6 Reasons to Move to Hoboken
By Alex Mikoulianitch on February 11, 2023
New York City’s skyline is undoubtedly one of the most famous in the world.
Look at it from any angle, and you’ll still be mesmerized by its iconic outline. But head west and glance across the Hudson River, and you will find another skyline belonging to one of the most coveted neighborhoods in New Jersey.
Hoboken has rapidly developed into a hot destination for homebuyers tired of battling New York prices. Although the affordability gap is slowly closing as Hoboken grows into one of Jersey’s most sought-after cities, it’s still one of the most desirable options for a more approachable cost of living.
Below, we break down the top reasons you should move to the city of Hoboken, New Jersey.
Reasons to move to Hoboken
- Easy commute to Manhattan
- Lower cost of living right near the city
- Vibrant art and entertainment scene
- Lively food and drink scene
- Access to the Hudson River
- Pet-owners’ paradise
Easy commute to Manhattan
Though it may drive home prices upward, Hoboken’s easy commute is one of its greatest perks; not only is it short, but there are plenty of ways to do it via public transportation.
You’ll likely have heard about the ferry, as the NY Waterway-managed service is easily one of the most popular options. While NYC dwellers navigate the underground subways, Hoboken commuters can choose a 12-minute cruise with views of the Statue of Liberty.
You’ll have to cough up more change for this pleasure, but you’ll get comfier seats, food and drink vendors, and unbeatable views. The ferry typically departs from 14th Street in Hoboken and anchors in Midtown or Downtown.
If you’re worried about getting motion sickness, there are still tried-and-true methods. For example, NJ Transit’s 126 bus is a straight shot to the Port Authority Bus Terminal, while the PATH train can get you to 34th street within 25 minutes.
For those brave enough to drive, the Lincoln Tunnel should get you there in about 18 minutes without traffic, but the legendary Big Apple rush hour will likely add another thirty, so be prepared.
Lower cost of living right near the city
An easy commute is pleasant, but a more affordable cost of living can be priceless. And here lies the second greatest perk of living in Hoboken, NJ: affordability. Granted, we are comparing it to NYC, but it only makes sense due to the proximity.
The median home price in Hoboken is around $700,000, compared to $1 million in Manhattan for a similarly-sized property. This lower home or condo price can result in more manageable monthly mortgage payments for homebuyers as they may not need to secure as large a loan.
The lower cost of housing in Hoboken also makes it a popular option for first-time homebuyers. With lower monthly mortgage payments, these buyers can have more disposable income to put towards other expenses and enjoy a higher quality of life.
Vibrant art and entertainment scene
It’s only fair to expect a fleshed-out entertainment scene from a small city competing with New York, and Hoboken doesn’t disappoint.
The Hoboken Historical Museum and the Mile Square Theatre are just a few well-known spots that display diverse works, including historical artifacts and contemporary pieces.
Hoboken is also home to a thriving music scene, and live music venues such as Finnegan's Pub and The Brass Rail showcase a variety of musical styles, including jazz and rock.
Various cultural events, including the Hoboken Arts & Music Festival and the Hoboken International Film Festival, also support Hoboken's art and entertainment scene. These events bring together artists, musicians, and film lovers from across the area and provide a platform for artistic expression and cultural exchange.
Lively food and drink scene
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself choosing Hoboken over NYC when it comes to exciting cuisine and drinks.
Hoboken is a world apart when it comes to dining. And it’s only natural that it would have a happening bar scene as it is the site of America’s first brewery that was built in 1641.
The restaurants range from well-established haunts to eateries with specific specialities. Amanda’s is a local favorite, serving up Argentine fusion dishes for over 30 years, while Margherita’s is one of Hoboken’s pizza experts, serving up delicacies like the Truffle Honey Fig Pizza.
This kind of unique cuisine defines Hoboken’s long list of eclectic restaurants. You can don your most dapper outfit and set out for a night of fine-dining, or throw on a pair of jeans and head to a low-key but popular bar.
If you choose the latter, don’t miss out on Willi Mcbride’s, an Irish pub with outdoor seating and live music. But if you do choose the fancy route, try to stop by the Sinatra Room, a Frank Sinatra-inspired speakeasy serving up classic cocktails.
Access to the Hudson River
Moving to Hoboken, New Jersey, will grant you unparalleled views of West Manhattan. But it also gives you access to the Hudson River and its wealth of outdoor activities.
The Hudson River Waterfront Walkway is a continuous path with a pristine view of the river, ideal for jogging or cycling.
Hoboken is home to several parks and green spaces along the river, including Maxwell Place Park and Sinatra Park. These parks offer a variety of amenities, including picnic areas, playgrounds, and areas for sunbathing and relaxation.
And if all the outdoor activity works up your appetite, you can head to the multiple riverfront cafes and restaurants, such as the Elysian Cafe and La Isla Uptown, to dine with a view.
Pet-owners’ paradise
NYC may be notorious for its "no pets allowed" rules, but you won’t find the same prejudice in Hoboken.
Pet-friendly establishments extend beyond apartments, with many Hoboken restaurants and cafes offering outdoor patio seating that allows pets.
Meanwhile, the waterfront park and walkways along the Hudson River can turn chore-like dog walks into breathtaking tours of one of the world’s most famous skylines. Of course, Hoboken is also packed with multiple dog parks and runs, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
If you’re still not convinced you’re moving to a pet-friendly city, look at its events calendar.
Hoboken is home to several dog-friendly events and festivals, such as the Hoboken Pet Parade, packed with live music and pet costumes, and Doggy Dash, a charity event where dog owners and their pets complete a 5k course to raise money for local animal welfare organizations.
