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Re: Journal Square Vs. JC Heights
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Home away from home
 
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Late to this party. But I think that with the one seat ride into the city via the PATH, and the development going on there, Journal Square is the better bet. And if you are buying there's likely to be greater appreciation on any investment, if prices haven't gone up already.
Posted on: 2015/2/5 21:23
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Re: Journal Square Vs. JC Heights
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Home away from home
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I'm a bit south of you, just past SPU. But when the weather gets better, be sure to make your way down south to Lincoln Park. So much going on there - a farmers market in Spring-Fall, new running and biking lanes, a track, lots of gorgeous open space.
Posted on: 2015/2/5 18:36
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Re: Journal Square Vs. JC Heights
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Quite a regular
 
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Thanks for all your help guys! I've decided on Journal Square. It makes more sense transportation wise as I work in Manhattan. It's also only 1 PATH stop away from my old neighborhood so I won't have to change my lifestyle that much. However, with that being said, I like becoming part of the communities I live in. What's everyone's go to deli, bodega, food store, bar, take-out place etc.? Anything going on in the neighborhood to become a part of? Tips on meeting the neighbors? Appreciate the input!
Posted on: 2015/2/5 16:40
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Re: Journal Square Vs. JC Heights
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Home away from home
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Quote:
I?ve found this to be the case in many areas, including mine. I think the Heights are fantastic and should definitely be viewed as an option for those getting priced out of Downtown. Quote:
I agree with this. It is something that I have argued at community meetings. I have no idea why there isn?t a trash can at every corner. It just makes no sense to me. Quote:
I?m sorry that your experience wasn?t adequate. I?m honestly not sure what someone would expect when visiting this area. As of now, I?d say that the place to go is NuBar which is a solid draw for people in the area. As this location becomes more popular, I?d like to think that new options, more options will arrive. I?d say that this is similar to the Heights. However, the Heights is a much larger area which means that certain spots in the Heights are better than others.
Posted on: 2014/12/24 14:57
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Dos A Cero
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Re: Journal Square Vs. JC Heights
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Home away from home
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2007/8/1 19:34 Last Login : 2022/4/27 19:59 From journal square
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Not sure what it is about JC that its so hard to get a trash can on the street corners. Its a direct correlation from lack of trash cans on the street to more trash actually on the street. Most major cities have them on every corner and it really helps. I guess its a money issue but I hope someone eventually figures this out As for LSP, I never shit on anyone who lives there, and I certainly never brought up race, but Im just mentioning my experience when visiting. I think and hope the area has potential to grow, but of the three options (JSQ, Heights, LSP), I think most people would have a harder time in LSP even if it is safe. There are open lots and shady corners which may deter a few people. The area needs more businesses besides the two or three mentioned to sustain a population of that size there. With that said, I think it will happen, itll just take a little longer.
Posted on: 2014/12/24 14:46
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Just can't stay away
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The Heights is great. Don't know anything about JSQ.
When I lived in the Heights, I took the 87 bus to Hoboken PATH, which is great becuase you can get a seat 75% of the time. Or 100% if you wait for the next train. The commute from the Congress/Palisade area to SoHo was about 35-55 mins, all depending on whether you hit all the transportation at the right time, traffic, etc. You can use the NJTransit's MyBus texting system to find out when the buses are coming, they have GPS. The texts are correct about 85% of the time. There is a fantastic community of neighbors in the Heights. Just start going to the Riverview Neighborhood Association meetings or events and you'll start meeting some awesome people. Lots of events happening in the Heights every weekend. I used to have at least one event to go to each weekend: art galleries, music concerts, garden events, etc. You can find out about events on the RNA facebook page. Central ave has awesome little 'ethnic' restaurants: cuban, puerto rican, peruvian, ecuadorian, thai, mexican, italian, etc. There are 4 nice bars: the corkscrew, AJ's, Trollet, and Lincoln Inn. I always felt safe. Walked around at all hours of the night (with company) and was fine. It does take getting used to the different, less well kept environment (when compared to DTJC or Hoboken). It is very disappointing how much trash you see on the streets, or houses that are looking run down. But, the neighborhood associations are really working on tackling the trash issue. And a LOT of new people are moving in. The change I've seen in one year's time (more events, more bars, more business, more people) makes me think this area is a good investment.
Posted on: 2014/12/24 14:24
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Home away from home
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No thanks are necessary. I live up the hill from Lafayette and my area gets crapped on just as well. I find this is mostly the result of people that have never actually been to an area. I've really been liking NuBar. I have been popping in about once a week for the last few weeks; enough so that the bartenders recognize me.
Posted on: 2014/12/24 13:59
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Dos A Cero
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Quite a regular
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Thank you, Pebble. I look forward to meeting you one day. I often feel that people write about Lafayette without firsthand knowledge. I've lived here close to six years, and frequently walk around on my own with zero problems -- yes, even at night. On top of that, I really like my neighbors. And Lafayette has a great community vibe, including Nu Bar and Pacific Flea. I encourage you to check it out. Come by Nu Bar one evening and ask around. Or not.
Posted on: 2014/12/24 3:17
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Home away from home
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Quote:
New to the internet?
Posted on: 2014/12/24 3:05
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Home away from home
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Ok, sure... please state, specifically, what is scary about the Lafayette area bordering Liberty State Park. Have you been over to NuBar? Have you traveled to Pacific Flea? Have you departed the Light Rail at Liberty State Park? Have you taken a look at the Foundry?
Posted on: 2014/12/23 21:32
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Dos A Cero
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Quite a regular
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whY YOU MAKING IT ALL RACIALIST MAN...NO ONE EVER BROUGHT UP RACE HERE EXCEPT FOR YOU. ARE YOU ASSUMING I'M A SCARED LITTLE WHITEY?
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Posted on: 2014/12/23 20:53
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Home away from home
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Nope Quote: If you don't believe me, do a test "walk" around that lovely neighborhood once the sun goes down or on any summer evening and tell me how "comfortable" you feel. I am very comfortable, I guess this is why you are in JSQ, because you don't feel comfortable in the LSP area LMAO I needed this chuckle.
Posted on: 2014/12/23 18:03
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Home away from home
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As someone that has actually walked this area at night and during the day, I'd say that I know a bit better about the area than either of you. I wouldn't say that the area is some hub for people to flock to. However, the place isn't the crime-ridden cesspool that is made out here. I see many women walking at night without issue. The issue is more to do with comfort level. If seeing a few black people around frightens you, then don't bother with the area. Otherwise, you'll realize that it has what many are looking for.
Posted on: 2014/12/23 17:45
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Dos A Cero
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Home away from home
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Posted on: 2014/12/23 16:47
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Quite a regular
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LSP area, you kidding me! All I know is that I would not live near LSP if you gave me the house for free. That area has a long way to go. If you don't believe me, do a test "walk" around that lovely neighborhood once the sun goes down or on any summer evening and tell me how "comfortable" you feel...especially if you are a single woman!
Posted on: 2014/12/23 15:42
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Not too shy to talk
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I recently re-located to the Heights after 16 years in downtown JC. I can say that while the Heights isn't downtown and doesn't have as "easy" access as downtown does, I love the neighborhood, love my home, and love that I got so much more for the money up there.
The light rail is usually the best alternative to connect with the PATH in either Hoboken or Newport to get to NYC. But I find that just walking to the Hoboken station from the eastern slope/Riverview Neighborhood is just as quick (with waiting on the platform factored in) as taking the light rail to Hoboken station. I don't really find the difference in access vs. DTJC to be a problem at all because I don't use or count on any of the bus service for transporation. Here and there throughout our Heights neighborhood, we're seeing new businesses pop up and like me, there are many new faces that have moved "up the hill" from downtown. Hoboken is a very easy and quick walk. I think you'll find the value up here to be worth a deeper investigation.
Posted on: 2014/12/23 14:40
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Home away from home
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In the area east of Pacific, I can not think of any burnt out buildings, but there are several empty lots. As far as businesses, that is the one thing holding back the neighborhood from progressing faster. The only new business is Nu Bar. Most of the other places are bodegas, and sketchy restaurants/eateries. It's like that chicken or the egg conundrum: will new businesses materialize when more yuppies move in? Or, will more yuppies show up when new businesses move in?
Posted on: 2014/12/23 14:38
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Home away from home
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I thought the same thing. I can't think of many (or, any) 2bd places in the area around the LSP light rail that would go for $1,400. Definitely not in desirable living conditions. The prices at The Foundry for a 2BD are 2K or above, and the new building behind it on the corner of Monitor and Communipaw is probably at the same level. Not sure what rents will be at the new building going up on Suydam, but I am sure it will be comparable.
Posted on: 2014/12/23 14:34
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Home away from home
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I lived about 10 min from the JSQ Path and told a friend who was moving to stay in the JSQ area to avoid extra steps when commuting to work in downtown NYC. He chose the Heights and is now looking to move to JSQ because of his 20 min walk to the PATH every day. The Central Ave business strip and the area isnt bad but the extra distance is not for everyone.
Also, JSQ has some real potential to open some good bars and restaurants in the near future since developments are finally occurring. I dont know the area west of LSP that well but last time I was there, I saw a lot of empty lots, burnt out buildings and no businesses worth visiting to speak of. Unless we are talking about two completely different neighborhoods. IDK.
Posted on: 2014/12/23 14:07
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Re: Journal Square Vs. JC Heights
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Home away from home
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the hoboken path is just a 20-25 minute walk from around congress....good exercise
Posted on: 2014/12/23 13:38
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Re: Journal Square Vs. JC Heights
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Home away from home
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The Heights has many transportation options -- I'd say more than any other neighborhood -- it's just none of them are exceptional.
You can take a bus to DTJC and then to the PATH. You can bus the 119 or 123 to the PABT. You can walk the distance to the Light Rail and then take the PATH from Hoboken. There are numerous jitneys. You can walk to the JSQ PATH. I also have a folding bike and just do the commute myself, with a PATH ride under the river. Nothing is going to beat living in DTJC by City Hall and having the Grove St PATH right outside my door. I'm spoiled for life because of that. If you're willing to get a little bit of exercise (biking, walking) and don't mind an extra 10-20 minutes in commuting in exchange for green space and nice views, than the Heights is a great option.
Posted on: 2014/12/23 11:55
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Re: Journal Square Vs. JC Heights
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Home away from home
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The eastern end of the hilltop neighborhood is 2-3 blocks from JSQ and to the end of downtown...can easily walk to both. Good area too. I have invested there recently for these reasons.
Posted on: 2014/12/23 7:32
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Re: Journal Square Vs. JC Heights
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Home away from home
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Your numbers are pretty suspect. "Average" would mean there are significant numbers of 2 br well under 900 in the Heights. There are not any under 1000 on craigslist currently. Check Rentometer.com for actual analysis.
Posted on: 2014/12/23 5:25
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Newbie
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Hello! I'm very new to this forum, but this topic does seem relevant to my personal experience. Ah, poor Heights, it seems few people have faith in it's livability status. Having myself moved in earlier in the year, I count as a fresh face, and maybe I'm naive, but I feel like in the little time I've moved here, three nice businesses have opened up: Mod Cup, Yoga in the Heights, and 942 Summit. Does it count as up and coming? I think so, at the very least, I like the direction it's going. I lived in Hoboken and moved up here on the buzz of former Hobokenites. It's just anecdotal, but I personally know several families from there that have moved here also.
Count yourself lucky if you live near an underground train line [Path]. The benefits are obvious. I know the jitneys are not for everyone, but I find them incredibly convenient and it takes me half an hour from the Western Slope to mid-town. Of course, I start my work day at 7:00 AM so traffic is very light at that hour. I don't mind walking to Journal Square either and I can't wait to get a bike to get around in a pinch. As far as safety, I haven't felt threatened at all. I love my street (Sherman Place), and enjoy the low-key vibe of it. I originally grew up in Portland, OR, and some of the changes happening here remind me of the things that happened there as well. Portland doesn't have a subway, but that didn't stop it from becoming interesting. I'll point to Red Hook as well. Nowhere near a train, but still considered desirable. I don't think the Heights will ever become as "hot" or a hangout like DTJC, but I bet it will eventually have some good joints the locals will enjoy, as well as others will like to visit. Journal Square looks very promising as well. I agree with what others have said. The Path is a great option, but I think you'll have to wait a little for more businesses to come.
Posted on: 2014/12/23 3:50
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Quite a regular
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The buses in the heights have always been a problem. But with the 99s/10 bus from Coach no longer running, it's improved a bit. The 119 now runs all day during the week and on Saturdays. Could be better since the last bus out of NYC is 10:10pm. If you live near Congress, the 119 with no traffic gets you to the bus station in 10-15 minutes. Along Central, its 20-30 minutes. The 123 is 30 minutes or less depending on where on Palisade Ave you are.
This website has come online, its been an improvement. http://mybusnow.njtransit.com/bustime/wireless/html/home.jsp You can now look up your bus, 119, 123, and the chronically late 87 and get accurate real time status to your bus stop. Now you can leave the house knowing a bus will be arriving at your stop.
Posted on: 2014/12/23 1:42
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Re: Journal Square Vs. JC Heights
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Home away from home
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As a Heights resident hoping for fresh new faces, I have to agree with the posters recommending JSQ or LSP over the our neighborhood. The lack of access is unavoidable. Case in point - tonight I waited 10 minutes in Hoboken for the 87 bus. I was at the end of the line, which meant the people at the front were easily there for 20 to 25. Finally 4 busses came in a row.
The 87 is your principal access to Hoboken, and this happens ALL THE TIME.
Posted on: 2014/12/23 0:14
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Re: Journal Square Vs. JC Heights
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Home away from home
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You are right! I should have added that running in this area is about the BEST in all of JC. From the area immediately adjacent to the LSP light rail station, it is a quick jog into the park. Once in the park, there are several routes that will satisfy anyone's needs. The longest route that keeps you within the park boundaries is 5.5 miles (I tend to call this the outer loop route) and there are many other ways you can add or subtract distance to meet your distance goals. The park is safe and has seen increased use over the years. There would be times I felt like I had the park to myself in years past when running at certain times. Nowadays, I haven't had a run at ANY time that didn't include seeing at least two or thee other people, even in colder weather. Super happy to see the park reaching its potential.
Posted on: 2014/12/22 19:40
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Home away from home
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FYI I just did a quick search for rentals in the Heights, JSQ and LSP area and the LSP area is pricier than the other two areas. LSP came in with an average rental costing 1,400 a month for a two bedroom and the Heights average for 2 bedroom was 900.00 and the Square is 1250.00. So if $$$ is your concern the Heights looks like a better fit, but if you add in all the buses and jitneys its almost priced the same as the square.
Posted on: 2014/12/22 19:14
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Home away from home
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I'll add a third vote for this area. The place is bolstered by the quality of the individuals that are moving in. Should Whitlock Cordage every complete, I can see a larger influx that pushes this section even higher. Additionally, the OP mentioned running. It would be a straight shot down into Liberty State Park, which could then have them shoot over the walking bridge and into downtown.
Posted on: 2014/12/22 18:12
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Dos A Cero
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Home away from home
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THIS. I am very, very surprised that this section of JC is not on people's radar. As User1111 points out, it is a 15 minute walk to DTJC, and about 5-10 minutes by light rail to Grove or Paulus Hook (depending on how much you have to walk to/from the light rail stations) and 15 to 20 for the Newport and Harsimus Cove stops. Not instant, or super quick, but decent times. I have never seen any smashed windows on cars around the neighborhood, and have only heard of two stolen cars over the past five years. Other than the unfortunate homicide at the light rail station a few years ago (mentally unstable man went off his meds, the state couldn't or wouldn't commit him despite his parents' pleas, and one morning he walked out and stabbed a man to death at the station) you don't really hear or see any violent crime in the immediate area of the LSP light rail station. Further West, there have been some more serious incidents (the Whiton street "execution", and some other shootings) but the area is definitely up and coming and more and more young professionals can be seen in the neighborhood. There is a very active Nextdoor.com community (thanks Nemobeatz!) and I have always felt safe there.
Posted on: 2014/12/22 18:04
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