Are you prepared for a significant change in your life? If you are considering relocation, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of options and the associated stress. However, in my experience, the most challenging aspect of the process is making the decision of where to move.
Allow me to offer a potential suggestion: consider relocating from Brooklyn to Jersey City, the sixth borough of New York City. While there are both positive and negative aspects to this option, this is true of any neighborhood. Often, a lack of familiarity with a location can lead to a decision not to move there.
Costs Drop
You will be amazed! Everything and I mean everything in Jersey City is cheaper. Something unheard of – I went out with 3 friends for dinner, into an American style pub. We ate our soul out and the check for all of us was no more than 100 bucks. You won’t see that in Brooklyn.
I have experienced a significant decrease in my monthly expenses, including a reduction of nearly $50 in my internet and cable bill. Additionally, it is noteworthy that Jersey City is designated as an urban enterprise zone, which provides entrepreneurs and investors with government incentives. Notably, the sales tax rate in this zone is only 3.5%.
Even the standard necessities are cheaper. My standard shopping for hair shampoo and food costs quite less than it did in Brooklyn. Housing is also cheaper. Granted, there are million dollar condos located on the water, but there are condos in Midtown that would normally go for 7 digits in Brooklyn but would go for much less here.
My two bedroom, two bathroom apartment that goes even with a concierge and a movie theater goes for $400.000 while being FHA approved. You won’t find that in Brooklyn.
Still Close to Manhattan
Despite Jersey City being located in a different state, the proximity to Manhattan is remarkably close. My daily commute to my office at 35th and 5th Avenue typically takes between 30-40 minutes. In comparison to some of my colleagues who reside in New York City, their commute to the same location takes approximately 20-30 minutes, indicating that the distance I travel is not significantly greater.
It’s a Fun Place
One of the most popular products of ignorance about Jersey City is the misconception that there is nothing to do there. Quite the contrary, Jersey City is full of restaurants, big and small, expensive and cheap. There are numerous boutiques and countless NYC spin-off home furnishing shops.
On top of this, there is the Liberty Science Center, performance venues, movies, ice rinks, etc. We also have the Liberty State Park from which you can access the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Strong Sense of Community
Jersey City has a very high level of diversity within its neighborhoods. The historic downtown area resembles like Brooklyn a lot. the Waterfront area is entirely different grasping Paulus Hook and the Harborside Financial Center. Additionally, Little India is located in the Journal Square area. Regardless of the diversity, you will want to connect with your new neighbors after the move.
The diversity present in Jersey City does not hinder the strong sense of community that exists within the area. The community is actively engaged in various events, such as craft fairs, farmers markets, and festivals, including the highly popular All About Downtown Street Festival, which receive significant support.
Do You Miss the Beach?
For those who yearn for frequent visits to the beach, Jersey City offers a convenient option with a travel time of just over an hour by car or train to reach the sandy shores of Asbury Park. A mere twenty-minute extension of your journey will bring you to Seaside Heights. Furthermore, the absence of bridges and tunnels ensures a more enjoyable travel experience.
A Few Negative Aspects of Moving From Brooklyn to Jersey City
Even though Jersey City is awesome, if you’re going to make a decision – you need to know both sides of the story. Here are a few negative aspects of moving to Jersey City.
Few People Will Come to Visit
New Jersey has a poor reputation with New Yorkers. I’m not sure what it is. It may be the misconception of the distance to it or the wrong idea about what can be done over there. Whatever it is, people will rarely spend the time to come and visit. What’s worse, if they do end up visiting they will make it sound like they are doing you a favor. Not sure what’s worse. Just try to make new friends locally.
Public Transport
Even though there are numerous ways to go around, the route that takes you around Jersey City is very inconvenient. If you need to go around for a couple of miles, it will usually be just easier to catch a cab or walk to the distance. When compared to the transportation you’ve had in New York, this will greatly fade in comparison.
Don’t Stay Up Open Late
This goes even for something as simple as ordering a pizza. After a certain hour, the place goes to sleep and it is difficult to find anything open. It simply won’t be the 24/7 New York that you’re used to. Places will often not work on major holidays and Sundays. Plus, pubs and places to go out to usually close around 1 am or 2 am.
There Are Some Growing Pains in This Place
The population of this place is on the rise. Many people are relocating there for its obvious qualities. This rise in population dictates that the infrastructure of Jersey City is not yet fully accommodated to the rise in the population. Roads are blocked at rush hours, people argue about new constructions and so on.
All of these factors need to be considered when deciding whether you should move from Brooklyn to Jersey City. Oh and one more thing, moving just like any other, you need to be careful. Picking a long distance moving company is key.