Downtown Jersey City is certainly an urban locale, but with its boutique businesses and walkable streets, there’s a close-knit vibe that many people find enticing. A touch of the past adds an element of intrigue and visual appeal. “Jersey City is one of the older cities in the state, with lots of history,” says Tamayo Oppenheimer, Realtor with Silver and Oak Realty. “So you’ll see a home that has an older exterior, but at the same time it’s newly renovated, and that’s part of the charm. Plus, you’re so close to New York City.” Indeed, the extensive historic district contains buildings dating as far back as the Civil War, and many of its homes are brick row houses and brownstones with wide, sweeping front steps leading to wooden doors and intricately carved details. This is an urban area, with the neighborhood scoring 5 out of 10 CAP Index for crime, but by and large downtown is a community where people tend to be out and about. “Downtown Jersey City has a fun vibe, there’s a huge commercial transformation that’s bringing in lots of fun new restaurants and stores,” says Westley Page, sales associate with Brown Harris Stevens.
The Welcome to Jersey City sign greets visitors with a warm invitation Downtown Jersey City, NJ.
A house that dates from 1872 is nested between newer buildings in Downtown Jersey City, NJ.
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Condos and historic brownstones that can fetch $2.5 million
Prices can range from a $350,000 condo unit with one bathroom up to $720,000 for a luxury two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo. A renovated brick four-bedroom townhouse will sell for around $1 million. “Some people like to come in and get rid of everything except the exterior, but you have some developers come in and leave some of the older features like crown molding and plaster work on the ceiling,” says Page. One of those five-bedroom Italianate brownstones from the late 1800s can fetch $2.5 million. “It’s a very diverse inventory,” says Daniel Pelosi, an associate broker with Weichert Realtors. “You can get a one-bedroom new construction in the $600,000s, which is great because it gives first-time homeowners the chance to really start building their wealth. Jersey City can offer that without compromise. You’re not compromising on commute or nightlife or the urban experience.”
Historic homes in Downtown Jersey City, NJ offer a glimpse into the city's rich history.
The Downtown Jersey City, NJ skyline is a captivating sight adorned with sleek skyscrapers.
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Eclectic dining, especially along Newark Avenue
“Newark Avenue is restaurant row in Downtown Jersey City,” says Oppenheimer. There are hip destinations like Pet Shop, a vegan restaurant and bar with live music, named for its previous life as a pet shop. The general scene is quite international in nature, with Middle Eastern, Caribbean and Vietnamese restaurants clustered together. Media outlets have fawned over Razza, a cozy restaurant that puts a spotlight on classic pizza dinners. Grocers like Key Food are off Newark along Jersey Avenue. If one continues along Newark, though, to the train station, then a small shopping center appears. Walgreens, Duane Reade and Starbucks are lined up near the appropriately named Grove Station, an intimate gastropub. A farmers market is set up right outside the commuter rail station, too, open from 3 – 7 pm every Monday and Thursday.
The Pet Shop Restaurant In Downtown Jersey City, NJ lets people eat while choosing a pet.
Basile's is a perfect stop for Downtown Jersey City commuters who want pizza on the go.
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Artsy events, like the Jersey City Jazz Festival
The neighborhood plays host to the Jersey City Art and Studio Tour in October, which showcases the work of over a thousand artists. June brings the Jersey City Jazz Festival and a comedy festival. One of the most bustling events is the Downtown Street Fair, held in September, featuring live music, beer gardens, artisan vendors and kid-friendly activities. “It’s a very diverse city, very open,” said Pelosi. “You’ve always had every walk of life from every part of the globe in Jersey City for hundreds of years.”
McNair High features a specialized track of study in the arts
Conwell Elementary has a nationally acclaimed drama program and receives a B-minus rating on Niche. Conwell Middle receives a B. McNair High receives an A-plus and has a partnership with Henry Snyder High where students can enroll in an arts-intensive track of study.
Frank R Conwell School middle school in Downtown Jersey City, NJ gets a score of 67 from USNews.
McNair Academic High School is a magnate public High School in Downtown Jersey City, NJ.
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Hamilton Park is a lowkey gathering spot
“An interesting feature of Jersey City is that there are distinct lifestyles built around the parks you live near,” says Oppenheimer. “Around Hamilton Park you’ll see more families and people pushing strollers. But Van Vorst Park can have more of a young professional crowd.” Besides these lifestyle features, Hamilton Park spreads across 5 acres and has places for contemplation, like a fountain circled by benches. Van Vorst Park, on the other hand, is a couple acres and has secluded structures like a gazebo with terracotta shingled roof.
Hamilton Park is a well-known urban park located in Downtown Jersey City, New Jersey.
Jersey City is home to Hamilton Park which offers many play options for kids.
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Grove Station offers quick travel to Manhattan
“Downtown Jersey City is a great place to commute from, so it’s a natural choice for people who are looking to move out of Manhattan,” says Page. There are multiple PATH train stops, including the Grove Station which is near a cluster of retail. “The Grove Station train can get you to the World Trade Center in 6 minutes,” says Oppenheimer. Others may choose to take the ferry or simply drive into the city via the Holland Tunnel. But perhaps the ultimate form of transportation in this neighborhood is human powered. “Most of Downtown Jersey City is very walkable,” says Page.
PATH station in Downtown Jersey City, NJ whisks passengers into Manhattan.
The Grove Street Path Station helps to connect Hoboken, NYC, Newark and Downtown Jersey City.
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Written By
Paul Spencer
Photography Contributed By
James Leynse
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Agents Specializing in this Area
Nancy Citti
Christie's International Real Estate Group-HoHoKus-Ridgewood East
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Hamilton Park
Basketball
Tennis
Trails
Van Vorst Park
Dog Park
Trails
Playground
Enos Jones Park
Mary Benson Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Playground
Gateway Park
Marin Green
Transit
Airport
Newark Liberty International
12 min drive
Train
Grove Street
Bus
Marin Blvd & 8th St
Bus
Jersey Ave & Bright St
Bus
Newark Ave & Jersey Ave
Bus
Newark Ave & 6th St
Bus
Newark Ave & Fourth St
Bus
Grand St & Jersey Ave
Bus
Christopher Columbus Dr & Barrow St
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Jersey City
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Jersey City, Jersey City sell after 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Downtown Jersey City, Jersey City over the last 12 months is $983,767, up 7% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 23 Vroom St, a 2-family colonial-style row home located in the heart of Journal Square in Jersey City. This spacious home sits on a 25 x 100 lot and houses a 1st floor duplex apartment and a 2nd floor apartment, both occupied on a month to month lease and collecting $5000 per month. You’ll also get 6 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, 2 large living rooms, 2 dining rooms, and 2 kitchen
5 Minutes train to downtown Manhattan. 1 year home warranty. Apt can be delivered furnished. What You Get (Total Sq. Ft.: 3,411). Ground Floor Apartment 1,103 Sq. Ft. A spacious 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment and a huge living room, all overlooking the scenic Van Vorst Park. This inviting home is move-in ready and can be delivered AS-IS with furniture, seven smart TVs, and appliances. Basement
Exquisite 2-Bed, 2-Bath Duplex NYC style Loft for sale. Located at 205 Tenth Street in Jersey City, NJ, this one-of-a-kind duplex loft is nestled in the iconic Park Hamilton—a landmark with a rich history dating back to 1918. Originally built as a five-story dress and handbag factory, the building was masterfully transformed in the late 1980s into a luxury nine-story condominium, seamlessly
Step into timeless elegance with this stunning two-bedroom, two-bath brownstone in historic downtown Jersey City. Nestled on a picturesque, tree-lined street in one of the city’s most coveted neighborhoods, this home blends classic charm with high-end finishes for truly elevated living. Inside, discover soaring ceilings, original moldings, and beautifully restored hardwood floors. The gourmet
Townhouse Living with Full-Service Condo Perks at Dixon Mills! Welcome to this rarely available 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath, 1,307 sq. ft. home featuring a private entrance. It offers the charm and privacy of townhouse living with all the upscale amenities of a full-service condo community. Tucked away on a picturesque cobblestone stretch of Wayne Street, this home is surrounded by lush greenery and
Welcome to this Beautiful New Rental Unit In the Heart of Jersey City Proper, close to Grove Street Path, Parks, Shops, This unit features 3 Bedrooms, 1 Full Bath and an additional 1/2 bath, all brand new SS appliances, Microwave, Modern refrigerator, gas/range stove/oven, Washer/Dryer in Unit. In addition, this unit features a private Backyard for entertainment. Beautiful semi-wide white oak
Two buildings, two unique finishes, one set of top-notch amenities. Dive into the warm and cozy maple wood features of Cast Iron 1 or let yourself be inspired by the modern and sleek white oak twist of Cast Iron 2. Both finishes make up one unique community, recognized on the outside for its famous David Bowie mural, but on the inside for its wealth of resident-first features and amenities. Bring
Amazing location - 1 bed PLUS walk in closet/office and huge kitchen area. Could easily work as a 2 bedroom. Perfect for work from home spacious setup. Close to the light rail and bus. Pets subject to LL approval. Must have good credit and income. Available for June 15th - July 1st
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Nancy Citti,
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
34,165
Median Age
37
Population Density
44 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
9.8%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$117,796
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$147,439
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
93.7%
College Graduates
69.6%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
31%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
77.2%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
50''
Average Winter Low Temperature
28°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
18''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
68/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
96/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
76/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
