If you can comfortably afford to spend 1.5 mio +++ what do you buy...the historic old brownstone that has loads of charm but will cost a fortune to maintainand upkeep or the new Maxwell condo with little charm, an amazing view, and tons of ammenities?

Easy choice. Maxwell. I could care less about charm. I want modern luxury with every amenity and convenience on site. I want to relax on my balcony and enjoy the city views, with parks right next to my building. Can't wait.

Maxwell in a heartbeat.

Parking is horrible for the brownstones. That is enough to keep me from ever looking there.

Plus, not interested in charm. Interested in more contemporary stuff. Don't have time to bother with fixing every little thing that goes wrong. Work too hard at my day job for that.

I'd take a private home w/ backyward and garage or at least driveway to park car over Maxwell assuming the taxes on the home have not been reasessed.

Who wants a "brownstone" in hoboken with a 13' wide living room?
If we're talking about the separated single families on 9th/Hudson and Castle Point Terrace St, then maybe - but those are asking 2.5MM to 3MM for places that need to be completely renovated.

interesting since there are plenty of maxwell units with 13-14 foot wide living rooms....

I'm so glad all you nervous Toll sales staff, realtors, and flippers are bashing the brownstones. It will make it easier for me to buy one.

Enjoy today's Fed announcement.

Not bashing, just stating our preference.

It's really all a matter of lifestyle choice, isn't it? With the condo, you get minimal maintenance, doorman, a gym, etc. But you have to live surrounded on all sides, in close quarters, with other people you may not like so much. Plus, you probably won't have all that much storage space and your outdoor space will be a small patio.

With a brownstone, you will get more space, most likely, a nice backyard and the freedom of only having a few neighbors, and maybe even some rental income. Plus, your home will probably stand the test of time - after all, hasn't it already? Brownstones seem to be built much better than anything Bob Toll is making. But parking is a b-tch and a half, and you will have A LOT more to maintain. Personally, I'd go with the brownstone, especially if you have kids or will have kids. But that's a personal preference - I'd much rather own a SFH than a condo - it's a safer bet to me.

What are the square foot differences we're talking about?

A house is one thing, a brownstone quite another.

The majority of Hoboken brownstones lack parking and garbage cans are kept in the front yard. Not my idea of luxury. Also, if you're in a condo, at least there is some overarching force ensuring that your neighbors' apartment isn't an eyesore. Same can't be said for brownstones. You can have a gorgeous brownstone, but the one next door might be a shoddily maintained dump full of renters. There are plenty of examples of this in our own little town, check it out yourselves.

All that said, I agree that the difference is a lifestyle choice. Also, there are some lovely brownstones that have been renovated in town. But, renovations aren't my thing. Last thing I want to do is haggle with contractors, many of whom do poor jobs.