There are lots of compromises to make if you live here. It's big, it has views, it's safe, it has amenities and other conveniences, but it's expensive, the area is desolate, construction nearby is ear-splitting, and once-easy commuting is worse than other NJ areas.

The Downsides:
First, the view of Manhattan isn't what it used to be, given 9/11. It can be depressing to look across and see that skyline that can only remind you of what happened. I moved in on 9/12/02 and saw the bright lights, smoke, dust, etc. from the cleanup effort for more than 6 months and basically became desensitized to the whole thing. You do have a water view, but it's hard to not notice what's missing across the river. Renters on the south or west sides may not notice as much.

Second, I wish I knew that the huge 80 story Goldman Sachs building would be going up so fast before I moved in - I would have changed my mind. When I first saw the apartment, it felt open, spacious, etc. Now this building complex is a huge obstacle to the view and the open space feeling that the apartment offered initially. Two huge apartment/hotel buildings behind it make it even worse. Noise from construction starts at 7am and doesn't stop until at least 7pm. Jackhammers, loud banging iron sounds, trucks, etc. - perfect start to the morning there. I have had breakfast on my balcony facing Manhattan a total of two times - the construction is so disturbing and irritating - you don't get a peaceful morning here. Weekends aren't any better - Goldman has the money to pay overtime to the construction brigades, so they work.

Third, the area is desolate - not even a Chinese restaurant in reasonable walking distance to go get some take-out or have a decent sit-down dinner. Very few options: one expensive Italian restaurant, overpriced Italian deli, and one lackluster Thai restaurant are all there is. You'll have to cook or deal with food delivery ($5 charge the norm). There are 2 convenience stores for small shopping needs, but they are dirty and expensive - there is dust on packages of food on the shelves at the "Liberty" store. You need a car to really shop here.

Fourth, the car situation: expensive $200 parking in the garage, which often floods with water after rains.

Finally, the commute: with no more Exchange Place, you're limited to the erratic ferry system (crowded and can never depend on timing) or the lazy, laughable Light Rail (who works in Hoboken or Bayonne') This may change but it will take years until PATH gets back.

The Upsides:
First, the spaces are big - one-bedrooms with at least 800sqf., some more than 900sqf., with large, open spaces in the interiors. Unusual angles add to the variety. Most balconies are diagonal and you can't see other tenants - quite private. Extremely sunny apartments - if you're facing east, a huge blast of sunlight every morning (get curtains or blinds). You get more sqf. for the dollar here than other places.

Second, construction is somewhat cheap but rather strong - walls seem thicker than most, windows are very thick and insulative, and appliances, etc. are mostly new-ish. Most units have W/D in the apartment - very convenient, and sorely missed when you don't have it anymore!

Finally, the door staff are often friendly and are willing to look out for you, as others have said.

Your thoughts? Post a response to this review. Display my response: with my username anonymously Responses appear below reviews and one response per user is permitted.

   Free estimates on moving trucks      Find apartment share/roommates