You've probably seen it driving toward Liberty State Park or maybe while stuck in traffic heading toward the Holland Tunnel. 500 Communipaw Ave Jersey City—better known to locals and real estate junkies as The Devan—stands as this massive, modern monolith in a part of town that used to be, well, mostly industrial grit and quiet residential blocks.
It’s a weird spot. Honestly.
If you look at a map, it sits right at that awkward intersection of Bergen-Lafayette and the edge of McGinley Square. It isn't the "luxury Row" of the Waterfront, and it certainly isn't the brownstone-heavy streets of Van Vorst Park. But that is exactly why people are flocking there. It’s a bet on the "Next Big Thing" in Jersey City.
What 500 Communipaw Ave Jersey City Actually Is
Let’s get the basics out of the way. This isn't just another apartment building; it's a 336-unit massive development project that replaced what was basically a vacant lot. When people talk about 500 Communipaw Ave Jersey City, they are usually debating whether the "luxury" price tag matches the "transitional" neighborhood.
Developed by Crescent Real Estate and KRE Group, the building is huge. It has everything. Rooftop pool? Yeah. Massive gym? Obviously. A literal "maker space" for people who want to do crafts or DIY projects without ruining their hardwood floors? Surprisingly, yes.
But here is the thing.
The building is essentially a fortress of high-end living dropped into a neighborhood that still feels very "Old JC." You have brand-new stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling windows, and then you step outside and you’re a few blocks away from a mechanic shop and a classic corner bodega. Some people love that contrast. It feels authentic. Others find it jarring when they're paying $3,000+ for a one-bedroom.
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The Commute: The Elephant in the Room
If you work in Manhattan, you need to be real with yourself about the location. 500 Communipaw Ave Jersey City is not "next" to the PATH train. It’s a hike.
You aren't walking to Grove Street in five minutes. You’re likely taking the light rail from the Pacific Avenue station or hopping on a bus. Or, if you're like most people moving into these new builds, you're relying on the building’s shuttle. Most of these high-end Bergen-Lafayette developments have to provide shuttles because the walk to the PATH is just long enough to be annoying in February.
Why Bergen-Lafayette is Currently Exploding
Jersey City has a habit of moving in waves. First, it was Exchange Place. Then it was the Powerhouse Arts District. Now, the momentum has shifted south.
Bergen-Lafayette is the current darling of developers. Why? Because there's actually space to build. Unlike Downtown, where you're fighting for every square inch of dirt, the area around 500 Communipaw Ave Jersey City had plenty of underutilized industrial land.
- The Park Factor: You are incredibly close to Liberty State Park. We're talking 1,200 acres of green space. In a city as dense as JC, that is a massive flex.
- The Food Scene: It’s getting good. Like, really good. You have places like Harry’s Daughter (incredible Caribbean food) and Mordi’s Sandwich Shop within striking distance.
- The Price Gap: You generally get more square footage here than you would at a similar price point in a high-rise near the Newport mall.
Inside the Walls: Is it Just Hype?
I've talked to people who live in these types of "lifestyle" buildings. The appeal is basically never having to leave. At 500 Communipaw Ave Jersey City, the amenity list looks like a resort brochure. There’s a sky lounge with views of the Manhattan skyline that actually makes you feel like you’ve "arrived."
The units themselves are what you'd expect from a 2024/2025 build. Think wide-plank flooring, quartz countertops, and smart home tech. It’s "The Instagram Look." It’s clean, it’s functional, and it smells like a high-end hotel lobby.
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However, there are downsides.
Noise can be an issue in these newer builds if the construction wasn't top-tier. Luckily, The Devan used fairly solid materials, but you're still living in a dense urban environment. Communipaw Avenue is a busy thoroughfare. You’re going to hear sirens. You’re going to hear trucks. It’s part of the Jersey City experience, for better or worse.
The Resident Mix
Who actually lives at 500 Communipaw Ave Jersey City? It’s a mix. You have the "pushed out of Manhattan" crowd, the "Downtown JC is too expensive" crowd, and a surprising number of local professionals who want the amenities without moving to the suburbs. It creates this weird, vibrant ecosystem of people who are all basically waiting for the neighborhood to catch up to the building.
The Reality of Living on Communipaw
Let's talk about the street itself. Communipaw Avenue is a lifeline for Jersey City. It connects the waterfront area all the way back to the West Side. Living at 500 Communipaw means you are at the center of a lot of movement.
It’s gritty. It’s loud. It’s real.
If you want manicured lawns and quiet cul-de-sacs, you are looking in the wrong zip code. But if you want to be able to walk to Berry Lane Park—which is easily one of the coolest urban parks in the state with its skate park and basketball courts—then this is your spot.
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What You Should Know Before Signing a Lease
- Check the Shuttle Schedule: If you don't own a car, the shuttle is your lifeline. Make sure it runs at times that actually work for your commute.
- Explore the Backstreets: Don't just stay on Communipaw. Walk into the neighborhood toward Monticello Avenue. There is a lot of history and great architecture there that you’ll miss if you just stay in the "luxury bubble."
- Grocery Stores: This is a common complaint. While there are plenty of small markets, the "big" grocery store run usually involves a drive or a slightly longer trip than some people like.
Is 500 Communipaw Ave Jersey City Worth the Price?
Value is subjective.
If you compare the rent at 500 Communipaw Ave Jersey City to a walk-up in the West Village, it’s a steal. If you compare it to a house in South Jersey, it's astronomical.
The real question is what you value. If you value a gym that actually has good equipment, a pool for the three months of summer, and a kitchen that looks like a Pinterest board, then yeah, it’s worth it. You’re paying for the convenience of a "plug-and-play" lifestyle. You move in, the Wi-Fi works, the dishwasher is quiet, and the doorman takes your Amazon packages so they don't get swiped.
The Future of the Area
The city has massive plans for this corridor. There’s talk of more transit improvements and even more retail coming to the ground floors of these new developments. When you look at 500 Communipaw Ave Jersey City, you aren't just looking at a building; you’re looking at a anchor point for what the city wants this entire neighborhood to become.
In five years, this area will likely be unrecognizable. There will probably be a high-end coffee shop on every corner and three more buildings just like this one. Whether that’s "progress" or "gentrification" depends on who you ask, but the momentum is undeniable.
Final Actionable Steps for Potential Residents
If you’re seriously considering a move to 500 Communipaw Ave Jersey City, don't just take the virtual tour.
- Visit at 8:00 PM on a Tuesday: See what the noise levels are like and how the street feels after the workday ends.
- Test the Commute: Actually take the Light Rail or wait for the shuttle. Don't assume "it'll be fine."
- Check for Incentives: Buildings this size often offer "concessions" (like one month free or reduced security deposits). Always ask the leasing office what the "net effective rent" is compared to the "gross rent."
- Talk to a Resident: If you see someone walking their dog outside the building, ask them how the management is. Real people will give you the truth about how fast maintenance requests get handled.
Living at 500 Communipaw is about embracing the shift of Jersey City. It's for people who want the luxury experience but don't mind a little neighborhood grit around the edges. It’s a specific vibe, and for the right person, it’s exactly what Jersey City living should be.