Why Weehawken is much more expensive than Union city?

[Diana Tian]

I am wondering if anyone familiar with both Weehawken NJ and Union City NJ have thoughts on why prices in Weehawken is around $200k more than Union City prices. The homes in Weehawken near the water with NYC views are understandable. i know the schools in Weehawken are better. Is there anything else i am missing?

[Tania Patch]

I am a realtor in that area and own an investment property in Union City. The schools in Weehawken are better, and that is a factor. But it is more then that -  Union City is a mess. Its over-populated, and as commendable as it is that the city works to save low-income housing they make it extremely difficult for builders and developers to build up and improve existing homes. By making it difficult for people to build/rehab they prevent real growth and development for the town. I was in the construction office the other and watched a man finally resort to screaming that it has been 2 years and he hasn't been able to get finished because of the city - and I know this is true. I watched them brush him off, refusing to allow him to schedule a meeting with the head of the construction office. I have personally waited 6 hours for an inspector to show up, and had them cancel or change appointments on me without telling me. I have been a property owner there for 12 years - and they prefer to cater to the renters then the owners, and make growth impossible. Its sad that I have to say these things, but its the truth and the opportunity for the city to become something greater and match the growth Jersey City is having is hindered by the their policy. I inquired about adding 1 floor to my 3 story (basement+2) building. The whole rest of the block with the exception of 3 other houses are 4-5 stories. I was told that adding any floor would require going in front of zoning and add 6 months to the process. SIX MONTHS! My neighbor added that 4th floor 15 years ago, the whole block is 4-5 stories - in other towns this would not be necessary. Submit plans, but adding a floor to a rowhouse when THE WHOLE REST OF THE STREET already is built higher is insanity. In Hoboken, JC and Weehawken you would not need to go in front of zoning and add 6 months for the addition of a floor if it already exist on the block. The best thing about the town is the Mayor- he seems to really care about the people, and he gives out his cell phone number. He personally calls people back. If only the building department were as caring as the mayor. The taxes are also high compared to the property values, and thats because of the over-population and gazillion children squeezed into tiny apartments there.