Jersey City has changed. It’s not just the "sixth borough" anymore; it’s a destination that people are actually fighting to get into, especially around the Downtown area. If you’ve been scouring Zillow or StreetEasy lately, you’ve probably seen 50 Regent at Liberty Harbor pop up a dozen times. It looks polished in the photos. The brickwork has that classic, industrial-meets-modern aesthetic that developers love these other days. But what is it actually like to live there when the moving trucks leave and the reality of PATH train delays sets in?
Honestly, it’s a bit of a mixed bag, but mostly in a good way.
Location is the big seller here. You’re sitting right in the Liberty Harbor district, which feels like a tiny, self-contained village tucked away from the more chaotic parts of Grove Street. It’s quieter. You aren’t dealing with the same level of foot traffic you’d find right outside the Newark Ave pedestrian plaza, yet you can walk there in ten minutes. That balance is hard to find in North Jersey right now.
The Design Philosophy Behind 50 Regent at Liberty Harbor
Walk inside and the first thing you notice is that it doesn't feel like a sterile glass box. A lot of the new construction in Jersey City—think the Journal Square high-rises—feels a little like living in a high-end hospital. 50 Regent at Liberty Harbor went a different direction. They leaned into the "Grand Hotel" vibe. Think crown molding, darker wood tones, and stone finishes. It’s heavy. It’s substantial.
The apartments themselves vary wildly. You might find a studio that feels like a palace because of the ceiling height, or a two-bedroom where the layout makes you wonder if the architect was having a weird day. But generally, the square footage is better than what you’ll get across the Hudson in Manhattan for the same price. You get a dishwasher that actually works. You get an in-unit washer and dryer, which, let’s be real, is the ultimate urban luxury.
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Some units face the marina. If you can snag one of those, do it. Waking up and seeing boats instead of a concrete parking garage changes your entire mood. It’s a literal breath of fresh air. However, keep in mind that being near the water means the wind howls a bit louder in February. That’s the trade-off.
What Nobody Mentions About the Amenities
The rooftop is the crown jewel. It’s got a pool, and yes, it gets crowded on Saturdays in July. You’ll be sharing a lane with a toddler and a guy trying to take the perfect Instagram photo of his spiked seltzer. But on a Tuesday evening? It’s pure magic. The view of the Statue of Liberty is so close you feel like you could toss a coin and hit it.
There's a fitness center, a golf simulator, and a library. The "English-style" library is actually a great spot if you work from home and can't stand looking at your own four walls anymore. It’s quiet. People actually respect the silence there, which isn't always the case in "communal work spaces" in newer buildings.
- The dog run is a lifesaver if you have a golden retriever who needs to burn off energy at 11 PM.
- The concierge staff is generally praised, though like any large building, there are shifts where things move slower.
- Parking is available, but it’ll cost you. Welcome to Jersey City.
The Commute Reality Check
If you work in New York, you’re looking at the PATH or the Light Rail. The Light Rail stop is basically right there. It’s convenient. It’s also occasionally unreliable. You’ll become very familiar with the "RidePATH" app and the various Twitter accounts that announce delays.
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The walk to the Grove Street PATH station is about 8 to 12 minutes depending on how fast you move and if you stop for a coffee at Balthazar or one of the local spots on the way. On a sunny May morning, it’s the best walk in the world. In a sleet storm? You’ll wish you lived in a building with a tunnel directly to the platform.
Is the Rent at 50 Regent at Liberty Harbor Actually Justified?
This is the big question. Rent in Jersey City has skyrocketed. You aren't getting a "deal" here in the traditional sense. You're paying for the lifestyle and the fact that the building is managed well enough that you aren't worrying about heat or hot water issues every other week.
When you compare 50 Regent at Liberty Harbor to the newer "ultra-luxury" towers like Haus25 or Urby, it feels a bit more "grown-up." It’s less about the neon signs and "vibe" and more about actual comfort. If you value a neighborhood feel over being in the middle of a construction zone, the premium usually feels worth it to the residents who stay for multiple years.
People stay here. That’s a good sign. In many JC buildings, the turnover is insane because people get fed up with broken elevators or thin walls. While you'll still hear your neighbor if they decide to take up the drums, the sound insulation at 50 Regent is better than the stick-built apartments popping up elsewhere.
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The Local Food Scene
You’re near Zee's Corner Shop. You’re near Surf City (for better or worse, depending on your tolerance for crowds). You’re close to the maritime history of the area. There’s a specific vibe to Liberty Harbor—it’s a bit more nautical, a bit more relaxed. You can wander over to the marina and just watch the water, which is a rare bit of zen in an otherwise frantic metro area.
Don't expect a massive grocery store next door, though. You'll likely be doing Whole Foods runs or heading over to the ShopRite in Metro Plaza. It’s a bit of a trek if you don't have a car, so get used to grocery delivery services.
Final Practical Takeaways for Future Residents
If you’re serious about moving to 50 Regent at Liberty Harbor, stop looking at the staged photos. Go there at 6 PM on a Wednesday. Stand outside. See the flow of people coming home from the PATH. Check out the noise levels.
- Ask about the specific unit’s exposure. North-facing units might be darker, but they stay cooler in the summer.
- Verify the current amenity fees. Buildings in Jersey City love to add these on top of the base rent, and they aren't always cheap.
- Check the pet policy details. They are pet-friendly, but there are usually breed restrictions and extra monthly costs for your furry roommate.
- Look at the lease terms carefully. Sometimes they offer "net effective" rent which looks great on paper but jumps up significantly when you renew.
Living here means accepting that you're in a transitioning part of the city. There’s still development happening. There’s still grit. But there’s also a sense of community that’s hard to find in the 60-story glass monoliths. It feels like a home, not just a unit number.
To get started, schedule a tour specifically for the "marina side" units first to gauge if the view justifies the price jump for you. Reach out to the leasing office mid-month when they are more likely to know which units are opening up in the next 60 days. If you're moving from NYC, have your paperwork—pay stubs, tax returns, and photo ID—ready in a single PDF. The good units in this building don't stay on the market for more than a few days.