14 Reasons Why We Love Jersey City

We’ve all spent a lot more time close to home over the past 11 months. Maybe that’s allowed you to get to know your neighborhood better. Maybe you’ve had a chance to explore other areas of Jersey City. Or perhaps this time has reminded you that you live in one of the greatest cities out there. So in celebration of Valentine’s Day, a holiday centered on love and adoration, we thought we’d write a love letter to Jersey City from its residents. Jersey City, here are 14 reasons why we love you:

 

1. You can stumble upon a mural or street art almost anywhere.

Jersey City Mural photo by Catherine Shaw

The number of murals, art installations and community art projects around Jersey City is increasing regularly. Walking around town you’ll find painted bridges, buildings and even electric boxes. There’s an interactive map, produced by the Jersey City Mural Arts Program where you can view the locations of these works across the city. Take the map on the go by downloading the CANVS app

 

2. “There are a plethora of small businesses instead of big box stores.”

– Nicole, G

 

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Small businesses in Jersey City fall into every category: bars and restaurants, gift shops, hair and nail salons, clothiers, coffee shops, fitness studios and more. Some of my favorites include Hybrid Coffee, Torico Ice Cream, Asana Soul Practice, Pinwheel Garden, and Lucky Honey Bee

 

3. There are three community fridges.

Jersey City’s three community fridges share the motto, “Take what you need. Leave what you can”. The West Side Community Fridge is located on a dead end at 300 Delaware Avenue off Duncan Avenue. Greenville Community Fridge is located at 57 Rose Avenue and The Heights Community Fridge is on Webster Avenue between Congress and North Streets. Follow their instagram accounts—@westsidecommunityfridge, @jcheightscommunityfridge, @greenvillecommunityfridge—to learn about what items are in high demand, and how to make donations. 

 

4. “The diverse running routes.”

– Annie L.

Whether you like to run through big green parks, on a track, along the water with city views or through quiet neighborhoods with brownstone architecture, Jersey City has it all. 

 

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5. The Statue of Liberty lives here too. 

Visible from Liberty State Park and accessible via a short ferry ride, the Statue of Liberty is an iconic United States Monument. We’re lucky to share our terf with her. When you spot her out of your airplane window, you know you’re almost home. 

 

6. It’s the most diverse city in the U.S.

According to WalletHub, Jersey City ranked number one as the Most Diverse City in the U.S. in 2020. It also received this designation in 2017 and 2018. The rankings take three factors into account—ethnoracial diversity, linguistic diversity and birthplace diversity. 

 

7. “Not only is the restaurant scene to die for, but I can eat food from all corners of the world here.”

– Kris B.

 

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A benefit of Jersey City’s diversity is its culinary diversity. No matter if you’re craving Vietnamese pho, Caribbean food or a German bratwurst, Jersey City has you covered. Are you drooling yet?

 

8. We have two breweries AND a distillery.

Those into craft beer will love the concoctions created at Departed Soles. They’re known for their tap list of gluten free beers. And while 902 Brewing Co. got its start in Hoboken, its brewery and tasting room is now located in Jersey City.  Corgi Spirits is the only distillery in Hudson County. They make a number of specialty gins, as well as vodka and whiskey. 

 

9. “We have some of the best pizza in the state!”

– Beverly P.

From Renato’s to Tino’s and Tony Boloney’s, you’ll find a wide range of pizza styles and flavors in Jersey City. Some of the pizza joints in our city (ahem Bread & Salt and Razza)  have been found among top lists with the best of the best. Where’s your favorite slice from?

 

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10. “I can get pretty much anywhere in the city on my bike.”

– Cat S.

Jersey City has miles and miles of designated bike lanes that help riders get around safely, with bike racks for secure locking conveniently located around the city. For those who don’t have their own bike, a partnership with Citi Bike bike share allows for residents and visitors to rent a bike for anything from a waterfront ride to daily commuting. 

 

11. It’s incredibly pet and dog friendly!

Your pup will love Urby Dog Park, Enclave Dog Park, and Lincoln Park Dog Run to name just a few of the dog parks here in JC. Trainers, groomers and pet supply shops like Fussy Friends and Hudson Houndstooth make it easy to tend to our four legged friends. And we can’t mention pets without giving a shout out to Jersey Cats that rescued and hommed over 100 cats in 2020.

 

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12. There are farmers markets in nearly every neighborhood and some are even year-round. 

Supporting local farms and finding access to fresh produce are easy for Jersey City residents. With markets located in The Heights, Grove Street Path Plaza, Paulus Hook, Lincoln Park and Journal Square, there’s sure to be one near your hood. 

 

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13. It has all the benefits of a big city but with such a strong community feel.

Jersey City has great food, night life, culture, public transportation, an art scene: all hallmarks of a large, desirable city. But its neighborhoods provide a more intimate environment and community aspect that’s often missing in larger cities. People know their neighbors here.

 

14. “Because mugs like this exist.”

-Rebecca T.

There’s no lack of Jersey City pride found here. Residents can display their love for their city by donning a shirt, sporting a tote, hanging a Christmas ornament, sipping from a mug or outfitting their baby in clothing with Jersey City printed on it. JC swag can be found at retailers like Kanibal & Co, Love Locked, Hudson & Asher and The Grind Shop.

 

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Honorable Mentions:

 

“The ease of getting around via the Light Rail.”

– Cory B

The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail not only makes getting around Jersey City easy, but it connects Jersey City to Bayonne, Hoboken, Weehawken, Union City, and North Bergen. You can view a map of the Light Rail here

 

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There’s always something going on!

While many of Jersey City’s events have been postponed or cancelled due to COVID-19, there are typically a lot of events around the city throughout the year. You can stay updated through our online calendar as events are scheduled throughout the year.

 

Catherine Shaw
Author: Catherine Shaw