I lived in bk for 9 years (all over but Carrol Gardens for four) and then moved to jc for 3. Similar to you, was living with my girlfriend. We were largely motivated by a want to purchase our home, but overall feel like I can shed some light.
Tons of mixed emotions on wheres “better” but for me and my girlfriend it was the right thing to do for us. It’s kinda like a half step into suburban life is how I’d describe it.
What it boils down to, night life better in bk and day life better in nj.
Brooklyn Pros:
food is 1000x better than jc- best bagel in jc is wonder bagels? What a joke. Delivery also is faster and better in BK.
Easier to get to most places in Manhattan. Trains for one, but also Lyfts/Ubers from the city are prohibitidly more expensive to nj.
culture and socializing. Access to concerts. All great bands of all levels of fame go to the city…rarely to nj. Went to Brooklyn steel the other day, took me around an 1.20 to get home and I was driving and left at intermission which also meant I had to stay sober.
bodegas. You may have one nearby in jc, but we did not. Miss them all the time.
JC pros:
more neighborly. People are way more respectful imo. You also get more personal space…not just that apts are bigger but also you don’t walk out the door to chaotic streets and things like that. Not that it’s empty, just a bit quieter.
everything is just a bit cheaper. You probably won’t save in rent, but you’ll get a 2 br for the price of a 1 br. Beers closer to $5 than $8 at the dives. Groceries/flowers/random stuff just seem cheaper but it’s all expensive everywhere now.
I saved 3% on taxes
you can drive places. I had a car in bk but I lived in constant fear of losing my spot. In jc I drive to a place 20 min away and come home and park.
parks/ golf. I used to have to wait 3 hours for a tennis court and pay for a permit just to play at the public parks. Now you reserve in advance at Lincoln park and walk right on. Everything is just a bit closer. Golf is just closer and skyway is really a tremendous value.
Newark airport has its problems. But a $30 Uber to the airport that’s never longer than 30 min ride is better than a $75 ride to jfk/lga that could take anywhere between 30 min -2 hrs.
way easier to get out of town. Reliably less turnpike traffic than bqe.
Indian food is better in jc for sure.
I think these consumptions lounges are gonna be awesome once they get going.
you have way more limited access to the city, but when it is off the path it is better than off the train. Path runs on a schedule and is generally cleaner and more spacious. Late at night it does suck, but so does l train and others.
can’t put my finger on why, but way better to have a dog in jc than bk.
Neutral:
people always say “nobody from ny will visit”. However I always thought nobody from Manhattan ever really wanted to come to bk either.
Sorry for the dissertation! Just have tons of feelings on the subject.
smellgarten t1_j1vprq0 wrote
Reply to JC or Brooklyn? by Amsterdaamed
Hi -
I lived in bk for 9 years (all over but Carrol Gardens for four) and then moved to jc for 3. Similar to you, was living with my girlfriend. We were largely motivated by a want to purchase our home, but overall feel like I can shed some light.
Tons of mixed emotions on wheres “better” but for me and my girlfriend it was the right thing to do for us. It’s kinda like a half step into suburban life is how I’d describe it.
What it boils down to, night life better in bk and day life better in nj.
Brooklyn Pros:
JC pros:
Neutral:
Sorry for the dissertation! Just have tons of feelings on the subject.