With the L train shutdown looming, renters in Williamsburg and Bushwick seeking relief from the inconvenience have options on the other side of the Hudson River, in Jersey City.
Here are 7 reasons why Jersey City is a wise choice:
1. Convenience: Practically speaking, Jersey City is an extension of Manhattan. The PATH is a 30 minute commute to midtown, but the new Harborside ferry is even faster: a 15 minute NY Waterway to midtown, and eight minutes to downtown Brookfield Place — comparable to or quicker than trips from many Brooklyn neighborhoods.
2. Views: It also features views of the Hudson side of the Manhattan skyline — especially awe-inspiring while walking, running or biking on the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, a well-lit space along the river.
3. Top-rated chow and spirits: There’s Piggyback Bar, owned by famed Chef Leah Cohen and husband/partner Ben Byruch; award-winning Razza, known for its pizza; the Brownstone Diner and Pancake Factory, known for its all-day breakfast in a retro setting; Lutze beer garden; new American comfort food at Amelia’s Bistro; designer cocktails and refuge at Archer Bar, and plenty of fun tasting festivals.
4. Shopping: There is a terrific mix of specialty boutiques all over the city, particularly along Grove Street and Newark Avenue, featuring Tia’s, Kanibal & Co., and Mint Market — and multiple farmer’s markets throughout the city. There’s also the Newport Centre Mall nearby — a 1.2-million-square-foot mall with 130 stores, including Macy’s, H&M, Sephora and an 11-screen AMC movie theater.
5. IRS-friendly: Since New York City residents pay a New York City tax, which can range from 2.9 to 3.9 percent of your income, renting in New Jersey can save you about 3 percent of your income — even if you continue to work in the city. New Jersey’s income tax rate is also significantly lower than New York’s 4 percent — as low as 1.4 percent.
6. Art and music: There’s the Jersey City Ballet and Jersey City Theater Center; the Historic Downtown Special Improvement District’s Groove on Grove, which features musicians and performers every Wednesday night in the summer at the PATH plaza; the All About Downtown Street Fair, which draws more than 30,000 people in September, and the Novado Art Gallery.
7. Incentives to move: The best incentive is price. Currently available from Roseland Residential Trust are rentals in high-rise luxury apartment buildings located near the Jersey City waterfront: Monaco, Marbella and M2. One-bedrooms start at $2,750, hundreds of dollars cheaper than similar homes in Williamsburg, for example.
And renters who prove current Brooklyn residency and sign a lease before February 20 will get a free NY Waterway Ferry pass — free commuting for a year. For more information, visit the Roseland website.
This story is sponsored by Roseland Residential Trust, which offers luxury waterfront residences in Jersey City. Be a part of a thriving, growing neighborhood. This story was created By Brownstoner.
