The skyline of Jersey City, New Jersey from New York harbor with the Statue of Liberty in the foreground.

Jersey City, New Jersey

Jersey City located in northeastern New Jersey is the state's second-most populous city. The historical attractions in Jersey City are arguably its most well-known characteristics. An interesting fact about Jersey City is that it is the oldest city in the US State of New Jersey, founded in 1630. Moreover, Jersey City is one of the most expensive cities to live in the United States. According to a Rent.com analysis, Jersey City has the highest rent in the country, with an average monthly rent increase of 66.25% from $3,308 in 2021 to a staggering $5,500 in 2022.

Geography And Climate Of Jersey City

Aerial view of Jersey City in New Jersey on a beautiful summer day
Aerial view of Jersey City in New Jersey on a beautiful summer day. 

Jersey City is situated on the Bergen Neck peninsula, with the Hudson River and New York Bay on the eastern side and the Hackensack River and Newark Bay on the western side. In Jersey City, the winters are cold, snowy, and windy, while the summers are hot, muggy, and damp. The average annual temperature ranges between 27°F and 85°F, with lows of 14°F and highs of 93°F being rare. The hot season lasts for 3.5 months, having an average daily high temperature exceeding 76°F. During the cold season, there is an average daily high temperature of less than 48°F. July is the year's hottest month, while January is the year's coldest month in Jersey City. 

Brief History Of Jersey City

City Hall in Jersey City, New Jersey
City Hall in Jersey City, New Jersey. Image Credit: Luigi Novi via Wikimedia Commons

Henry Hudson initially traveled to the location, which was formerly inhabited by the Delaware Indians, in 1609. In 1618, Dutch trappers established a settlement there, naming it Paulus Hook. In 1630, Michael Pauw bought it from Delaware, and by 1660, a permanent settlement had been formed there. The settlement was renamed Jersey City in 1820. 

The Population And Economy Of Jersey City

As per the latest US Census, Jersey City has a population of 292,449 inhabitants. Of this population, 50% were female, and 50% were male. In terms of age distribution, 7.8% were under the age of 5 years old, 20.7% were under 18 years old, and 11.1% were above the age of 65. Regarding the population’s ethnicity, 22.1% were white, whereas 23.1% were black or African American, 26.1% were Asian, 26.9% were Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% were American Indian, and 6.8% identified as two or more races. According to the same census, the total civilian labor force aged 16 years and older was 69.4%. The median household income was $76,444, and the per capita income in the past 12 months was $44,7611.

Attractions In Jersey City

Empty Sky Memorial

The Empty Sky Memorial in Jersey City, New Jersey
The Empty Sky Memorial in Jersey City, New Jersey. Editorial credit: Keri Delaney / Shutterstock.com

Empty Sky Memorial honors the people from New Jersey who lost their lives during the September 11 terrorist attack. The names of these victims are engraved into two tall silver walls that make up the memorial.

Ellis Island Immigration Museum

The Ellis Island Immigration Museum
The Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Editorial credit: Felix Lipov / Shutterstock.com

The people who immigrated worldwide from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s entered the US through Ellis Island. Although it is no longer used, the location has been converted into a museum to enable visitors to learn about the immigrants who came to the New York City area. While it is based in New York City, Ellis Island is considered a part of New Jersey. So it is ideal for adding the Ellis Island immigration museum to your itinerary while exploring Jersey City. 

Liberty Science Center

Liberty Science Center and Omni Theater in Liberty Park, Jersey City, New Jersey
Liberty Science Center and Omni Theater in Liberty Park, Jersey City, New Jersey. Editorial credit: Bokic Bojan / Shutterstock.com

The Liberty Science Center houses various exhibits in Liberty State Park. One of its famous exhibitions is the touch tunnel, which is a 24.3m dark path that will force one to use all senses except the eyes. The center also hosts an after-hours party on the 3rd Thursday of every month.  

Jersey City is a city filled with fun events and places that visitors can explore. It is considered a safe city where visitors can enjoy their time with minimal fear of theft or any crime. 

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