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]
quote:
I know it’s not the coolest thing in the world to be an early 30’s gay guy in Park Slope, but I love it, feel most at home here and I didn’t want to fight it.
me too! which is find incredibly strange hahaha. people in williamsburg seem to sneer at people too much ive noticed. it’s creepy and rude.
*rob*
11217, really, you don’t like Williamsburg? Seriously though, I’m with you on the lack of trees, but you’re dead wrong about the park and sense of community. McCarren is not Central or Prospect, but it’s a pretty great park, and I assure you it’s real. When they finish the waterfront stuff (beyond the park that’s already there, which is also not merely a figment of anyone’s imagination), we’ll have something only a few neighborhoods have in this city – a great riverside park. I also don’t know how you can gauge “sense of community” as an outsider, but I’d like to hear why you think this. I think a lot of the younger college-age kids attach some kind of “coolness” to living here, but the vast majority of adults I know here are way past that. I don’t know too many who stick around if they hate it either.
“lack of a real park”
11217, that would describe almost everywhere in NYC, and McCarren Park is bigger than a lot of others.
Wine lover, are you incapable of responding to my question at 10:34?
quote:
I have 9 1/2 foot ceilings
LOL is that really something to brag about? do you brag about your peepee size too? something tells me you do
*rob*
“As we all know, even choosing to live in Brooklyn rather than Manhattan is a major statement in NYC.”
MAJOR STATEMENT: Manhattan is too friggin’ expensive for me.
Wine lover makes me hate Williamsburg so much, it’s not even funny.
I’m gunna have to agree with Rob on this one.
Part of the reason I don’t like Williamsburg all that much (besides for the lack of trees, lack of a real park, a lack of sense of community) is because many of the people I know who lived or live there do so because they think it’s cool, not because they actually like it. Obviously there are exceptions…I’m just giving a personal anecdote.
In fact, most seem to actually hate it, but seem to think that they are “hip” because they live there. Believe me…I know it’s not the coolest thing in the world to be an early 30’s gay guy in Park Slope, but I love it, feel most at home here and I didn’t want to fight it.
I think a lot of people in Williamsburg are fighting it.
rob, are you sure? Have you ever heard of this “Meatpacking District” or “Murray Hill” or “The Lower East Side”?
babygreene – What the hell are you talking about? As a condo owner I know most people in my building and many other people who own condos through either friends, or i met them because are kids are some program/class/playing together. You are speaking gibberish. Nice, new apts are awesome. And we are happy!
Some here seem so jealous that people have decent jobs and money to buy a place. i say this because many of you insist that the finishes/quality of condos are universally crap. UM, no. I have 9 1/2 foot ceilings, and my place is gorgeous (well, part of that is our decorating). My friends’ brand new place in another building has top of the line appliances, amazing floors, lofted ceiling, wonderful light. it’s simply terrific.
A pre-war coop is not comparable to a condo. Coops are not for everyone. I wouldn’t last 2 seconds having to kiss ass to some board. Also, not everybody likes pre-war. Many times it also means EXTRA money for renovations. Time and money are not in everyone’s orbit.
Mopar – no one who lives on mccarren would take the G unless up to LIC, to transfer to the 7,E or V. the L is close. the blocks are pretty short.
also, many working young adults all over America get a little help with down payments from their parents. When they were in their 20’s, my banker brother and banker sister-in-law got down payment help from my Dad for their first house. Does this make them hipsters? Considering they have always lived in the suburbs, I don’t think so!
this isn’t some Wburg exclusive thing. Sure it’s the case all over NYC as all real estate here is so expensive.