seriously. Realtors make that stuff up to try to make a "there there" when there isn't one. The biggest fail was trying to rename Hell's Kitchen "Clinton." LOL

like I said, we all create our own boundaries.

I guess we all create our own boundaries. You're the first person I've heard who considers LSP downtown.

where would you call downtown? It's like 2 blocks from the holland tunnel.

Calling this SoHo west is the most embarrassing real estate strategy.

eh, I'm a woman and walking home at 4am is a non-issue

It's delicious. They only serve breakfast, thus the limited morning hours.

I would add that the "social" scene in DTJC isn't really by the water. While there are perhaps a few exceptions, Newark Avenue, Grove Street, etc. are going to be where the action is.

I live on the far far side of Hamilton Park neighborhood and the walk to PATH is 15 minutes. There's not much useful in terms of the bus. I just suck it up and walk. 15 minutes isn't the end of the world, and it's better than using a car. Not ideal though.

Occasionally there is something at Acme that ShopRite or Target don't have, that is certainly true. I find a good way to find that odd item (and/or comparison shop) is on Instacart. You can search for your item and see who carries it at what price. Of course everyone is going to carry some things (Rice Krispies, Colgate, etc.) and you can just compare prices), but for hard-to-find things it's a real time saver. Interestingly, I was recently shopping for a very specific jelly and the only store in the area carrying it was Key Food!

Desperately hoping that the new Marin ShopRite will be better than existing. I tell myself that they aren't improving it or expanding brands because it's lifespan is short. And what's with the no more hand baskets?

Acme has significantly higher prices than Target or ShopRite, to be fair.

They've been announcing this for some time now. Look across the street.

Have you visited? It might benefit you to walk the neighborhoods. Paulus Hook is substantially different than in vibe than, for example, Hamilton Park.

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.

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.

Downtown package theft is rare and most buildings have a vestibule for packages. Some people also find no benefit to a door man and some find it intrusive. Also, for those with a vehicle, doorman buildings typically have a garage which is an added cost since they are not allowed to use on-street parking.
As an example, I have a dishwasher, in-unit laundry, 120sf deck, central air, 2nd floor of a 3-unit brownstone and I'm paying a fraction of what you'd pay in a doorman building. And no I didn't lock in my rates during or before covid, I moved in this past spring.

Nowadays they do. I got a new place this past spring and not only were they doing it, but they were requiring an even better income ratio than before.