybody responds, let me say the following: I was born in Jersey City and lived here my entire life. I don't want to hear people responding by telling me that I don't realize how corrupt Jersey City is. I do -- and my opinion is that the ONLY thing that will change it is to stop expecting it and stop accepting it.

Posted on: 2009/11/13 1:12

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Christine

Re: Is being ignorant a requirement to work for the JC Parking Authority?

#127

Home away from home

The city is broken down into "parking zones" and there are exceptions to the rules regarding parking zones 3 and 8. Were you parked in either of these zones?

Find out if the area you were parked in falls under either of these (one is the area around the college, but I'm not sure which).

Posted on: 2009/11/5 2:34

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Christine

Re: Is being ignorant a requirement to work for the JC Parking Authority?

#128

Home away from home

I don't want to read the entire thread here, so forgive me. I just have to ask this: is the parking authority STILL booting cars for people (with the exception of the 2 exempt zones - one of which is by Jersey City University and the other is an area of downtown) who do not have 2 or more outstanding unpaid tickets??

There is no ordinance supporting them doing this.

Posted on: 2009/11/5 1:33

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Christine

Re: JCPA's booting policy called unfair

#129

Home away from home

There is already an existing ordinance regarding booting that states that, with the exception of the zone around Jersey City University and one zone downtown, booting can only be applied to vehicles with 3 outstanding tickets.

I have a copy of the ordinance. It was faxed to me by an administrative assistant at City Hall. The funny thing is that it's not online...it's that one section of a larger ordinance that wasn't scanned onto the online ordinance library (strange, huh?). If anyone wants a copy, or details, I'll pass it along.

Posted on: 2009/5/30 6:55

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Christine

Re: J.C. Council Meeting Enacts New Zone Parking Laws

#130

Home away from home

Sure, just PM me your email. If you know how to post it, please do.

Thanks!

Posted on: 2009/3/1 18:53

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Christine

Re: J.C. Council Meeting Enacts New Zone Parking Laws

#131

Home away from home

Stimpy55 and Freedom:

Send me a PM with an email address and I'll email it to you directly. In the interim I'll try to figure out how to post it to this thread directly.

Posted on: 2009/3/1 0:47

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Christine

Re: J.C. Council Meeting Enacts New Zone Parking Laws

#132

Home away from home

Posted on: 2009/2/9 5:47

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Christine

Re: Anyone see the Jersey City Film called Caught?

#133

Home away from home

My husband and I saw this movie a few years ago. It was a good movie by my standards...and it got even more interesting to us when we realized that the scenery looked very familiar. We'd had no idea prior to just catching it by flipping the channels that it had anything to do with Jersey City.

Posted on: 2008/5/14 19:10

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Christine

Re: Homicide investigation in the Heights

#134

Home away from home

I've lived in the Heights all my life. I think it's going through a serious period of change -- different from what downtown underwent because they were always different neighborhoods -- but a positive change nonetheless. When I was a kid, there were all tree-lined streets and a sense of community. Then there came a period where many families moved away and were replaced by people who didn't take care of their homes, etc. We lost a lot of lush trees for the sake of driveways. Nobody knew their neighbors anymore. Crime seemed to rise and police interest seemed to lower.

Lately I've seen so many people making home improvements and trying to create a sense of community. The police seem more diligent than they've been in years.

The Heights didn't fall apart overnight, and it won't be everything it can be overnight, either. I do believe that the rate of progress is very impressive. I look forward to what it will be in another 2 years.

Posted on: 2008/2/29 5:11

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Christine

Re: What are the good neighbourhoods to stay in Jersey City?

#135

Home away from home

I was born in this city and I have lived in a few different areas. I think it's important to report only on the neigborhood YOU live in when giving people advice on what's a good area...then tell them why. Otherwise, with the way this city is changing, the information tends to be less than accurate.

I live very close to the Congress St. Light Rail Elevator. Living here you can enjoy the close proximity to Hoboken for shopping/dining, several quick commuting options to NYC, nice houses and apartments (some with views of NYC).

I'm responding because my neighborhood was "bundled" into a neighborhood that you were told to "stay away from." Ogden Avenue is FAR EAST of Central, and while that was recommended, it implies that the other streets East of Central aren't good. That's so untrue. I know that because I LIVE HERE. There are brand new lofts, converted condos, nice neighbors and proximity to Manhattan.

Hope this helps and best of luck!

Posted on: 2008/2/21 23:50

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Christine

Re: NY Times - When Does a Housing Slump Become a Bust?

#136

Home away from home

So, I guess the answer is that you DON'T know anyone personally who is in, or fears, foreclosure.

Money pit?! Au contraire. My personal experience has been excellent with regard to Jersey City real estate, and I don't foresee that changing. I've bought and sold several properties. Maybe you should try it once and share your experience rather than throw out data that may or may not be relevant to someone (anyone) on this site.

Queens is considered the ends of the earth in terms of proximity to NYC so I really wouldn't consider it a contender with Jersey City. The Bronx is not exactly popular in terms of commuters, either. Why you're even bringing up Long Island is beyond me.

Most importantly: my heart goes out to anyone who is in, or fears being in, foreclosure. YOU, on the other hand, seem to wish it on people. So, basically, you own nothing and wish harm to those who do. Sounds like you're a resentful misanthrope. I suggest that you get therapy as it will be of far more beneficial use of your time than collecting data and trying to scare people with it.

Posted on: 2007/8/1 20:19

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Christine

Re: NY Times - When Does a Housing Slump Become a Bust?

#137

Home away from home

With regard to all of your gloom and doom, do you know anyone (personally) who is going into foreclosure or fearing it? I don't. Regarding Hoboken...did it ever occur to you that prices going down a little in Hoboken may be partly due to people finding better deals in Jersey City and buying here?

I live in the Heights, and we have quite a few new neighbors who sold in Hoboken and Manhattan and bought here (in search of larger space for less money). Uh, I don't think they'll be foreclosing any time soon.

I love Hoboken and Manhattan, so I live in Jersey City and go to both whenever I feel like it because I live so close to both. Then I come home to my very large condo in Jersey City.

Posted on: 2007/7/27 21:37

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Christine

Re: Sean Connors?

#138

Home away from home

Hey there.

I contacted that mutual friend and she said she would let Sean know that people are equating him with the the types living at those houses (as they logically would). I'm betting he'll remove it.

He has a website:

www.connors07.com

I haven't scoured it, but I noticed that it had contact info.

CapnJon -- The next time I see a pasty tattooed guy in boxers and slippers on our block, I'll be sure to wave hello!!

Posted on: 2007/6/2 0:25

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Christine

Re: Sean Connors?

#139

Home away from home

CapnJon,

I am SO glad to hear that you call as well.

I actually addressed the issue of the cops driving by and not stopping. I asked the North Commander to please not send any cars who are unwilling to stop because by swinging by and not stopping, they are sending the message that the behavior over there is acceptable.

Although I don't know Sean that well, he and I have a close friend in common, and I will do my best to get that message to him.

As far as your parking space, I do sympathize with you. This block is pure insanity with regard to parking. When the "Jehovah's" are in session, it's a real problem. Sometimes my husband and I try to avoid parking until their sessions are over. It's crazy...we're Catholics living by a Jehovah Witness calendar due to parking!!

I hope the people in those houses just move, but if not, and things escalate (as they often do in the summer), maybe we can sign a formal complaint against the homeowner through a block association or something.

Thanks for responding...I feel better knowing that there are other people who are as outraged as I am and doing something about it.

Posted on: 2007/5/31 19:11

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Christine

Re: Sean Connors?

#140

Home away from home

I know Sean Connors (not super well, but I know him). He's a nice guy -- good cop -- has long been interested in Jersey City politics. I think that the reason his signs are on those houses is because those people are actually home 24/7 and available to give the okay to having signs put up.

I would guess that he doesn't know what the people living there are all about.

Here's my real purpose for responding to this thread:

I live on this block with those houses. I have done a fair amount to effect a change with regard to those houses (called police, followed up with phonecalls to the North District). The police now patrol this block more.

Has anyone else who lives over here ever called the police on them? Now that I see that people have NOTICED what they do...have NOTICED signs of politicians, it begs the question: Does anyone who lives around here actually care about the fact that they're ruining this block enough to pick up the phone and call 547-5477?!?!

If so, I could really use the help!!!

Posted on: 2007/5/31 4:19

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Christine

Heating and Cooling installation

#141

Home away from home

About a week ago there was an ad for a heating/cooling installer. It said something about 2-ton central A/C units fully installed for $1,595. I don't see the ad anymore. Does anyone have any info (phone # or email address) on this person?

Also, can anyone recommend a reliable heating/cooling professional?

Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks.

Posted on: 2007/5/16 15:07

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Christine

Re: Where can I live and be 25 - 30 minutes from Midtown?

#142

Home away from home

I, too, live near the Congress St. elevator. This area is a commuter's dream. Your options range from the 99S to the commuter vans that run along Palisade if you want to go directly to 42nd St. You can also take the elevator down to the light rail and take it to the Newport Path or take a different commuter van to the Hoboken Path and take that.

The commuter vans have a sign on the front saying where they're headed but if you're not sure, just ask someone who's waiting or getting on.

Best of luck.

Posted on: 2007/5/16 6:18

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Christine

Re: garbage question?

#143

Home away from home

Hi. I believe there is a weight limit per bag/can, so your best bet is to use several lighterweight bags. Put the bags at the bottom of the can or barrel and your usual garbage on top.

That should work.

Posted on: 2007/5/10 20:14

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Christine

Re: Condo Shopping Observations

#144

Home away from home

NickL,

I truly don't understand why you would assert what you're asserting here regarding real estate in Jersey City when it just isn't true.

The prices that you've indicated as the norm for condos in the Heights, Journal Square & Greenville are not the standard/norm.

As for it being "not the time to buy"...could you tell us all when it will be the time to buy? According to your posting, it doesn't sound like a good time to rent either.
Regarding "today's" prices, will tomorrow's be better?

Here are a few points I'd like to make before ending my posting:

1. Your numbers are way off regarding pricing for the most part.

2. Your numbers regarding what is required to attain a mortgage (a conventional...not exotic mortgage) are wrong.

3. Neither I, nor anyone I know, has paid the amount of closing costs that you suggest one will need.

Lastly: why in the WORLD would someone who lives in Queens continually obsess over, and pretend to be a guru regarding, real estate in Jersey City? I've lived in this city my entire life and have bought three times and sold twice, and I truly don't know what tomorrow's market will bring.

Newsflash: neither do you.

Posted on: 2006/7/10 16:57

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