The Jardin (formerly Urban Green)

$700-$800 per sq ft ain't cheap. I don't get why people keep buying in williamsburg, frankly. It used to be the case that this area was developing and was cheaper and you'd get more for your money, but now its overpriced as far as i'm concerned. Add the complete lack of transportation in the area and its just not worth it. Not to mention that the neighborhood is absolutely overdeveloped and continues to be, which can't be good for your resale value.

For the <$700 range i'd be looking at Prospect Heights & Clinton Hill...

People who say development will kill Williamsburg may be right but I doubt it. More development helps wmburg prices and popularity in my humble view because it means 1) more people around so more people know more people there, so doesn't feel isolated; 2) more retail infrastructure which, like it or not, makes life easier, and there is still a need for major grocery chains; 3) more comfortable for family types who particularly like to have more families and kids around; 4) makes streets that formerly looked a bit deserted at night, feel safer, thereby making it feel more pleasant in more blocks.

More development may put some damper on price appreciation but in fact the observed reality so far is that it seems Williamsburg got hit no worse than any other area in the city, and the major projects are all doing very well this year. The waterfront area, which people are just getting to know, and many people still have never seen, is spectacular in the view of many.

mh330, I mostly agree with you, but your comment about the "complete lack of transportation in the area" is just plain wrong. I'd stay away from Jardin until an independent engineer takes a thorough look at the building - same goes for anything that's been exposed to the elements this long (144 North 8th comes to mind). Those prices seem high to me - they must consider North 6th to be a bit more prime than surrounding streets, which I don't think is true. If anything, it's noisier.

From a purely noise perspective that building would be awful on weekend nights, and plenty of other evenings, particularly in warmer weather. Anyone considering it should walk by there at all hours -- including 3am on sat night.

apts and lofts plays fast and loose with the facts so don't rely on them....

Overdeveloped implies too much supply for demand, but that's not the case yet. Tearing down windowless, characterless warehouses and building on vacant lots is not overdevelopment. My feeling is more development brings in more people which stimulates more restaurants, bars, and fun things to do, as rkerrynyclon says. I love living here. I will say the strain on the L Train is my biggest concern, though I am learning to use the alternatives (J and M trains, ferry, 62 bus).

The prices for the low level apartments in Jardin are about right at the average, but the upper floors command a premium over most other developments. But I think the location will allow it. There are two buildings with most posted available are for the North building. If the North doesn't move well, there may be deals in the South one. But I have a feeling they will do well. There really isn't much to choose from in N. Williamsburg.

i don't understand the lack of transportation comments. coming from someone i think that doesn't live in williamsburg. it's very convenient and easy for me. i have used everything frequently except the ferry and that includes walking over the bridge home which is great. i am totally a fan of the j or m cause i work downtown and even though i have to walk further to get to them, i get off on either after 2 stops and 99% of the time get a seat. the L with a transfer at union square is faster, but i prefer not to change trains. i have frequent meetings in midtown both east and west side, and either is easy. i sometimes need to head to greenpoint first, then i use the B62 which is damn reliable. you can also take the B62 to Broadway to go to the J or M. i even use the G when going to other neighborhoods. i think that williamsburg's incredibly convenient - including to queens where i do go to shop at big box stores, and to go to PS1 and the socrates sculpture park, and cabs home at night are easy and fast even at rush hour. it's definitely the most convenient (and quick) brooklyn neighborhood i've ever lived in, and i've lived in several.