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]
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.
Since when does not having as much wealth as you wish you had make you better than everyone else?
(No I don’t live in Williamsburg, no I don’t make a six figure salary, and no I don’t have rich folks)
Seriously sad… and I wonder if parents know it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy type situation. As dirty hipster has pointed out, $1500 for a studio is CHEAP!
Yeah… really fucking cheap… the only reason it’s cheap is because the Manhattan rents are almost twice that for even less square footage! The playing field isn’t even because all of the “single” people out there get half of their income from their retarded parents.
Unreal.
P.S. I have two hot bisexual brazillian women having sex in my bathroom right now. Gotta go!
“its the ugliest neighborhood this side of West Beirut”
That’s a silly statement.
even if it’s two incredibly hot brazillian lipstick lesbians, sam?
*rob*
See this is just another case of people living above their means.
In my 20’s I never asked either parent for help – I lived in Jersey City Heights and paid $545 for my first apartment while supporting my deadbeat musician boyfriend and then broke up and got a sparkling Jersy City downtown apt for $1K a month. Oh and I owned a car and paid $300 a month for it. This was only a few years ago
so I agree with DH, kids epecially living in NYC live WAY above their means in ridiculously high priced apartments they share with some other kid who is getting help from their parents as well
please! many of my friends(in their 30’s) STILL get monthly help from their parents – it’s sad. case closed!
First, Billyburgh may have great food, music and art, but its the ugliest neighborhood this side of West Beirut. I can hardly bear walking around there during the daylight hours (though I get that most residents there arent up during the daylight hours). And, no, McCarren Park doesnt count.
Second, thinking about two people having V-day sex in my bathroom is a reason NOT to move in.
DH, I’m not against parents helping kids out (obviously people have a right to spend their money how they please) but please, parents, do you really have to pay your kid’s insane rent in a full-service building in Murray Hill? At least make them live in a walkup!
When I was 23 I was paying off my student loans, and when I was 27 most of my available cash was going to paying my way through grad school at night.
I’m very impressed that people that young can command such high salaries without having gone into hock to get credentialed.
I dont think there is anything wrong with a 20 something getting some parental help. Its the 40 year old losers that still get help that annoy me