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]
“D. Hipster, CPA? I didn’t know that. That’s pretty cool.”
Indeed! Thanks, but now the secret is out – I’m infact a nerdy accountant 🙁
“A friend of mine pulls in 80k a year bartending 5 nights a week (i did his taxes, it was legit)”
D. Hipster, CPA? I didn’t know that. That’s pretty cool.
“Condo Shame? So much so that they agreed to spill their guts to a newspaper?”
Really! I cannot understand these exhibitionists who would consent to be interviewed for this kind of article (or, for that matter, any Real Estate Section article).
Do all these people need journalistic attention in order to feel validated?
” I am concerned you defintely still have that type of artist/cafe worker/bartender/shop keep type!”
It’s a mix – you still have the bartenders and the artsy fartsy folks, and you have some stinkin rich people.
Bartenders can make a sh*t ton of money. A friend of mine pulls in 80k a year bartending 5 nights a week (i did his taxes, it was legit)
Wine Lover… “also, a $500K apartment is not expensive if you make $125-200K a year.”
Yeah… I don’t think ANYONE denies this. However, I think MANY of us… including those of us that are in their early-30s and don’t make close to 6-figures find this idea BAFFLING and frustrating.
Though, it should not be surprising that salaries in this city are just as irrational as the real estate prices.
Oh, and I think the problem is that we are starting to know *too much* about Williamsburg — and it ain’t pretty. 🙂
Kens:
ah ok so I might be off on my assumption of what Willy-B might be turning into, but as far as I am concerned you defintely still have that type of artist/cafe worker/bartender/shop keep type!
Wine lover, I do like Williamsburg, and Greenpoint (where I used to live). You’d have a lot more credibility if you could name one thing that you don’t like about your neighborhood. Just one. That’s all we ask.
wine lover you are seriously the biggest blowhard on this site. you are everything wrong with nyc wrapped in a twirpy little package of a man im sure.
*rob*
this article is beyond dumb. i work with artists and creative types, etc… and i’ve never heard this sentiment.
also, a $500K apartment is not expensive if you make $125-200K a year. sorry Rob, but lots of folks do even in their 20’s. and, many people can borrow/receive family money for the down payment.
all you need to do is see the people on the L in the morning to realize that they hood is not filled with baristas.
i’m in my 40’s, so know lots of people who are not 20 and are quite successful that are my neighbors. just met the head designer for a major major mainstream clothing brand and my kid is having a playdate this weekend with his little girl.
since most of you don’t know sh*t about wburg, you should really just stop making stuff up.
DIBS – you are missing the best dining, art, music and shopping in Brooklyn by avoid the burg. it’s cutting off your nose to spite your face.