Journal Square - Jersey City, NJ

Journal Square gets its name from the historic Jersey Journal newspaper. The square, created in 1923, was the entertainment center of Hudson County for most of the twentieth century. It housed historic movie palaces that still stand today, such as Stanley Theater and Loew's Jersey Theater. The Journal Square we know today came to life in the mid-1970s with the opening of the PATH transportation center. This bustling community and major transportation hub remains rich in history with reminders of its heritage at almost every corner. See the 14-foot bronze statue of Jackie Robinson, the first African-American professional baseball player, displayed at the PATH center. Visit old movie palaces, the 350-year-old Old Bergen Church or the historic Apple Tree House. Spend the day at Liberty Science Center, an interactive science museum and learning center that houses the largest IMAX Dome theater in the nation.

Whether you're in the mood for the local ethnic cuisine of Little India or a New York-style hot dog, Journal Square has something for every taste. Explore the vibrant streets and delectable options in Journal Square's Little India. Try paratha, traditional stuffed flatbread, at Paratha Junction on Newark Avenue. Sample a variety of stuffed parathas, including chicken tikka, potato, cheese and a sweet version made with condensed milk. For an eclectic vegetarian Indian menu, head to Sapthagiri Taste of India. Sip a mango lassi, a traditional creamy yogurt drink flavored with fresh mango. Start your meal with samosas, flaky pastries filled with potato, peas and spices, and then choose from a diverse menu of both Northern and Southern Indian specialities. Order gulab jamun, a sweet milk dumpling soaked in an aromatic syrup, for dessert. Other options abound. Grab a chili hot dog at Boulevard Drinks or a slice of pepperoni pizza from Three Guys From Italy, or sample a variety of fresh fish and seafood from Morgan Fish Market and Seafood on John F. Kennedy Boulevard. Try the BBQ branzino, the sautéed jumbo shrimp or the fried calamari with marinara sauce. Take a short trip on the PATH train to the multitude of exciting nightlife options in both downtown Jersey City and New York City. Choose to stay right in the neighborhood and grab a drink with friends at Journal Square Pub or attend a murder mystery show. Sanai's Restaurant on Summit Avenue has a weekly murder mystery dinner that includes a live show and a three-course meal.

Transportation in Journal Square proves to be convenient, fast and reliable. Public transportation options include the Journal Square Transportation Center, which services eight million commuters every year. The center has multiple bus lines and the PATH train that connects Jersey City to Hoboken, Newark and Manhattan. Cabs are readily available outside of the Journal Square Transportation Center and Uber services the city. Those commuting by car can enjoy easy access to Route 139, the Pulaski Skyway, Route 1/9 and Interstate 78. Journal Square houses several public parking lots and garages, many of which offer discounted monthly and commuter parking. The streets of this walkable neighborhood remain busy with residents commuting to work and running daily errands. Bicyclists should take caution in this heavily populated and high-traffic area. The Journal Square Transportation Center provides bicycle racks for cycling commuters.

Go to Liberty State Park, less than two miles from Journal Square, to enjoy stunning views of Manhattan, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Visit the 9/11 "Empty Sky" memorial, take a canoe or kayak tour on the Hudson River or rent a bicycle or segway. At lunch time, have a picnic on the park's spacious green grounds while children fly kites. The 1,212-acre park is replete with miles of walkways perfect for running, biking and walking and exercise stations along the parcourse for fitness enthusiasts. Enjoy free outdoor concerts and entertainment every summer at the park's Summerfest festival. Children and dogs alike can enjoy the parks of Jersey City, including Van Vorst Park, Lincoln Park and Hamilton Park. Van Vorst Park offers playgrounds, two dog runs and community gardens. Shop at farmers or flea markets during the summer or see Shakespeare in the Park. Lincoln Park, one of the largest and oldest parks in Hudson County, provides tennis courts, track and athletic fields, picnic areas and plenty of space for biking and walking. Another excellent local park is Hamilton Park, where you can attend the Hamilton Park Street Festival, which occurs each June. The park boasts tennis courts, basketball courts, off-leash dog areas for both large and small dogs, a gazebo and a children's playground.

The cost of living in Journal Square is 11 percent less than the city average. The price of renting a one-bedroom apartment in this neighborhood averages $1,100. A ride to New York City or downtown Jersey City on the PATH train costs $2.75, and gas prices are 5 percent higher than the national average. A pint of beer at a local pub costs $5.

Take a seven-minute PATH train ride from Journal Square to Newport Centre to shop at dozens of department and designer stores, including Macy's, Coach, Kohl's and Michael Kors. Journal Square provides ample opportunity for specialty shopping in the heart of Little India. Stop in Butala Emporium on Newark Avenue for a sampling of Indian culture. Shop handmade crafts, art, incense and musical instruments, or peruse the book section for literature on Indian language and mythology. Head over to Deen Fashion for a vibrant selection of traditional and unique saris and salwars. Journal Square residents can get their grocery shopping done at ShopRite, a large supermarket just over a mile away. In addition, Journal Square is home to a vast variety of specialty stores and markets. Shop a great selection of premium spices, rice, tea and South Asian and Indian ready-to-eat meals at Apna Bazar or sample a variety of homemade Indian desserts, cakes and candy at Bengali Sweet House. In the summer and fall months, Journal Square hosts a farmers market outside of the PATH station with fresh produce and specialties from local vendors.