If you’ve ever walked along the Jersey City waterfront at sunset, you’ve seen it. That massive, 48-story blue-and-green glass tower that reflects the Manhattan skyline so perfectly it almost looks like part of the Hudson River itself. That is 70 Greene New Jersey, or simply "70 Greene" to the locals and the hundreds of professionals who call it home. Honestly, it’s one of those buildings that defines the Paulus Hook skyline. But if you’re thinking about signing a lease there, you need the real story. It’s not all floor-to-ceiling windows and rooftop pools; there’s a complicated history here that most real estate brochures conveniently "forget" to mention.
The Reality of Living at 70 Greene New Jersey
Let’s get the basics out of the way first. 70 Greene is part of a "twin" development called Hudson Greene. While its sister tower, 77 Hudson, is a condo building, 70 Greene is strictly rentals managed by Equity Residential.
The location is basically unbeatable. You’re in Paulus Hook, which is easily the most charming, tree-lined, "I can’t believe this is Jersey City" neighborhood in the area. You've got the Exchange Place PATH station a few blocks away, and the NY Waterway ferry is so close you could practically roll out of bed and onto the boat. For people working in the Financial District, the commute is often shorter than it would be from Brooklyn or even Upper Manhattan.
Why people actually move here
The views are the big hook. No, seriously. Because the building sits right on the edge of the waterfront, you get unobstructed shots of the Statue of Liberty and One World Trade.
- The Fitness Center: It's on the 11th floor and it’s massive. They’ve got a yoga studio and plenty of equipment.
- The Pool: There’s an outdoor pool that feels like a resort in July, though it gets crowded fast.
- Pet Friendly: They have an on-site dog run and even a pet spa.
- Layouts: You’ll find everything from studios to three-bedroom units. Some of the "Home Office" floor plans are huge, clocking in at over 1,200 square feet.
But here is where things get a bit messy.
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The "Glitch" in the Luxury Label
If you dig into Reddit threads or talk to long-term residents, you’ll hear about the "Fire of 2007." During construction, a massive fire broke out at 70 Greene. It didn't destroy the building, but it delayed things significantly. Some locals still claim the building has had "bad luck" ever since.
More recently, the building has faced some very public scrutiny. In 2022, the New York Post and local officials like Councilman James Solomon highlighted serious issues with flooding and elevators. There was a period where a pipe burst on the 12th floor, causing the ceiling of the gym on the 11th floor to cave in. Imagine trying to hit a PR on the bench press while the ceiling is literally coming down. Not great.
The Maintenance Divide
Management has been a polarizing topic for years. On one hand, the concierge staff—people like Marlene and Jernene, who have been mentioned by name in dozens of positive reviews—are legendary for being helpful and kind. On the other hand, the corporate side (Equity Residential) has a reputation for being tough on lease renewals. It’s common to see rent hikes of $200 or more after the first year, with very little room for negotiation.
Basically, you’re paying for the view and the neighborhood. The actual build quality inside the units? Some residents describe it as "shoddy" for the price point. Think thin walls and fixtures that feel a little more "builder grade" than "ultra-luxury."
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Breaking Down the Costs
Don't expect a bargain. This is prime Jersey City real estate.
Currently, a studio at 70 Greene New Jersey starts around $2,946. If you want a two-bedroom unit with enough space to actually breathe, you’re looking at $4,500 to $5,600 depending on the floor.
Watch out for the fees:
- Amenity Fee: Usually around $750 per year.
- Pet Rent: $80 a month for dogs, $50 for cats.
- Parking: It’s an extra monthly cost if you want a spot in the garage.
One interesting perk they offer is a "30-day satisfaction guarantee." If you move in and absolutely hate the vibe or realize the trash chute noise in your specific unit is driving you crazy, you can move out within the first month and only pay for the days you stayed. It’s a bold move that suggests they’re confident enough in the "wow factor" of the views to take the risk.
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The Paulus Hook Lifestyle
If you live at 70 Greene, your life mostly revolves around a three-block radius. Hudson Greene Market is right there for groceries, though it’s definitely on the pricier side. For a more "local" feel, people head to Semicolon Cafe for breakfast or Greene Hook Bar & Kitchen for a drink.
The neighborhood is quiet. It’s not the Powerhouse Arts District where things are loud and industrial, and it’s not Grove Street with the rowdy bar scene. It’s a place where people walk their Golden Retrievers at 7:00 AM and joggers take over the waterfront walkway by sunset. It feels safe, established, and—honestly—a little bit fancy.
Is it right for you?
If you are a commuter who values time above all else, yes. If you want a view that makes your Instagram followers jealous, absolutely.
However, if you’re sensitive to noise or want a management team that responds to every small maintenance request within 20 minutes, you might want to look at newer boutique buildings nearby. 70 Greene is a "big box" luxury tower. It has the scale and the amenities, but it also has the "big building" problems like elevator wait times and occasional corporate coldness.
What to do next
Before you sign that lease, do these three things:
- Request a tour of the actual unit, not the model. Specifically, check the ceiling for any signs of past water damage, especially if you are on a lower floor.
- Test the elevators at 5:30 PM. This is the "rush hour." If the wait time is five minutes now, imagine what it’s like when one of the elevators is down for maintenance.
- Check the trash chute proximity. Some residents have noted that units near the chutes hear "clanging" all night long.
If you've done your homework and still love those floor-to-ceiling windows, go for it. Just go in with your eyes open to the fact that "luxury" in Jersey City often comes with a few quirks.