What's it like to live in Jersey City
Jersey City has the benefit of being a commutable distance from Manhattan, yet having everything you need at your fingertips - without the ‘big city’ price tag. Enjoy the skyline views from one of the neighborhood’s many green spaces and capitalize on the eclectic food scene and nightlife.
Where is it?
Jersey City is on a peninsula between the Hudson and Hackensack rivers, opposite Manhattan.
What’s the transport like?
New Jersey's prime selling point is how easy it is to get to Manhattan. The Lincoln and Holland Tunnels and George Washington Bridge connect the two and have a bus service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. New Jersey Transit trains run to and from Pennsylvania Station and the PATH train goes right into Manhattan. You've also got the options of ferries and water taxis running from Midtown and Lower Manhattan to several locations in New Jersey.
Where do the locals go?
Parks:
At the heart of northern New Jersey, view the Manhattan skyline from New Jersey State Park, and enjoy a picnic with a backdrop of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Head down early on a sunny day to secure a table and use the nearby grill (used on a first-come, first-serve basis), but you can always bring your own charcoal grill and picnic blanket instead!
Visit the Nature Center and browse the exhibits focusing on the natural history and ecology of the Hudson River Estuary. Afterwards, head to the adjacent nature path to the unique wildlife habitat of the salt marshes - one of the few remaining tidal marshes of the Hudson River Estuary.
If you’re more of a science enthusiast, head to the Liberty Science Center to experience some of their hands-on science experiences and exhibitions, and visit the largest planetarium in the Western Hemisphere!
Lincoln Park is the oldest and largest of the County Parks in Jersey City, covering 273.4 acres. For the sporty types, check out their athletic facilities, including 21 tennis courts, 7 baseball/softball diamonds, basketball and handball courts, soccer fields, a running track, and a cross-country course. The main feature of the park, however, is Edgewood Lake. Its location on the Hackensack River is part of the Historic Liberty/Water Gap trail. Follow the nature trails winding through it for a break from the city.
Events & Activities:
The best restaurants:
Nearly fifty years ago, The Barge Inn opened its doors, making it the oldest Italian restaurant in Jersey City. Despite being a small bottom floor restaurant, it’s always packed out - when food is this good you don’t need a flashy exterior on a busy street. Their authentic Italian menu reads straight from Nonna's recipe book; stuffed rigatoni, linguini with clam sauce, homemade Italian cheesecake. This is an Italian restaurant that even Italians want to visit.
Ani Ramen House has several joins across Jersey City and two in New York. This is a casual spot that’s perfect for a quick lunch and always guarantees good food, drinks, and music. Try the spicy miso from their ramen bowl menu, or if you fancy trying something different, their brothless ramen with pork belly. Make sure you order a side of bao buns with your choice of filling, served up with cabbage, pickled cucumber and spicy-miso mayo.
Contrary to its name - Dullboy is anything but boring when it comes to food options. Order black truffle devilled eggs and peach and prosciutto hot pockets from their small plate menu, and choose accompanying cocktails (all with a Dullboy twist!). Get together a group of friends and join for one of their Sunday movie nights to round off the weekend.
The best bars:
Lucky 7 Tavern has been a staple of downtown Jersey City for years, and there's a good reason for it. With an impressive range of whiskey and fourteen beers on top - not to mention being home to the self-proclaimed ‘best jukebox in town’ - this dimly lit no-fuss bar will make you feel like a local on your first visit. They’re best known for their menu of authentic southern barbeque and weekly deal of $5 cans with a shot of bourbon. We challenge you not to end the night dancing on the table and chowing down on 20 pc wings!
Despite the prohibition era ending almost a century ago, the novelty of speakeasy bars still hasn’t worn off. Above Franklin Social, you’ll find an inconspicuous door to The Junto Attic Bar, where you’ll be greeted by candle-lit tables, jazz music, and tainted light through the building's original stained glass windows. Open a leather-bound book to browse the decedent menu of cocktails - or ask one of the highly skilled mixologists to create you something special. They don’t take reservations here, so get down early to guarantee a table!
Pet Shop, named after the space’s former tenant, is a bar offering a small, yet refined menu of draft beer, wine and cocktails. The interior is industrial style - think brick walls and exposed vents with fairy lights strung from the ceilings and framed pictures of animals. Its atmosphere is relaxed and perfect for a date night or catching up with close friends. Try their cauliflower ‘wings’ or pineapple jalapeno flatbread - the joint is vegetarian, to honour the previous owner's love for animals (of course).
The best coffee shops:
You could easily walk past The Treehouse Coffee Shop if it wasn’t for its brightly colored exterior making this hole-in-the-wall cafe stand out. The place isn’t designed for spreading out or bringing your work laptop, so don’t count on getting a seat, but it’s perfect for a pick-up on your commute. Make sure to try their Vietnamese Red Eye - a speciality mixture of Cold Brew, a Single Shot of Espresso, Chicory Vanilla Brown Sugar syrup, and cream; all brewed from Brooklyn Roasting Company coffee beans! They also have a great selection of iced tea and organic lemonades if you’re not a caffeine fanatic. Check out their daily spread of healthy treats and fresh pastries. So whether you opt for overnight oats with blueberries, or treat yourself to a brown butter and almond financier, they’ve got you covered.
Froth on Franklin is a true neighborhood cafe with local roots. Tucked away on an otherwise sleepy corner of the Heights, it’s easy to tell why this cosy cafe is a local favorite. Their coffee beans are roasted right here in Jersey City and are used to make anything from your regular cup of Joe, to extravagant choco-mint cold brew and Nutella lattes! In fall, drop by to try one of their apple cider donuts coated in cinnamon sugar - you won’t regret it.
If you’re craving a European getaway, Dream Vista might be the next best thing. This female-owned Mediterranean-inspired cafe is beautifully decorated with blue azulejo-style decor to make you feel a million miles away from the bustling city. They serve food and drink with a European flare by incorporating flavours such as pistachio, rose and cardamom into their coffee and hot chocolate. Nothing beats eating a Turkish bagel or slice of baklava in their outdoor seating areas on a sunny day!
Stores:
Find Kanibal & Co. at 197 Montgomery Street for locally-made products and specially curated gifts. The store stocks everything from apparel and accessories to home furnishings and fine jewelry, so you’ll never be stuck for a last-minute birthday present (or an excuse to get yourself a gift). Follow their Instagram to purchase a ticket for one of their monthly craft classes taught by Jersey City-based artists. Learn a new skill whilst supporting a local business!
Another Man’s Treasure was included in Elle Magazine's best places to shop vintage in America. Refinery 29 even listed it as one of 25 reasons to move to New Jersey! New items are added to the shop weekly - you never know what absolute steals you might find. They also have a great selection of vintage vinyl from local store, Iris Records.
A recently opened and soon to become local gem is Living Room. Check out this store for all your homeware needs including cushions, throws, candles and stationery. For an evening activity, sign up for one of their arts and crafts workshops or talks from local artists.
What’s it famous for?
Despite New York having legal jurisdiction over her, the Statue of Liberty’s residence is actually in Jersey City. Other iconic residents include Akon, Martha Stewart and Nancy Sinatra.