Hoboken Guide
Nicknamed The Square Mile City, Hoboken occupies an ideal position along the Hudson River, where you'll find jaw-dropping Manhattan skyline views and extraordinary outdoor space. While it's one of the most densely populated cities in the U.S. with more than 52,000 residents, Hoboken offers a wonderful waterfront quality of life with quaint neighborhoods and an outstanding collection of shopping, dining and nightlife venues, both old and new.
Bounded by Weehawken, Union City and Jersey City, this Hudson County enclave was initially occupied by The Lenape tribe before the Dutch began to settle the area as Pavonia in the 1600s. During the early 19th century, the land was acquired by Colonel John Stevens and incorporated as a city in 1855. Today, Hoboken is a culturally rich and close-knit community with ample appeal for everyone, from young families and college grads to empty nesters and retirees.
Here you'll find an array of housing types, from historic brick and brownstone buildings to modest single-family homes and modern, amenity-rich waterfront condominiums. Much of the city's architecture is protected by historic districting, which will preserve the area for generations to come.
Getting around in Hoboken is a breeze thanks to the city's extensive The Hop bus service and the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail line that runs 16 miles between Bayonne and North Bergen. Drivers will appreciate the nearby freeways and ideal position between the Holland and Lincoln Tunnels.
Commuters to New York City enjoy a wealth of options as well. At the city's southern border, the Hoboken Terminal offers 24-hour PATH trains that reach Manhattan's World Trade Center or Midtown in under 15 minutes. Residents can also board New Jersey Transit buses and trains at Hoboken Terminal. From the Hoboken-14th Street Ferry Terminal at the city's northern end, travelers enjoy direct access to Manhattan's Brookfield Place and West 39th Street destinations.
In Hoboken, residents enjoy the perfect mix of city amenities and excitement coupled with a peaceful, friendly way of life.
What You'll Love About It:
Washington Street: This beloved thoroughfare runs the entire length of Hoboken, lined with historic buildings and a charming collection of cafés, boutiques and nightlife destinations. Antique lamp posts, street clocks, brick sidewalks and shade trees add to the quaint appeal.
Waterfront Outdoor Space: Offering some of the most beautiful waterfront Manhattan views in the world, it's no surprise that Hoboken's shores are a coveted destination. Here you'll find runners, strollers, cyclists taking advantage of the 18.5-mile-long Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, while Maxwell Place Park, Sinatra Park and Piers A and C invite you to relax and unwind along the gleaming skyline. Enjoy free kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and canoeing at the Hoboken Cove Boathouse, or head to the W Hotel's Halifax restaurant to enjoy iconic outlooks with great food and cocktails.
Cuisine for Every Craving: The Hoboken dining scene is anchored by its outstanding old-school Italian delis that serve up mouthwatering mozzarella, cold cuts and more. Standouts include Lisa's, Vito's, Luca Brasi's and Sinatra's favorite, Fiores. There are at least dozen excellent restaurants offering classic and modern interpretations of Italian fare, or head to Benny Tudino's to experience "the Home of the largest slice." Italian isn't the only name in town. Hoboken also offers excellent German food and libations at Pilsener Haus Bieirgarten and Cuban eats at two La Isla Cuban locations and French food at Barbes and local favorites Dear Maud and Antique Bar & Bakery which are both a restaurant and cocktail bar. Of course, no matter which cuisine you choose, dessert from Carlo's Bakery, home of the Cake Boss, is a given!
Outstanding Arts: Visual and performing arts are alive and well in Hoboken, where residents look forward to the annual Hoboken Arts & Music Festival along Washington Street. Take in a performance at the Hoboken Children's Theater or a pottery class at Blue Skies Pottery. The Garden Street School of the Performing Arts offers instruction in dance, acting, art and music. The Monroe Center for the Arts provides premier artist studios and loft spaces, including Urban Arts at Monroe, a destination for fine art classes for children and adults.
Stevens Institute of Technology: This elite institution has been a part of Hoboken for more than 150 years. Today, the 55-acre residential campus is home to 7,000 students and more than 300 faculty members, and its notable alumni include Nobel Prize, Emmy Award and Peabody Award winners.