Bayonne, NJ

Before Dutch settlers inhabited the area in the 1600s, the Lenni Lenape Native Americans called Bayonne home. In 1800s, the Morris Canal connected Bayonne with other areas in Northern New Jersey, while steamboats connected its early residents to New York City. In its early days, Bayonne operated as a major boat-building center in addition to its role as a farming and fishing community. Industrialization and urbanization took place during the 19th and 20th centuries, and the city becoming home to a diverse population of European immigrants and businesses such as Standard Oil.

Although Bayonne lacks art galleries, two museums call the city home: the Bayonne Fire Department Museum on West 47th Street and the Bayonne Museum on Broadway. Local festivals include Bayonne's annual Bergen Point Fall Festival. The city also hosts annual winter events such as caroling along Broadway and carriage rides with Santa on 23rd Street.

From Casa Lupita's Mexican cuisine to Amici's classic Italian fare, Bayonne's diverse restaurant selection serves something to suit every palate. Most of the city's dining establishments are along Broadway, including Andrew's Project, which specializes in healthy food, including gluten-free and vegan dishes. Carnivores still have plenty to choose from, including organic sandwich specialties such as a French steak sandwich and a turkey wrap with cranberry sauce and pineapple. Entrées include vegetarian options such as chana masala, vegetable curry and wild-caught shrimp scampi.

Otaiko Hibachi Sushi Lounge located at South Cove Commons features fantastic service and fresh, high-quality fish. Sitting at the hibachi always provides entertainment along with the meal, and the sushi selection includes specialty rolls such as Angry Dragon and Mango Layer. If you plan to go on a holiday, be sure to make reservations to avoid a long wait.

Bayonne's nightlife scene consists mainly of bars and pubs; the city lacks music venues and nightclubs. Immerse yourself in a hip Brooklyn-like scene at Lot 13, which features fabulous service and an extensive selection of craft beers. Play darts, hang out and try tasty pub grub such as burgers and Gouda mac and cheese. Ask the bartender to make a custom drink for you if you feel adventurous.

When you crave live entertainment, check out Big Apple Sports Palace and Restaurant on Broadway. In addition to having more than 30 televisions for watching the game, this establishment has live entertainment every weekend and a Tiki bar. Big Apple's extensive menu includes everything from sandwiches and burgers to pizza and entrées such as balsamic glazed chicken.

Bayonne's 75 miles of roadways makes commuting and traveling by car in the area convenient and relatively fast. Major roadways such as Interstates 95 and 78 connect Bayonne residents to Jersey City, New York City, Newark Liberty International Airport and beyond. Route 440, the main thoroughfare in Bayonne, provides quick north-south travel and access to Route 185, which takes you to Liberty State Park, or the Bayonne Bridge, which takes you to Staten Island.

Residents typically take advantage of residential permit parking offered through Bayonne Parking Utility. Central Parking System, located on Port Terminal Boulevard, also provides parking. Although most people drive or take advantage of public transportation to navigate the region, residents can also complete many errands by walking in this pedestrian-friendly city. Cyclists have several bike paths, including one on the Bayonne Bridge.

New Jersey Transit serves Bayonne with bus service on Broadway, Kennedy Boulevard and Avenue C, providing residents with transportation to Jersey City, Battery Park in Manhattan and other regional destinations. The MTA provides bus service to Staten Island, and the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail stops at 8th, 22nd, 34th and 45th Streets. Additionally, residents can call to arrange taxi service with local companies such as Archie's Cab and Van Service and Bayonne City Yellow Cab.

While all public parks in Bayonne welcome leashed pets, sometimes you want to let your pup run free. Sirius Dog Park, located in Dennis P. Collins Park, offers a double-gated enclosure that spans 100 by 75 feet. Other amenities include a water fountain, benches, faux fire hydrants and exercise ramps. The rest of the park features fun amenities such as a pirate ship-themed playground, several other playgrounds located along the Avenue C entrances and a water playground. The 16th Street Park usually hosts the city's July 4th fireworks festival.

Stephen R. Gregg Park, a 100-acre park located along the shores of Newark Bay, has a history dating back to 1916 when Charles N. Lowrie designed it. The park's half-mile promenade features stunning views. Additional amenities include a gazebo fishing pier, multiple walking paths, an ornamental garden, sports fields, tennis courts and a playground with a summer spray pool. In addition to green spaces and scenic walkways, Bayonne has a municipal pool that charges a nominal entrance fee. There is a September 11th memorial located at Bayonne Harbor.

Life in the city of Bayonne carries a cost of living slightly above the average for New Jersey. On a brighter note, the cost of living remains significantly lower than that of nearby New York City. Rental rates average $1,535, and residents can expect to pay around $5 for a pint of beer at local pubs such as Eddy's Bar on Kennedy Boulevard.

One-way fare on New Jersey Transit buses and regional rail generally runs from $1.50 to $3.20. Fill your tank without breaking the bank; Bayonne's gas prices typically hover 2 to 3 percent below the national average.

Chain stores, specialty stores, home furnishing stores, florists and food markets characterize Bayonne's diverse shopping scene along Broadway and at the Bayonne Crossing Shopping Center. The shopping center, the largest of its kind in the area, includes big name stores such as Walmart and Lowe's.

A walk along Broadway takes you past many stores, including women’s fashion chains such as Avenue, Joyce Leslie and Easy Pickins, which specializes in New York City fashions. You can also find smaller specialty stores such as Classic Skateshop located a block away from the 34th Street light rail station. This hip skate store carries a variety of clothing, accessories and footwear from brands such as Vans, Dwindle and Blind. In addition to providing friendly customer service, this shop performs skateboard repairs and modifications. Angela's Boutique on Broadway specializes in custom-designed gowns and dresses. Additionally, the shop features designer gowns and a full-service alterations department.

When you need to stock your pantry and fridge, you'll have no shortage of grocery stores and markets to choose from, including La Dona Grocery and Deli and Shoprite on Avenue C. Acapulco Grocery Store, Dodo Food Market and Midtown Food Market line Broadway, and the Super Stop and Shop is at South Cove Commons. Every Tuesday from May through late November, the Bayonne Farmers Market sets up shop at the municipal lot on 23rd and DelMonte Drive.

Bayonne Bridge, Bayonne Crossing Shopping Center, Bayonne Golf Club, Tear Drop Memorial, Saint Henry Church, Sirius Dog Park, 8th Street Station