Right on the Hudson River, with spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline, Jersey City is sometimes referred to as New York City’s Sixth Borough. Despite this nickname, Jersey City is definitely still part of the Garden State, boasting seven farmer’s markets which run from spring through December, nearly 60 different parks and the Adopt-A-Lot Urban Gardening initiative. Those many parks offer a wealth of recreational opportunities, as well as cultural ones. Liberty State Park, one of the best known and largest, has spaces for barbequing, biking, boat-launching, a popular science center, a golf course, and ferries going to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Additionally, the park hosts concerts and events throughout the summer. Town website: www.cityofjerseycity.com/ Public schools: http://www.jcboe.org/

Jersey City has a very rich history. Originally colonized by the Dutch, Jersey City was significant during the Revolutionary War when Washington met with Lafayette at the Apple Tree House, during the Civil War as a destination of the Underground Railroad, was home to the notorious Boss Hague, and was where Jackie Robinson debuted, breaking the “color line” when the Brooklyn Dodgers played against the Jersey City Giants. Downtown is home to the Van Vorst Historic District, a beautiful area with restored brownstones from the 1800s supplying examples of Beaux Arts and Greek Revival architecture, notably, the Barrow Mansion and Hampton Court. A popular locale for young families, artists and up-and-comers; Jersey City offers a variety of restored brownstones, luxury high-rises and houses combining the convenience of an urban environment with a small town feel. With its proximity to NYC and readily available transportation with 24-hour PATH train service, the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail system, the NY/NJ Waterway, and major highways such as the NJ Turnpike, Jersey City is a highly desirable area for those on-the-go.