HUDSON COUNTY
Hoboken Neighborhood Guide
A suburb set across the river from the Big Apple, Hoboken mimics many of New York’s offerings in terms of shopping, dining, activities, and entertainment. A former industrial port along the Hudson River, Hoboken is New Jersey’s thriving Manhattan suburb with a vibrant culture, architectural character, natural beauty, and skyline views of NYC. Directly across from New York’s Chelsea and West Village, Hoboken’s nickname is the “Mile Square City” due to its dense area and stroll-worthy strip of entertainment, recreation, and natural charm.
Known to be the birthplace of baseball and the hometown of Frank Sinatra, Hoboken contains magnificent parks, lush green space, and outdoor activities up and down the coast of the Hudson. Transitioning from nature to entertainment is common in this NJ neighborhood as it flaunts an appealing array of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. In close proximity to Manhattan’s hip energy and on-the-go lifestyle, the city marks the nation’s highest use of public transportation with over 50% of residents commuting by bus, rail, or ferry.
Residents cherish the quick commute to NYC and resonate with Hoboken’s vibe on the other side. The city has lots to offer with local fare, community events, lush parks, and a community feel. For many, it’s fulfilling and fun-filled to live in Hoboken, a home in the heart of the action yet remotely removed from NYC.
Hoboken Real Estate Stats
MEDIAN SALE PRICE
$860,000
MEDIAN RENTAL PRICE
$3,600
An Abbreviated History of Hoboken
Originally a resort island surrounded by the Hudson River and tidal edges of the New Jersey Palisades, Hoboken’s waterfront locale has drawn industrial interest, unveiled numerous commercial opportunities, and been an integral asset to New York and New Jersey for centuries. The Lenni Lenape Indian tribes, indigenous to the Northeastern Woodlands, settled here and carved smoking tobacco pipes from the land’s serpentine rock. The territory was first noticed by Europeans on a 1609 voyage navigated by Henry Hudson (hence the River’s namesake). Decades later, Dutch settlers referred to the island as “Hoebuck” or “high bluff,” because of the land’s elevation known today as Castle Point. The viable land was later acquired by Dutch Governor of New York Peter Stuyvesant in 1658.
After the Revolutionary War, the land was confiscated and sold at a public auction to Patriot Army Colonel John Stevens in 1784. Stevens coined it “Hoboken” and by the early 1800s, the waterfront treasure became a sight for recreation and relaxation. In 1811, a ferry service was constructed that introduced New Jerseyans to the hustle and bustle of NYC and brought residents and visitors to and fro the same way the NY Waterway does today.
On June 19, 1845, teams New York Nine and Knickerbockers competed in a baseball game at an impressive park known as Elysian Fields. This matchup marked what’s commonly known as the birth of baseball because it was the first game played under a new set of rules that mirrors America’s pastime today. Hoboken proceeded to host cricket, football, yacht clubs, PT Barnum acts, and more.
Incorporated as a city in 1849, Hoboken has served as a valuable rail and waterway for commercial business around the world. In 1917, the Federal Government designated it the primary port for troops during World War I, an embarkment site for more than 3 million soldiers bound for war saying “Heaven, Hell, or Hoboken…by Christmas.”
Many immigrants, including Irish, Italians, Latinos, and Asians, followed this gateway to America, settled on the land, and opened small businesses and factories. As the shipping industry declined, Hoboken maintained its defining character and sparked a cultural renaissance that attracted musicians, artists, and a new wave of professionals commuting to and from Manhattan. The sought-after suburb continues to be a hotspot for real estate, social life, and the energy and diversity emanating from NYC.
NEIGHBORHOOD BOUNDARIES
- West 18th Street to the North
- Hudson River to the East
- Newark Street to the South
- Paterson Plank Road to the West
Hoboken Terminal | PATH Train |
Hoboken Terminal Train Lines | Main/Bergen County, Pascack Valley, Gladstone Branch, Montclair-Boonton, Morris & Essex, Port Jervis Line |
Residents Love This Neighborhood Because
- Balance of suburban feel with big-city excitement
- Bars and nightlife
- Community events
- Desirable and convenient shopping
- Historic architecture
- Proximity to outdoor recreation along the Hudson River
- Sidewalk cafés
- Transportation Hub across Metro NJ/NY
What to expect
Cafés |
+18 |
Hospitals |
1 |
Community Gardens |
2 |
Dog Runs |
11 |
Libraries |
3 |
Parks |
17 |
Playgrounds |
17 |
Restaurants |
+20 |
Yoga Studios |
17 |
Hoboken Landmarks and Cultural Institutions
A NEIGHBORHOOD TOUR
Castle Point Lookout
The highest point in Hoboken, this public attraction offers picturesque views of the Hoboken waterfront, Manhattan skyline, and Hudson River. The site, located on the campus of Stevens Institute of Technology, has a 100-foot elevation and hosts a historic cannon that serves as a symbol of protection brought to Hoboken from France amid the American Revolution.
Elysian Fields
Located at 11th and Washington Street, the venue is believed to be the site of the first organized baseball game as evidenced by the site’s Birthplace of Baseball Monument. The waterfront park area also hosted cricket, football, and yacht clubs until it was eventually developed for housing except for a small space that remains today with miniature monuments and plaques attributing to its history and baseball heritage.
Hoboken Historical Museum
Established in 1986, this museum showcases exhibits, events, and educational programs that capture the city’s history, evolution, architecture, and cultural diversity.
Hoboken Terminal
Established in 1907 on Hoboken’s southeast corner, the terminal is a high-traffic hub for New Jersey and New York ground transportation. The majestic American Industrial structure is the last operating station of the great Hudson River waterfront stations.
Hoboken Waterfront
With an abundance of outdoor recreation alongside a scenic setting overlooking New York City, Hoboken’s waterfront is enjoyed and experienced all year long and offers an array of restaurants, bars, parks, and outdoor cafés. The coastline was the primary setting for the 1954 motion picture, On the Waterfront, winner of eight Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Actor Marlon Brando.
Frank Sinatra Drive
This riverside road, named after Hoboken’s own Old Blue Eyes, features a flurry of restaurants, pubs, cafés, and shops.
Hudson River Waterfront Walkway
This New Jersey walkway travels through nine towns alongside the western shore of the Hudson River. This eighteen-mile stretch of scenic serenity is central to Hoboken’s character as residents and tourists enjoy everyday access to walking, jogging, biking, fishing, boating, and kayaking.
Pier A Park
Formerly an active industrial port, this coastal outdoor space has magnificent Manhattan skyline views and is ideal for relaxing, pets, picnics, and workouts.
Stevens Institute of Technology
This prestigious school is named after the Stevens family, known as “America’s First Family of Inventors.” Established in 1870, the school specializes in sciences and technology and continues to be a pioneer in mechanical engineering.
Sybil’s Cave
The oldest manmade structure in Hoboken, Sybil’s Cave was a natural spring space created by Hoboken’s founding Stevens family on its residential property. Walking distance from downtown Hoboken, the area was a popular destination for decades but eventually became neglected when the property became the Stevens Institute. It has since been rediscovered and refined and serves as an archaeological study for its structure, spring water, and environmental changes.
Architecture In Hoboken
VICTORIAN
ROMANESQUE
ART DECO
BEAUX-ARTS
Notable Residents
Who Have Lived in Hoboken
FRANK SINATRA
Singer, Actor
MICHAEL CHANG
Pro Tennis Player
SAM ESMAIL
Hollywood Screenwriter
JOHNNY KUCKS
Major League Baseball Player
JOE PANTOLIANO
Actor
LAURA SAN GIACOMO
Actress
BUDDY VALASTRO
Food Expert
ALFRED STIEGLITZ
Photographer, Modern Art Promoter
Popular Food & Drink
ANTIQUE BAR & BAKERY
122 Willow Avenue
BARBÈS
1300 Park Avenue
BLACK RAIL COFFEE
800 Jackson Street
BREAD & SALT
435 Palisade Avenue
HALIFX
At the W Hotel, 225 River Street
M & P BIANCAMANO
1116 Washington Street
OLD GERMAN BAKERY
332 Washington Street
PILSENER HOUSE & BIERGARTEN
1422 Grand Street
All Notable Resident photos courtesy of Wikipedia via Wikimedia Commons. Photo of Frank Sinatra by unknown; Photo of Michael Chang by James Phelps; Photo of Sam Esmail by Daniel Benavides; Photo of Johnny Kucks by unknown; Photo of Joe Pantoliano by Justin Hoch; Photo of Laura San Giacomo by Samhsa; Photo of Buddy Valastro by May S. Young from Metro NYC; Photo of Alfred Stieglitz by Gertrude Käsebier.