Jersey City may be on the other side of the Hudson from NYC, but it has its merit as a great city. Full of amazing bars and restaurants, outdoor space and parks, relatively affordable housing, and a great community of residents, Jersey City is home to people who know NYC isn’t the “be-all end-all.” On top of all of the great amenities, there is a whole host of reliable public transportation in case you still need to commute to the city for work. On top of all of that, it has the same gorgeous waterfront views you can find in Manhattan without the unreasonable price tag. Don’t let NYC locals bully you, Jersey City is the place to be!

Although Jersey City has all you might need for amazing city life, some complaints being a PATH ride or a ferry away from Manhattan life can be isolating. If you commute to NYC for work, your co-workers may be less inclined to head to your neck of the woods for happy hour. And don’t get us started on dating. You’ll want to set your radius to Jersey City proper or you will get a hard swipe left. 



Big City Amenities Without the Pricetag

LookyLOO Review of Jersey City

Named one of the most diverse cities in the United States, Jersey City is known for its close-knit communities, amazing nightlife, and prime real estate location. If you move here, you’ll be a part of a community that puts in work during the day and spends time with family and friends at night. There are great restaurants and bars, museums and art exhibits, and beautiful parks for everyone to enjoy. Because of its location, it’s known as a commuter city. Less than half of the population of the city owns a car, and many rely on PATH or other public transportation to get around. 

If you're interested in checking out what the locals do for fun and culture in JC here's the [**calendar of events**](https://jcitytimes.com/event-calendar/#/): 

Lifestyle 

Jersey City has what is known as “Wall Street West” and half of the private sector jobs in the city are in securities, banking, and insurance. Home to two money management firm headquarters, [**Verisk Analytics**](https://www.verisk.com/) and [**Lord Abbett**](https://www.lordabbett.com/), as well as the Forbes headquarters. Jersey City also sees a swell in daytime population because there are a ton of people who come in to work in the financial and service industries, as well as shipping, logistics, and retail. 


Worklife 

Jersey City is seeing a surge in new residents as the popularity of remote work continues to pick up. People are realizing that if they don’t have to be in Manhattan every day, why not find a place a little more reasonably priced, with the same amenities and beautiful waterfront views. If you’ve wanted to move to NYC, but are intimidated by the price tag or the population, give Jersey City a try!


The Surge

Why Move Now?

**NCreature**
2y ago
🦉🦉🦉

If you need to be near New York City, Jersey City is hard to beat. Along with Hoboken and the Weehawken waterfront accessibility and proximity to the city is about as good as you get without actually living in the city. It's basically the sixth borough, but way, way more interconnected to NYC than say Staten Island which is basically a New Jersey suburb.

It is slightly cheaper than New York City (Manhattan at least) but not significantly so depending on where you are. You're much more likely to find a deal in JC though than in NY.

The neighborhoods range from super dicey to up and coming (Journal Square) to luxurious (Hamilton Park, Paulus Hook, Newport waterfront, Liberty Harbor). A lot of people choose The Heights as well. Downtown is basically a different city from everything west of 78. If you live downtown, for the most part there are ample ways of getting into New York. There are three PATH stations at Exchange Place, Grove Street and Newport downtown and a fourth at Journal Square. There are at least four or five light rail stops and multiple places to catch the ferry. Jersey City, at least around Hamilton Park/Van Vorst Park/Paulus Hook almost has a Brooklyn vibe will all the brownstones. The closer you get to the river the cleaner, quieter and safer it gets.

For more reviews of what living in Jersey City is like from locals check out: [**The Reviews**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/jersey-city/reviews).

Love it OR It can be isolating

Reviews of Jersey City from Locals

Jersey City is divided into six wards, each with its own distinct feel. You can find a mix of high-rises, condos, historic brownstones row houses, as well as converted lofts, all within city limits. You’ll want to be aware of your commute, if you have one, as locals say that living too far of a walk from the PATH is a real turnoff for certain residents. 


Neighborhoods

People looking for a traditional college-town atmosphere might be a bit disappointed in Jersey City. Like its neighbor NYC, it’s a traditional high-rise city void of any real college pride small town feel. That being said, if you’re a college-aged person looking to move, you can find a great spot close to public transportation, restaurants, and nightlife:
- Journal Square


College Students

Journal Square

Young Professionals can find a lot to fall in love with in Jersey City. You can have affordable housing, for the NYC area, easy access to public transportation, amazing nightlife, and parks for you and your furry friend. Check out these amazing neighborhoods:
- Lafayette
- Journal Square


Young Professionals

Lafayette

Despite having a city feel, there are plenty of neighborhoods that allow you to have space to stretch your legs, even have a garage! Check out these neighborhoods if you’re a younger family looking for your first home and space to move around:
- Van Vorst Park/Hamilton Park
- Greenville
- Lincoln Park
- Waterfront


Young Families

Van Horst Park 

Established families have a lot to look forward to when moving to Jersey City. There are great schools, parks, and amenities for the whole family. If you’re looking for a great home to settle down in, check out these neighborhoods: 
- Bergen Hill
- Paulus Hook
- The Heights


Established Families

Bergen Hill 

Look no further than Jersey City for your perfect recently-retired paradise. An endless list of amazing restaurants, easy access to NYC, and entertainment for days mean you’ll never be bored. Check out these amazing neighborhoods if you’re looking to explore empty nester life!
- Downtown Jersey City
- The Heights


Retirees

Downtown

Jersey City

**NCreature**
2y ago
🦉🦉🦉

If you need to be near New York City, Jersey City is hard to beat. Along with Hoboken and the Weehawken waterfront accessibility and proximity to the city is about as good as you get without actually living in the city. It's basically the sixth borough, but way, way more interconnected to NYC than say Staten Island which is basically a New Jersey suburb.

It is slightly cheaper than New York City (Manhattan at least) but not significantly so depending on where you are. You're much more likely to find a deal in JC though than in NY.

The neighborhoods range from super dicey to up and coming (Journal Square) to luxurious (Hamilton Park, Paulus Hook, Newport waterfront, Liberty Harbor). A lot of people choose The Heights as well. Downtown is basically a different city from everything west of 78. If you live downtown, for the most part there are ample ways of getting into New York. There are three PATH stations at Exchange Place, Grove Street and Newport downtown and a fourth at Journal Square. There are at least four or five light rail stops and multiple places to catch the ferry. Jersey City, at least around Hamilton Park/Van Vorst Park/Paulus Hook almost has a Brooklyn vibe will all the brownstones. The closer you get to the river the cleaner, quieter and safer it gets.

**Anonymous**
3mo ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉

My best friends live here, is number one.

Great bar scene, esp once you’ve figured out a nice rotation.

Even in the heights, everything is pretty walkable. We know our neighbors, there’s always something to do, and if there’s not, a JC night drive is hard to beat.

You also have the best independent radio station in the country in WFMU. Each neighborhood has its own distinct feel. The diversity of JC is unmatched, and our pizza is on par with (maybe better than) NYC.

I liked living in NY but I love Jersey City

**ParamedicCareful3840**
1y ago
🦉🦉🦉

I know a couple who moved there, they moved from Brooklyn. They were able to buy a place, it’s new, huge and it has a giant rooftop deck. It’s a very nice place. They would not have been able to get that in Park Slope (where they lived in Brooklyn). So, it’s really what are you looking for. They were looking to buy and their money went farther out in NJ, but renting I would probably stay in the city (and they did until they bought)

**tymist87**
4mo ago
🦉🦉🦉

Born and raised in New Jersey, went to college in Newark, got a job in midtown. Being on this side of the river was easier just based on my roots (family, friends, school connections). Wanted a car-free lifestyle and being in JC allowed that versus other areas of NJ. I’m closer to JSQ, so I do get better bang for my buck compared to downtown JC. And I also love always getting a seat on the 33rd St PATH.

Have started considering moving to NY because I do go out a lot (not necessarily partying) but even after a late dinner or hanging out with someone, it does get a bit annoying to worry about PATH frequency and then if my bus is running. Also I think I’ve taken the city for granted because I’ve lived in NJ my whole life, so I think I could finally check off “remember when I lived in the city in my twenties/thirties”.

Jersey City, New Jersey

Chilltown

Looklyloo Score: 90