The Top 7 Reasons to Move to Jersey City
By Sean Creamer on December 11, 2023
With its bustling construction boom, delicious dining options, and stunning waterfront views, it's no wonder that Jersey City has become a growing destination for local residents to call home.
Flanked by the Hackensack and Hudson Rivers, Jersey City has fantastic Manhattan skyline views, yet locals are always close to the great outdoors. Jersey City offers great transportation options to reach local spots like Journal Square or easily reach NYC and beyond. Jersey City is the second largest city in the state following Newark but still retains a vibrant identity.
Beyond dining and going out for a night on the town, the city is great for buyers seeking a home. The Jersey City real estate market is home to many new construction condos, making it perfect for folks looking for turn-key properties plus amenities.
To inspire aspiring homebuyers, we've listed some of the top reasons people want to move to Jersey City.
Why you should move to Jersey City
- Convenient to Manhattan and other New Jersey destinations
- Great skyline views
- New construction condos
- Nature is just a few minutes away
- Lower state taxes if you work in NYC
- Eclectic restaurant scene
- Exciting nightlife
Convenient to Manhattan and other New Jersey destinations
Depending on where you live in Jersey City, the PATH train can get you to Manhattan in about 30 minutes or less. If you work in the Financial District, you will want to take the Red Line PATH out of the Grove Street station in the Powerhouse Arts District. If you work in Midtown, a condo near Newport's waterfront is perfect, as the Orange PATH will take you to 32nd street.
One of the best perks of living in Jersey City is the excellent views, and one of the best ways to appreciate them is by taking a ferry ride to work in the morning and evening. Folks living in Paulus Hook have the best access to ferries at the Colgate Clock, Warren Street, and Liberty Harbor terminals.
Drivers also have many options to reach Manhattan and other parts of New Jersey. Folks can head east using the Holland Tunnel into Manhattan. If you need to drive deeper into Jersey, you can use I-78 to reach I-95 to head north or south through the state.
Great skyline views
Besides parts of Brooklyn, Jersey City is one of the best places to get amazing NYC skyline views.
You can watch the city transform as the day passes into the night by the waterfront, at Newport Green Park, or at the Lefrak Point Lighthouse. But one of the best ways to view the skyline is from the comfort of your home.
Say you purchase a condominium unit in The Village facing east. The most prominent sight will be the Statue of Liberty standing tall in the New York Harbor. Slightly farther north, the Freedom Tower dominates the Financial District. If you glance farther uptown, the gleaming high rises of Hudson Yards prominently crown the beginning of Midtown, with the Empire State Building casting an impressive silhouette against the sky.
While there are a lot of great views in Jersey City, certain neighborhoods like Hilltop stand out if you’re looking for an amazing view. But if you buy a condominium in a new construction building, you can wake up each morning to the sun rising over the Big Apple.
New construction condos
As you explore the streets of Jersey City, you will see new high-rises all over the area. What were once empty factories, warehouses, and lots are now stunning condo buildings complete with the latest amenities.
Whether you are looking for luxury penthouses, centrally-located studios, or something in between -- there is a condo style for every buyer and budget.
Amenities like full gyms, entertaining spaces, parking lots, and rooftop terraces are just some extra features you can expect in most modern buildings popping up around Jersey City. Sale prices vary from low to high depending on location and amenities.
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Learn how you can save!Nature is always close by
While there are many waterfront developments and bustling urban centers, Jersey City is an urban oasis surrounded by the great outdoors.
For instance, Liberty State Park spans over 1200 acres and contains wildlife-filled lagoons, gardens, and miles of paths for outdoor enthusiasts. For folks living just outside Newport, Hamilton Park offers a shaded reprieve from the sun on the hot days of the summer.
On the city's west side, you will find the rolling green hills of Lincoln Park on the shores of the Hackensack River. Beyond the Lincoln Park Fountain, you can picnic in the field, explore the sports fields, or even get a round of golf at the Skyway Golf Course.
Even if you live in the middle of Jersey City, you can find gems like Audubon Park, which offers tennis and basketball courts for locals.
Many folks love to decompress by exploring the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, where the highrises like the East Hampton at Newport, the Newport Tower Suites rise high above the river. A Statue Cruises tour will take you around Lady Liberty if you prefer to be on the water. For history and culture buffs, historic Ellis Island, the "Golden Door" for generations of immigrants, is close enough for a relaxing day trip.
Potential tax savings if you work in NYC
For those looking to exchange their New York City address for one in Jersey City, it can be quite attractive due to the potential cost savings by cutting out hefty NYC income taxes.
When you live in New York City, you must pay a city income tax. When you move to a residence in New Jersey but continue to work in Manhattan, your income may not be subject to the NYC tax. A quick chat with your tax accountant can help estimate how much you might save.
The sales tax is also lower in Jersey City, which can help you save on groceries and other purchases. Yet there is a trade-off with state taxes. While the state income tax rate starts low, at around 1.5%, it can continue to climb depending on how much money you make a year.
Eclectic dining scene
When you live in Jersey City, you do not need to head into Manhattan to find a diverse array of restaurants.
Jersey City is home to many restaurants and small neighborhood bars, with cuisines representing cultures worldwide. While you can find great food throughout Jersey City, some of the best food is in Newport and Downtown Jersey City.
For example, if you're looking for great sushi, you'll want to head to DomoDomo, just off Hudson Street in Newport, where you can get some of the best spicy tuna rolls in Jersey City. But you can also find some down-to-earth bratwurst and brews at the German-themed Würstbar on Jersey Avenue.
Exciting nightlife
When going out for a night on the town, Jersey City has plenty of unique spots to satisfy all levels of sophistication.
There is the legendary White Eagle Hall in Downtown Jersey City, where folks can grab dinner at Cellar 335 and then watch a concert or a take in an evening theater show.
If you want to burn the midnight oil, you can finish the night at cozy pubs like the Pet Shop on Newark Avenue. This hip downtown bar has a wide selection of beer and craft cocktails and a menu with plentiful vegetarian options.
