Jersey City is the largest city of Hudson county, and the second most populous city in the state of New Jersey. Ellis islands, a part of Jersey City are also regarded as New York’s sixth borough, given their proximity and accessibility by rapid transit to Manhattan, Jersey City and Hudson County. And its proximity to New York City has helped develop Jersey City into a hub of commerce, industry, and residential development. So if you’re looking for rooms for rent in Jersey City, here’s all you need to know about the city.
Getting to know Jersey City
Jersey City is located on the peninsula known as Bergen Neck, with a waterfront on the east at the Hudson River and New York Bay and on the west at the Hackensack River and Newark Bay. Being one of the major port of entry for immigration to the U.S., as well as a major employment center, Jersey city is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the world!
Jersey City is also home to the tallest buildings in New Jersey, including the Goldman Sachs tower, which tops out at 781 feet tall. Additionally, the major international ports like port Jersey and the International Matex-Tank Terminal has given way to redevelopment, making it one of the largest centers of banking and finance in the United States. This has led to the district and city being nicknamed Wall Street West too!
Finding rooms for rent in Jersey City
The city is essentially divided into six wards roughly corresponding to neighborhoods. So when you’re looking for rooms for rent in Jersey City, you’ll find them in Bergen-Lafayette, Downtown Jersey City, The Heights, Journal Square, Greenville and West Side wards of Jersey City.
Top Neighborhoods in Jersey City
Now that we know about six wards, here are the best neighborhoods you should know about to find rooms for rent in Jersey City.
- Downtown Jersey City:
With easy access from and to New York, Downtown, it has become the epicenter of the city’s night life, as well as the hub of local businesses. So if you’re looking for a hip neighborhood to call home when you’re looking for rooms for rent in Jersey City, check out Downtown!
- The Heights:
The neighborhood covers a large part of Jersey City and its inhabitants are largely Spanish speaking. Additionally, the area is filled with Puerto Rican, Cuban and other hip restaurants, pubs and bars. You will also find affordable rooms for rent in New Jersey’s Heights.
- Paulus Hook:
If you’re looking for rooms for rent in Jersey City that will also give you a view of the big apple, Paulus Hook is one of the best places to be.
Average rent in Jersey City
| Rooms in Jersey City | Average Rent |
| Studio Apartment | $1,288 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment | $1,157 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartment | $2,358 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment | $3,210 |
University life in Jersey City
In general, Jersey City is a safe place to be in. But of course, like every big city, you should be aware of your surroundings and travel to newer areas when with people, or in the light of day. As David Torres, a developer from Jersey City says:
“The safest place to live would be in Downtown (Grove Street/Newport/Exchange Place). Places to avoid would be the Greenville section (Ocean Ave) and West Side (MLK).”
Additionally, if you’re looking for rooms for rent in Jersey City, you should know that the cost of living can be a bit on the high end due to its close proximity to NYC. So it’s always a good decision to hunt for roommates while you’re at it.
That said, here are the top universities in Jersey City:
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Hudson County Community College
How transit friendly is Jersey City?
About 40% of Jersey City’s population prefer public transit, making it the second highest public transit friendly city after New York City and Washington, D.C.
1. Trains
- Hudson-Bergen Light Rail is one of the most popular forms of transportation in the city. Of the 24 stations that connect its three terminus points, 13 are located in Jersey City.
- PATH is a 24-hour rapid transit system with four stations in Jersey City.
- Hoboken Terminal will help you get around the city’s northeast corner.
2. Ferries
- NY Waterway ferries operate between Harborside, Paulus Hook Ferry Terminal, Liberty Harbor and Port Liberté to Manhattan at Battery Park City Ferry Terminal, Pier 11/Wall Street, and West Midtown Ferry Terminal.
- Statue Cruises provides service to and between Ellis Island and Liberty Island
- Liberty Water Taxi operates ferries between Liberty Landing Marina, Warren Street and the World Financial Center.
3. Buses
The Journal Square Transportation Center, Exchange Place and Hoboken Terminal are major origination/destination points for buses.
Additionally, a cheaper alternative to travel within the city, locally known as dollar vans are also available.
4. Cycling
The Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, Hackensack RiverWalk and the Grove Street Lanes are all bicycle friendly.
Historical Spots in Jersey City
- Ellis Island Immigration Museum: History buffs can learn about people who immigrated from different parts of the world and entered America, from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s.
- Liberty Science Center: Located by Liberty State Park, it’s an interactive museum that features various permanent exhibitions. Fascinating ones include the Touch Tunnel, an 80-foot (24.3-meter) dark path that will force you to use all of your senses except your eyes!
- The Landmark Loew’s Jersey Theatre: Performance art lovers can head to this space for live concerts, theatre and other performing arts. Moreover, the Loew’s shows classic films throughout the year as well!
Shopping Centers in Jersey City
- Kanibal & Co: For everything, from clothing and organic skin care to vintage furniture and crystals, Kannibal & Co is your one stop shop when you’re here.
- Another Man’s Treasure Vintage Store: You can find everything here, from 1920s lingerie to 1990s acid washed denim to jewelry, accessories, vinyl records and even luggage!
- Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza: Whether you want to shop, eat and drink, or enjoy a night stroll, the Newark Avenue is the perfect place to go to. All thanks to it being closed to cars and being turned into a pedestrian mall in 2015!
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