Wow! I didn't realize that my original post turned into a heated discussion and offended some people here since I have not checked the forum as I was dealing with the closing, final walk through, and all the good stuff...
My husband and I have been looking for an apartment to buy for probably 2 years. We have been looking around at Washington Heights, Inwood, Williamsburg, park slope, long island city, Astoria.... you name it.
What attracted us originally about Jackson Heights was the beautiful spacious pre-war apartments in the Historical area. We were so turned off by all the cookie cutter new developments with no personalities. The apartments in Jackson Heights were absolutely gorgeous! Inwood has some beautiful apartments, but even though it is still part of the Manhattan, the transportation just did not seem very convenient compare to Jackson Heights.
At one point last year, we practically spent every weekends in Jackson Heights looking for apartments. We walked up and down the 37th avenue numerous times and really enjoyed the neighborhood. Our first stop was always the Argentina Pastry shop for some coffee and pastries. We loved all the world cuisines we ate here, the Indian and Chinese supermarkets.... I found myself always looking forward to the trips to Jackson Heights, and the commute from and to Manhattan was a breeze.
I for one did not like what was happening in Manhattan the past couple of years with banks and drug stores opening in every block. And all the new developments happening on the west side! It did not feel like New York at all. I thought Manhattan was losing it's charm and looked more and more like the rest of the America.
Having said that, being a New Yorker, I love to walk every chance I get.
I enjoy being able to work out in a gym that is within walking distance to my apartment so that going to a gym does not need to be a big project. (All women would understand the challenge of getting all the facial/hair products, outfits together trying to incorporate gym into part of you day.)
On a lazy weekend when I am not in the mood to plan ahead and do anything particularly productive but doesn't feel like to stay home, I would take a short walk and spend an afternoon sitting in the bookstore cafe browsing through books and magazines or maybe go see a movie from the movie theater nearby. I was not so lucky on the organic market, I had to take a bus or subway for that one.
Okay, so maybe I am being naive or spoiled... I really did not expect my wish of having the convenience of easy access to these things would cause such strong reactions and the horrible "G" debate. I love those mom and pop shops. I am excited to move to Jackson Heights. But I still would love to have movie theaters, Gyms, bookstore, and good organic market around.
I honestly thought people living in Jackson Heights will enjoy having the convenience of these things too. Boy, am I wrong.
But does it have to be one or another? It's like... can I say that I love my husband to death but he told bad jokes sometimes and I wish he eventually would learn to pick after his socks??
If I move to Jackson Heights from Brooklyn and hoping for a good pizzeria in the neighborhood or if I come fresh out of the boat from another country and wanting an authentic home cooking restaurant, would it be less offensive?
Anyway, peace and love, my soon to be neighbors!