Jersey City Heights vs. Journal Square

[Bukki Fabiyi]

Hi Everyone

I'm looking for some advice from anyone with experience or knowledge of the Jersey City property market.

I'm looking at two properties, both are condos,3 bedrooms 2 baths, both listed for $699k, one in Journal Square, the other in the Heights Jersey City by Liberty Avenue. The property in Journal Square is 8 minutes walk away from the Path station whilst the property int he Heights is 23 minutes walk from the nearest light rail (9th street light rail). Neither come with parking, the property is the heights is brand new, the journal square property is older, although the apartment itself is newish (doesn't need any work). Both have similar size square footage, although the Journal Square property has 3 full sized bedroom, the Heights property has 1 full sized an 2 small bedrooms.

I currently live in downtown Jersey City as a renter and I'm buying to live in initially, but expect to move out within a year or so, therefore, the ability to rent out the property is important. I want positive case flow when I do rent out the property so I would appreciate insight from anyone who lives in or has invested in either of these areas. Personally I prefer the Height property just based on appearance, it's a nicer property, however, my reservation is its distance from transport and local amenities like grocery stores. Any living in the heights who can advice on how easy it is to access local amenities, would be helpful.

Also, ability to rent a 3 bed in the heights vs a 3 bed in Journal Square, any thoughts on this? 

Journal Square seems sketchy in certain parts, is my assessment of that correct? Is it a safe area? The same question for the Heights, is it safe?

Appreciate insights on the above, as I'm about to make a decision in the coming days on these properties.

Thank you