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

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.

Residents Love This Neighborhood Because

What to expect

Hoboken Landmarks and Cultural Institutions

A NEIGHBORHOOD TOUR

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.

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.

Established in 1986, this museum showcases exhibits, events, and educational programs that capture the city’s history, evolution, architecture, and cultural diversity.

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.

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.

This riverside road, named after Hoboken’s own Old Blue Eyes, features a flurry of restaurants, pubs, cafés, and shops. 

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.

Formerly an active industrial port, this coastal outdoor space has magnificent Manhattan skyline views and is ideal for relaxing, pets, picnics, and workouts.

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.

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.

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.