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Journal Square

Journal Square

Urban Core Neighborhood in Jersey City, New Jersey

Hudson County 07302, 07306

Neighborhood Reviews
3.5
$736,014 Average Value
$526 Average Price per Sq Ft
38 Homes For Sale

'Everything you need within a few blocks'

Journal Square feels like a place that’s hot off the press: It was once the location of the Jersey Journal’s longstanding headquarters, and even though it’s no longer Jersey City’s journalism center, people still gravitate there for the engaging lifestyle. "It's a hustle and bustle area," says Karen Sims of Keller Williams City Life JC Realty. "It's not laid back at all." Today, the neighborhood is not just a center of business, transportation and living, but a place where art flourishes in many forms. Traveling around Journal Square is like watching a reel of the colorful murals gracing the walls of many buildings. “The area around here definitely has a city feel, you don’t even need a car, you can get to restaurants, grocery stores, dentist offices, everything you need within a few blocks,” Daniel Simone, broker associate with KW Commercial. Speaking of travel, Sims affirms that the biggest reason people choose to live in Journal Square is mass transit and ease of getting around. “It's a local center of transportation," she says.

Journal Square is always bustling with commuters especially right after work.
Journal Square is always bustling with commuters especially right after work.
Modern High-Rise Buildings in Jersey Square are beautiful.
Modern High-Rise Buildings in Jersey Square are beautiful.
Brownstone Apartment buildings are a great addition to the Jersey Square neighborhood.
Brownstone Apartment buildings are a great addition to the Jersey Square neighborhood.
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Modern condos and brownstones

There’s a historic look to Journal Square that draws people in, too. Brownstones and brick row houses, often with ornate bay windows and crown molding along the rooflines, sit alongside detached colonial homes and the occasional newer home with contemporary stylings. Condominiums are common in the neighborhood, either in modern high-rises or converted historic warehouses. Housing prices range from $200,000 for a one-bedroom condo to $1.4 million for an eight-bedroom single-family home. Streetscapes feel urban yet modest, with small ornamental plantings near front doors, brick details around stoops and clean sidewalks.

Historic Brownstone buildings are all around Journal Square
Historic Brownstone buildings are all around Journal Square
Old trees take their places on the sidewalks of Journal Square.
Old trees take their places on the sidewalks of Journal Square.
Historic brick buildings are great to see in Journal Square.
Historic brick buildings are great to see in Journal Square.
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Dining along Newark Avenue

The neighborhood contains several major grocery stores like CTown Supermarkets and Patel Brothers, along with delis and boutique grocers like Food Story Natural Market, a sleek 10,000 square foot space with sushi and health food. Cafés and restaurants are scattered throughout the neighborhood, but there’s a significant concentration of eateries along Newark Avenue. The dining scene could best be described as cosmopolitan, with options including Filipino, Italian, Indian, Chinese and Caribbean. Modern retail shopping centers are available in neighboring Jersey City, one of the closest being Newport Plaza, which contains big-box names like Target and Best Buy.

Customers can sit and watch soccer matches together in the City Cafe & Grill in Journal Square.
Customers can sit and watch soccer matches together in the City Cafe & Grill in Journal Square.
The Patel Brothers Market, in Journal Square, is a great market for the essentials.
The Patel Brothers Market, in Journal Square, is a great market for the essentials.
Shops and Restaurants in Little India are a staple in the Journal Square neighborhood.
Shops and Restaurants in Little India are a staple in the Journal Square neighborhood.
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Mana Contemporary Arts Center, Loew's Jersey Theatre

With its colorfully painted exterior, Mana Contemporary Arts Center stands out as a piece of art in its own right. Visitors can rent a studio for their own creative practice, or simply enjoy the calendar of art installations that celebrate many artistic mediums, from paintings to sculptures. Loew’s Jersey Theatre, a restored Spanish Baroque building from 1929, is the place to catch plays, concerts and movies. Other major historic sites in the neighborhood include the Apple Tree House, which was built in 1750 and may have served as the spot for a 1779 meeting between George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette. The Historic Jersey City & Harsimus Cemetery is well-known among locals for several beloved community events, including a yearly festival where people keep goats company while they eat the grass and the Ghost of Uncle Joe’s Halloween Ball, which features live music by local bands and four afterparties.

Robotics at Dickenson High

Students attend schools in the Jersey City Public School District, rated a B-minus by Niche. Jotham W. Wakeman School - P.S. 6 is the first stop for elementary school students. This school, a five-minute walk for many residents, has a B-plus rating. Frank R. Conwell Middle School - M.S. 4 receives a B. William L. Dickinson High School's robotics team has earned honorable mentions for two years running at the statewide competition. The school earns a C. Hudson Community College is located next to the Journal Square train station and includes a nationally recognized five-story Culinary Arts Institute with a conference center.

Welcome to  William L. Dickinson High School in the Journal Square neighborhood.
Welcome to William L. Dickinson High School in the Journal Square neighborhood.
William L. Dickinson High School is also in the Jornal Square neighborhood.
William L. Dickinson High School is also in the Jornal Square neighborhood.
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Skyline views from Mary Benson Park

Canco Park’s open green space is the stage for many community events like wildlife festivals and art installations. Children Park and Basketball Court is a popular spot where visitors take their kids to enjoy the playground, athletic fields, basketball courts or the neighboring public pool. Brett Triangle is a colorful pocket park that evokes the slight artsy angle of Journal Square: a paved section is painted with bright jewel-toned rays emanating from a central circle. Mary Benson Park provides a playground and athletic facilities, plus it’s a great place to catch skyline views of New York City.

Journal Square has one of the largest bus stations in the area.
Journal Square has one of the largest bus stations in the area.

Commuting on Kennedy Boulevard

Journal Square is less than 2 miles west of Jersey City’s Historic Downtown and roughly 4 miles from Lower Manhattan, making it both a commuter-friendly hub and a jumping-off point for exploring what the region has to offer. One of the state’s major transportation hubs, Journal Square Transportation Center, is along Kennedy Boulevard in Jersey City. Newark Liberty International Airport is less than a 15-minute drive from Journal Square. "It's easy to get into New York City, where people work and play," says Sims, who has sold residences in the area for 21 years. "Most people who live here go into the city."

Paul Spencer
Written By
Paul Spencer
Christine Tranchina
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Christine Tranchina

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Trina Olivo, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Newark Liberty International

13 min drive

Train

Journal Square

Bus

Newark Ave & Summit Ave

Bus

Journal Square Transportation Center

Bus

Newark Ave & Mcpherson Pl

Bus

Bergen Ave & Academy St

Bus

Newark Ave & Waldo Ave

Bus

Manhattan Ave & Liberty Ave

Bus

Jfk Blvd & Saint Pauls Ave

Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.5 17 Reviews
3.0 Current Resident
1/19/2020 Niche Review
Journal Square is great for an NYC commuter. However, the area is quite old and dilapidated. Gets pretty depressing day after day sometimes.
3.0 Niche User
1/28/2015 Niche Review
Housing is cheap and reliable in this area compared to counterparts. Its easy to find and move in with minimum risk.
4.0 Niche User
1/28/2015 Niche Review
Police are patrolling all day and this place has a very low crime rate. Its one of the secure places in jersey. People are seen walking alone and in groups at night without much to fear about.
5.0 Current Resident
9/30/2017 Niche Review
Journal Square is such a diverse neighborhood and is full of job opportunities! The overall safety-ness of the enviroment can be improved.
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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Journal Square US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$515,000
Median Single Family Price
$678,750
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$560,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$402,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$526
Number of Homes for Sale
38
Last 12 months Home Sales
98
Months of Supply
4.70
Median List Price
$539,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-4%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
839
Median Year Built
1912
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
909
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,093
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,099
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
846
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
524
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
2,178

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Apr 27
    1 - 3pm

    936 Pavonia Ave Unit 3A, Jersey City, NJ 07306

    $685,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 936 Pavonia Ave
    • Unit 3A
    • New 1 day ago

    This stunning 1,044 sq ft 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo in the heart of Journal Square offers the perfect blend of style, comfort, and convenience. Step inside to find a bright and airy open layout, where natural light pours in through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and a sliding glass door that leads to your private terrace. The spacious living and dining areas offer the ideal setting for both

    Amber Cruse KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY

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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    12 - 3pm

    103 Beach St, Jersey City, NJ 07307

    $840,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 103 Beach St
    • New 3 days ago

    Welcome to this well-maintained two-family home offering a total of 5 bedrooms + 2 dens and 2.5 bathrooms, nestled in the heart of Jersey City Heights, just a short walk to Journal Square PATH and with a bus stop just one block away. This home features two spacious units and a semi-finished basement bursting with potential. Whether you choose to keep it as added storage or convert it into an

    LYSSOL GARCIA ARIKAN COLDWELL BANKER REALTY

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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    2 - 4pm

    54 Magnolia Ave Unit 1-6, Jersey City, NJ 07306

    $299,999

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 54 Magnolia Ave
    • Unit 1-6
    • New 9 days ago

    Uncover charming city living in this delightful condo (Unit 1-6) nestled in a classic brick building in the heart of Journal Square. This 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom home combines comfort and convenience across two thoughtfully designed levels. Upstairs, youâ€ll find a stylish kitchen outfitted with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and easy-to-clean tiled flooring. The bright living

    Paul Fenui Jr Real

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Trina Olivo, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
26,928
Median Age
37
Population Density
53 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.9%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$67,393
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$92,437

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
88.4%
College Graduates
55.5%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
22.6%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
62%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
50''
Average Winter Low Temperature
28°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
18''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

58 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

99 / 100

Excellent Transit

Transit Score®

82 / 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Journal Square