ENGLEWOOD, NJ – U.S. Census data indicates more Americans than ever are now living in urban areas. Drawn to the energetic environment and vast entertainment and retail opportunities of downtown business districts, homebuyers are increasingly opting to not only purchase, but to also reside longer in areas that offer the liveliness of City living.
To accommodate this growing demographic and draw new residents, New Jersey towns are placing a stronger emphasis on creating walkable town centers with local shops, restaurants and access to public transportation into the work hubs in nearby New York City. While some municipalities have recently begun efforts to reposition their Main Streets, select inner ring suburbs had the foresight to predict the migration to urban environments and implemented comprehensive plans to reinvigorate downtown centers years ago.
For example, the Borough of Englewood in Bergen County, N.J., less than 5 miles from the George Washington Bridge, began a downtown revitalization effort dating a decade past that has paid tremendous dividends along Palisades Avenue, a bustling commercial hub of nationally-recognized brand name stores, local retailers and boutiques and upscale restaurants.
More than 300 stores and restaurants line the streets of downtown Englewood, which blends historic storefronts with modern buildings and retail outlets. Palisades Court, a 140,000 square-foot shopping center anchored by Shop Rite and featuring a Capital One Bank, Chipotle and many other name outlets, and Victoria’s Secret were two of the first retail destinations to join the redevelopment effort on Palisades Avenue in the early 2000s. They’ve since been joined by chains such as Group USA and The Children’s Place, countless local merchants and more than 40 fine restaurants and eateries such as Cassies, La Cumbia and 50’s era Baumgart’s cafe.
There’s also no shortage of culture in Englewood. Intersecting West Palisades Avenue, North Dean Street is home to several fine art galleries and jewelry stores. The centerpiece of the Borough’s cultural activities, the Bergen Performing Arts Center on North Van Brunt Street, features a year-round schedule of orchestra performances, ballet and popular entertainers and musicians. Nearly 150 world class are performed yearly, ranging from Rock and Classical music to Comedy and Dance performances.
A main component in the emergence of Englewood as one of the state’s finest downtown “suburbs” has been the Borough welcoming multi-family buildings to house the many young professionals and families seeking its well-rounded lifestyle and proximity to Manhattan.
“A high percentage of our clients want urban living similar to Cities like Hoboken, Jersey City and even Manhattan, but also desire a quaint, suburban hometown,” says Nick Hollenbeck, Sales Manager at The M at Englewood South, a luxury condominium community bordering downtown Englewood. “With its busy downtown hub, Englewood offers the best-of-both worlds. Residents can enjoy all the modern conveniences and amenities they desire and quickly return home to a quiet residential setting. It’s a housing opportunity that has proven to have tremendous appeal.”
Une-Hi Song not only typifies the type of single-professional drawn to Englewood, she’s also a prime example of the new and exciting services available to residents of the Borough. Ms. Song, who along with her brother, runs Song Acupower, a private acupuncture practice at 280 Grand Street, purchased a condominium at The M to be closer to her business and the active downtown district.
“I loved living in Englewood so much and I didn’t see myself going far anytime soon,” says Ms. Song. “This town has been so great and we’ve been so blessed with success and growth for our company that we’re now planning future expansion. Therefore, it made perfect sense to invest in a home in Englewood and I was ready to take that next big step.
“The M was very appealing because it’s so close to where I work and my gym. Another huge perk is the commutability to major highways and just being so close to so many wonderful shops and restaurants not only in town, but just a hop, skip and jump onto Route 4 and the Shops/Restaurants at Riverside Square Mall.”
The M boasts a collection of inspiring single-level floor plans adorned with elegant designer finishes and appointments. The expansive layouts range from 797 to 1,499 square feet of living space and feature open layouts, sumptuous bedrooms, state-of-the-art kitchens with maple cabinetry, under-counter lighting and granite countertops; large laundry areas with side-by-side General Electric washers and dryers, large walk-in closets and additional powder rooms in most homes.
Lavish master bathrooms boast granite countertops and double-sink vanities. There are also oak hardwood floors throughout the living areas and ceramic tile floors in the entry halls and kitchens.
Condominiums at The M are priced from just $300,500 and are being offered with limited-time incentives that provide up to $10,000 off the purchase of a one-bedroom home and up to $20,000 off when buying a two-bedroom condominium. The community’s sponsor, Flatrock 3, LLC, has created a special 90% financing package that minimizes the downpayment to less than 20%.
“This is a purchasing opportunity many first-time buyers are attracted to,” Mr. Hollenbeck points out. “The affordable price structure combined with today’s low interest rates and our financing package brings ownership within the budget of the young buyer.”
In addition to all the activities in and around Englewood, The M boasts a number of onsite recreational and social amenities including an outdoor pool and a resident’s clubroom with catering kitchen for large parties and entertaining. Residents also receive a one year membership to The Gym, a 40,000 SF state-of-the-art fitness center located at 20 Nordhoff Place.
“The M offers style, convenience and so much more,” adds Mr. Hollenbeck. “It’s a complete lifestyle package that’s very attractive to today’s buyers.”
Located at 104 Riverview Avenue, The M is also a commuter’s dream. The M is minutes from Route 4 with access to the George Washington Bridge and just 12 miles to Manhattan. A parking space is included in the purchase price in The M’s enclosed parking garage. For those wishing to use public transportation, shuttle service is provided from the community to the nearby NJ Transit bus stop which offers convenient service into New York City.
For more information on The M at Englewood South, please call 866.650.3842 or visit http://www.LiveAtTheM.com.
CAHN PR 