Williamsburg or Clinton Hill
Hi all, We’re looking at purchasing a condo in Brooklyn. Our chief concerns are space (>800 interior sf), a neighborhood that we don’t need to leave to do everything, a dog run nearby, less than 45 minute commute to midtown (where we both work), and some outdoor space. Given what we’re willing to spend and…
Hi all,
We’re looking at purchasing a condo in Brooklyn. Our chief concerns are space (>800 interior sf), a neighborhood that we don’t need to leave to do everything, a dog run nearby, less than 45 minute commute to midtown (where we both work), and some outdoor space.
Given what we’re willing to spend and the requirements above, we had initially narrowed it down to East Williamsburg and North Slope/PHeights. However, we came upon a place just outside of Clinton Hill (half a block east of Classon) that seems promising. There are two similarly promising places in East Williamsburg. The apt in Clinton Hill is bigger, but it seems your train options are the G and C, neither of which is fantastic.
So, any semi-objective opinions on the pluses/minuses of East Williamsburg vs Clinton Hill? Safety? Potential to hold value? Overall quality of life? We’ll be there at least 5 years, but would still like to hold onto it as a rental property if/when we eventually move on (hopefully to a house), so long-term value is important.
We’ve spent time walking around both neighborhoods, but you really never know a place until you’ve lived there, so opinions from those who have lived in both or either are appreciated.
It took a bit to get used to the PATH but it’s not bad at all. The trains are actualy on a schedule so you can time your commute. The PATH runs all night. In the wee hours it’s every 30 mins from World Trade on the hour and half hour so you know when to leave if you are out and about.
quikazoid- I bought in a development called Dixon Mills. They are paying down the interest rate and 1yr maintenance now. Converted pencil factory lofts. There is also a new development called the Saffron which is on the cheaper side around 300k for 1bd and 400k for 2beds.
Liberty Harbor is a new mixed-use development of townhouses and condos. Nice but not as cheap.
77 Hudson is one of those on the waterfront that is over the top with amenities but I found it a little pricey for the neighborhood.
Crystal Point is also expensive but it juts out into the water and the views are ridiculous.
The neighborhoods vary downtown. The waterfront is all High rises, the 4 historic neighborhoods is what I realy like.
Paulus Hook- Very upscale and expensive but very quit and safe.
Hamilton Park- Brownstone neighborhood with beautful Park as anchor. New development called Hamilton Square is nice.
Harsimus Cove- Closer to the Grove Path, very similar to Hamilton Park. Brownstone neighborhood
Van Vorst Park- Where I live- Close to the Path and Liberty Harbor. Brownstone neighborhood with some loft buildings. Great beautiful park that is the anchor and really close to all the shopping and restaurants on Grove Street.
There are some cheap BrownDos. brownstones converted in condos that you can get a good deal on these days.
There are deals up on the hill by Journal Square but that neighborhood is still gentrifying and there is not a lot of retail and nighlife yet other than the Indian Row of Newark Avenue which is like Jackson Heights.
Lorimer/Graham is indeed Wburg, not Bushwick at all. East Williamsburg is just brokerspeak, ackkk that term gets me all rolley eyed! Wasder’s post is dead on.
Lorimer/Graham. East W’burg? I lived there, called it W’burg. Whatever. A great area. And you’ll actually be able to get on the train in the morning.
I think East of Classon is Bedstuy. The Clinton Hill border is quite fluid to re agents. That being said there a quite a few eaterys in Clinton Hill, more neighborhood like. Not a mob scene like billybug. The 38 bus to Dekalb to catch the B or Q express is pretty quick.
Thank you for all the responses so far.
@Adam – I have heard some good things about Jersey City, but not sure how ready I am to jump off the subway and onto the Path. Also, do you need a car to live in JC?
@BOD – I’m referring to the area around the Lorimer/Graham stops as East Williamsburg. The name doesn’t matter to me -any thoughts on the location?
@Pierre – We’re trying to stay away from huge buildings; I think we both want something a little more intimate, but point taken on trying to get closer to Fort Greene.
@Wasder – Thanks! We’re not big partiers, but would be nice to have a few places to go grab a drink every once in a while without leaving the neighborhood. Also would be great to have some places we can take our friends when they come out to see us without walking too far. Williamsburg seems to be a more sure bet in that regard, but I do remember seeing some cute places while we were walking around CH.
I have lived in Clinton Hill since 2002 but before that I lived on the Williamsburg/Greenpoint borderland around McCarren Park. While I don’t know the East Williamsburg/Bushwick area specifically I feel like I have a good perspective on Clinton Hill and Williamsburg in general. A lot of it depends on what your specific variables are. If its nightlife that is top in your book then Williamsburg is your better bet (which is not to say there is nothing to do in Clinton Hill but the density is not the same). If a bit more peace and quiet and beauty in terms of architecture is a factor then Clinton Hill is probably your bet. Same with kid friendly stuff. I also think that investment wise Clinton Hill is a better bet overall but if its a condo all bets are off in either neighborhood. Given the higher density of condos in Williamsburg I have to think that that market is going to fare worse but you never know. There are good things about each neighborhood for sure and you should be able to find reasonably decent value in each neighborhood. Hope that helps.
@Adam – any suggestions of blocks or condo developments in jersey city (approx 300-350k)?
Hey not sure what your budget is but there are some really cool places in Fort Greene at probably comparable prices. In Fort Green you will have much better transportation options, FG Park for the dog, and more amenities….check out Toren, the Sanctuary, and Forte.
And by East Williamsburg, you mean Bushwick right?