The Heights - Jersey City, NJ Area Guide

Once an independent municipality known as Hudson City, The Heights is now a thriving community rich in arts and culture.

The Heights has served as a haven for artists since the early 20th century when it was a part of movie history. The world's largest film production company had a studio in the neighborhood and popular silent films were filmed here.

Today, explore the art gallery and creative space at The Distillery in The Heights, visit nearby museums such as Liberty Science Center and experience several art and cultural festivals, including JC Fridays.

Experience the unique cuisine of The Heights, from bright, ethnic flavors to rich, hand-roasted coffee. A stroll down Central Avenue leads you to dozens of dining choices, including popular franchises, local restaurants, bakeries and cafes.

Start your morning with a cup of coffee from Mod Cup on Palisades Avenue. The small, local roaster serves beans from around the globe and adheres to a strong mission statement and goal to provide the freshest coffee possible. Sip a rich espresso or order a single origin coffee brewed any way you'd like. Try your next cup prepared in a variety of methods, from Chemex to Aeropress, and learn something new from the passionate minds behind this cafe. Mod Cup also participates in a suspended coffee program designed to better the local community and assist the needy.

Enjoy lunch at local favorite Andrea Salumeria on Central Avenue, an Italian deli that has been serving Jersey City residents since 1975. Savor delectable foot-long sandwiches, fresh mozzarella, antipasto, hot soups and sweet cannolis. Try the popular Soprano sandwich, made with prosciutto, sopressata, mozzarella, sundried tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil, or take home fresh mozzarella to cook in your next family dinner. The fresh ingredients, imported Italian pasta and mozzarella made twice daily ensure this family-run deli remains a popular option in The Heights.

The Heights houses several casual eateries that serve great food at unbeatable prices. Head to the historic White Mana diner on Tonnele Avenue. Open since the 1940s, the no-frills diner sells 3,000 burgers a week and has been featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Order a cheeseburger topped with grilled onions, for a little over a dollar. Locals also flock to Rumba's Cafe for flavorful Latin and Cuban cuisine at affordable prices. Sip mojitos, Spanish coffee or fresh juice while indulging in specialities such as fried empanadas, rice with green pigeon peas and tender braised oxtail.

The Heights hosts several bars that are perfect for enjoying Jersey City's nightlife. Attend open mic or trivia nights at Trolley Car Bar & Grill while sipping a selection of craft beers. Listen to live music or sit on the spacious outdoor patio during the warmer months. Come for trivia nights and stay for the martinis at Corkscrew Bar & Grill in the heart of The Heights. The bar provides an impressive beer list and cocktails such as watermelon, French martinis and Grand Marnier margaritas.

Jersey City is a transportation and commuting hub, housing major highways and an excellent public transportation system. Commute by car easily in The Heights with easy access to the New Jersey Turnpike, I-78 and U.S. Routes 1 and 9. Getting to and from New York City proves convenient with quick access to the Holland Tunnel.

Take advantage of Jersey City's public transportation, with several bus lines in The Heights. Connect to various PATH stations or New York's Port Authority Terminal. The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail also travels through The Heights, giving you plenty of options for commuting to New York City or throughout New Jersey.

Other options of transportation include cabs, which are easily accessible outside of the Journal Square PATH station, Uber, biking and, of course, walking. The Heights is a very walkable neighborhood where most errands can be accomplished by foot; Central Avenue itself brings you to hundreds of shops and restaurants.

The parks of The Heights provide a peaceful oasis from busy city life. Visit Leonard J. Gordon Park and take advantage of recreational features such as basketball courts, a soccer field, a children's playground and a dog run. Visitors can appreciate the various artwork and statues found here, such as the large Buffalo and Bear sculptures that have been standing since 1907.

In the center of The Heights, you can find Pershing Field Memorial Park, a large recreational park that provides a variety of activities. The park features a baseball field, two basketball courts and four tennis courts. Residents can enjoy the park's amenities, including a swimming pool and ice skating rink. Fitness enthusiasts can enjoy the outdoor running track and fitness classes such as Zumba offered in the park's community center.

County park Washington Park, located in The Heights, offers a large space ideal for sporting activities, with four baseball diamonds, seven tennis courts, two racquetball courts, two basketball courts and one soccer field. This park is perfect for a day outside with the family--picnic in the picnic area, sunbathe by the gazebo, let the children explore the playground or allow your favorite canine to burn off energy in the dog park.

If you enjoy spending your time by the water, Reservoir #3 is not to be missed. Explore the 14 acres while appreciating the surrounding scenic nature and peaceful pond, which residents can kayak or fish in.

Several annual events and fairs take place in The Heights' parks such as Washington Park LIVE, a free annual festival that showcases local artists, musicians and dancers.

The cost of living in The Heights closely matches Jersey City's average. A one bedroom rental averages around $1,350. A ride on public transportation costs around $2.75 and gas prices settle in at 5 percent higher than the national average. You can expect to pay around $5 for a pint at a local bar.

A stroll down Central Avenue brings you to hundreds of shops, including boutiques, drug stores, discount stores and grocery markets. For large department stores and dozens of shops, including Macy's, Kohl's, and Coach, take a short trip to Jersey City's Newport Centre, a three-level shopping mall.

Shakti Boutique on Bowers Street brings eclectic flair to The Heights. The boutique, owned by an international musician, sells unique apparel, vintage findings, jewelry and furniture. Shop urban fashion boutique Faded Royalty on Central Avenue for men's streetwear apparel and Sneaker Room for stylish clothing and footwear for the whole family.

Grocery shopping in The Heights provides plenty of options, including Italian goods from speciality Andrea Salumeria and fresh fish from Central Fish Market or 555 Fish Market. Stop & Shop and C-Town Supermarket can be found in The Heights, or a short trip brings you to ShopRite on Marin Boulevard. Shop Riverview Farmers' Market for fresh produce, gourmet goods and artisan bread and pastries.