Fear (of Condos) and Self-Loathing in Williamsburg
What happens when you mix the snide aspects of hipster culture with the gleaming new developments that have popped up in Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and Fort Greene? Condo shame, says the Observer. The hipsters who once scoffed at new developments like The Edge or nV are now—ironically, perhaps—experiencing a desire to buy units in these buildings…
What happens when you mix the snide aspects of hipster culture with the gleaming new developments that have popped up in Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and Fort Greene? Condo shame, says the Observer. The hipsters who once scoffed at new developments like The Edge or nV are now—ironically, perhaps—experiencing a desire to buy units in these buildings (gasp!). In the current market, it’s the modern units that are suddenly in the price range of 20- and 30-something new buyers, while the common brownstone fantasy still costs over $1 million. The article chronicles several 20-somethings such as Kendall Turner, 23, who bought a $449,000 one-bedroom in the Ikon building on McCarren Park in Greenpoint, or Nicole Ferejohn, 27, who refused to give in to her condo urges and continues to rent. Those profiled in the article make excuses and apologies; they feel guilt for their un-Brooklyn-y purchases; but in the end, perhaps the point is that if you price it low enough, they will (begrudgingly) come.
Condo Shame [NY Observer]
This thread is starting to become reminiscent of the HOTD thread where I got bashed last week. What I think is interesting is the resentment that is expressed towards those who can afford real estate in our fine borough. I thought we all liked Brooklyn for its diversity — whether it be racial, cultural or economic. What am I missing? (OK, bash away….)
hmm maybe im being a hypocrite. when i was 23 and i was homeless i moved back in with my grandparents for 9 months. i wasnt paying them any rent, so i guess that is just as moochey. granted, their rent was only 35 dollars for a nice 2 bedroom apartment with a garage.. (yes it was section 8. or whatever section 8 was called back at that time in new jersey)
*rob*
And it’s all these parents just shelling out this money for their kids that are keeping the rents high in manhattan (and now brooklyn) under the rationale “oh, it’s expensive in NYC, and I want my precious Madison to have a nice apt and not get killed in ghetto brooklyn”
Rents and the median incomes of certain neighborhoods are really outta f*ckin whack.
“P.S. I have two hot bisexual brazillian women having sex in my bathroom right now. Gotta go!”
Tybur6, you live in Ditmas Park right? I’ll be right over!
“I’m very impressed that people that young can command such high salaries without having gone into hock to get credentialed.”
Sparafucile, credentials only matter in certain industries, and as more people get more credentials, those credentials will become meaningless. Sad but true.
quote:
Since when does not having as much wealth as you wish you had make you better than everyone else?
since the dawn of time!
*rob*
“All of you – ALL of you – would be in the same position as the interviewees in this article (their silly comments notwithstanding), if only you (or your parents) had some money, you nasty, petty, jealous people.”
Nope – my parents have offered me downpayment help and I’ve declined.
I’m 24 and by no means to I feel entitled to live in a brand spankin new half million dollar condo. I’d love to, but when I can afford it due to my hard work and achievements, not my parents.
nothing wrong with having a subsidy in youre 20;s and a little in the 30’s but if you are 40 and still taking you are pathetic. J
Saminthehood, having been to West Beirut, I can tell you that some parts of it are utterly gorgeous (and cosmopolitan, blah blah blah). Check out the panoramas of the AUB campus sometime.
Nah… Billyburg is pretty brutal when it comes to the “nice looking neighborhood scale” It’s rough.