Moving to North Bergen? This Hudson County township is just across the Hudson River from Manhattan and offers budget-friendly housing, a growing job market, incredible restaurants, and more. Check out these ten things to know about living in North Bergen!
Affordable Living Near the Big Apple
Photo via @dan_the_inspector
Want to live near NYC without paying Big Apple prices? North Bergen could be the perfect place to settle down! With a population around 60,000 and crime rates 38% lower than the national average, this New Jersey township is a great place for young professionals, families, and retirees alike. The cost of living in North Bergen is also lower, with median home prices around $324,000 and median monthly rent prices around $1,200. Compare that to Manhattan’s $508,900 median home price and $1,294 median monthly rent, and it’s easy to see why living in the West New York area is a budget-friendly option!
The Local Economy Is Growing
Photo via @cfowlerblog
North Bergen is an urban enterprise zone, meaning the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs encourages businesses to move to North Bergen in order to stimulate economic growth. Because of this, the area is quickly becoming an attractive place for employment opportunities, especially in the finance, transportation, and health care industries. One of the largest employers in the area, Hackensack Meridian Palisades Medical Center, has even been recognized as one of the best places to work in health care. And, of course, being close to New York City means there are more job opportunities just across the river!
Utilize New Jersey Public Transit
Photo via @cosmiquerails
Whether you’re looking for an easy way to commute to work or take a weekend trip, there’s all kinds of great public transportation options in and around North Bergen! Take advantage of the North Bergen Park & Ride to catch an NJ Transit bus, or hop on the NJ Transit light rail at Tonnelle Ave Station and travel into NYC or other New Jersey cities like Trenton, Union City, and Newark!
Hills as Far as the Eye Can See
Photo via @alxsrgnt
Did you know North Bergen has the second most hills per square mile in the nation next to San Francisco? That’s right! Because this Hudson County township is situated on the Palisades—which consist of steep cliffs along the northeastern edge of New Jersey—rugged terrain is everywhere. If you enjoy a challenging hike or bike ride, make the trip up Palisades Interstate Pkwy to visit Palisades Interstate Park, which has 30 miles of riverfront trails!
Explore James J. Braddock Park
Photo via @cap_one60
Known as the “Central Park of Hudson County,” James J. Braddock Park is a favorite among North Bergen residents looking to spend time outside! Named after boxing champion, James J. Braddock, this 167-acre park has a little something for everyone. Stroll around Woodcliff Lake while admiring the Manhattan skyline. Let your dog play with furry pals at the dog run. Bring your little ones to play on the playground. Or play a game of tennis, basketball, or volleyball at one of several park sports facilities.
Attend North Bergen Events
Photo via @1winkyphotography
North Bergen offers a variety of community events and festivals that are fun for all ages! Grab your popcorn and blanket and attend a free movie night during the summer months with the family. Head to the North Bergen Monthly Flea Market every Saturday to find antiques and other unique items. Pick up fresh fruits and vegetables from the J.J. Braddock Park Farmers Market. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with empanadas, live music, dancing, and more at the Empanada Extravaganza. Or see classic cars and bikes line at Bergenline Ave during the annual North Bergen Classic Car & Bike Show.
Explore Bergenline Avenue
Photo via @luisvteq
Living in North Bergen means you can experience the “Miracle Mile” of Hudson County! Stretching from Union City to North Bergen, Bergenline Ave is a hub of locally-owned stores and restaurants, as well as cultural festivals like the Dominican-American Parade and the New Jersey Cuban Day Parade. And it’s accessible via the Bergenline Avenue Elevator No. 3 light rail station! Visit authentic Cuban restaurants like Las Palmas, La Pola, and El Vesubio. Or go shopping for men’s apparel at XIOS, children’s shoes at Panda Shoes, women’s clothing at Colombiana, or formal dresses at Izabella Bridal.
Find Authentic Latin & Hispanic Cuisine
Photo via @nochesdecolombia
Thanks to its large Hispanic and Latino populations, North Bergen is home to incredible Latin-American and Mexican cuisine. Try the Carne Asada or Pollo Salteado at Noches de Colombia. Grab a Sandwich Cubano and some cocktails at Rumba Cubana. Order Fresh Guac & Chips, Tostadas, or Chile Relleno paired with a Margarita de Lola at Lolita’s Mexican Cantina. Enjoy a Peruvian meal with classic dishes like Pescado Frito or Churrasco a La Plancha at La Kausa Restaurant. Or swing by fast-food joint Banana King, which serves Latin-inspired breakfast, sandwiches, burgers, and milkshakes.
Check Out the Local Restaurants
Photo via @watersidenj
There’s no shortage of amazing restaurants in North Bergen! Grab a seat at the counter and enjoy a classic diner breakfast with options like Chocolate Strawberry Pancakes or a Fried Double Egg Sandwich at Boulevard Diner. Start your morning with a Banana Smoothie and come back for a Jersey Burger at Daisy’s Grill. Schedule date night at Waterside Restaurant, where you can order Classic Steak Frites or Pan Seared Tuna paired with a bottle of wine and enjoy views of Manhattan. Pop into Trattoria La Sorentina for Italian favorites like Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina, Margherita Pizza, or Chicken Parm Panini. Or satisfy your sweet tooth with a piece of Tiramisu or order the Chocolate Mousse Cake for the whole family from Las Chicas Bakery and Cafe.
Discover North Bergen Nightlife
Photo via @harrysfoodanddrink
Looking for things to do at night in North Bergen? Make your way to hidden brewery New Jersey Beer Company for local brews like the Hudson Pale Ale or One in a Melon. Grab dinner and cocktails like a High Tide or Paper Plane at Harry’s Food and Drink. Listen to live music and play a round of pool with friends at Brass Rail Pub. Attend an open mic night and sip on Irish beers at Wild Rover Irish Pub. Enjoy a bottle of wine and Neapolitan Pizza at Aumm Aumm Pizzeria and Wine Bar. Or catch up with friends over happy hour at Crave 43.
Frequently Asked Questions About North Bergen
Is North Bergen a safe place to live?
North Bergen crime rates are 38% lower than the national average, and the township itself is safer than 50% of U.S. cities, making North Bergen a moderately safe place to live.
How far is North Bergen from New York City?
The Hudson County township of North Bergen is about 10 miles (or roughly 30 minutes) outside of New York City.
What’s the weather like in North Bergen?
The climate in North Bergen includes all four seasons with hot, humid summers and snowy winters. Summer high temperatures are around 85 degrees, while winter low temperatures are around 26 degrees. On average, North Bergen gets about 48 inches of rain and 26 inches of snow per year.
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