Plenty of buzz packed into one square mile along the Hudson River
Hoboken is nicknamed the "Mile Square City" – a nod to its geographic size, but also a commentary on the surplus entertainment that’s efficiently packed into a small space. Locals will tell you that there are things to do on every corner. “It’s still a place you move to after you get out of college, or get your first job,” says Daniel Simone, broker associate with KW Commercial. “Hoboken has a youthful energy.” More than 57,000 people live here, and the median age is 32. In the 2020s, it’s been ranked as the third-most densely populated U.S. city. That makes it easy to get around and explore the amenities. "It's a lovely city that has a very small-town feel. It's very family-friendly and has great shops. It's very walkable," says Tania Patch, a broker associate with Compass. The city’s storied past and present leads to some interesting cultural output, too. Yo La Tengo, a famous indie rock band based in Hoboken, released a song in 2023 called “Sinatra Drive Breakdown” – an ode to the city’s waterfront street named after crooner Frank Sinatra, who was born here.
The Hoboken Business Alliance released a report in 2024 showing how tourists and small businesses boost the local economy. Almost 3 million unique visitors hit the streets in the past year, up 30% from the previous three years. They had access to over 800 storefronts during their visit.
Hoboken, known as the "Mile Square City," offers packed entertainment in a small space.
Hoboken's youthful energy is reflected in its 57,000 residents and a median age of 32.
Tourists and small businesses help boost Hoboken's local economy.
Hoboken is very walkable, making it easy to explore its vibrant streets.
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A range of townhouses and condos, from historic low-rises to modern waterfront high-rises
Townhouses and condos make up the bulk of housing in Hoboken. Sometimes these buildings are four-story or six-story redbrick low-rises, enhancing the small-town feel of an otherwise bustling city. But other times units appear in historic brownstones and limestone buildings that give a postcard-worthy look to the streets. The waterfront is a different game: modern high-rises promise modern fixtures and finishes, as well as views of Manhattan. The median price for a home in Hoboken is $899,477, a 6% increase from 2023. The national median is $418,700. It’s not often that a single-owner home pops up on the market here, though. The median townhome price is $750,000 while the median one-bedroom condo price is $590,750. Prices are increasing, though, as Hoboken’s vibrant scene continues to look like a desirable alternative to Manhattan or even Brooklyn. That could change the lifestyles making up the city, as those seeking more space to grow may look to neighboring locales. “You see people going to Union City, pushed out of Hoboken price wise, looking for deals,” says Richard Truocchio, a Realtor with Compass New Jersey. Most homes were built in the mid-1800s through the early 1900s, but many have been renovated. Even some former factories have been renovated for condos. Prices start at $350,000 for a one-bedroom condo unit and can easily surpass $1 million for luxury three-bedroom units.
Townhouses and condos make up most of the housing in Hoboken.
The waterfront in Hoboken features modern high-rises with stunning views of Manhattan.
Most Hoboken homes were built in the mid-1800s to early 1900s, with many renovated.
Hoboken offers a wide variety of homes for every lifestyle.
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Hoboken schools known for music education
The Hoboken Public School District is one of the highest ranked in New Jersey, earning an A from Niche. Befitting a city known for its music scene, the district has frequently received recognition from The National Association of Music Merchants Foundation for being one of the Best Communities for Music Education, including in 2024. Christa McAuliffe School, which covers kindergarten through eighth grade, receives a C-plus from Niche. Hoboken High receives a B-plus and is known for its Virtual High School Collaborative, which allows students to take advanced placement classes. In the heart of downtown is Stevens Institute of Technology. Considered a prestigious engineering university, it has 8,000 students. Private school options include The Hudson School, All Saints Episcopal Day School and Hoboken Catholic Academy.
Christa McAuliffe School in the Heights neighborhood of Jersey City serves kids from Prek-8th.
Hoboken High School has a rich diverse student body.
Stevens Institute of Technology is located in the heart of downtown Hoboken.
All Saints Episcopal Day School is an Elementary, Middle, and High School in Hoboken, NJ.
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Washington Street is restaurant row
Washington Street, where longstanding establishments mingle with new eateries, is a good example of what makes Hoboken lively. Carlo's Bakery in particular draws attention by becoming the star of the reality show, "Cake Boss.” Italian food is a big part of Sinatra’s hometown. Places like Augustino’s feel old fashioned in a good way, with a cash-only policy and a handful of tables. And yet, the strip has been a trendsetter, spreading the buzz to surrounding blocks. "It used to be that the restaurants were on Washington Street, but now they're all over. When you have a good restaurant, people find you," says Jacqueline Petruzzelli, a Realtor with Brown Harris Stevens who has been working in Hoboken for 28 years. It’s possible to find Cuban, Korean, French cuisine and more. Large supermarkets are available, like Trader Joe’s, but so are smaller bodegas and specialty stores like Aspen Marketplace. Shoppers can get fresh produce at a farmers market Tuesday afternoons on Garden Street, next to Church Square Park.
Carlo's Bakery in Hoboken became famous as the star of the show "Cake Boss."
Hoboken offers delicious dining experiences, including Augustino's Italian eatery.
Waterfront dining in Hoboken becomes especially scenic during sunset.
Hoboken has great stores with great produce but nothing compares to fresh Farmer's Market goods.
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Following in Sinatra's footsteps
For a stroll down memory lane, the Frank Sinatra Walking Tour follows in the footsteps of the legendary Hoboken icon. The two-hour tour takes fans to his favorite local haunts, his childhood home and to Sinatra Park. On the flipside, Monroe Center is defining Hoboken's future by serving as a multi-disciplinary art center and hub for local painters, fashion designers, jewelry artisans and more. The Fall Arts and Music Festival rings in crisper weather every September with over 250 artists and vendors. It’s been running since 1994.
Frank Sinatra, America's first teen heartthrob, was born in Hoboken
The Frank Sinatra Walking Tour in Hoboken visits his favorite spots, including Sinatra Park.
The Hoboken Arts Festival lives up to its name by providing visitors art made by local artists.
Attendees of Musica Hoboken can dance to live music with a great look at the NYC skyline.
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Fun along the Hudson for fishers, bikers and hikers
Realtors note that most residents live within a five-minute walk to a park, and many of those parks are equipped with playgrounds and splash pads. Skateboarding subcultures thrive at Castle Point Skate Park, while fishers congregate at Pier A. Waterfront Walkway is perennially busy with hikers and bikers. Sinatra Park overlooks the Hudson River as well, offering a place to step out of the fray while soaking in views of the Manhattan skyline.
The Waterfront Walkway in Hoboken is always busy with hikers and bikers.
You can see the New York Skyline from Castle Point Skatepark in Hoboken, NJ.
Hoboken parks host many public activities throughout the summer.
Most Hoboken residents live within a five-minute walk to a park.
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Commuters can get to NYC by ferry, car, bus or train
The Lincoln Tunnel is just a few blocks beyond the eastern edge of Hoboken, offering drivers near-immediate access to one of the city’s most coveted transportation amenities. “The commute is amazing,” says Tamayo Oppenheimer, a Realtor with Silver & Oak Realty. “You can be in Midtown Manhattan quickly. People also like being near train stations, especially if it’s the PATH train.” The PATH station, at 1 Hudson Place near the waterfront, limits travelers by only going to Lower Manhattan. But it’s easy to find connections to other parts of the city, thanks to New York’s extensive subway system. If commuters take the Green Line, they can expect a direct trip to the World Trade Center. By taking the Blue Line, travelers will encounter five Manhattan stops: Christopher Street, 9th Street, 14th Street, 23rd Street and 33rd Street. Morning rush hour trips take about an hour. The bus is always an option, too. The 126 bus from Hoboken Terminal goes to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in about half an hour. However, weekend warriors will want to note that the last bus leaves Manhattan at 2 a.m., whereas the PATH offers 24/7 service. The ferry offers a more unique but slightly pricier option at $9 per trip. But some prefer the traffic-free 10-minute trip from the 14th Street Pier to Lincoln Harbor at 39th Street.
Total crime up in 2022 from 2021
From 2021 to 2022, total crime reported by Hoboken police increased about 33%. However, some violent crime categories tended to remain nearly flat, with only a marginal increase or decrease.
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