ב"ה
Wednesday, 26 Adar I, 5784
  |  March 6, 2024

Is Crown Heights Still Affordable?

From the COLlive inbox: If we thought a one-bedroom was tight, we learned that a two-bedroom apartment in Crown Heights is almost unaffordable. Full Story

First Siyum for Elders Kollel

Next Story »

Hurt Soldier Miraculously Released

Subscribe
Notify of
143 Comments
oldest
newest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
the answer...
January 27, 2019 7:43 pm

BH we have been blessed with 3 kids in the past 4 years and I cannot imagine making it in CH. Once you move away, you SEE how insane the rpices are, how INTENSE everything is. I remember sweating and my heart racing in the mad dash to secure out apartment just a month before our wedding. We saw an apartment at 11pm and they wanted an answer by the morning- very very stressful. No parking.. no elevator in our building… Do yourselves a favor and live like a metnsch, give your children room to play, a backyard, storage, ease… Read more »

to 25
January 26, 2019 10:16 pm

our education system is great, just because people arent applying themelves in the workforce doesnt mean itsthe education systems fault. stop promoting lies

Sometimes you have to leave CH to appreciate it
January 26, 2019 10:11 pm

As newlyweds we moved to one of these small towns that many commenters are promoting, yes you have the plenty of home space and beautiful scenery but thats about it! The most important thing to do is move to where there are jobs not necessarily cheap housing. While living in one of these small towns we were dirt poor, plus school was more expensive. We are now back in a big city, with more better jobs, less space but more community activities, cheaper school and overall a more fuller life. You can’t underestimate the importance of living in CH. There… Read more »

reply to # 8 Buddy Just leave crown heights. You can't afford it.
January 25, 2019 7:03 pm

I wonder what the Rebbe would say about the way these lubavitch landlords keep raising the rent higher & higher till young families with children can no longer afford it.

Ahavas Isroel
January 24, 2019 9:44 pm

Wherever you decide to move ask the real estate agent to not only provide you with current “comps”, but a 10 year look back to see where you are in the value range. Just because you are being shown a house for 350,000 for example, could easily be overpaying compared to “historical” values. It my be much less than that 1 – 1.5 million dollar crown heights home, but be very careful. You might easily find yourself if the market goes down with a value much much less than you payed for it.

We should learn from other chassidishe communities
January 24, 2019 5:04 pm

Look at Satmar, Vishnitz, Skver
When they see their communities grow they set up satellite communities or developments. They are doing it all over NY and NJ.

Start a moving fund gemach
January 23, 2019 5:32 pm

To those who say, “If you don’t like it, then leave!” If it were only so simple – after we’ve given our life savings to rent & tuition.
I have suggested numerous times to the community council that the wealthy developers (who want poor Jewish families out of CH) should start a moving fund gemach. This would enable struggling families to pay moving expenses, etc to move to a more affordable community.

Thank you 128
January 23, 2019 12:16 pm

I believe you. Thank you for shedding light. I didn’t realize that anyone anonymously comments glorying a community outside CH it could very well be someone closely associated with Chinuch mainly the “educational directors” AKA owners who are seeking new “clients” or anyone else that stands to gain in a monetary way It’s strange with all the positive things they have to say there isn’t a name or even contact info. In light if what your saying perhaps a family should carefully investigate the Chinuch situation first with writing as to what exactly the tuition fees would be not only… Read more »

123
January 23, 2019 10:40 am

No. When girls have a chance for higher education they have more opportunities to provide for themselves and their families. How does women getting an education stop men from getting an education? “Boys” are not stuck. They can go work and get educated just like the women. Stop blaming educated women for your problems. Get a job.
Ps. It’s spelled “Marry”. Perhaps an education would be useful to you.

Los Angeles is the best
January 23, 2019 10:21 am

Very cheap housing like Crown heights, large Jewish community, great weather, good restaurants.
A fellow lubavitcher who understands why you should move to la

Florida
January 23, 2019 10:17 am

Move to FL like hundreds of other lubavs are doing.

We left CH in 2015 where we were paying $1800 for a tiny 2 bedroom apt.
We moved to the Walnut Creek condos and got a larger 2 bedroom, 2, bathroom with parking, a pool, a backyard on a lake….ALL FOR A WHOPPING $1475.

BH we just bought a 5 bedroom house in Hollywood (near Walnut Creek) for $305,000.00.

it’s a no brainer.

What A Wonderful World
January 23, 2019 6:59 am

Look at what we have here. How beautiful. Real talk. People communicating personal challenges—so much sharing. The idea of leaving where you grew up can be stressful. No doubt—yet think of all the biggest accomplishments of your life, didn’t those too have you experience unexpected levels of stress? And, you succeeded. Trust yourself again, and again, and again—if you want to live in Crown Heights yet can’t afford the cost, trust yourself that you will create a new plan that will become a success. To find the place you wish to live and take action requires action. Take action. One… Read more »

to 47
January 23, 2019 5:14 am

mixed?
where is your ahavas yisroel….
mixed?

Help
January 23, 2019 4:37 am

I feel that the landlords are killing us with their demands of repairing to triple up the rents.
Where can we go ?
Where should we move?

Baltimore
January 23, 2019 4:27 am

Baltimore is a great place to live. Real Chabad schools. 3 Chabad Shuls. 25 kosher restaurants. Nice houses sell for 350-450k. 3.5 hours from NY. Very large frum community. 2 HUGE kosher supermarkets. Everything you need to live a good Jewish life.

New Haven....
January 23, 2019 12:29 am

All those that are pro New Haven, you are all part of one family. And you want people to live here so that we can compliment your lifestyle. Let the truth be told…. Anyone here trying to get their son in Yeshiva will pay a hefty $18,000, no matter how much or little you earn. No tuition board or ANY BOARD OF DIRECTORS for that matter…. All your comments about a NEW Cheder, are nothing but smoke screens. Your fees for tuition are more than double to the ORIGINAL LUBAVITCH MOISAD IN TOWN….. Rabossai, do yourselves a favor and do… Read more »

Trailers
January 23, 2019 12:27 am

Let’s put up trailers on the roof of every building in Crown Heights that is possible to put them up on. Those can be for the people who can’t afford the apartments and you can have your own small little community on the roof.

Miri
January 23, 2019 12:01 am

I agree with #117 about the comment #107 said, as long as I have been living in CH, when I go to work at 8am, I see a lot of African Americans going to work or going to school, they all don’t get benefits

Bea
January 22, 2019 10:24 pm

It is not only happening in Crown Heights in Williamsburgh the Satmars are building Condos and Cond. not just for Satmars, they are also building for the Yuppies, because a friend of mine was looking for an aparmtment in Will. and their was only one sink, and who do you think are building all those Condos on Flatbush Avenue and the one they just build on Troy and East New York near International Supermarket a Satmar and a Labavitchers own it and there is only one sink in the apartments they just don’t care about anything except the good almighty… Read more »

to #60
January 22, 2019 10:15 pm

Just a point of view from the other side: I did get an education (Master’s Degree), and don’t have a very large family and Crown Heights is still very expensive to live in. Education or not, this neighborhood is expensive! Maybe those with their own successful businesses are doing better, but the educated, working class is still struggling here.

Let’s be honest we dont have large families anymore in CH
January 22, 2019 10:12 pm

Women 35 and less have less children in the household compare to women in their 35 years old 10-20 years ago …. why ? Simple answer- having large family is unreal in our economy…… more women forced to have full time jobs … more women are looking for higher education, means the marriage age is 24-27 now not 18 …. We have more divorces now due to unstable economic issues Problems are not market price, problem that we are not ready for the new economy….. when girls have a chance for better higher education, boys are stuck behind…. that’s why… Read more »

Make aliyah
January 22, 2019 10:10 pm

Interesting that most large Kehilos world wide suffer from the housing crisis like London/ Zurich / Boro Park/ Montreal…,could be it’s a sign from Hashem to consider moving to the holy land since we live now in a time of אתחלתה דגאולה housing is very cheap , tuition is free , might be the best move

Move to Montreal Canada
January 22, 2019 10:08 pm

Top-notch FREE medical care and system for everybody (don’t believe the sensational US headlines – fake news! American system is far far from perfect); Free dental care for all children (until 10 years of age); Subsidized daycare for all children; Substantial social-care programs – yes, Canada is a social democracy and proud of it!; Warm and full-spectrum Chabad community; Wide variety of Chabad shuls, shiurim and programs to meet everyone’s particular needs; Strong, unified and respected general Jewish community; Affordable housing, for purchase and/or rental; Great yeshivas, Mesivtas & Zal; girls’ school and seminary – once again affordable, because most… Read more »

Come to Brownsville!!
January 22, 2019 9:08 pm

Come to Brownsville!!
It’s the next neighbored to east flatbush.
25 min walk to 770.
מנין every shabbos.
5 families from C.H. already live there

To 88
January 22, 2019 7:58 pm

You are 100% correct. And power to you. I will say that you first have to address peoples pain before you talk about emunah, and what’s right. Living your life the way the Rebbe wants is a very personal Avoida. it is not simple or easy.

New problem
January 22, 2019 7:43 pm

Frum community are unfortunalety a new phenomenon. When our grandparents came here they moved into places with no Jews, schools, kosher shops etc. it was cheap and they built there new communities slowly over time with hard work. BH we have the luxury their hard work provided, but it’s a luxury and it costs. There are old communities dying out and begging for young Jews to move back. I heard once that the rebbe wanted there to be community owned buildings, but unfortunately that didn’t happen 🙁

#107
January 22, 2019 6:44 pm

What a racist comment. I work with many people of color, and the vast majority are better educated that most people in Crown Heights. That’s how they afford to live there, without living off government benefits.

Name names
January 22, 2019 6:37 pm

Would love to have all these ppl who are commenting out their names. Stop being cowards! This way, we can demand all from all of you to give us your goods and services for below market prices. Living in crown heights is not a right, if you choose to live here , pay the market rent. If you do not like having issues paying high rent, make sure your kids get the proper education so they are able to live like a mentch and are able to afford rent, tuition, camp and all other expenses. Work have and take responsibility… Read more »

New Haven comments
January 22, 2019 6:34 pm

Regarding the comments on New Haven it is a nice place, but if you are not in real estate there are very few job opportunities.
Also a community of this size should have Rav for various important shailles.

Rent
January 22, 2019 6:33 pm

Most rentals are higher than what people make, even those that make decent amount.

Make aliyah
January 22, 2019 6:19 pm

Interesting that most large Kehilos world wide suffer from the housing crisis like London/ Zurich / Boro Park/ Montreal…,could be it’s a sign from Hashem to consider moving to the holy land since we live now in a time of אתחלתה דגאולה housing is very cheap , tuition is free , might be the best move

Name names
January 22, 2019 6:08 pm

Would love to have all these ppl who are commenting out their names. Stop being cowards! This way, we can demand all from all of you to give us your goods and services for below market prices. Living in crown heights is not a right, if you choose to live here , pay the market rent. If you do not like having issues paying high rent, make sure your kids get the proper education so they are able to live like a mentch and are able to afford rent, tuition, camp and all other expenses. Work have and take responsibility… Read more »

Places to move
January 22, 2019 6:00 pm

Tennessee is actually a great place to live. Nashville and Memphis have great Orthodox Jewish communities.

Look at Cincinnati and Cleveland- School Vouchers! Many young families. Mesivta in Cincinnati.

Virginia also has school vouchers and a great Jewish Communities in Norfolk and Richmond.

nothing to do with education
January 22, 2019 5:49 pm

For all those complaining about not enough education and rent is just expensive, please give me a break. The average price of housing in america is 250k for a house. Only around 35% of americans have college degrees. It has nothing to do with life in america and everything to do with artifically inflated living prices in crown heights. My husband and I are both college educated with middle class jobs. (65k per year) We live with three kids in a one bedroom apt and Im expecting a fourth. We want to move but cant afford to pay 30k minimum… Read more »

The Rebbe predicted
January 22, 2019 5:49 pm

The rebbe advised all not to sell houses to the yuppies and any non jew.
as we see many times a yuppy buys a house for 1.3 and flips it selling it for 2M

Thank you!
January 22, 2019 5:48 pm

As a proud Crown Heightser I lived in ch my whole life and even though my parent’s expenses where and are insane and even though we lived tightly and not the best conditions (#chapartments) My parents constantly reminded us how lucky we are to live in the rebbes shchunah, the place and community that the rebbe said is kan tziva Hashem es habrocha. I was zoche to grow up and go to 770, the rebbes room, the rebbes libary, the rebbes house, and having the chinuch of beis rivkah which is the mossad of the rebbe. I was lucky to… Read more »

Im a Brooklyn landlord over 37 years in Boro park sunset park area.
January 22, 2019 5:26 pm

The reason landlords struggle is because real estate taxes and water taxes and maintainance go up every year. The liberal politicians are milking the landlords and in turn have to raise the rents. Very simple. I’m wondering why there are so many blacks living around crown heights and how do they afford the rising rents. I understand that the legal increases this year was 2 and a half per cent but there are many private homes with blacks. How do they afford the rents. According to these posts crown heights should be all white yuppies.

Shoshanna Down Under
January 22, 2019 5:22 pm

We also have a housing crisis in Melbourne where the average price for a decent family home in the shtetl is 1.5 million and even two bedroom flats rent for at least $1800 per month. But the author of this article mistakenly blames the landlords. It is not there choice, one needs to understand there are economic forces at work that are beyond the landord’s control. No one will willingly go broke and that includes landlords, even if they are frum Yidden.

It is getting expensive for everyone
January 22, 2019 5:15 pm

Thanks to deblasio and the new ny state government, every part of NY will be expensive for everyone except the very poor and the very rich. Taxes are coming…

To 93
January 22, 2019 5:05 pm

This isnt about starting a plan at age 20!
It starts with elementary/high school education, and sense of responsibility for providing for a family — both of which are sorely lacking in the Chabad (at least CH) community, due to invoking the (alleged) evils of “tachlis”… vd”l

#88
January 22, 2019 5:04 pm

Please, enlighten us. “It worked for me and it will work for everyone!!!” What worked?? Learning in kollel all day long? Sitting back on your couch? How are you exactly able to sustain your family?

So unfortunate
January 22, 2019 4:43 pm

That ppl have fallen so low to fill their greed on the Rebbes shchuna thus driving so many families out a and making others struggle to make ends meet We all know this would pain/ does pain the Rebbe . How do these brokers/ and landlords sleep at night. Forget the tzedaka u give once you’ve robbed others. .be kind and charitable in your business even if you won’t get honorable mentions… And one more thing….once u own a home, please let others who are so desperate find those…don’t keep going for more. If you like real estate go for… Read more »

Savtamiami
January 22, 2019 4:31 pm

My heart goes out to those who have to do so much with so little ($). We lived for years in a similar position. Remember, Ivdu es Hashem b’simcha. Being b’simcha is a choice. It also creates a much higher quality of life. And it’s free.

One who knows
January 22, 2019 4:17 pm

It is time to name names . Everything else is worthless unless we are told who they are . Yes, murdering a community is not Loshen Horah unmasking the bad Unzerah Landlords . When that happens you will see how fast things change . Another unmasking should be done about underhanded shady Real estate Brokers who cause untold damage when they approach our neighbors who have hand shakes to sell their homes for an agreed upon price and they find out about the sale and tell the sellers they can get them more . They kill the deal and now… Read more »

KAHN TZEEVA HASHEM ES HABROCHO!!
January 22, 2019 4:11 pm

KAHN TZEEVA HASHEM ES HABROCHO

Options
January 22, 2019 3:48 pm

You have options. Instead of feeling like a victim you can take control and choose to live elsewhere. It’s true that living in Crown Heights with a large family can be very challenging financially, but nobody is forcing you to live here.
There are many beautiful frum communities outside of NY that are more affordable. There is no magical “they” out there that will read this article and change things for you. The only person who can change things for you is yourself.

New haven!!!
January 22, 2019 3:10 pm

Although it was not publicized new haven has a brand new chader!!! Running very well !! Especially for a first year!!

To #4
January 22, 2019 2:49 pm

Why do need to lie? Alll apartments in 1475 president have 2 sink and have kasherable kitchens and the master bedroom fits two full size beds with a night table and dresser. Why do not you put your money where your mouth is and buy this and any other building we manage and rent all apartments for below market rent. Finally we asked the community council to get us permission to build two extra floors that would be set aside for teacher at very low rent, it was like talking to a wall. Unlike you, I post my name and… Read more »

wow
January 22, 2019 2:03 pm

After reading 92 comments it seems that people are fed up to the point of being angry. People are sick and tired of housing eating up 40-50% of their income.

Time for radical change? or subtle change?
whats the next step??

Under the surface...
January 22, 2019 1:57 pm

I see it in the blank stares in peoples eyes on line to pay at the store. I see it in shul on Shabbos. I see it when people are walking their kids to school. People are hurting – and they are keeping thier pain to themselves. the middle class here in Crown Heights are getting squeezed beyond anything in the past. Camp Gan Israel is now asking $4400 per child. School is now $9,500 ( yes they reduce, but by how much? The silent majority of regular families here in Crown Heights are feeling the squeeze in a slow… Read more »

TO #85
January 22, 2019 1:47 pm

I Disagree. If everyone waited till they had “Financial Security” and a 5 year fiscal plan before they got married then lots of people wouldn’t be married. If someone truly does everything they can to make an income Hashem will surly help and they will be able to cover their expenses. If that means that both spouses must work full time and have to move to a city with cheaper real estate then so be it! The problem is that people are starting a family and then don’t actually put in the work to support them. The quote “no Section-8… Read more »

New Haven, CT
January 22, 2019 1:46 pm

Actually, a cheder opened this year and is expanding already. Now there is a choice of schools for your child’s chinuch, as well as you not being held hostage (mitzad tuition) by the only show in town. Competition is good for everyone! Also, New Haven now has over 100 Chabad families–and it is a warm, friendly community. All types: “Lubav Lite” as well as chassidish. AND there’s a local mesivta (run by Rabbi Lustig) in the heart of the neighborhood. Cheder just got approved for day care. 10 minutes from the Lubav neighborhood are all the stores you need (Costco,… Read more »

Commun sense
January 22, 2019 1:30 pm

There is no room in CH for next generation
Move to NJ or Florida are the best choices
In NJ you have affordable places close to CH and NYC and also beautiful places ( West Orange. Livingston Or not so nice Hillside) you can pay monthly a CH rent and you own the house
In Florida also affordable and beautiful places and tax benefits
(Cheap flights to NY and good global connections)

Boruch Hoffinger
January 22, 2019 1:19 pm

Interesting, why don’t people post their names? Every comment I make, anywhere, and I make many, I state my name. ( Unless dangerous).

Solution:
January 22, 2019 1:18 pm

Work.

The approach of a Chossid
January 22, 2019 1:17 pm

Kaili for Hashem to send you the Brochos that you are lacking, in Parnasa etc.. It worked for me and it will work for everyone!!! The Rebbe holds by this This is the proper way of thinking . The approach of a chossid. Just being angry and resentful of those who have more monetary will not help . Everything comes from Hashem! It says very clearly from our sages that when someone has more it’s not from your loss. They don’t have what they have at your expense. Other people displaying poor judgement is not a reflection of who you… Read more »

Viewpoint, Minn
January 22, 2019 1:09 pm

Beautiful new chassidishe community in Viewpoint, Minn. Affordable housing, numerous schools. Very little unemployment. Personally, I can’t think of any reason why CH’ers aren’t considering a move here.

So simple...
January 22, 2019 12:54 pm

The solution is actually quite simple: Get educated and get a decent job before you get married (or have children)! Why is it that those with the biggest “bitachon” and the biggest beards — and the most scrupulous adherents of all the other segulos for parnassah — are the ones suffering the most financially…? Wake up Yidden! Never in history did Jews get married and have kids without any plan to support a family, the way things are done today… You can quote the “rabbinic sources” all you want — the reality speaks for itself… Relying on charity, government handouts,… Read more »

Shout out to my landlord
January 22, 2019 12:47 pm

Just wanted to say thank you to my landlords of two years, the V. Family of sterling St. Such mentchen. They had their price for rent (the going rate then) but once that was set, they included everything. Utilities WiFi in the price. Let me move in my furniture early as a kalla (I had nowhere to put it) and didn’t charge extra. Let me use their washing machine once a week etc. After hearing from friends and even speaking to other lubavitchers looking to rent out their basements during the apartment hunting, I really appreciated their mentchlichkeit and still… Read more »

A resident
January 22, 2019 12:21 pm

Some of the Jewish landlords here suck people’s blood and then they go on vacation for pesach , summer and their famili live a luxury life and their wives drive luxury suvs and buying tons of designer clothes.
These landlords are from this community
Where is your Rachmani’s for people. We don’t have to pay for your summer vacation and pesach vacation and designer clothes for your wife and children

#25
January 22, 2019 12:11 pm

That’s the truth but no one wants to admit it. We spend extra money on schools because we “need” to. We spend 2, 3, even 4x the amount on kosher food because we “need” to. We get married in our 20s because we “need” to. All these needs are of out own design.

Landlord
January 22, 2019 12:02 pm

I am a small landlord here in CH. My mortgage is expensive. My taxes are expensive. My kids tuition is expenive esp. since the schools know i got a few bucks. I HAVE to charge cloose to market rate or else i will be losing money. I am not in the business of loosing money. Period. That being said, i don’t feel right selling out the Rebbe and the schena for another few hundred a month. I try to rent to yidden but truly many can’t support it. That’s why people can and do move. That’s okay as well. The… Read more »

TO #16,19,24
January 22, 2019 11:37 am

We live in New Haven CT, just wondering where you got your facts from?

STOP COMPLAINING!
January 22, 2019 11:34 am

Housing in Los Angeles is probably %20 more than that. However, you don’t hear people complaining about living there do you? Because they choose to! If you want somewhere cheap move to North Miami Beach. Don’t just sit there and complain about housing being expensive and do nothing about it. Even without a degree there are plenty of companies that will hire a hard working man/women. Are you both working? are you looking for a higher paid job? or just throwing your hands up and expect others to pay for you? you are essentially asking the property owners to pay… Read more »

Look what's happening in Flatbush & BP
January 22, 2019 11:34 am

In Flatbush & BP, so many people got sick and tired of paying high prices for home rentals / purchases, that it created a massive exodus to Lakewood and other nearby communities. Now these same NY neighbourhoods are complaining and whining that their schools are under-populated and that they are at risk of losing their tuition base – it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep their schools open. Consequently, with a lower demand to live there, their real-estate investment in their homes etc is also coming under attack. Certainly, other institutions that depend on having the residents living there, are… Read more »

NEW HAVEN CT
January 22, 2019 11:29 am

TO NUMBER 24, NEW HAVEN IS A VERY NICE, WELCOMING, WARM COMMUNITY. IT S A GREAT LOCATION ONLY 2 HOURS AWAY FROM CROWN HEIGHTS. THERE ARE MANY YOUNG CHILDREN, GOOD EDUCATIONA LUBAVITCH SCHOOLS, AND DIFFERENT SHULS. NEW HAVEN IS BH GROWING. IT IS VERY AFFORDABLE AND I REALLY RECOMMEND MOVING HERE.

Unaffordable ciites
January 22, 2019 11:07 am

Unfortunately this is a problem in every major city in the US and Europe. where once cities were a door to opportunity, of great energies, and minds…now it is a 24 hour treadmill with a very poor quality of life, if you are not in the upper 10%. With a significantly diminished middle class, options are limited. Look outside of CH….look at Cleveland Ohio! Every year more couples from both coasts are giving up the weather of LA and Oregon and Connecticut and NYC to move here! You need to look at this, you can live an affluent life style… Read more »

From number 10
January 22, 2019 11:06 am

We are only trying to point out that landlords who bought houses in recent times are not particularly wealthy . They are struggling like most of you. Even people who bought their houses years and years ago may have taken second mortgages. The point is you don’t know other people’s circumstances nor it is your responsibility to. Your responsibility is to pay the amount agreed on before committing to the rental . I think alot of you from reading these comments understand this. Just be honest upfront about your family can reasonably afford prior to making any commitments. If the… Read more »

Education, Education, Education
January 22, 2019 10:50 am

Don’t blame anyone but yourself, and do that quickly and move on to get an education. You need at least one, if not two educated and good earners in your household to live in any large city.

We’re doing a disservice to our precious children by not educating them well.

Growing Chasidic Community Adding Daycare To School Campus
January 22, 2019 10:38 am
Chicago
January 22, 2019 10:38 am

I’ve always lived here, and don’t plan on moving to CH in the near future, if ever.
Come to Chicago, we have a young, growing community with all the kosher amenities one needs for Jewish life, multiple Chabad shuls, wonderful schools, etc. And not to mention, rent almost half the price of NY.

my 2 cents
January 22, 2019 10:36 am

one of the BIG problems in Crown heights , is that some brokers are the one encouraging the price rise on rentals and home sales … This has been a major issue in the community. I heard from several people looking to sell their house that she pushed them to go up about $50/$70 thousand dollars , just to be able to get a bigger broker fee !!!!!!! That is a CHUTZPAH !!!!!!!! you sell a house for what it is worth !! not for how much you want to out in your pocket . Agents did the same thing… Read more »

move
January 22, 2019 10:34 am

come to philadelphia
you can buy a nice little house in a lubavitch community for about 200,000!!!!!

please
January 22, 2019 9:39 am

this article was written by a person who can not afford the rent. Did you ever consider the expenses that the landlord has? Tenants who are behind in rent. Bank does not wait for payments. You can begrudge the landlord his house but it does not justify your complaints. Find out first the expenses of owning a house. So grow up!

Advice
January 22, 2019 9:32 am

To quote an old saying: Cut your cloak according to your cloth.

And the rich get richer....
January 22, 2019 9:31 am

On account of the poor…

Landlords
January 22, 2019 9:31 am

They have יצר הרע too.
And they know how to listen to him very well.

It’s an סור מרע ועשה טוב work over here.
The landlords should review their capacity to lower rents(even though it became and hot area) just for doing the best they can do to help out other yidden.

And everyone can find a way of making more money with Hashem’s help.

the problem
January 22, 2019 9:19 am

Seriously, being able to pay a Million plus for a home (that probably needs tens of thousands of dollars in repairs) has nothing to do with a person’s education or job. These prices are through the roof making it impossible for even well-off individuals to easily buy. As to paying rent, Crown Hts got itself into a vicious cycle of unaffordability for many reasons -one of which is greed. Before anyone blames outsiders for buying up properties we have one or two here in Crown Hts who claim to be devoted to the Rebbe’s vision for perpetuating a COMMUNITY but… Read more »

Advice
January 22, 2019 9:16 am

Coral Springs Florida! got 2nd largest lubab School / Great community / Affordable housing / and Peace and Harmony !

It is called supply and demand
January 22, 2019 9:11 am

You want a landlord to rent it to you for less than what another person is willing to pay? It doesn’t seem fair to the landlord.

No
January 22, 2019 9:08 am

The answer to the article’s question is: no.

Move somewhere else. Someone will take care of the Rebbe’s shechuna. You can visit as often as you’d like.

93b
January 22, 2019 8:59 am

we need some very experienced real estate people to give some opinions here. Also, is there a book made from all the Rebbe’s answers on this ? The Rebbe did say advice about this . People want to know what the Rebbe says

Welcome to the real wold
January 22, 2019 8:59 am

People want money. And if they can get it they will. No one is giving that up for altruistic reasons. Because of supply and demand they can charge these inflated prices. Until the fad of starting married life in Crown height ends it will continue to rise as demand does. I rented 5 years ago for $1250, the price has risen about $100 a year since, as people come and go.

to #25
January 22, 2019 8:49 am

on target, it’s funny how people think that ch is the whole universe, and some reason can’t get their act together to go to normal schools/normal jobs.
i honestly think that the prices are inflated only to those who make their living with their poor education.

# 35
January 22, 2019 8:42 am

Affordable housing in Efrat? I’m not so sure about that. A small house without a rental is about 600,000. Salaries are very low. Please enlighten me.

We Were FORCED to leave Crown Heights due to the rising cost of rentals
January 22, 2019 8:42 am

Despite living here for several decades…money seems to be the iykar-the top priority in the schechuna of the Rebbe, ZY’A!

Baltimore
January 22, 2019 8:41 am

Very warm and chassidishe community, affordable housing, excellent school, job opportunities, large frum infrastructure…

Why post this same question over and over
January 22, 2019 8:40 am

IF U HAVE NO ANSWER FOR LOWERING PRICES HERE THEN DON”T POST DUMB QUESTIONS. Make more money of move out that life in a gentrified Brooklyn.

To #46
January 22, 2019 8:40 am

If you worry about your children, help them become self sufficient. Being dependent on their parents and neighbors makes them into lifetime babies that will always need others to help them. Stop the cycle of dependency. Start with your own children and help them become adults.

To #46
January 22, 2019 8:29 am

This is life, sweety.

Solution:
January 22, 2019 8:22 am

Work.

Solution!
January 22, 2019 8:04 am

Why can Mr… who owns 20 buildings in CH give the yungerlait in Kolel rent for 1000$ a month for two years to help them out !
It will help allot in starting life peacefully and have shalom bais!
And everyone will need to lower there rent !

talk is cheap!
January 22, 2019 7:59 am

Many talk but that’s it do something about it everyone wants everything for nothing Go try to purchase a house within the main borders of Crown heights easily 1.5 Mil Everyone pays it why? not much choice you don’t want it? that yuppie from Manhattan making a good salary looking for something out of Manhattan but within reasonable travel time will snap it up landlords? don’t blame them for everything have you seen the expenses? I have suggested to people time & again move up here to the Bronx but they whine no this no that prices are at least… Read more »

Come to Chabad of Penn Wynne
January 22, 2019 7:49 am

There is a fast growing Chabad community in the Philly area- Chabad of Penn Wynne. In Overbrook park where many Chabadniks live, you can get a house for less than 200. In Penn Wynne, you can get a house for 300 something. There is a Chabad cheder.

Wolf
January 22, 2019 7:43 am

Reach out to wolf from Chicago maybe he can make a real estate video with names.

To the writer (from an understanding mom)
January 22, 2019 7:34 am

I wanted to let you know that I totally understand you. Unfortunately you are not alone. I don’t see a change coming any time soon. I would have moved out of town a long time ago, however due to medical conditions it’s not an option for my family right now. So if our can, if nothing is pulling you to stay here besides loving crown heights and appreciating the hollyness, I suggest you move out now, while your children are still small it’s so much easier. I know it’s easier then done, but again if not for our medical conditions,… Read more »

Response to those
January 22, 2019 7:02 am

Promoting New Haven, CT.

There is no chassidishe chinuch, the day school there is mixed. My wife wanted to move there but we are not willing to compromise the education of our children for a big back yard and cheaper mortgage. Maybe if there would be a real cheder more people would move there.

To #6, 8,11
January 22, 2019 6:59 am

When you say “move”…. To where?! People grew up here their whole life, their family is here, this is the chabad community. Besides for losing all that when they move, all they’ll get else where is a home for cheaper, everything else who’ll cost more for a frum lifestyle. Kosher food, tuition, two cars etc. The community council (does is exist?), needs to get on top of the situation desparatly. Bh I was in a fortunate situation with my home, but I worry for my children… I don’t want them living in Tennessee!

A few landlords killed it
January 22, 2019 6:45 am

There are people that bought the buildings decades and decades ago, have fully paid them off and are just collecting rent year after year after year making loads of money. It’s those people that continuously raise the rents just to fill their pockets that destroyed the affordability of Crown Heights.

A resident
January 22, 2019 6:40 am

No one can get section 8 bcuz people don’t give it up when they move or etc and save it for relative or friend who is engaged or might get engage. Either way it is not fair
A single person lives in three bedroom and does not notify the landlord. It is robbery another fair to others.

Yaacov Chaim
January 22, 2019 6:18 am

Move to Kingston PA, u can rent a 4bedroom home for the price of a one bedroom apt in CH,
Home prices are under 200K,
Solid anash community with ~60 family’s KAH
School, shul, Mikvah,

To ch community
January 22, 2019 6:15 am

There is a new vibrant chabad community growing just near by inn Brownsville Brooklyn NY. They have quite a few familys
With a minyan
just steps away from ch with all its ammenities.
Prices are more affordable
Easier to buy.

Adding to #4
January 22, 2019 6:02 am

In additional there us another “BIG” landlord that we all know who has many buildings in the best areas of Crown Heights who “buys off” some of our Yeshivas & other organizations & thereby is “obsolved” from renting HUNDREDS of apartments to Yiddin.

someone must do something about it?
January 22, 2019 6:01 am

why dont you start by moving and doing your shlichus outside the bubble? you spent lots of time with your chevra when you were a bachur now it is tine to let it go. prices will only drop when demands drop

Prices are starting to drop
January 22, 2019 5:55 am

And will continue to do so

Too bad..
January 22, 2019 5:54 am

That’s life. If you can’t afford it, move elsewhere.

Two words
January 22, 2019 5:28 am

Cleve land

PERHAPS NOT ALL LANDLORDS ARE EQUAL
January 22, 2019 5:27 am

There’s richer landlords and there’s not so rich landlords who may struggle to make ends meet – with mortgages etc. And then there’s landlords who rent to yuppies and it;s all business. And there’s chesed – and each landlord knows his part and what he can do – as business is fine but chesed in a Torah community has to be there – the landlord who can – must somehow keep his prices a bit down – for CHESED. Why does a rich man have money – says Torah – to help his fellows. Nothing wrong with having a lot… Read more »

Come to Efrat, Israel
January 22, 2019 4:57 am

Beautiful living in the Judean Hills. 25 minutes from yerushallaim, warm welcoming community. Great schools (10 minute drive to Beitar Illit w large choice of chabad schools), 2 shluchim. Affordable housing (new construction) in brand new neighborhood with a growing chabad community.

SOLUTION!!!!!!!
January 22, 2019 3:42 am

Move to East Flatbush. A really nice growing lubavitch community. Buy now before they hit a million. Out of C.H. but so so close to C.H.

To number 13
January 22, 2019 3:35 am

There is a major reason why people stay in Crown heights. The Rebbe. The holiness, the beauty of community. The Rebbe wamted people to live here… And i believe that The Rebbe also said not to take the rent up high. I think landlord’s should ask The Rebbe individually about what price their rentals should be, as i understamd that now housing expenses are much more then it used to be. Ex; Rebbe, im thinking to rent it out for this amount of $, im asking for a bracha… And with that The Rebbe will guide… But still, remember we… Read more »

To #10
January 22, 2019 3:04 am

My heart bleeds for you! It is interesting why some of the CH landlords have to walk around with minders/security, is it because of all the chesed they do? My son and daughter both rented apartments for a few years after marriage before going on Shlichus. When there were problems that were the responsibility of the landlord such as mice/rats, electricity o we seer heat etc. it was my children who had to pay!!! And if they complained, they were just told to get out!! #10, let me know who you are, and I will send you a bottle of… Read more »

There are other communities
January 22, 2019 2:46 am

With a Rebbe who is bli gvul it’s not imperative to live in CH anymore אזוי מיין איך.

Education
January 22, 2019 1:08 am

Girls and boys need to continue to higher education so that they have a chance to support themselves. Wonderful programs like Cope or Sara Schenirer offer these opportunities.

Blaming landlords who need to pay their own expenses doesnt help!
January 22, 2019 1:05 am

Don’t blame your landlord, you have no idea what their expenses are.
Keep doing the right thing, have more kids than you think you can afford and that will create a Kaili for Hashem to send you the Brochos that you are lacking, in Parnasa etc..
It worked for me and it will work for everyone!!! The Rebbe says it!!!

Vaad
January 22, 2019 12:37 am

It’s time lubavitch got a vaad together to help each other buy houses and build buildings. They managed to do it in Williamsburg we should learn from our brothers.

Education education education
January 22, 2019 12:36 am

This is not a kollell town.

Kingston
January 22, 2019 12:36 am

The rebbe would tell everyone to move to Kingston Pennsylvania!
just because you can afford it you shouldn’t have other people’s blood on your hands that can’t afford it shame on you crown heights! Everyonene let’s make a grande Exodus to Kingston Pennsylvania together!

Grow up
January 22, 2019 12:19 am

Crown heights is one of the cheapest neighborhoods around. Our lack of work skills education has led us to the point where our young can not cover rent that is half the price of that in other neighborhoods. The assertion that housing prices are the result of lubavtichers flipping houses a decade a ago is laughable. Hate to break it to you, the world and economy is a lot larger than crown heights. Here’s a wake up call to CH as a whole; your kids can’t afford sub-par rent due to the incredibly useless education you’ve provided. But go on,… Read more »

To #16 & 19 New Haven
January 22, 2019 12:14 am

It is Interesting that you are so fond of New Haven. Do you know a thing sir 2 about New Haven? Do you know that they charge $18,000 USD to go to their new school, that was supposedly to help the community grow… I live here, I was lead to believe that this is affordable, it is not! Housing is cheaper, but you are held hostage by other expenses that will not allow you to remain here for more than a year or two. Most people here are looking to move, just ask them why…. Do your research before moving… Read more »

That really not right and fair
January 22, 2019 12:00 am

The landlord that bought the bulding 50 years a go paid very little compair today . So why he should ask for so much money
We talking a bout yiden chasidishe couple want to raise there family in the rabbi shchuna that not right some body had to do some thing they must lower the prices . Most of the people aren’t milyoners like them .

To #7
January 21, 2019 11:54 pm

I understood a bout those who bought a house now . They definitely need the income to pay the mogage like young couple . That bought a house on east Flatbush working very hard both of them took loan . And payed 500.000$ Their parents couldn’t help them But the land lord of so many Bulding in our Comunity that made his a fortune. And have 24 25 Buldings and more all his children have b”h houses and some fancy homes . He has to consider low the price of ranting . His family can afford it . They made… Read more »

Agree with 14!
January 21, 2019 11:48 pm

You are 100 percent right!!
This needs a whole separate article
It’s a disgrace and should not be tolerated !!

Mendel Engel
January 21, 2019 11:43 pm

True point. At the same time, strengthen your Bitachon, there are many ways Hashem can make it work for you. High rent prices forced me to make the jump to buy. Honestly I couldn’t really afford it. Hashem has ways of making everything work out.

New haven CT
January 21, 2019 11:26 pm

Nice beautiful Frum community, brand new chasidishe chader.
Apartments are affordable, housing is affordable.
Nice young growing community.
Market place delivers once a week, has kosher pizza a few days a week.we moved in 2 years ago, would never go back . Not to say we don’t have our issues but it’s definitely more peaceful!!
Rachamim R.

The old “scheme“ of frum family doesn't work anymore ....
January 21, 2019 11:21 pm

Sadly but the old school how to start a family in CH is not working anymore . U can’t be stay at home mother and have a husband that can work any low skill job to support a growing family ….. Today both individuals before marriage needs to have good degrees , stable career at least one from the family – means u can’t marry off kids at 18 anymore if u are not wealthy enough to support them for good 3-5 years till they obtain good education…. Brooklyn became available for roommates today but not young families Community needs… Read more »

prices don't go down
January 21, 2019 11:19 pm

Real estate prices for apartments don’t decrease. Family expenses do increase. Good luck.

Growing Chabad Community In New Haven
January 21, 2019 11:17 pm

It is not and you should consider moving out of the neighborhood. Check out New Haven CT.

There are landlords that actually do not overprice
January 21, 2019 11:12 pm

The Rebbe wants Yidden to live in Crown Heights

People
January 21, 2019 11:09 pm

People from other Jewish neighborhood come here and build small apartments for yuppies and our frum young couples can’t afford the prices, but in the other neighborhood the community counsel there dont let them do it , here nobody cares, that’s why they do it here. Over here, our representatives, they only want to take advantage for themselves.

Why stay in Crown Heights
January 21, 2019 11:06 pm

This isn’t a Crown Heights problem. It’s a metropolitan leftist city problem. California and NY have such prices. There is no reason why people insist in staying in these cities which have such high costs of living. Band together and start a strong community in Tennessee. Your cost of living will be a whole lot lower.

Eeek
January 21, 2019 11:02 pm

This article and comments! It’s a tough market, but you are an adult. Take responsibility for your choices, and be proactive about what you need to do for your future. CH has certain financial benefits, so calculate if that is where you want to stay. Oot can bring many expenses, but that depends on where.. . Your income potential- this is not something that just happens to you, figure out how you can push yourself with job skills, education, work experience, and an old fashioned work ethic. Your spending habits are also your responsibility, frugality means different things to different… Read more »

Completely untenable
January 21, 2019 10:58 pm

Thanks for asking. Nobody is gonna do a thing. start looking for somewhere to move

From a landlord
January 21, 2019 10:53 pm

Houses are expensive to buy in CH as well. The owner has to comprise on space they want or need in lieu of renting to another family providing shelter to other people’s children When they might need the space for their own. The landlord can only hope in return the tenate will uphold their halachic, legal and financial responabilties in return! When the landlord depends on this money to maintain the costs of the house , not to make a profit ONLY to keep a float and the renter falls short that’s equally unjust. It’s not unusual for tenats to… Read more »

Only way...
January 21, 2019 10:50 pm

Until someone releases an expose with names and tactics, sadly nothing will happen. But watch out landlords, someone will be doing it soon.

Buddy
January 21, 2019 10:47 pm

Just leave crown heights. You can’t afford it.
Why shouldn’t the landlords charge what the market deems fair?
Frankly, this article sounds a little looserish. Blaming your landlords for your own financial problems

To the author
January 21, 2019 10:46 pm

You are asking the question that hundreds of people have been asking for the last 15 years. Do a search and you will find articles as far back as 2006 where this issue is discussed. The reason is due to a vicious cycle. Before we get into detail, there is a simple rule called supply and demand. Supply and demand is what dictates the average market price of real estate for rent or purchase. To simplify this, if you owned a Honda Accord worth $25,000, and your friend desperately needed a car and wanted to buy your Accord for $15,000,… Read more »

Here we go again...
January 21, 2019 10:43 pm

Same article that was written ten times before. Bla bla bla. Solution: Do not live in c.h.

Yes!
January 21, 2019 10:35 pm

It shouldn’t be a fortune to have a roof over your head.

landlords
January 21, 2019 10:31 pm

its a chutzpah that we have a Lubavitcher landlord who toke a prime location as president st and albany ave and build not for his fellow lubavs but for yuppies. 1 sink bedrooms that can only fit one bed. and noone says anything!!!! This would not happen in williamsburg

Landlord
January 21, 2019 10:19 pm

Steam, water, tax, all went sky high. And if anything breaks. The plumber electrician want $50 to just walk into the door . Please the rent just barely cover# the expenses. And the mortgage and money borrowed for down payment. Landlords can hardly cover their expenses.

Every Jew a "22"
January 21, 2019 10:15 pm

Unfortunately, it’s not affordable. Rack up debt, declare bankruptcy and move to a different country. That’s what we did. Worked pretty well BH.

Two Qoutes Below.
January 21, 2019 10:14 pm

I am going to qoute two parts from this article.

‘’The one-bedroom apartment is just not going work and no Section-8 apartments are freeing up. ’’

‘’As a frum Jewish person, I have expenses that my gentile neighbors don’t.’’

X