I agree there's certainly potential for property value increases post Sandy. Several of my neighbors mentioned that some displaced Hoboken friends stayed in the Heights during and after the storm and commented that they would consider moving here. I think it's entirely possible. A PATH station in the Heights would be a lock for property value increases.

Not Too Shy is absolutely right. There are definitely unmarked cars throughout The Heights. Sometimes marked cars are more comforting, so I just call the JCPD and ask for patrol in my area if a few days have gone by and I haven't seen one. Call them at 201-547-5477 periodically and just ask for increased patrol. They'll oblige...

I'm hoping this isn't a duplicate post, but I'm not sure my first post took...

I'm originally from NYC and in 2007 my company relocated me from Philly back to New York. I looked for condos in Brooklyn, Downtown JC, Hoboken, Union City, and even Staten Island and Manhattan. My real estate agent then introduced me to the Heights. I found a beautifully rehabbed condo in a renovated brick faced brownstone on New York Ave, just around the corner from Fisk Park and I couldn't be happier. Fisk Park offers great views of the city and is a perfect place to take my dog for his daily walk.

I'm required to have a company car and I have no problem finding street parking every day, usually right in front of my home. I can get to Manhattan in 30 minutes on a jitney, or via Light Rail to the PATH from Congress. With a flexible schedule, if I need to drive to the city, it literally has taken me minutes to get into Manhattan by car. I do agree with the previous poster who said that unless the Heights becomes a PATH train destination, full gentrification will be a challenge.

Since I've been here, I've met many young professionals move into my neighborhood, many from Hoboken and some even from Manhattan. For my lifestyle and needs, I felt I got more in amenities and space than in the other places I searched. I have friends and coworkers who've purchased in Brooklyn and in Manhattan and have spent twice as much as I did, and they experience more noise, etc. than I do here in the Heights. As for me, I love being here and I'm extremely happy with my decision to own and live here.

PS - I must say, although I'm not a fan of Hoboken, in no way am I a Downtown JC hater. I love the charm of the streets and brownstones in Downtown JC. It just feels like some people have negative opinions about the Heights without actually experiencing living here. Just my opinion.

Just tried a new place last night - Sal's Pizza and Pasta on Palisades in the Heights (right across from Fisk Park) and was very pleasantly surprised. Can't necessarily judge the place on one good experience, but very nice crispy thin crust, great tasting sauce and well blended with the cheese. Reminded me of the slices I used to get growing up on Staten Island. Better than all I've tried here including Gino's, Vinnies, and Pizza Master on Central. Worth a shot.

I was in your position exactly 2 years ago. A single guy moving back to the NYC area after several job relocations causing me to live in 6 different cities over the past 15 years. I considered many places, searched Union City, Weehawken, Hoboken, Brooklyn, Bronx, and Staten Island but I settled on the Heights. I live on New York Ave in a new condo between Griffith and Bowers and I absolutely love it. Neighbors are very active in the community and our block has been very safe. My neighbors consist of ariline pilots and flight attendants, accountants, teachers, computer programmers, and my neighbor across the hall is a Secret Service Agent. My girlfriend bartends and comes home late at night and we never have any problems. Like any area in transition, you have to be aware and careful, but not paranoid.

Some of the other posts gave great advice....drive around, walk around, feel out the people and talk to some people. If more young professionals continue to buy in these areas, we will all win. You get a lot for your money and access to everything is just steps away.

Good luck.

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citybelt - that is AWESOME info and great news. fortunately, I was able to find a neighbor on new york ave who was willing to rent me her driveway. question, though.....
where is paterson plank?

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You'll see me and my Boston Terrier there as soon as the weather gets warm! Thanks for the info.

Thanks CapnJon - GREAT INFO!
As far as the neighborhood group meetings- count me in. I'm all about getting to know my neighbors and living in a safe community. I will attend as many of these meetings as possible.

Spanish restaurants and cool, fun places are my thing- so I'll meet you and the Mrs. at "Corkscrew"!!!

Thanks for the welcome - and can't wait for my settlement date next month.

Great info - thanks!
I have a dog also, so it should be nice meeting neighbors just by walking my dog. Who knows - I'll probably see you walking yours!

Fortunately, the condo I'm buying has laundry on-site which should make life a little easier and keep me out of the laundromat.

I have to admit - I'm a little concerned about the parking situation. I currently have PA tags on my car because it's a company car. Not sure how I'll get around that with getting a parking permit. I have inquired about renting a space from a neighbor and I've had some success. One neighbor who is renting agreed to rent a driveway for $100 per month, so hopefully that will prevent any issues. I'm concerned about friends and family visiting, though. Seems a little silly to boot cars with NYS tags- especially with JC's proximity to NYC.

Are there streets nearby that do not require a JC parking permit? What about guests who may visit for a weekend?

Any additional info would be great!

Thanks Muffin

I'm brand new to the website and soon to be a new resident of JC Heights. As a native NY'er, I'm familiar with the 'elements' of just about every urban neighborhood. However, this is the first time I'm actually investing in real estate in the NYC/NJ area.

Like some others, I'm shunning the cookie cutter model of Hoboken and taking a chance on buying in- what I have been told is- an 'up and coming' area. On the particular block I'm purchasing my condo, there are quite a few buildings being gutted, then rebuilt with new/pricey condos. This is what gave me the indication that I can get bang for my buck as opposed to Hoboken, yet also potentially turn a greater profit on my investment years down the line.

My thoughts are, the more people who decide to buy and live in their own property, the less likelihood of crime and safety concerns. People who spend $400k for a 2 BR condo don't usually rob people or break into cars. While that may not be the case completely right now, hopefully the increase in homeowners will result in the decrease of the criminal element.

I'm buying a place one block east(?) of Palisades (on New York Ave) and I'm having some anxieties about things such as crime, safety - and parking (for myself and my guests)!

I'm a young, single professional man who enjoys walking the streets whenever I want to and intend on spending many Friday/Saturday nights among the Manhattan and Hoboken crowd, then utilizing public transportation and my legs to get me home.

Prior to putting an offer on this condo, I did many nights and weekends of driving through JC Heights - and was grateful for that 70 degree Saturday 2 weeks ago. I figured that would give me a true indication and feel for the neighborhood since everyone was outdoors. Personally, I liked what I saw. An eclectic mix of cultures and everything from young to old in the neighborhood.

Any suggestions, comments, or advice from JC Heights residents?

Thanks!