I lived in Hoboken for 15 years before moving up to Jersey City Heights. Some of my friends who live up here thought I’d love it and I did when I first moved here almost 5 years ago. But Central Avenue has changed in the last few years and not for the better.
Due to the terrible economy, some of the stores have closed and some that were vacant 5 years ago, still are. Today a store can only survive if it sells products we truly need, like food and liquor. We can live without new sneakers, but we have to eat and have that glass of wine.
I have noticed that down in Hoboken stores close also, but a new store is more likely to open there, than here. It’s obvious to anyone who walks around here or there, the type of people who live and shop in these two areas are quite different.
A new store cannot open if the type of people who would shop there don’t exist up here, and if they don’t open better shops, the living spaces won’t improve driving up the cost, making the type of people who live up here better.
I realize it’s all a cycle and everything is connected. Just look at how Downtown Jersey City has reinvented itself, the same way Hoboken did years ago. New condominiums, shops, malls, parks, walkways, etc…
But “The Heights” is stuck in a downward spiral and no one is doing anything to help it. Hello, Mayor Healy? Each year in May, right on Central Avenue we have “The Everything Jersey City Festival.” This past festival drew approximately 23,000 people and it was a spectacular day, but one festival, on one day, cannot bring a section of the city up to where it could be.
I’ve got visitors coming to visit from the midwest this summer and I’m wondering what they’re going to think about this area and if they’re going to wonder why I moved here. Yes the space I have is huge compared to Hoboken spaces, but when they see the locals, I can only imagine their horror. Well, all I can do is show them a great time in close by New York City, and the waterfront areas of Hoboken and Jersey City.
“but when they see the locals, I can only imagine their horror”
I use to live in the Heights, and the residents are mixed (Asian, Hispanic, White, few Blacks). All you can tell your family is that you live in the most culturally diverse city of NJ, and on the East coast for that matter. You can take your family to Downtown JC, Newport Mall, and all the nice restaurants Downtown. Look at the website http://www.DestinationJerseyCity.com, it will give info on events, restaurants, etc. You can also take them to Nyc as well.
With the economy the way it is, crime has risen all over NJ, in every county. Businesses and people are moving out of NJ as well.
I now live in Journal Square which has also changed for the worst since I moved to JC 10 years ago. I have lived all over JC, and the only area which has made alot of progress is Downtown JC, Newport (which as alot of Asians), Paulus Hook, and Exchange Place. Basically the Hudson River waterfront areas in JC have made alot of progress and continue to do so. Just last week, history was made in Jersey City, a downtown property sold for the highest price per square feet ever in NJ history.
Unfortunately, there was an article written a few years ago in the Star ledger which is very true, it is titled “The Tale of Two Jersey Cities”. One side of Jersey City eats caviar and wine, and the other side of town is struggling to pay their rent.
I continue to love living here, moving to the suburbs is not an option for me anymore. Eventhough I’m originally from the suburbs, I’ve become accustomed to living in an urban setting. Also trends indicate that minorities are moving into the suburbs (especially Hispanics) and Whites are moving back to the cities, according to the last census and recent studies.
Studies also indicate that senior citizens that live in the suburbs or country have a really hard time getting around, shopping, going to their doctor’s appointments, etc.
Personally, I’ve come to the conclusion that it is better to remain in Jersey City. If you find a good block or street to live on, you will be proud to have visitors.
Also every large city in the USA has a wealthy section and a poverty stricken section for ex. NYC, LA, Chicago, etc.
I don’t think it’s a question of Jersey City Heights vs Hoboken. Jersey City is the 2nd largest city in NJ. It’s really easy to turn a round a mile square town, than Jersey City which is 10 times larger.
There is no such thing in the entire country where anyone can say that city is all rich or that city is all poor.
By “locals” and “horror” I can only imagine you’re talking about the dope dealers with pit bulls who prance up and down the Avenue, as we oldtimers call Central Ave., and maybe the fat girls with their bellies bulging over the tops of their skinny jeans as they jingle their bling and toss their frizzy hair.
No, Jersey City Heights is home to a lot of people for whom taste is a foreign concept. But this was true before the recession, and they’ll still be here when everyone feels prosperous again. It’s part of the diversity Jersey City has. These people haven’t been priced out, as has happened in Hoboken. And I’m hoping they won’t be burned out by greedy landlords and developers, as happened when Hoboken started “taking off” and gentrifying in the early Eighties. That’s a part of its history Hoboken shouldn’t be proud of.
I would suggest you take a little pride in living in a neighborhood that has a diverse demographic and supports people of all economic levels. Crime is a problem EVERYWHERE, and there are few places one can walk the streets alone after 9 or so at night without fear. Hoboken and downtown Jersey City included! That’s why cabs get people around and stay busy in both those “upscale” areas, which have very little pedestrian traffic at night.