Investment risk buying near, but not in, flood risk zone in Greenpoint?

We are considering a 2-family in Greenpoint exactly one block outside the updated [2015 FEMA flood map](https://dcp.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=1c37d271fba14163bbb520517153d6d5) “Shaded X Zone” risk area.

What are people’s opinions of *long term risk* to the property, and effect on *potential resale value*?

Shaded X Zone, btw, is the lowest risk area besides of course, the zero risk areas. According to [this guide](https://www1.nyc.gov/site/planning/plans/climate-resiliency-faq.page), that means a 0.2% chance of flooding annually. Which is pretty low but not zero.

I’m not clear on how reliable the lines are in terms of projection, is one block away zero, or not really?

We have the same concerns about being just outside toxic pollution sites in Greenpoint, but maybe that is best saved for another post.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts or insight!

Guest User | 4 years and 10 months ago

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Guest User | 4 years and 10 months ago

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Thanks all.

@sixyearsandcounting We did walk around on the block and it has a very slight elevation gain compared to zone edge, but not much.

@booisgolden, by long term I meant like 20-30 years. I’m not worried it will flood by then, but I am worried selling it might be harder then because of buyer caution, seeing how close the zones will have crept by then.

dorkofwindsor | 4 years and 10 months ago

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wasn’t everyone made whole after sandy? or am I making an incorrect assumption?

greenworks | 4 years and 10 months ago

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We were in dumbo/border vinegar hill during sandy, one block outside the zones, and it was pretty accurate. I believe the feds are or have been working on a revised flood zone plan but it’s been a while since I dug into that last so you may want to check.

As for long term, how long term you thinking?

sixyearsandcounting | 4 years and 10 months ago

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There’s no such thing as zero risk. It really depends on the block. Walk around and take a look – how much elevation gain is there between your prospective home and the border of the flood zone? As for toxic pollution – I live within the Greenpoint oil spill area and my backyard soil is full of lead, but it’s pretty much within the normal range of NYC pollution. I make sure to change the air filters in our HVAC system more frequently than normally recommended. But I haven’t grown a tail or anything like that.

hkapstein | 4 years and 10 months ago

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It’s fine, decorate with a nautical theme and make sure you include a canoe.