kjrst9 t1_j28qbjo wrote on December 30, 2022 at 1:38 PM

You can easily get an apartment in JC for $3k, but not a luxury building with waterfront views.

Is a luxury high rise non-negotiable? Many people prefer the neighborhood historic districts - the two have very different vibes and you need to know your preference first. Also keep in mind that if you have a vehicle, a high rise will charge an additional fee for parking.

Also, Newport is a love it or hate it place - I would not group it with the other neighborhoods you mentioned. It is very disconnected from most of Jersey City and feels like a tall suburbia with city views. On the other hand, people who are city-averse feel better there and if you have an eastern view, that's a plus.

If you are diligent you can absolutely get a downtown apartment for well below that. I had a 1.5 bedroom for $1400 and a moved to a 3 bedroom for 3k. Don't believe people when they insist otherwise.

NationalTeacher5268 OP t1_j295ukr wrote on December 30, 2022 at 3:35 PM

Thank you for explaining in such a great way. I would love to have a city view but of course its negotiable as savings is more important to me. I am sure I would love the neighborhood vibe in downtown or Hamilton Park.

I have a vehicle and all the apartments I have talked to was charging for additional 250$-300$. Is it much cheaper to park in the neighborhood areas? Is it a street parking?

I found couple of apartments in Hamiton park area through Zillow like - Revetment house, Lincoln etc which are comparably cheaper. But didn't find many brownstone options. Is it better to visit there first , get a realtor and look for those kinds of apartments? Thanks.

kjrst9 t1_j2amm3y wrote on December 30, 2022 at 9:15 PM

for clarification, downtown consists of many neighborhoods: Hamilton Park, Harsimus Cove, Paulus Hook, the Village, Powerhouse, and Van Vorst Park (plus a few more fringe blocks). Also Newport is considered part of Downtown.

Your best bet will be to look at sites like Zillow, or using a local agent like Del Forno or Howard Hanna. In NJ, unlike other places, realtors also work as renting agents. You will need to browse listings, don't rely on them to do it for you, but their websites will be useful. Everything you are mentioning (from Newport proper to Revetment House, which by the way is owned by Newport) are major corporate landlords and the prices are going to be reflective of this.

Also fyi renting is a landlord's market right now. There are literally bidding wars over apartments, with people offering more than advertised to be selected as the tenant. At least that was the case earlier in 2022, maybe it has changed. Ask a realtor about the status on that. Certainly putting in an application on a unit does not mean you will be the "winning" tenant.