So Close You Can Practically Smell the Bagels: A Totally Unbiased Guide to New Jersey's NYC-Adjacent Neighborhoods
Ah, New York City. The Big Apple. The City That Never Sleeps (except for that time everyone collectively decided to take a nap in 2013 because pigeons were wearing tiny hats and it was all a bit much). But what if you crave the energy of NYC without the...well, everything else that comes with living in a city that runs on a constant drip of ambition and questionable pizza toppings?
Fear not, my friend from afar! New Jersey, the state some folks mistakenly believe is just a rest stop on the way to somewhere better, offers a glorious selection of neighborhoods that are practically spitting distance from NYC.
The Hudson River Hustle: Jersey City and Hoboken
Let's start with the classics. Jersey City and Hoboken are like the Ross and Rachel of NYC-adjacent living - they've been there for you all along, offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and a quick commute into the city. Jersey City boasts Liberty State Park (where you can pretend you're starring in your own immigrant coming-to-America story next to Lady Liberty), while Hoboken is a walkable haven with a bar scene livelier than your drunk uncle at a wedding.
Word on the street: Jersey City is known for its youthful energy, while Hoboken leans a touch more upscale (translation: slightly pricier rent, slightly fewer bars with names like "Lucky Duff's").
Bonus points for:
- Jersey City: Having the best damn name in New Jersey (fight me, Bordentown).
- Hoboken: Being the birthplace of Frank Sinatra. Just imagine walking the same streets as Ol' Blue Eyes himself! (Though, frankly, considering his singing career probably involved a lot of late-night strolls, that might not be the most glamorous image).
Go West, Young Commuter: Secaucus and Beyond
Okay, so maybe "west" isn't exactly the right direction, but hey, who are we to judge geography when there are apartments to be found? Secaucus is a commuter's dream, with trains that practically teleport you to Manhattan. Plus, it boasts the Meadowlands...uh...well, let's just say the views are...unique.
But wait, there's more! If you venture further west (like, way west), you'll find charming towns like Montclair and Westfield. These places offer a more suburban vibe, with tree-lined streets and excellent schools. Just be prepared for a slightly longer commute (but hey, more time for podcasts, right?).
Word on the street: Secaucus is all about convenience. Montclair and Westfield are about that small-town feel with big-city access.
Bonus points for:
- Secaucus: Having the best name for a game of Scrabble.
- Montclair: Once being named "The Most Walkable City in New Jersey" by some website that probably hasn't heard of Hoboken.
- Westfield: Having a Trader Joe's. Need we say more?
The Final Frontier: The Not-So-Obvious Choices
Alright, so we've covered the hits, but New Jersey has a treasure trove of hidden gems when it comes to NYC-proximity living. We're talking places like Fort Lee (breathtaking views!), Edgewater (casinos, baby!), and even Union City (seriously underrated Latin food scene).
Do your research, explore your options, and remember: New Jersey might just surprise you. After all, it's not all about highways and questionable rest stops. There's a whole world of bagel-scented possibility waiting to be explored, my friend.
