Jersey City is the second largest city in New Jersey. In 1609 when Henry Hudson sailed through the Narrows between Long Island and Staten Island, he was immediately taken by the lush green plains and softly rolling hills of the countryside. Several decades later, in 1660, the Dutch, settled in the area, making it the first settlement in New Jersey. In 1883, after becoming independent of Bergen Township, Jersey City was founded.
Located on a peninsula between the Hudson and Hackensack rivers in northeastern New Jersey, this city of over 240,000 residents rests within Hudson County and consists of more than 14 square miles of attractive land area and over 6 square miles of scenic shoreline. The city also lies only about 4 miles across from the neighboring island of Manhattan, making it easily accessible via the Holland Tunnel, the PATH trains, and several ferries that serve commuting residents and visitors.
But Jersey City offers more than just a convenient locatoin for locals and out-of-towners; it also provides a variety of natural and cultural attractions. For nature lovers and active types, Liberty State Park is one of the most popular desitnations in Jersey City. The 1,122-acrew park offers a beach, wetlands, a playground and the opportunity to take a ferry to Ellis Island and Liberty Island. In addition, the park is also the home of the Liberty Science Center, an interactive museum. Another park in Jersey City, Lincoln Park, features athletic fields, a baseball complex, basketball courts, and a cross-country course.
If your pursuits lean more towards the cultural and historical, Jersey City has a rich variety of landmarks, theaters, and museums to satisfy your interests. The Jersey City Museum offers not only historical exhibits, but several galleries of contemporary art as well. The Afro-American Historical Museum offers exhibits pertaining to the Civil Rights Movement, in addition to tours of historical sites in Hudson County. For film and theater lovers, there is the restored Landmark Loew’s Jersey Theater that screens classic and independent films within its landmark-status walls; another landmark, the Attic Ensemble, presents award-winning plays.
Dining and shopping are also plentiful in Jersey City. Many restaurants are available throughout the area to satisfy every type of palette. Similarly, large shopping centers such as the Newport Centre Mall provide shoppers with over 150 different types of shops, all in one location.
Jersey City is conveniently located and offers much in the way of culture, history, art, and entertainment, as well as a surprising amount of open space. All of these attributes make it a grace place to live, work and visit.
