Jersey City

by The Linguist

Jersey City, New Jersey

Jersey City is the second most populous city in the U.S. state of New Jersey with a population of 264,152 as of 2020 according to the Wikipedia page. It is the county seat and largest city of Hudson County. Jersey City lies northeast of Newark, the state’s most populous city, and east of the Hackensack River.

History

Originally inhabited by the Lenape Native Americans, the first permanent European settlements were established in 1660 in what was then called Pavonia. In 1664 the land became part of the proprietary colonies of East and West Jersey until 1702 when the two provinces were reunited into a royal colony. Jersey City was incorporated as a township by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on January 28, 1820, from portions of Bergen Township, while the area was still a part of Bergen County. It was reincorporated as a city on January 23, 1838.

Jersey City was a dock and manufacturing town for much of the 19th and 20th centuries. Much like New York City, Jersey City has always been a destination for new immigrants to the United States. In the 1840s, tens of thousands of German immigrants and German Americans called Jersey City home, and today the city has one of the largest LGBT communities in the nation.

For more detailed history, visit the Jersey City Historical Society.

Geography and Climate

Jersey City is located at 40.7178° N, 74.0776° W. It covers a total area of 21.080 square miles, including 14.794 square miles of land and 6.286 square miles of water. As of the 2020 United States Census, the city had a population of 264,152.

Jersey City has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters. The average high temperature in July is 84°F and the average low in January is 25°F. Jersery City gets an average of 44 inches of rain per year. Snowfall averages 22 inches annually.

Economy

Jersey City has seen extensive redevelopment and revitalization in recent decades. Many dense residential towers have been built with an improved waterfront area. Jersey City’s economy is intertwined with Manhattan’s and many work in New York City. However, Jersey City has established itself with major businesses in finance, shipping, retail, and more.

For more on the local economy and major employers, visit the Jersey City Economic Development Corporation.

Transportation

Jersey City is easily accessible from New York City and the surrounding region by various transportation methods:

  • PATH Train – Connects Jersey City to Manhattan, Hoboken, Newark and Harrison
  • NJ Transit – Commuter rail and bus service
  • Hudson-Bergen Light Rail
  • Ferries to Manhattan and Staten Island
  • Holland Tunnel to Manhattan
  • New Jersey Turnpike

For complete transportation details, visit the NJ Transit website.

Education

Public schools in Jersey City are operated by the Jersey City Public Schools district. The district has 30 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, 9 high schools and 7 charter schools. There are approximately 28,000 students.

For details on the school district, visit the Jersey City Public Schools website.

Jersey City is also home to several colleges and universities:

Landmarks

Some of the most famous landmarks and tourist attractions in Jersey City include:

  • Statue of Liberty – While the Statue of Liberty itself is located in New York Harbor, Jersey City offers some of the best views of Lady Liberty. Liberty State Park along the waterfront is a top spot to see the statue and Ellis Island. Address: 200 Morris Pesin Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07305. GPS Coordinates: 40.6892° N, 74.0444° W
  • Liberty Science Center – This interactive science museum and learning center overlooks the Hudson River and Statue of Liberty. Great for families and kids. Address: 222 Jersey City Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07305. GPS Coordinates: 40.7155° N, 74.0459° W. Website: lsc.org
  • Colgate Clock – Located along the Jersey City waterfront, this iconic octagonal clock face is 50 feet in diameter. Part of the former Colgate-Palmolive soap factory. Address: 1 Marin Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07302. GPS Coordinates: 40.7174° N, 74.0337° W

For more landmarks and things to do, visit the Jersey City Facebook page or Jersey City culture website.

Sports

Jersey City is home to minor league sports teams in hockey, baseball, and soccer:

  • New York Red Bulls II – Minor league soccer team, part of USL Championship. Plays at MSU Soccer Park at Pittser Field.
  • Jersey Express – Minor league baseball team, part of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Plays at Caven Point Stadium.
  • Jersey Titans – Tier II junior ice hockey team, part of the North American Hockey League. Plays at Jersey City Armory.

County and Local Government

Jersey City is located within Hudson County. The county government website is www.hudsoncountynj.org and their headquarters address and phone number is:

Hudson County Administration Building
595 Newark Avenue, 6th Floor
Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 795-6100

The Jersey City government website is jerseycitynj.gov and their city hall address and phone number is:

Jersey City City Hall
280 Grove St
Jersey City, NJ 07302
(201) 547-5000

Local Resources

Here are some additional local resources for Jersey City residents and visitors:

Map of Jersey City