Petulant? Why? I did not say there aren't beautiful homes throughout Jersey City, nor did I make any negative statements about the other areas. I said I would only live downtown. It is where I was born and raised. My grandparents live there and so does my mother. If I said I cannot afford to live downtown, then I cannot. Who are you to question that? More importantly, why would you?
My allegiance to downtown has always been strong and long before anyone wanted to live there. In fact, growing up people from other areas like Country Village or the Western Slope looked down on downtowners. I could never understand why because I never desired to live anywhere else. (Although, I loved the homes on Bentley Avenue that I passed on my way to lunch during high school. McNair was located there prior to its new location).
I do not live in Jersey City because I think it is "Jersey Shitty." I live elsewhere because I get more bang for my buck, I can usually find parking and I am five miles from the school that I teach in. I resent the comment that in order to have a vested interest in my students, I need to live in Jersey City. It is ridiculous. I am extremely committed to educating my students. Many who are significantly behind their suburban counterparts. A fact that troubles me deeply. The drive to do my best for them would not change even if I lived in the suburbs.

As a teacher, I cannot afford to live in Jersey City. Should we have subsidized housing for city employees? There are certain programs available, but they tend to only be an option if you can tolerate living in the worst part of the city. I would only want to live downtown, the place where had I lived all my life. I cannot afford the rent on my salary, forget purchasing. You cannot force people to live where they work, nor should you.

I like this site, but sometimes I am just amazed at the arrogance that permeates these boards.

I went there for lunch today. I ordered a mix of quesadillas (chicken, pumpkin, and cheese) to go. It cost $8.00 and was DELICIOUS!! I will be returning.

I would walk down Bentley during lunch and see those beautiful homes.

I had to laugh when you said under $400,000. That is over double what I can afford. It is crazy! My friend lives on Bentley near Bergen and has section 8. She pays $10 a month. I am a Jersey City school teacher and I cannot afford to live in the city I grew up in. I am not complaining. I am just stating a fact. It seems you have to be upper middle class to very wealthy or really poor to live here. McNair or as I call it Academic use to be located on the corner of Bergen and Bentley when I attended.

I love the homes on Bentley and Gifford between the Blvd and West Side. I always did. Nonetheless, I cannot afford those properties. I considered the condos on Harrison but the parking in that area is terrible, so I decided against it.

I have been reading these boards for over two years and this topic was my first post. Thanks again for the feedback!

This forum has not been the only factor in my decision to not buy. I pass the property every morning on my way to work, at lunch, after work and quite a few times at different hours of the night.

For clarification purposes, I am NOT new to Jersey City. I was born and raised in downtown, but know all of the other areas. I have been out of Jersey City for 8 years, but I work there.

I posted on this board because Jersey City natives view Jersey City differently. The Junction is not an area any of them would advise me to live in. They think I am crazy to suggest it. This is a different forum. I wanted an unbiased view of the neighborhood. I wanted to hear from people who did not grow up here and their thoughts on the area. In my opinion, this area only improved about 1% since about 1982 when I was 7 and Brummer's, the ice cream shop that my sister and I went to after getting a good report card, closed. In my gut, I knew I could not live there, but I was hoping many of you would see things differently and convince me otherwise. That was not the case and it confirmed my decision as being the right one.

Thank you all for your comments. I do not think I will do it.

Do me a favor and save that bullsh%& for someone else. I do not need to feel validated by anyone. Most of the people I asked live "on the hill" or in that area, that is why I asked them. Period. They happen to be black because that is the area most blacks live in, in Jersey City. And the fact is, I am a single white girl thinking of moving in that area, I drive a nice car and if you think people will not notice me, you have not lived here long enough or are sheltered. I just wanted info on that block because in Jersey City that can make a difference. I made no assumptions about it being safe for other races as I am not concerned about them. I was asking for me. Get over your self-righteousness and spare me your negative comments. I did not seek a public debate over society's ills. I asked a question about real estate. Thanks to all who answered the question like an non-bitter adult.

I saw someone bring something up about race. Please do not go there. In fact, every black person I asked, including a woman whose father lives across the street from where I was considering, told me I was crazy. However, they are from Jersey City and I am as well, so I wanted an "outsider's" opinion as I thought it would be less biased. I grew up in downtown and although I have always loved it, I cannot afford it for starters, but I wanted more space and this place had it and at a price within my budget. I knew it would be a tradeoff, but my safety is ultimately worth more. Thanks again.

Thank you for the reality check. My desire to be a homeowner was clouding my judgement. My plan of getting pit bulls and immediately putting bars on my windows should have been a sign this was not for me. I will keep looking and saving

I am interested in purchasing a condo in this area, as it is the only thing I can afford. People say I am crazy and my house will be robbed or I will be. HELP!! Any info is appreciated.
NLB