Neighborhood is safe via being mostly empty. Some nice cafes and restaurants and what not but in my opinion the neighborhood has not hit the critical mass of Downtown, JSQ, The Heights, etc to be considered lively or have any practical in-neighborhood grocery option. Thus quietness might be good depending on what you want. I wouldnt take a walk next to the abandoned warehouse casually at 3am because sometimes there are odd characters there. But unlikely you'd be doing that.

The light rail lot is monitored 24/7 by security so it's perfectly safe.

Be aware the frieght train is many times louder than the light rail. Check if the unit youre looking at is next to the freight tracks and if so avoid being the same level.

No idea on utilities, it's up to your usage but it will be around minimum $20.

There's a person asked it last month: https://www.reddit.com/r/jerseycity/comments/zggojs/insights_on_buildings_near_lsp_121_garabrant_295j/

Neighbourhood is fine. It's strictly residential because there's no store or anything in the immediate area, yet. You will be safe walking around late night from the light rail. I would just not venture North past Monitor street.

The light rail won't be your problem, the freight train will be as you are right by the freight track. The train comes multiple time a day and you will hear it rumbles. There're multiple new developments--262 Johnston tower completing in the summer and Foundry Loft - Phase 3 (just started putting in foundation) that will add more upscale housing to the neighborhood. It's only going to improve. The best part about this area is easy access to Liberty State Park and 10 miles of breathtaking river run loop stretching all the way towards Port Liberte.

The municipal parking lot is very well lit (too well, it's bright as day) and is patrolled 24/7.

You should look at 295J and the Ashton nearby as well, very well managed buildings. Foundry Lofts are condos but they might have owners renting out.

>The municipal parking lot is very well lit (too well, it's bright as day) and is patrolled 24/7.

That's *not* a municipal parking lot. It is a NJ Transit Park and Ride Lot. Also, the best deal in town for those with cars who don't want to pay exorbitant prices to park, though location might not be entirely convenient for those in DTJC if you need access to your vehicle all that often.

I lived in the neighborhood for a year pretty recently and agree with most of the above statements.

There are some new shops and cafes on Communipaw that have opened in the last couple years, which is a step in the right direction but there are still quite a few vacant storefronts and no proper grocery store in the neighborhood. 99 Ranch is the closest thing.

While living there, I left my car in the park and ride lot with no issues. The lot is patrolled and well lit, but smash and grabs are still a risk. It's best to leave your car interior completely empty and free of clutter to make it less of a target.

I never felt unsafe in the neighborhood even late at night, but I can understand why some people wouldn't feel safe there because some blocks can feel desolate and rundown, especially around that big abandoned warehouse. But that is quickly changing with all the new construction.

Lived in this neighborhood for 4 years now, moved in when I was in my late 20s too and had a job that would have me coming home at all different kind of hours. Never felt unsafe here. It has developed a lot since i've been here too. When I first moved i toured that building, it was totally fine, but no in unit laundry. Some of the units are DIRECTLY in front of the freight train too (light rail is quiet, its rly not the issue), so be careful which one u are getting because it is very loud going around that curve. There are several other buildings all in that area that will get u the same value apartment size wise and all have laundry in unit instead, so i would look at the others if you want and consider those as well.
Also if I remember its an electric only building so you are only paying for water and electric. Water is redic cheap, i doubt you will get a bill out of the $20 range unless you use a disproportionate amount for a single person. Likewise electric has never been too bad in this area with the newer construction, depending on the month/weather i would say your use would vary the price from 50-100$/mo on avg.

out of curiosity, do you know if anyone has started listing 262 Johnston apartments? Ive been watching it being built and while it seemed like it would be ready by the summer this is the first im hearing that said in any concrete terms. Would love to see what they are asking/offering there. The facade is looking great.

Nothing is listed but official completion date is Winter 23 and I believe it. It’s topping out and windows are done for almost 1/3 of the floors. I think it’ll be ready by June.