The Ultimate Guide to Jersey City Neighborhoods: From the Waterfront to the Hill

If you’ve ever tried to navigate a local real estate listing or explain where you live to a friend, you know that Jersey City is a complex tapestry of "wards" and "neighborhoods." To make things even more interesting, our Downtown area is actually a collection of six distinct micro-neighborhoods, each with its own historic charm and specific borders.

Whether you’re a new transplant or a long-time local, here is the definitive guide to the boundaries and vibes of Jersey City.

1. Downtown Neighborhoods

The Downtown area is a vibrant urban core composed of several distinct "mini-villages."

Newport

Boundaries: Bounded by the Hudson River and Marin Boulevard, extending from the Hoboken border down to Thomas Gangemi Drive.

The vibe: Ultra-modern, polished, and convenient. Think high-rise luxury towers, wide "stroller-friendly" paved walkways, and a distinct "city-within-a-city" feel.

Harsimus Cove

The Vibe: Picturesque historic charm with gas-lamp streets and 19th-century rowhouses.

The Boundaries: This quiet residential pocket is bounded by the massive stone Sixth Street Embankment to the north and Steuben Street (just north of Christopher Columbus Drive) to the south. Its eastern edge is Marin Boulevard, and its western boundary is Grove Street.

Paulus Hook

The Vibe: Upscale, nautical, and serene—arguably the most prestigious pocket of JC.

The Boundaries: Paulus Hook is the southeastern anchor of the city. It is bounded by Christopher Columbus Drive to the north and the Morris Canal/Tidewater Basin to the south. The Hudson River forms its eastern border at Exchange Place, while Marin Boulevard serves as its western limit.

Hamilton Park

The Vibe: Leafy, tree-lined streets centered around a stunning five-acre Victorian park.

The Boundaries: This neighborhood runs from 12th Street (near the Holland Tunnel entrance) down to the Sixth Street Embankment to the south. It is bordered by Marin Boulevard to the east and Manila Avenue/the Turnpike overpass to the west.

The Village

The Vibe: A historic, artistic enclave formerly known as "Little Italy."

The Boundaries: Located on the western edge of Downtown, The Village is bounded by 6th Street to the north and Christopher Columbus Drive to the south. Its eastern border begins at Monmouth Street, and it extends west to the New Jersey Turnpike (I-78) overpass, which separates Downtown from Bergen-Lafayette.

Powerhouse Arts District (PAD)

The Vibe: Industrial-chic with massive lofts, warehouses, and trendy eateries.

The Boundaries: This smaller, grit-meets-glam zone is bounded by Steuben Street to the north and Christopher Columbus Drive to the south. It runs from Marin Boulevard to the west over to Washington Boulevard to the east.

2. The Heights

Perched atop the Palisades cliffs, The Heights is famous for its "village" feel and stunning Manhattan views.

The Vibe: Walkable shopping along Central Avenue and a massive community of artists and young families.

Boundaries: It is bounded by Paterson Plank Road to the north (the Union City line) and Route 139 to the south. Its eastern edge is the cliffside overlooking Hoboken, and it runs west to the Hackensack River.

3. Journal Square (JSQ)

The transit and cultural heart of the city.

The Vibe: High-energy, urban, and home to the historic Loews Jersey Theatre.

Boundaries: Centered around the PATH hub, JSQ is roughly bounded by Route 139 to the north and Communipaw Avenue to the south. It sits between the Hackensack River and Summit Avenue.

4. Bergen-Lafayette (BeLa)

A rapidly growing neighborhood that blends industrial history with sprawling green space.

The Vibe: Trendy new eateries and incredible access to Berry Lane Park.

Boundaries: Located south of Journal Square and west of Liberty State Park. It is bounded by the Turnpike to the east and MLK Drive to the west, centered around Communipaw and Grand Streets.

5. West Side

A relaxed, residential area that feels like a quiet escape within the city.

The Vibe: Home to NJCU and the massive Lincoln Park.

Boundaries: It hugs the western edge of the city, running along West Side Avenue from the Hackensack River east to Kennedy Boulevard, nestled between JSQ and Greenville.

6. Greenville

The southernmost ward, offering more space and a true residential community feel.

The Vibe: Diverse, quiet streets and home to the scenic Mercer Park.

Boundaries: It starts south of Bayview Avenue and runs all the way to the Bayonne border, sitting between Newark Bay and the Upper New York Bay.