Living in Jersey City: An Affordable Alternative to New York City October 22, 2014

It is no secret that rent in New York City can be very expensive. At one time, Brooklyn was considered to be an affordable, trendy, though somewhat grittier alternative; but today, not even Brooklyn can escape the rising cost of rent. While housing can be expensive in many neighborhoods, there are still a variety of available options for foreign students who want to study English in Manhattan. If you are interested in renting an apartment during your time at the New York English Academy, a good alternative to living in the Big Apple is nearby Jersey City.

New Developments in Jersey City

Over the past few years a new energy has spread throughout the city, and with a new mayor, a new focus on improving the city’s education and crime statistics, and an improving economy, more and more local neighborhoods in Jersey City are being transformed into trendy hotspots for young professionals.

Hamilton Park, one of the city’s most beautiful neighborhoods with its well-preserved brownstone streets, has received one of the city’s largest transformations with the addition of modern parks, tennis courts and sports facilities, and free Wi-Fi hotspots sprouting up around the once rundown community.

Another transformed community is the neighborhood surrounding Van Vorst Park, which has see major renovations in housing as well as the introduction of trendy bars and restaurants throughout the area.

Slow and Steady Progress

Change didn’t happen all at once. Since 1986, developers have slowly been working on changing the city for the better. What was once the neighborhood of Newport, filled with train tracks and warehouses, is now a chic residential area with new high-rises, art galleries, and an improved public transportation system, making the commute from Jersey City to Manhattan even shorter. Furthermore, with the city’s new 36-year-old mayor, Steven Fulop, there is a bright future ahead in tackling major issues and clearing the city’s name of its old reputation.

Traveling from Jersey City to Manhattan

Because Jersey City is just across the Hudson River from Manhattan, traveling between the two cities is very easy. For example, if you are commuting to your English classes at the New York English Academy’s new location in Manhattan’s Financial District, you can take the PATH Line from Hoboken Terminal in Jersey City to World Trade Center Station in Manhattan and walk the short remaining distance to the school; it takes about 30 minutes.

Final Considerations

While Jersey City was once considered an unsafe and underdeveloped area, it is now earning a reputation as a worthwhile location for living near Manhattan, offering both affordability and a short commute. Real estate specialists say that the area’s affordable prices and increased living standards appeal to “30–40 somethings” who want more stability than what urban hotspots like Brooklyn’s Williamsburg can offer. So, if you are looking for an affordable apartment that still has an easy commute to Manhattan, be sure to check out what Jersey City has to offer. And if you’re still unsure about whether or not living in an apartment is the best option for you, read our article “Choosing an Apartment over Communal Housing: Pros and Cons.”