Jersey City Guide For Newcomer Families
Even though family moves tend to be difficult and stressful, moving to a great place like Jersey City makes it all worth it. However, before you pack your bags and hit the road, it’s good to be prepared for what’s waiting. We will tell you all you need to know – from family-friendly neighborhoods to things to do in Jersey City. We’ve prepared an extensive Jersey City guide for newcomer families, and by the time you finish reading, you’ll feel like you’ve known Chilltown forever!
Our extensive Jersey City guide for newcomer families
Moving is never easy, and it always takes a lot of time and energy to organize. You need to be well prepared, and that includes researching the place you’re moving to, especially if you are moving to a different state.
After you hire movers and go through your cross-country move, you want to settle down in NJ as easily as possible. To help you do this, we’ve prepared everything you and your family need to know about Jersey City.
Family-friendly neighborhoods in Jersey City
Jersey City is a great place to call home and raise a family. However, before you start experiencing all the perks living in this city brings, you need to research and choose where to settle.
Luckily, there are plenty of great neighborhoods to raise a family in Jersey City, and here are just some of them:
- If you are looking for stunning NYC skyline views and proximity to all amenities you can think of, Jersey City Heights might be perfect for you. It offers beautiful parks for your kids to play in, but it’s also bustling with different coffee shops, bakeries, and restaurants.
- Waterfront is a trendy neighborhood in Jersey City. It might be a bit expensive, but it’s worth it as it provides everything one family needs. It’s a very well-maintained neighborhood with great schools. It also offers plenty of entertainment and recreational options.
- Jersey City Downtown is an urban neighborhood home to over 30,000 people. There are plenty of families with kids as this area has excellent schools. It’s also a very safe area that offers plenty of family-friendly activities.
- Hamilton Park is very close to Jersey City Downtown. However, this neighborhood has a tight-knit community feel as opposed to Downtown. It has lower real estate prices, so it’s very attractive to newcomers.
Schools in Jersey City
What makes Jersey City especially great for families is that it’s home to excellent schools. There are so many options to choose from, so rest assured you’re making a good decision.
When it comes to public schools, you have an option of your kids attending them for free after they turn three. On the other hand, plenty of Jersey City families chooses private schools as they give parents more flexibility. Plus, there are usually more options closer to home and easier to commute to.
How to move around Jersey City?
Walkability is one of many reasons families choose Jersey City. However, there are many other simple ways to move around this city. Besides driving, you can always use public transportation, which is, in fact, often easier. You can be in Manhattan in a matter of minutes!
There are also two ferries operating – Liberty Landing Ferry Service and NY Waterway. You can also rely on the Light Rail, which is an absolute favorite among little ones when it comes to above-ground traffic. By the way, they don’t even need tickets.
Healthcare in Jersey City
One of the most important factors when choosing a home for your family is the accessibility and quality of healthcare. It’s good to know that Jersey City is home to a great group of healthcare providers. Most importantly, you can rest assured that your kids are always safe with some great pediatricians in Jersey City.
Family fun in Jersey City
Lastly, we’ve come to the most fun part of our Jersey City guide for newcomer families – we’re going to talk about different indoor and outdoor activities for your kids and you to enjoy. No matter if you are a fan of indoor or outdoor fun, there is no doubt you’ll find something for yourself and your family.
Summer in Jersey City is something special, and your kids are going to love it. Jersey City indeed has it all, from visiting fun waterparks and having picnics at Liberty State Park to driving to the beach and taking strolls on one of many boardwalks.
But don’t think that summer fun is everything Jersey City offers. Even winter in Jersey City isn’t dull! You can have winter fun at an ice rink or escape winter at one of the indoor swimming pools. Visit Gravity Vault or Liberty Science Center or go bowling. Or enjoy Christmas lights on Manhattan as it’s just a couple of minutes away.
Spring in Jersey City offers probably the best weather for different outdoor activities. As there are plenty of parks and playgrounds to choose from, we’re sure you’ll quickly have your favorites. Our personal favorites are Hamilton Park and Van Vorst Park. They offer plenty of open space to run around and different playground equipment to climb and swing on. Even events such as farmer’s markets and movie days are organized!
The bottom line
We hope our Jersey City guide for newcomer families helped you and your loved ones prepare better for your Chilltown adventure! We’re positive that you’ll adjust and make new friends quickly. Best of luck with this new chapter of your life, and make sure to enjoy everything Jersey City has to offer for families.
About the Writer:
Angie Sims used to work in the traveling industry for six years, and her current job in the relocation industry. For the last three years, she has helped many people with their domestic and international relocation. She is also a full-time mom and a part-time content writer. She writes about traveling and moving with children using her own experiences.
