Moving to NJ, how is Journal Square?

Submitted by TouchPorcelain t3_103mjb3 in jerseycity

Hi everyone,

Relocating to Jersey City for my job and have been trying to look for a relatively safe and affordable area near transit and a grocery store.

I've been looking at places in the Heights, Downtown, and Journal Square. A realtor I talked to said to stay away from Journal Square as it is "in transition" and as a single female I wouldn't want to live there. She said I would want Secaucus, Rutherford, the Heights, Downtown, (or Palisades Park if I don't mind having nothing to do).

However, Journal Square seems like the best spot for value, convenience of transit, and nearby stores (grocery and gym, I won't have a car), and I could pop Downtown for some fun.

Googling led me to a 2yr old thread and a 7yr old thread so was hoping for some input from people already living in Jersey to some good neighborhoods.

Any advice for a soon to be resident?

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ceeyell t1_j31o4ob wrote

Your realtor is nuts, JSQ is absolutely fine unless you’re moving from a cornfield and have never been in any city for more than ten minutes. And honestly she’s suggesting Downtown JC and Rutherford for the same client? Fire the realtor, that’d be my first step.

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gigiwasabi_jc t1_j32kioq wrote

My first reaction as well. Secaucus and Rutherford fall squarely into the “nothing to do” category, not just Palisades Park. Does not sound like your realtor knows what they are talking about.

As a young woman living alone for first time after college on 57k, I’d lean more towards the Heights or BL with roommate(s) than JSQ alone though. A better realtor can help with this.

Also consider getting a bike for transportation.

Edit: yes, 30 is young!

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lost_guy191 t1_j36waz5 wrote

I grew up in a cornfield and I'm fine in JSQ so they are just plain dumb. :)

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ceeyell t1_j36yxyc wrote

Hahaha glad to hear it! JSQ is for everyone, even folks from cornfields.

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ezmolaw t1_j33mxya wrote

I lived in Hoboken, downtown JC, and now Journal Square and I can say that JSQ is totally fine. It’s cheaper, significantly more diverse than downtown, and has path and bus options. Is it as gentrified as downtown — definitely not which may make a little less safer but you should fine as long as you are aware of your surroundings. I grew up in NJ so i know all the neighborhoods very well and I say your best bet around here is JSQ, the heights, Harrison, or the communipaw area of JC by liberty state park if you want to be generally close to the city with things to do. Otherwise check out Hackensack, Union City, or Weehawken in my opinion.

The heights is probably one of my favorite areas of JC - it’s residential, walkable, has frequent nyc bus access, stores nearby, and is generally one of the more untouched parts of the area. It’s starting to gentrify a bit now but skews more to multi families and Bayonne box type redevelopments. Age range can vary but it skews more to mid 30s and above.

Harrison is cool but a lil further west closer to newark where gentrification has begun over the last few years. The newark area gets a bad rep but it’s really not that bad, people don’t even know there’s areas with mansions etc. Anyway in Harrison a lot of buildings are basically brand new and it’s close to the Portuguese section of newark which has bomb food. It’s also cheaper than jc and still has a path train to nyc. Age range varies but there’s a younger crowd there with all the new development.

Hackensack is further north, has been going through gentrification for the past 3-4 years now and has a ton of new buildings albeit not too cheap. They have bus access to nyc and is close to route 4 and 17 which have a bunch of malls, restaurants, etc. Age range here varies as it’s a residential/suburb-like area. You’d likely want a car here though.

Union City, is just north of the heights. It’s cheaper than JC, has bus access, tends to skew more Latinx, and has restaurants but not much to do at night. Age range tends to be more so families and older folks but you can definitely find something affordable here, you’ll just have to take Uber at night.

JSQ as mentioned is a melting pot. Some condos, some high rise rentals (w/ many more coming), multi families, single families etc. Has great access to nyc (bus or train), very diverse, not the best supermarkets or gyms, is walkable and is close to all the downtown “fun.” It’s safe, but as you can see from this thread it’s relative. I’ve met people who generally view areas as “safe” based on the people who live there rather than actually having lived there. Imo I haven’t had any issue but I’m an early 30s male of color who grew up in diverse north jersey towns so I feel fine. Age range varies here since it’s so big, but with all the new buildings I’d say it’s getting younger — maybe mid 20s and above.

Downtown JC is very walkable, has the path, many things to do nightlife wise and restaurant wise, not the best parking, likes to consider themselves diverse but it’s mostly white, generally one of the safest parts of JC but also the most expensive. Gentrification is over here so it’s basically tapped out it’s potential. Age range is generally mid 20s to 40s but skews right in the middle imo.

Communipaw is close to liberty state park, has only light rail access (which you can take and switch to the path), is in the midst of gentrification, is walkable although you may not want to walk too far due to safety, but has become much younger with the new buildings in the area. It’s definitely not a bad place to start as it’s prolly one of the cheaper areas closest to downtown JC.

Hoboken is 1sq mile, extremely walkable, has the best bus and path options, tighter living quarters, horrible parking and flooding, not diverse, but very safe and has a bunch of restaurants and early 20s nightlife. You could get lucky with a roommate situation over there and start there.

Hopefully this helps! Any questions just lemme know!

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tradeintel828384839 t1_j2zyhw8 wrote

How affordable is affordable? High rises in Journal Square are nice and extremely accessible to the PATH

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TouchPorcelain OP t1_j2zyxwj wrote

I make 57k a year so...affordable lol! But yeah, not a lot in my price range, so I might look into doing a roommate for a while until maybe more becomes available.

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Brudesandwich t1_j309dbi wrote

At $57K you don't have many options near any train stations unless you have room mates

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Worldlover67 t1_j32msld wrote

Maybe consider Harrison! I actually prefer Harrison over JSQ, minus the extra 15-20 minutes PATH commute.

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KumquatimusPrime t1_j30lod2 wrote

There are affordable one bedroom studios and one bedrooms, you’ll probably have to go through a realty company for a good deal though. As long as you stay towards India strip to McGinley is safe, but there are some pockets that are a little sketchy. Most of the people on this subreddit live in luxury buildings and thus 57K does not hold the same value to them.

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Jahooodie t1_j324jk4 wrote

Hey, just a quick heads-up: It's actually spelled "luxury" building. Have a nice day!

The parent commenter can reply with 'delete' to delete this comment.

~Jersey City Bot

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lost_guy191 t1_j36wq5g wrote

agreed with the general rule of 40x most landlords have even at $57k options are kinda limited for 1 bedrooms these days would need a place for $1425 or less.

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NCreature t1_j30bxk7 wrote

Maybe try Bayonne. 57k won't go far in Jersey City but as long as you're on the light rail you might be okay.

Do you have to go to New Jersey? There are apartments in New Rochelle that are in the low $2000s. Brand new. And parking is cheaper and you're on the Metro North. That might be a better deal.

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waterdeities t1_j30fnhh wrote

If you’re okay w/ a (small) studio / 1bdrm, you can likely find something in your budget. It won’t be in a new(er) building, and it won’t be an updated or modern style apt, but it will be some place to live.

And as other comments mentioned, if you don’t mind a roomate(s), you can definitely find something better with more people or you can just rent a room in the area.

Please check out Parkstone Realty. They have a lot of listings in JSQ and the surrounding areas, and they don’t charge a broker fee (usually). They just helped me find an affordable apt right between JSQ & McGinley Sq, maybe 20 min walk to the Path.

Also, try searching on Craigslist, Trulia, Zillow, and Apartments App. Refine / filter to your budget & needs to see what’s available. Check all of them because I found different listings on each app when I was searching.

I’ve lived full time in JSQ since 2019, but have had family in the area all my life. I’ve never felt unsafe walking around at night or taking the train. There’s crime everywhere, in every city. You just have to be aware of your surroundings & have common sense / listen to your gut.

Anyway, I love JC, so I really hope you can find something here that fits your budget & needs!! Good luck!!!

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0730x t1_j31go3w wrote

Are you able to visit these places to generate your own opinion? One way is to go to the center of the downtown area of each neighborhood, and also to visit a nearby supermarket to get a sense for the local population. Many people find JSQ to be a good convenient place to live. Others do not want to live there. It’s subjective.

What your realtor did when telling you not to live in JSQ is illegal and is called Steering.

From https://www.nar.realtor/fair-housing-corner/steer-clear-of-steering

“Steering” is the practice of influencing a buyer’s choice of communities based upon one of the protected characteristics under the Fair Housing Act, which are race, color, religion, gender, disability, familial status, or national origin. Steering occurs, for example, when real estate agents do not tell buyers about available properties that meet their criteria, or express views about communities, with the purpose of directing buyers away from or towards certain neighborhoods due to their race or other protected characteristic. If a client requests a “nice,” “good,” or “safe” neighborhood, a real estate professional could unintentionally steer a client by excluding certain areas based on his or her own perceptions of what those terms means.

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TouchPorcelain OP t1_j31hk0o wrote

I am not able to visit, no. I have to be there by the end of the month and I'm in the Pacific Northwest (so the other side of the country). So kind of relying on other peoples help to get a feel for Jersey City. I'm also from a small town of about 1400 people so that's probably why the realtor was advising me to live outside of the city, she was assuming that I would prefer other areas I suppose. Really talked up Secaucus where she lives.

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ceeyell t1_j31obtw wrote

Secaucus is best for older, retired people or young families, it’s extremely suburban and residential. Nothing going on for anyone single and/or under 60. Night and day compared to Jersey City, not to mention it’s not cheap and you’re 100% car reliant living there

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Aggravating_Sand352 t1_j31subw wrote

I've lived in Everett Washington for a summer and now live in JC.... JC is nicer and safer than Everett although that's not saying much. Do you work from home or do you need to commute every day?

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RedChairBlueChair123 t1_j32bblp wrote

My experience in journal square is that real estate agents know nothing about the area. I went through two realtors before I found one who knew journal square.

Stay on the India Square side near Kennedy and you’re fine, it’s all families.

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0730x t1_j31i6pc wrote

I agree with some other people here that mentioned finding a roommate situation. It’s usually more temporary than signing a 12 month lease and you won’t have to furnish a whole apartment. One way to judge an area is the more expensive it is the more people want to live there. Hoboken and Jersey City near the Grove, Exchange, and Newport path stations are the most expensive areas and you can probably find a room for less than $1400 which is really the max you should be spending at $57k income. Once you are more familiar with the area, you can then choose to move to a cheaper area further from a path station or whatever you’re comfortable with.

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TouchPorcelain OP t1_j31io5z wrote

$1400 including utilities or no? I've been seeing some for $1300 not including and some for $1500-$1600 that include and not sure which is the way to go.

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moobycow t1_j31s3ki wrote

Harrison might work, it doesn't have a lot going on itself, but the PATH is a quick ride to Newark, JC and NYC, and it's less expensive.

JSQ is fine (I have friends with young kids who walk around and take the train from there all the time), but you're pushing your budget a lot.

Also, I might talk to a realtor who isn't scared of cities.

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0730x t1_j31k4au wrote

One rule of thumb is your income should be 40X the rent. I like to save more conservatively and have some extra cash to spend so I would suggest that $1425 should include utilities. Most/many apartments don’t include utilities so budget $100 per month for that.

But remember that $1300 for a bedroom in a 2 or 3 bedroom apartment share will range from somewhat nice to very nice. $1300 for an entire 1BR or even a studio is not likely to be nice at all.

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TouchPorcelain OP t1_j31kgmw wrote

Ah, I see, thats probably a better way to calculate it in a city. Everything I've been seeing has been saying monthly income 3x which would put me at almost $1600 for recommended rent but saving more definitely sounds better. Thank you!

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0730x t1_j31l9or wrote

Realtors around here often go by the 3X rule. That’s because what people want to do with their savings is up to them. 40X is more for NYC. But as a renter myself I had always been more conservative so I can actually build up savings and have some money left over to enjoy the amazing restaurants and bars we have around here.

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moobycow t1_j31s8ks wrote

Depending on if you have a car or not, the calculation can be pushed a bit in the city, as it turns our cars are expensive to own/maintain.

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JournalSquire t1_j31mibt wrote

I’d recommend Journal Square — feels generally safe but would recommend with any neighborhood in any city (even downtown JC) to be aware of your surroundings. I think it’s a very convenient neighborhood with great cafes, an arts scene, cultural events, and more and more coming each day with the development that’s happening.

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moobycow t1_j31sdh5 wrote

It's really coming around and I find it great now, but there will certainly be an element of culture shock coming from a 1,400 person town.

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ceeyell t1_j32kuqe wrote

That would be true of nearly any place in northeast NJ that is anywhere near NYC though. Agreed about JSQ, I’ve lived here since 2020 and it’s been great. Far and away much safer and less seedy feeling than it was circa mid-2000’s the last time I was around this area, and it’s only getting better from here.

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moobycow t1_j32upir wrote

No doubt, but I imagine JSQ feels a bit more intimidating than say, Maplewood.

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GameOfCode_3333 t1_j302zsf wrote

I paid 900$/month for a private room with bath opp. to 1 journal sq.

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HappyArtichoke7729 t1_j303ibn wrote

At 57K there is zero chance you can afford to live in Journal Square. You'd be eating nothing but ramen. Also it's not the safest area at night, there have been random hammer attacks lately.

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DBSsuperleggera t1_j326kct wrote

I make a little more than OP & am in journal square, about a 10 minute walk from the train. I live by myself and pay about $1600, pretty comfortably. Also found the place pretty quickly, and similar places nearby with comparable rent when i was looking. Area isn’t even bad, I don’t think twice about walking outside at night or anything like that. The idea that you can NOT live in jsq without roommates is not correct at all. And no, I’m not eating ramen.

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TouchPorcelain OP t1_j304ewj wrote

Oh wow. Thanks for the advice!

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SirPloppingHat t1_j31mvzg wrote

Don’t listen to this guy. Journal square is fine and not that dangerous of an area. Just keep common sense and it’s no worse than any other heavily populated area.

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ZootheGod t1_j305var wrote

They never found the guy right?

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HappyArtichoke7729 t1_j30600l wrote

I can't promise they didn't, but I can promise I didn't read about them finding the person.

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ZootheGod t1_j3063dn wrote

Right, won’t be surprised if it wasn’t reported by Jcpd

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Lostinlingo t1_j31qo5l wrote

I recently moved from outside of US and have been living in JSQ for four months. I read about some crimes in local news but I think that is the thing in most places now. Personally, I have found it safe so far . Someone on this post said Indian Street to McGinley SQ as a safe strip, and I will concur with that. The rent is decent too and you could go for one of the older buildings too if the luxury ones are expensive ( they are !) . I know there are a lot of Facebook groups where people look for room mates , so that could be helpful to you. There are a lot of scammers there so don’t pay a dime before you see the place .

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Flobro4 t1_j33oc2d wrote

Lived in JSQ for 4+ years, JC for 8+. I like JSQ a lot.

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Jimmoe t1_j32pjfw wrote

Consider the Hilltop/Island sections just southeast of the Journal Square PATH station. It's a short walk to Downtown and public transportation; it's quiet, safe and way cheaper than Downtown. My wife and I have lived in The Hilltop for 20+ years, without issue. It's mostly multi-family homes, but there's a smattering of smaller apartment buildings. Good luck.

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KIPYIS t1_j3374dj wrote

Consider Harrison as well. Safe area, pretty quiet compared to JSQ, still easy to commute between Newark or NYC

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Historical_Times_29 t1_j338rjr wrote

The most interesting thing to watch in JSQ now is to see how they redeveloping the whole neighborhood. JSQ is very safe and you have the path. Heights is cheaper but far from the train, so not very convenient.

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cdub964 t1_j30upc5 wrote

Yuck to all of those places. Yes to JC🔥

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Mongodbsasto t1_j329mrf wrote

If you use common sense and have your wits about you, JSQ is cheaper and safe to live. For fun night outs, you will have to go one stop over to Grove St, downtown or to NYC but savings wise, it can’t be beat.

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Age_Ecstatic t1_j32jjn2 wrote

Rutherford and Secaucus are more suburban and will be challenging without a car. Nice towns, but not super comparable to JC. Rutherford train runs infrequently, but they have good bus access to NYC. Journal Square is fine but doesn't have a lot of open space. The Heights is far from the Path but has great bus access.

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tthrowittallaway t1_j32jjr5 wrote

My broker showed me a studio for 1300 two weeks ago in McGinley sq, 10 min walk to the Path in Journal Square. PM me if you’d like her info!

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FinalIntern8888 t1_j33g5qt wrote

It’s fine. Not much going on but it’s definitely safe. Your realtor must be nuts to suggest Rutherford instead. Try downtown if you can afford

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South-Development-50 t1_j34oru8 wrote

It’s boring and hard to access from NYC steer clear if you don’t work 9-5. It’s definitely safe just everything closes super early and there’s literally nothing to do in the immediate neighborhood

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Petulant-Virago t1_j372atd wrote

I've seen a few folks recommend it, but I want to echo Bergen-Lafayette. I'm a youngish woman and often get street harassed if I'm walking alone near the JSQ PATH, but Bergen-Lafayette (from Liberty State Park over to Monticello) is quieter, new businesses are taking up shop alongside some charming established ones, and the neighbors are really kind. Listings Project, an email listserv, occasionally has roommate posts (though I think they're usually downtown). Plus, you get access to a big park for some outdoor space.

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kpopchicken t1_j3ke6kd wrote

Hi! I recently bought a place in JSQ by India Square and can concur the area generally feels quite safe, and the walk to JSQ PATH is short and convenient. I had the same dilemma a couple months ago before getting a place, and didn't find much friendly help on here so glad I'm seeing some nice responses!

My opinion as a mid 20 female:

  • Not too much to do at night but there's more and more luxury apts being built, meaning more nice retail storefronts and cafes. -No big nice park yet besides maybe small ones by Canco Loft or other buildings. Nice park is to be built though where the old courthouse building stands. -Lack of gym choices in immediate neighborhood besides Blink but short distance to other gyms I guess. Hoping something will pop up with this redevelopment
  • Supermarket variety is scattered. Hoping more is added as 1 JSQ builds up. We know a Target is oncoming.
  • Roommates and private rooms as well as older houses are definitely plenty here, so don't limit yourself to luxury apartments!
  • Good food though, especially Indian. Also quick drive up to the Heights for good food there :) I found my fave Chinese spot for authentic spicy Chinese food is Linglongxuan.

Overall JSQ is pretty safe around India Sq, and there are many smaller luxury apartments available there as well as more affordable options in older houses and with roommates or private rooms. Transportation proximity is a huge advantage. Night life in immediate neighborhood, not so much. Parks and gyms, not YET. Retail? On the up. More and more new things show up as the months pass, so I have no doubt we'll be seeing more options in the area and around the path station.

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Pittsburgh_Pirates t1_j3nv28z wrote

OP, make sure to check Bayonne out too! Just moved into a nice 2 bedroom apartment this past summer and am paying $1300 per month

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icurlupanddry t1_j2zv7jf wrote

I wouldn’t recommend Journal Square at all. Is a roommate situation in a nicer neighborhood an option?

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TouchPorcelain OP t1_j2zvp8a wrote

I wouldn't mind finding a roommate, have to find one to get along with of course but I myself am open to it. But then, there's the question...how do I do that? First time renting outside of a college dorm room so not quite sure how to find a good roomie, hahaha.

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rudeprimadonna t1_j31gbgk wrote

I have experience with this—I’m a single female who moved to JC last year with a random roommate I met on the SpareRoom app. I used that, as well as joining Facebook JC roommate groups and posted who/what I was looking for. You’ll definitely be saving a lot of money by going this route, which is a necessity I feel for living in JC on your salary. I also recommend the Heights, particularly near Palisade Ave as you could be a short walk away from the light rail/other bus stops if you like to explore.

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TouchPorcelain OP t1_j31htsu wrote

I am looking on that app as well! There are a few downtown that sound nice with nice sounding roommates but still pretty nervous. I'll have to look at the Heights too!

Was your experience with the roommates you met on there good?

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rudeprimadonna t1_j31jwt7 wrote

Oo downtown is so nice!

I had a good experience on SpareRoom. The people I met/talked to were really nice and responsible (as some already had places of their own.) Ultimately a working roommate relationship all depends on communication and respect. As long as you’re being upfront on what you want in a roommate/who you are as a roommate, you should be good.

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Laraujo31 t1_j31xe28 wrote

So i saw that you make 57K a year and unfortunately (unless you get a roomate) that puts most of downtown JC (esp close to the light rail and path) out of your price range. Rutherford and Secaucus are similar to Palisades Park (nothing to do and you need a car to go grocery shopping). JC heights isn't bad but rent has been going up and only type of public transportation available in that area are buses. JSQ seems to be the most logical choice for you. Rent is not as high as other areas (but will get higher as they build it up). The area isn't a warzone so a single female should be ok but i wouldn't walk around by yourself at 2 am (same goes for downtown JC). You can do this in Secaucus, Rutherford, and Palisades Park but like i mentioned before there is really nothing in those areas.

Have you looked into Bayonne? Its more residential but its right next to JC, public transportation is pretty good, and it has a good amount of gyms and supermarkets. You can get away with not having a car in Bayonne.

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Affectionate_Cup2032 t1_j31goqp wrote

Downtown with a Roomate. You’ll make tons of friends and with super easy access to NYC. When you’re young roommates teach you a lot and can be life long friends.

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TouchPorcelain OP t1_j31hndh wrote

I don't know if 30 is considered young anymore haha, but yes. I have been looking at a few and am hoping it goes well and hoping to have a fun time and meet new people.

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RollinRibs25 t1_j34m1wq wrote

Its a shit hole just like the rest of that insanely fucked state.

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