Bamboozled eh? Heh heh, maybe I should change careers.

Something I particularly like about Hamilton Park as opposed to other condo developments (and is probably true for the other historic areas), is the character of the properties. Old school charm, (and in some renovated cases) mixed with new world amenities. I can't imagine having that in a high rise condo (and is why I don't feel threatened by them - though maybe I should). Of course, higher ceilings, tree lined block, and getting more sq. feet for your dollar is nice too.

I was in a similar situation as you (though slightly lower budget) 6 mo.s ago. I searched all of NYC (and some Jersey too) I could afford and stumbled on this area. The quality of some places here comparatively is awesome. The PATH goes right to where I work for a new job in Manhattan so it's perfect.

I can only hope that this area has good potential for growth ($), but I like many elements of what it is now too. I have a friend who grew up 1 block from my condo who I worked with in Mahwah for a couple years. He remarked how it's improved (and yet the store on his corner's still there) and he's a good guy too so that's encouraging. No shady run-ins for me yet (but somebody did steal a guitar from me when I left it in the basement unlocked but that's a different story). Hard Grove rocks and I like Basic too.

I just sold my Honda last week (literally), but in the 3 mo.'s I been here nobody messed with it (except the parking police). A club and leaving nothing in the car has always done the trick.

BTW, I dunno the schroeder lofts, maybe I should be in a different string?