ive lived in both a studio and 1 bedroom in Bergen-Lafayette and my highest bill is typically winter/this time of yr (highest has been like $102 for my 1 bed). Most of the time my bill is in the mid $60 range or even less (lowest i got was a $40something). This month my bill was just shy of $90. I think how much time i spend in my apartment makes a difference (my job usually keeps me out more then half the day).

No worries, if you have any other questions feel free to reach out!

Ive lived in this area for 4 years and 3 of those were through residency! I love the Bergen-Lafayette area. I lived in the Solaris building for 3 yrs and personally really loved it as a resident. (moved because I wanted to upgrade from my studio apartment and they didnt have any 1beds for me to rent). I was able to sleep during the day when i was on overnight shifts and they were very nice about accommodating me if there was ever something being done in the building that didnt work with my weird day/night flips. (example, there was some random day where they were doing fire alarm inspections or something and needed to access every unit for about 1min to check the alarm. Originally was scheduled for a day and time I had planned to be asleep from an overnight shift and they moved it to let me sleep). That particular building I felt has better washer dryers and bathroom set up then 295J (bigger on both counts). There is also the BeLa building across from it that is also very sound proof per my conversations with neighbors. It's concrete and metal so little noise from neighbors. Likewise also a bigger bathroom/washer dryer then 295J. Not that I think there is anything wrong with 295J, they are the bigger of the 3 buildings discussed, just playing devils advocate in case you were looking for other ideas in the exact same location. 295J has units that will face the Liberty State Park Lightrail station so you will be able to see your car if you park in the lot there. Yes, you can park overnight, there is a 24h security car that roams around all the time and there is monthly parking available for there. Very rare occasion they ask you to move your car for something like 4th of july when they need the space, otherwise it always has cars in it. Personally my priority when I picked a building to live in during residency was 'can I sleep here during the day' but everyone has their own priorities. Hope that helps a bit!

i know a lot of buildings downtown are just not well insulated. I think someone posted something similar about a building in Newport. I run my heat very warm when im in the house (its 76 rn) and i sleep at a 70. My bill has never been more then 100$. Really depends on your building I think. I have a 1 bed with 4 very large windows, but not floor to ceiling.

i live right near there and saw nothing! that is pretty cool

out of curiosity, do you know if anyone has started listing 262 Johnston apartments? Ive been watching it being built and while it seemed like it would be ready by the summer this is the first im hearing that said in any concrete terms. Would love to see what they are asking/offering there. The facade is looking great.

Lived in this neighborhood for 4 years now, moved in when I was in my late 20s too and had a job that would have me coming home at all different kind of hours. Never felt unsafe here. It has developed a lot since i've been here too. When I first moved i toured that building, it was totally fine, but no in unit laundry. Some of the units are DIRECTLY in front of the freight train too (light rail is quiet, its rly not the issue), so be careful which one u are getting because it is very loud going around that curve. There are several other buildings all in that area that will get u the same value apartment size wise and all have laundry in unit instead, so i would look at the others if you want and consider those as well.
Also if I remember its an electric only building so you are only paying for water and electric. Water is redic cheap, i doubt you will get a bill out of the $20 range unless you use a disproportionate amount for a single person. Likewise electric has never been too bad in this area with the newer construction, depending on the month/weather i would say your use would vary the price from 50-100$/mo on avg.

Can you tell me whats a good tip that you and coworkers would be satisfied with? I am a single person who tends to order in a lot and I always try to be mindful and tip well but worry sometimes if I'm off and not giving enough. Sometimes my orders don't cost very much and so the whole 18% thing doesnt always work out to a number I think is enough. Would love to know what you think is reasonable

Agree with another poster Shoprite in Jersey City is on the light rail line. If you get yourself one of those fold up carts, easy shopping via light rail.
If you have a car, I personally drive to Bayonne as the Stop and Shop is next to a Costco and a Walmart so everything is right there. It's about a 10-15min drive.

Welcome to the area!