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]
11217, I totally get why people don’t like the neighborhood – it’s by no means the prettiest, draws a bit of a dbag nightlife crowd on weekends, is not super-convenient to midtown, etc. I do disagree when you say that it feels like it’s there for the sole purpose of “raping people of money.” Are prices really that much higher than in Park Slope for everything? Why do you care about the fashion shows, the trendiness factor in restaurants, etc.? Only insecure people worry about that stuff, even if it is going on around them. I laugh at these things and move on, because behind them there’s actually a lot to love in the neighborhood. I say this while loving a whole lot of other neighborhoods as well (Prospect Heights and Park Slope included).
As for the old timers vs new, you’re right, but I feel the disdain is more towards those who come to the neighborhood to drink and frolic in McCarren, while showing little respect for their surroundings. Actual residents are naturally more understanding and respectful.
dipster, what place was it that i told you i got dragged to a few saturday nights ago? gack. i thought i died and was in hell!! hahahha.
*rob*
You know I’m partially trying to be funny, DH.
I don’t go to Royal Oak (after that one and only time) nor to Union Pool, and I think I’ve found some places that I do enjoy there.
I agree with you though. I’m sure there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye. That’s the beauty of NYC. It’s fun to talk about though.
“how much coke you can do off the bartenders ass at Royal Croak.”
Hilarious – and true.
I know you’ve been all over the place 11217 – so I won’t give you the lecture – but too many people come to visit the burg and judge the entire neighborhood based on a visit to Union Pool and Royal Oak on a Sat night.
Can’t judge sense of community if you’re a weekend warrior, as most people out and about don’t even live in the community.
The condos on bayard are a 7 minute walk from the lorimer L – and the ones near Enids are an 11 minute walk.
oooh fun reading.
I’ve been trying to love it, Bjw2103. Really I have. And I’ve spent a lot more time there this summer than in the past and have had fun, but I feel as though Williamsburg has become the embodiment of what I dislike about Manhattan…it feels like the “neighborhood” is there for the sole purpose of raping people of money. It’s all about how you look, how trendy the newest restaurant is, how much coke you can do off the bartenders ass at Royal Croak. I just find it so fake. But I think that’s why a certain subset of people enjoy it so much.
And yes, this is my perception and I realize lots of people like it. I also realize that some people find the strollers on 7th avenue to be nauseating.
Most of my friends have either moved out of Williamsburg at this point or are in the process of looking to move away (some admittedly because it’s too expensive for them now). 3 friends moved out just on August 1st. All to Prospect Heights, but in 3 different apartments. I know, random.
In any event, I don’t feel the sense of community you speak of, but I feel a sense that the older generation doesn’t much care for the new and the new don’t even look at the old.
As an outsider, you are correct that perhaps I haven’t been able to experience this, but when people come visit me in Park Slope, one of the very first things they say is how much of a sense of community they feel.
I mean, everything *else* blows.
bjw2103, hilarious.
Wine Lover, are you crazy? The condos by Enid’s are on the G and it’s a loooong walk (especially in the winter) through McCarren Park to get there from the L.
Rob, Candace Bushnell’s original Sex & The City book (QUITE different from the TV show — for one thing, it’s non-fiction) was good, as is her most recent book “One Fifth.” Everything blows. Though I think we’ve established the ruination of NYC is her fault, along with Marc Jacobs and Sarah Jessica Parker (who is a sweetie pie).