Moving to Jersey City but not sure what areas are safe (Hoboken: best neighborhood, apartment)

[NYArcher1215]

Hi,

My boyfriend and I are moving to Jersey City since we wanted to be close to Manhattan but can't afford Hoboken. We're from Brooklyn and wanted a change so we decided on Jersey City but not sure what areas of Jersey City are considered safe and convenient. We're both in our early 30s so we do appreciate a night scene but not a big deal. We're big on eating out and I'm looking for something close to public transportation since we both will be working in the City. Unfortunately we can't afford crazy expensive rent so our choices are limited. We were advised the JC Heights area and downtown JC are good places to look but can anyone tell me about the Lincoln Park area or any other areas to look in/avoid? We've been seeing a ton of listings on Craigslist for this area and the rent is really cheap for a 2 bd so I am a bit weary. Thank you.

[elflord1973]

Originally Posted by NYArcher1215

Hi,

My boyfriend and I are moving to Jersey City since we wanted to be close to Manhattan but can't afford Hoboken. We're from Brooklyn and wanted a change so we decided on Jersey City but not sure what areas of Jersey City are considered safe and convenient. We're both in our early 30s so we do appreciate a night scene but not a big deal. We're big on eating out and I'm looking for something close to public transportation since we both will be working in the City. Unfortunately we can't afford crazy expensive rent so our choices are limited. We were advised the JC Heights area and downtown JC are good places to look but can anyone tell me about the Lincoln Park area or any other areas to look in/avoid? We've been seeing a ton of listings on Craigslist for this area and the rent is really cheap for a 2 bd so I am a bit weary. Thank you.

Lincoln park area is very hit and miss. Some blocks are OK, some blocks are awful. Post the specific location of a given block and we can comment. You'd be about 20 minutes walk from the station. Buses go very frequently during rush hour. If you're coming home late on a weekend or Friday night, you can take a cab (there's always a line of them) and it's about $6 for the ride including tip.

As a general comment -- downtown is the place to be if you want to be able to walk to good restaurants. There's a reason it costs more.

Journal Square is near several excellent Indian restaurants but there's not a whole lot besides Indian.

You should be able to find something around Journal Square or the heights that isn't too expensive. It's not as nice as downtown, but it should be substantially cheaper.

[NYArcher1215]

Thanks! I'm looking in the Hamilton Park area since I've been told its nicer there. Are there areas of JC Heights to avoid or is it all good? Also, downtown and by newport mall/pavonia and grove street stations are okay right? How convenient are catching the light rail to the path train? This all helps me decide whether or not to look into specific areas of JC. Thanks again!

[coolwaves]

It depends on how long a commute you can tolerate. After a long day at work, I'd rather not wait for the light rail. I'm sure you can find somewhere reasonable within walking distance of either Grove St or Newport Path stations.

[elflord1973]

Originally Posted by NYArcher1215

Thanks! I'm looking in the Hamilton Park area since I've been told its nicer there. Are there areas of JC Heights to avoid or is it all good?

Some parts are nicer than others. I don't think any of it is really bad.

Hamilton Park is part of the downtown area.

Also, downtown and by newport mall/pavonia and grove street stations are okay right?

Yes, this all counts as "downtown". Anything that is both East of Brunswick St and North of Grand St is downtown.

How convenient are catching the light rail to the path train? This all helps me decide whether or not to look into specific areas of JC. Thanks again!

Light rail isn't convenient at all. But you probably wouldn't want to live any place where you had to take the light rail. The downtown area is all walking distance from either Pavonia Newport, Exchange Place, or Grove St station.

[nowitsshowtime]

My friend lives about 6-7 blocks west of the grove st stop. Check that out.

Her rent was pretty reasonable for a rather nice place. It wasn't the best neighborhood but you would no doubt be safe there. Plus there are plenty of businesses around. Both of us lived in Bk as well and felt just as safe, in fact its safer here. Can't tell you what neighborhood it is but I'd move there if I was looking for a spot.

[tommyc_37]

Originally Posted by NYArcher1215

Hi,

My boyfriend and I are moving to Jersey City since we wanted to be close to Manhattan but can't afford Hoboken. We're from Brooklyn and wanted a change so we decided on Jersey City but not sure what areas of Jersey City are considered safe and convenient. We're both in our early 30s so we do appreciate a night scene but not a big deal. We're big on eating out and I'm looking for something close to public transportation since we both will be working in the City. Unfortunately we can't afford crazy expensive rent so our choices are limited. We were advised the JC Heights area and downtown JC are good places to look but can anyone tell me about the Lincoln Park area or any other areas to look in/avoid? We've been seeing a ton of listings on Craigslist for this area and the rent is really cheap for a 2 bd so I am a bit weary. Thank you.

Listen to Elford. Here is the deal with Jersey City. Any part of JC that is safe and convenient transportation-wise, and lifestyle-wise (restaurants, shops, and bars), is just as expensive as Hoboken. These are the Downtown neighborhoods of Jersey City. Look on a map - the "Downtown" section of JC is the area bound by I-78/Turnpike, south of 16th Street, west of the Hudson River, and north of the Morris Canal. This part of Jersey City is about a square mile (same as Hoboken), has crime stats nearly identical to Hoboken's, and is on average, just as expensive as Hoboken.

You may hear (on Craigslist or other apartment listings) neighborhoods such as Grove Street, Hamilton Park, Harsimus Cove, Van Vorst Park, Paulus Hook, Newport, Exchange Place ... these are ALL in the "Downtown" section of Jersey City, and are all nice neighborhoods. All are same ballpark price range as Hoboken (Paulus Hook in Jersey City is a bit more expensive).

These Downtown neighborhoods in Jersey City are by far the most convenient. There are 3 PATH stations in the Downtown neighborhoods, which run 24 hours into NYC. The convenienvce factor with this is priceless.

There are some other neighborhoods in JC, outside of Downtown, that ARE cheaper than Hoboken and still "nice enough" ... but there is not a whole lot to do, entertainment-wise, and it will likley be not that convenient of a commute into Manhattan. This is why those areas are cheaper.

Let me ask you this - what is the most you guys can afford in rent alone, per month?

[todd72173]

I lived in JC Heights from 2005-2007. We picked a very nice street (Sherman Place). However we owned, not rented. Not many rentals on that street. Needless to say, we moved rather quickly due to the poor streets right nearby.

Lincoln Park - I played softball there. Projects are right next door. Bad area stay away.

If I was forced to recommend anywhere in Jersey City, it would be downtown. However, in your case money is an issue. I would then cross out Jersey City and pick another town that is a bit further away but alot safer and more affordable. Try Rutherford.

[millsan1]

I just bought in Journal Square. It does not have the nghtlife, but there are a bunch of good restaurants. It is totally safe, at least the area I am in is. My GF and I love the place. I can not say it has any certain "vibe", but fine place to lay your head. I commute to 40th and 5th and it is 45 door to door via the PATH.

[CRDolan]

Most of downtown Jersey City such as Paulus Hook, Newport, Hamilton, Exchange are relatively safe & convenient. Its definitely safer than most of Brookly & even many parts of Manhattan.
Its also perfect for young people like yourself.

But again, its still a city. Always be alert especially going home on dark winter nights. Just like any city, you will still hear of once in a while muggings. But again, I would pick downtown JC over most parts of NYC in terms of safety.

I wouldn't recommend Lincoln park for young people due to commute & also some safety issues. Many areas sorrounding Lincoln Park have really changed over the years. Its really a hit a miss. But the chances are missing is bigger.