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How to Live in Jersey City, NJ A Complete Guide

How to Live in Jersey City, NJ A Complete Guide

Finding affordable housing in Manhattan is high impossible, which is why so many young professionals have started eyeing places like Jersey City. With its affordable rents and close proximity to New York City as well as its own bustling downtown area, it’s a perfect place for people who want the best of both worlds. If you’re considering a move to Jersey City, then this guide is for you! Read on to get all the information before you decide to make your big move!

Important Things to Know About Jersey City

It’s Crowded

Jersey City is the second-most populous city in New Jersey right after Neward. It also has the third-highest population density of any US city with over 100,000 people behind only New York City and San Francisco. With so many people, it’s not surprising that there’s a lot to do when it comes to activities, dining, and entertainment. However, if you’re hoping to get away from the busy streets of New York, Jersey City does offer some quiet pockets where you can live in peace and quiet.

It’s Called Wall Street West

You’ve probably heard of Wall Street, but over the years Jersey City has become one of the largest centers of banking and finance in the United States. It’s home to large financial institutions such as UBS, Chase, and Citibank to name just a few.

Easy Access to NYC

If you get tired of Jersey City, New York City is just around the corner. You can easily take the PATH train to the World Trade Center in just under ten minutes. From there you can reach midtown in around 20 minutes. This makes it closer to some parts of Queens and Brooklyn. Let’s not even mention Staten Island! If the train is down, there are also ferries that can take you to different parts of Manhattan and New Jersey so you have plenty of transportation options. You can also get to other parts of New Jersey via the light rail lines.

The Statue of Liberty and Most of Ellis Island is Part of Jersey City

Millions of people flock to NYC to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, but both are actually part of New Jersey! You can easily access both iconic landmarks via Jersey City’s Liberty State Park. The area is called “The Gateway Region” because of how many US citizens have emigrated through these shores.

Jersey City Neighborhoods

Jersey City is a large and populous city so there’s plenty to discover in each of its neighborhoods. While they might all be part of the same city, each area offers something unique. Luckily, there’s something for everyone so you should be able to find a place that you like.

  • Historic Downtown – if you’re looking for a night on the town, Downtown Jersey City is the perfect place as it is filled with bars, quality restaurants, clubs, and excellent shopping. As the name suggests, the area is known for its historical architecture and gorgeous brownstown buildings. Mixed in are awesome modern wall murals and high rises. It’s a great place for young professionals and even families as it is home to Hamilton Park that offers a playground for kids, a dog park, and even tennis courts.
  • Newport – located along the waterfront, this area might technically be part of Historic Downtown, but it has its own vibe as it features more modern and luxury buildings and businesses. It also is home to the Newport Centre Mall that is home to four anchor tenants and 167 other stores and attractions.
  • Exchange Place and Paulus Hook – Exchange Place is home to some of the largest financial institutions. As you would expect, it’s full of high rise buildings and bustling restaurants for the busy workers. Right next door is Paulus Hook, a residential community filled with brownstones, restaurants, and cafes.
  • Journal Square – located at the intersection of Kennedy Boulevard and Bergen Avenue, Journal Square is the central transportation hub for Jersey City. As such, it’s home to plenty of businesses and has a bumping nightlife. It’s also home to Little India, a district with the highest population of Asian Indians in the Western Hemisphere. So if you’re looking for some authentic Indian fare, go to Journal Square.
  • The Heights – Located in the north end of Jersey City, this area sits atop Hoboken and overlooks Mile Square. You can easily access the area by food from Hoboken if you want some great views of Manhattan. It’s a perfect location for those who like the outdoors as it is home to Pershing Field, Riverview-Fisk Park, and Western Slope.
  • Bergen-Lafayette – This mostly residential neighborhood is great for people who want to get away from the nightlife. There’s a nice mix of historical and modern architecture with its Victorian houses and art deco apartments.
  • Greenville – If you want to start or have started a family, Greenville is a great option as it’s home to some of the best schools in Jersey City including Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic High school.
  • The West Side – As the name suggests, this neighborhood is located on the West side of Jersey City surrounding West Side Avenue. It’s home to Lincoln Park, one of the largest county parks in Hudson County.

Schools in Jersey City

Jersey City offers plenty of highly-regarded educational institutions making it a great place to raise a family. In fact, with so many young professionals moving to the area, the public school system is expanding and improving to help accommodate all the new transplants.

One of the best public schools in New Jersey is located in Jersey City – the Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic High School. This school is ranked 3rd in the state! Besides this, it’s also home to The Cornelia F. Bradford School. There are also many other options to choose from including charter and private schools, all of which have produced good test and college readiness levels.

When it comes to higher education, Jersey City is home to New Jersey City University, a four year university that offers a wide variety of undergraduate majors and even graduate courses. You can also attend Hudson County Community College where  you can get your associates on a wide variety of majors and eventually transfer your credits to a four-year program.

Jersey City Jobs

As referenced above, Jersey City is home to one of the highest concentrations of financial institutions in the United States. It’s home to some of the largest financial institutions including UBS, Merrill Lynch, Chase Bank, Citibank, and Goldman Sachs. It is also the headquarters of Verisk Analytics and Lord Abbet, a privately held money management firm. Other companies such as Computershare, ADP, IPC Systems, and Fidelity Investments also do business out of the city.

Of course, it’s not just home to big finance. Jersey City also offers plenty of jobs in different markets including retail thanks to its many small shopping areas and, of course, Newport Mall and hospitality as there are plenty of restaurants and bars in the area. If you’re in the health sector there are several hospitals and clinics around the city so you can definitely find a job. With the growing number of transplants, there are also a lot of startups popping up around the area.

Cost of Living in Jersey City

If you’re used to the high cost of living in New York City, you’ll be happy to find that Jersey City is generally cheaper. More importantly, your take home pay may even be bigger as you won’t be subject to NYC taxes which can range from 2.9-3.9 percent of your annual income. On top of that, New Jersey federal taxes are lower than New York State, which can make your life much more affordable.

Besides the taxes, living in Jersey City is overall cheaper. While rents aren’t cheap by any means, you definitely get more bang for your buck. A $2,500 one-bedroom in Jersey City gets you almost double the space as a comparably priced one-bedroom in Manhattan. There may even be cheaper options available if you’re willing to look into different neighborhoods and housing options. Naturally, the closer you get to the waterfront, the higher the rent prices. High rise apartments will also cost you more as they also offer various amenities like swimming pools, gyms, and concierge services. Of course, you can find more affordable options as you move away from the water. You can still find apartments in Greenville and Bergen-Lafayette for under $1,500.

When it comes to groceries, health, and even utilities, you’ll be spending a lot less in Jersey City than you would in New York City. Heck, even restaurants and bars are slightly more affordable! Interestingly, the only utility that might be more expensive is your internet. Still, that’s a small price to pay when you’re saving so much in other areas. The best part is that you’re still super close to NYC so you don’t have to miss out on anything.

Safety and Crime

Okay, so how safe is Jersey City? Since the 1990s, Jersey City has slowly seen a decrease in crime rate though due to the relative size of the city there will always be some issues. For the most part, it’s generally safe to walk around in most areas during the day time. Downtown Jersey City and Exchange Place tend to be the safest areas of Jersey City. In general, the further away you get from the trains, the less ‘safe’ the areas are. With that said, it’s still relatively safe so long as you are aware and alert.

In terms of crime, the most common tends to be property crime though it’s still below the national median and below New Jersey’s average. There is some violent crime, but in general you can avoid getting into any trouble by not walking around late at night.

Jersey City Demographics

Jersey City has a population of around 292,449 people with a relatively even split between women and men – around 100 women for 100.1 men. The median age is 34.2 years old and the majority of residents are educated with around 44.9 percent of the population holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Jersey City is one of the more diverse cities in New Jersey with a healthy mix of people of different races. White people make up around 35.4 percent with Hispanic or Latino making up 28.8, Asians making up 25.4 and Black making up 24 percent. It’s no surprise that the area is so ethnically diverse as it is a major port of entry for immigration to the United States and a major employment center due to its close proximity to New York City.

Living in Jersey City, Jersey City Weather

Jersey City Weather

Jersey City’s climate is considered a humid subtropical climate, similar to that of New York City. That means you get hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters. For the most part, Jersey City doesn’t experience too many extreme weather events, but due to its proximity to the ocean it is susceptible to tropical storms and the occasional hurricanes.

In 2012 when Hurricane Sandy hit, half of Jersey City lost power and large sections of the Downtown area got flooded and needed to be evacuated. In order to prevent a similar problem in the future, the state has invested $43 billion to place barriers along the southern portion of New Jersey’s River waterfront.

Fun and Exciting Things to Do in Jersey City

There’s no shortage of things to do in Jersey City and there really is something or everyone. The city is full of history, great food, and plenty of art and live music. No matter what your interest or age, you can definitely find something to do.

Watch some live music or theater – If you love live music and theater then you’ll want to visit  the Landmark Loew’s Theater in Journal Square. This venue has been around since the 1920s and has hosted many concerts, theater, and performing arts throughout the years.

Walk along the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway – Enjoy views of Manhattan while getting some fresh air. This boardwalk runs along the western shore of the Hudson River and it’s free to access!

Enjoy street art – unlike other cities, Jersey City encourages street art with their Jersey City Mural arts program. There are hundreds of officially sanctioned and unofficial outdoor works of arts. Some of the best places to see them include:

  • Downtown Jersey City
  • Grove Street
  • Powerhouse Arts District
  • Jersey Heights
  • Near the Holland Tunnel

Experience the Downtown street fair – Every year since 2011, Jersey City hosts the All About Downtown Street Fair. Hundreds of vendors set up on Newark Avenue between Grove Street and Coles street for an amazing spectacle. You can get one-of-a-kind art pieces here and enjoy delicious eats.

Visit the local eateries – if you’re a foodie, Jersey City has some seriously great options. The city is home to a Michelin rated restaurant called Bohemia. Of course, Michelin stars aren’t the only thing that matters and there are plenty of delectable options from tacos to ramen and everything in between.

Moving to Jersey City with Professional Movers

Jersey City is one of the fastest growing cities in New Jersey. Whether you’re single or someone looking to raise a family, there’s a neighborhood for you! If you’re hoping to make a move, make sure to contact NJ Great Movers as we have plenty of experience moving people to Jersey City from Manhattan and other parts of New Jersey. Reach out to ask for a free quote!

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Moving To Hoboken, New Jersey – The Complete Guide

Moving to Hoboken, New Jersey - The Complete Guide

Located less than 5 miles away from Manhattan via the PATH train, Hoboken is one of the most sought after neighborhoods in New Jersey despite being only two square mile. Still, the bustling city offers plenty of restaurants, bars, and beautiful city views. What’s not to love? Not only does the city offer great amenities, it also houses Stevens Institute of Technology, one of the best engineering schools in the country. All of these reasons are why Hoboken is considered one of the best places to live in New Jersey.

While the city is home to a lot of college students, it’s also a great place for families and professionals. If you’re considering moving to Hoboken and wondering if it’s the right fit for you, keep reading to get all the details on what it’s like to live in Hoboken.

Important Things to Know About Hoboken

Easy Access to New York City and the Rest of NJ

Since Hoboken is so close to New York City, you have a number of public transportation options. The most popular is the PATH train, which takes you to several different stops in New York City including the World Trade Center, the West Village, and 33rd Street in Midtown. Of course, you can take it to other parts of including Jersey City and Newark of New jersey. In addition to the PATH, Hoboken also has the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail that can take you to Jersey City, Bayonne, North Bergen, and Union City.

If you’re not a train person, Hoboken offers other options such as water ferries that take you to downtown or midtown Manhattan. There are also plenty of buses that can shuttle you to different areas in New Jersey.

Hoboken: A Great City for Foodies

Hoboken may be small, but that doesn’t mean they skimp out on their restaurants. They have some truly delectable food options from Cuban to pizza to deli sandwiches. If you’re looking for some pastries, the famous Carlo’s Bake Shop has been in operation since 1910 serving up some of the best cannolis in the area. You can also take classes with the expert and learn how to level up your cupcakes. The classes last about two hours and you, of course, get to eat the cupcake after you are done.

The Birthplace of Baseball

Nope, you read that right. Hoboken, New Jersey is home to Elysian Fields, which is believed to be the site of the first organized baseball game. Back in 1845 the Knickerbocker Club of New York City used Elysian Fields to play baseball due to the lack of grounds in New York City (even back then NYC didn’t have enough space). On June 19, 1846 the Knickerbockers played the New York Nine on the field in the first officially recorded, organized game between the two clubs.

The field is still in service and has been converted to a neighborhood park where you can play basketball, walk your dog, or just hang out. While there’s no longer a baseball diamond, there is a baseball monument commemorating the history of the former baseball field.

Where to Live in Hoboken, New Jersey

Hoboken isn’t a big city so there aren’t any set neighborhoods that have names. With that said, as you walk through the city you will notice how the vibe changes from street to street. In general there are two ‘locations’ to take note of: uptown and downtown.

If you ask Hoboken locals, they’ll tell you that the northern part of the city is where the rich people live. For example, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning had a condo in the area. As you get closer to the Hudson, you’ll notice rents spike as you’ll be getting great views of the water and Manhattan. This area is great if you want some peace and quiet though as there aren’t as many bars or restaurants. They do have some amenities such as a Trader Joe’s, a movie theater, and a new beer garden and restaurants if you walk away from the Hudson.

If you want to be closer to the action, then you’ll want to stay closer to the train station. This is where all the restaurants, cafes, and bars are. It’s no surprise most of the entertainment remains centered around this area as it is close to the university and it is where commuters will arrive after a long day of work!

Outstanding Schools in Hoboken

Despite its small size, Hoboken is actually home to eight public schools and six private schools. There are four public elementary schools, three pre-k options, and one middle school and high school. Of course, it also is home to Stevens Institute of Technology so technically your child can stay in Hoboken from pre-k until their Master’s!

Of course, it’s not the quantity of the schools that matter, but the quality. Luckily, Hoboken has one of the highest concentrations of top ranked public schools in New Jersey including the Salvatore R. Calabro and Wallace Elementary School. The middle school and high school also offer a wide range of after school activities including student athletics, theater, and music.

Jobs in Hoboken

While there aren’t a ton of industries in Hoboken proper, you’re so close to Manhattan that you can easily find plenty of opportunities outside of the area. The median income for a household in the city is $136,402 and the unemployment rate is 2.1 percent vs 3.9 percent countrywide.

Although NYC might be a stone’s throw away, if you don’t want to commute there are some options available. Stevens Institute of Technology is the biggest contributor to Hoboken’s economy contributing around $117 million. If you’re into the publishing sector, the city also is the headquarters of publisher John Wiley & Sons. Of course, Hoboken has its own city government, so if you want to work for the government, there are plenty of options available from working on the city council to being a liaison to the officials.

In addition, Hoboken has plenty of small businesses to choose from. In fact, there are over 180 small businesses in the area, though the majority fall into the hospitality industry. Though several businesses shuttered their doors permanently in 2020-2021 due to the pandemic, more than 40 new businesses opened in 2021 including a doggy daycare, chiropractor’s office, physical therapy office, some tasty restaurants, and more.

Cost of Living in Hoboken

With all of the amenities and its proximity to New York City, it should come as no surprise that Hoboken is one of the most sought after neighborhoods in NJ and the cost of living reflects that. When compared to the national average, Hoboken is more expensive in almost every single category except health. Everything else from utilities to groceries is significantly higher, earning Hoboken a 175.3 on the cost of living index in contrast to the average of 100. Houses are especially expensive being almost 300 percent higher than the average. You’d be hard-pressed to find an apartment for sale for under $300,000.

Property taxes are similarly high with most people paying around $8,300 a year. There aren’t a lot of houses available on the market and the ones you do find will cost upwards of $1 million. So unless you have a great job and/or savings, you’ll probably fall squarely into the renter category.

Still, the majority of people who live in Hoboken are renters. At first glance, it might seem more expensive than New York City, but you do get more space for what you’re paying. A one bedroom is a true one bedroom complete with an eat-in kitchen, living room, and bedroom. The median rental price for a one bedroom is $1,980 and a 2 bedroom is $2,360. You can find more affordable options if you look around a bit and don’t mind a bit of a walk to the PATH train. In general, the closer you get to the water, the higher the rent. With that said, apartments are getting more expensive every year as people flee NYC for cheaper pastures (and lower taxes) in New Jersey.

Safety and Crime

When it comes to safety, Hoboken is quite safe having less violent and property crime than many other cities across the United States. This is attributed to the city’s high median income and excellent school city.

Naturally, no city is devoid of crime. The most common crime in Hoboken is property crime, namely burglary. In fact, in 2020 burglary spiked 38.3 percent, which police officers attributed to unemployment, the pandemic’s economic issues, and recidivism of previous criminals. With that said, when compared to other cities in the United States, Hoboken still remains quite safe and crime continues to decrease.

Hoboken Demographics

How many people can live in two square miles? According to the US Census approximately 52,677! The median age is 31.5 with the largest age bracket aged between 25-34. So if you’re a young professional looking to make some connections with similarly aged people, Hoboken is the perfect place for you! It’s also a great place for singles as around 62.8 percent of the population is single.

Although white people are the largest bracket of Hoboken residents coming in at around 70.6 percent, there’s still plenty of diversity with 16.2 percent identifying as Hispanic and 9.2 percent identifying as Asian. Hoboken is also very well-educated as 78 percent of the population has a four year degree.

Hoboken Weather

As part of New Jersey, Hoboken has a humid subtropical climate with humid, warm summers and cold winters. During July and August, the average temperature hovers around 84 degrees. In the winter, the temperature averages around 30 degrees. Hoboken also gets around 48 inches of rain per year and 26 inches of snow per year. All the precipitation can lead to flooding in the main areas of the city. During Hurricane Sandy, the city had to deal with severe flooding issues for days. Since then, the city has created a flood prevention project to curb the damage from future storms. Even with these preventative measures, the lower lying parts of the city still flood often during heavy rainfalls. If you plan on moving to Hoboken, NJ, you should take a look at the flood map and find apartments that are outside of most affected areas.

Luckily, these extreme weather events are not frequent. Instead, you’re more likely to experience thunderstorms during the summer months in June, July, and August. Surprisingly, Hoboken also gets a lot of sunny days numbering around 220 compared to the national average of 205.

One of the benefits of living in Hoboken is that you get to experience all four seasons. While you might get some bad weather, it’s always gorgeous to see the leaves changing color in the fall and the blossoms start blooming in the spring months.

Fun Things to Do in Hoboken

You don’t have to take the PATH train to have some fun! There’s plenty of fun things you can do without leaving the area. Whether you’re a lover of the theater or music, there’s something for everyone. You can watch some free Shakespeare during the summer months at Frank Sinatra Park. Due to Hoboken’s large Italian population, there are also many Italian festivals including Feast of Saint Anthony’s, Saint Ann’s Feast, and the Hoboken Italian Festival. The city also has a farmer’s market that is open every Tuesday from June through October.

Hoboken is also home to various cultural attractions such as the Barsky Gallery, Hoboken Historical Museum, and the Monroe Center.  If you prefer to admire architecture, you can enjoy the contemporary design of the new Steven’s Institute of Technology buildings and then admire the gothic design of Church of Our Lady of Grace or the Baroque appearance of Saint Ann’s Church. There’s definitely something for everyone all within walking distance from each other.

If you’re more into parks, Hoboken has several different options to choose from and provide different amenities. You can walk along the pier to enjoy the stunning views of Manhattan or you can hang out at Jackson Resiliency Park to enjoy the open space. If you have dogs, there are also plenty of dog parks to choose from so you and your pup can get some exercise and meet some new friends. If you prefer being on the water, you can go to the Resilience Paddle Sports and take classes or go on a tour along the water.

Moving to Hoboken

So, is Hoboken, NJ a good place to live? That depends on what you’re looking for. However, the small city has plenty to offer and it’s close proximity to New York City makes it a favorite place for young professionals. Hoboken has almost everything you need from great dining, various cultural attractions, nice parks, and good schools. Hopefully this guide provided you with a bit more insight into whether Hoboken is right for you.

If you’re looking for more information on moving to Hoboken or other places in New Jersey, reach out to us! We’re more than happy to answer any questions and our team of professional NJ movers can help you plan your move to Hoboken.

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Moving Tips

Complete Guide to Moving into Your First Apartment in NJ

Complete Guide for First Time Apartment Moves

So, you’re ready to leave the nest and move into your first apartment. As exciting as that is, it can also be nerve wracking. Moving at any point in your life can be stressful, but it’s doubly so when you’re getting started with your new life. Although you might not be able to reach a state of zen during your first move, this guide can help plan your moving strategy so you’re not hit with any surprises.

Make Simple Financial Preparations in Your Budget

Moving isn’t cheap. There are a lot of different factors you need to consider when it comes to living on your own. Even if you end up living with roommates, there are still responsibilities and bills you might not be used to, especially if you’ve been living at home. If you’re not sure if you’re ready to live on your own, here are some key financials you should consider before you start looking for a new place:

Income – it goes without saying that in order to pay for your rent and utilities you’ll need to bring in some money. More importantly, most apartments require you to prove that you have an income and will generally ask for the last several months of pay stubs. Depending on where you live, some landlords might even ask that your salary equals around 40x the monthly rent.

If you don’t have a job yet because you just graduated college or you’re starting over in a new city, you might not be able to provide proof of income. In these cases,  you can ask a parent or guardian to act as a guarantor for you when signing the lease. This way, the management company will at least know that someone will cover the monthly rent. Ideally, you’ll be able to find some source of income shortly after moving into your apartment.

Budget – Before you start looking for apartments, take a look at your budget. If you haven’t made one or updated it recently, you can use sites like Mint or You Need a Budget to help keep track of your expenses and set a goal to save up for your move. Make sure to include budgets for any bills, payments, debts, savings, and spending money you want for clothes, travel, restaurants, bars, etc.

Once you have set everything up, see how much money you currently have leftover that you can spend on rent and utilities. Depending on where you want to move, this might mean you need to set aside $800-$1,000. In more popular cities, you might have to budget for at least $1,500 if you don’t want roommates. Of course, there is always the roommate option, which we will get to later on.

Save for fees – Most apartments and even roommate situations will ask for a chunk of money upfront when you sign a new lease. These fees include an application fee, security deposit (usually the same amount of one month’s rent), administration fee, and at least the first month’s rent though some might ask for last month’s rent as well. If you used a broker, you might also be required to pay a broker’s fee. All in all, if you’re looking to rent an apartment for $1,500/month you may need to save up close to $5,000 depending on what your landlord/management company requires.

This doesn’t even account for the actual cost of moving. Whether you rent a truck or hire a professional moving service, you’ll need to set aside some money to pay for it. Even if you rent a truck, these can cost between $50-$200 depending on the size you need, the distance you travel, and how long you rent it out for. While renting a truck is the cheapest option, you will have to do all of the loading and unloading yourself, which is grueling work and can often lead to injuries. While hiring professional movers might be more expensive, it ultimately will save you a lot of time and even money in the long run. Depending on how much you need to move, hiring movers can cost anywhere between $300-$1,500. It’s up to you to decide whether you want to do a DIY move or not so make sure to weigh the pros and cons of each option.

Finding the Right Apartment Based on Your Needs

Your finances will be the most defining parameter in finding a place to live. Having a steady income and saving up in advance will open up a lot more options when it comes to apartment hunting. However, if saving up that much cash isn’t feasible, there are other options available:

Start your search early – if you know you’re going to need a place to live in the next few months, get a head start. May-August tends to be the busiest season for rentals so if you want a good deal, you’ll have to start looking as soon as possible. If you are able, the best time to get a good deal is to look in the off season so anywhere between October-February. While there aren’t as many rentals on the market, most landlords or management companies are more willing to negotiate on the rates as there aren’t as many people moving during this time.

Get a roommate (or 2) – this way you can cut your rent by at least 50 percent allowing you to get to your target rent amount and also cutting your bills in half as well. If you have a friend or acquaintance who also happens to be moving at the same time, ask if they are interested in moving in together. Of course, before you decide to live together, you should first assess your own needs when it comes to roommates. Do you prefer a quiet and clean environment? What are your thoughts on smoking and/or pets? You should spend some time to hash out both you and your potential roommates needs and see if they actually mesh. It won’t work if you want a quiet apartment but your roommate is someone who likes to bring the party home, for example. If you don’t have anyone you know moving, you can still find a roommate through various sites and apps. When going in for the interview, make sure to ask questions about their lifestyle and understand what the other person requires from you to see if it will work out before you decide to move in.

Look outside the major city hub – The most expensive apartments tend to be where all the action is located. While it’s great to be in the center of the action, if you can’t swing the expensive rent, you’ll have to look outside of the area. Many apartments that are 30 minutes outside the main hub will offer much cheaper rents. If you take the time to look around you might even be able to spot some great up and coming areas that offer a lot of amenities you want for a cheaper price than the main city.

Consider utilities – For most apartments, the monthly rent just covers the actual cost of your room. However, some might lump in some utilities. Many apartment complexes are required to provide the basics in your rent including heat and hot water and you will have to cover electricity, cable/internet, and gas. Others might not offer any utilities in their rent so everything will be out-of-pocket. When looking for your new place, make sure to see what is included. If it’s not listed, call up the agent on the listing and ask. A $700 might sound great, but if you have to pay for all of the utilities you could end up paying over $1,000 a month.

Look for private rentals – it’s easy to find rentals from major brokers and real estate companies as they have the money to list on the major rental sites and apps. However, don’t discount private rentals. While these can be harder to find, you can check sites like Craigslist or even join local Facebook groups. You can also look through your town’s local classifieds to search for these private rentals. Of course, you should always confirm the legitimacy of the posts beforehand.

Make it work – at the end of the day, if you don’t have a huge budget to spend on rent and utilities, you’ll have to come to terms with the fact that you might not be able to afford the apartment of your dreams, at least not yet. This might mean you have to live with someone else or in an area that isn’t as desirable. In that case, work to make the interior of the apartment into a space you enjoy. Do a little painting and invest in some artwork/decorations to make the place feel like home.

Research the Apartment and Building Management

Once you’ve narrowed down your apartment options to a handful, you should take the time to do some research both on the apartment and the landlord/building management. While this means more legwork for you, it also means you can avoid potential bad landlords and/or roommates, both of which can lead to unnecessary amounts of stress in the long run. To avoid potential disaster do the following:

Find and Read Reviews – do a quick search for your apartment and building management and read reviews from previous tenants. If the place or landlord is no good, many renters will often warn others. You can also type in the location of the building and find some documents and permits to look over the work that has been done to the building. In some cities, you can also request a one-year bed bug infestation history.

Visit the apartment – this might sound obvious, but there are many people who will rent a site unseen. Pictures and video can’t really capture the essence of the apartment and no broker or landlord will highlight problem areas as they’re trying to rent the place out. Visiting in person ensures that you know exactly what you get. Even if the apartment seems nice there might be other issues such as thin walls, a bus stop right in front of your window, smokers, and more. If possible, try to visit the apartment during the evening after work so you can see exactly what it would be like to live there.

Ask questions – As you view the apartment, don’t be afraid to ask questions especially if you notice some troubling signs of water damage or poor maintenance. Even if there aren’t any obvious signs, it’s still good to ask a few things so that you know what to expect. Some common questions you can ask include:

  • What is the turnover rate of the building
  • How long has this apartment been vacant
  • How long is the lease
  • When is the rent due each month
  • What is the rent increase and how often does it occur
  • Under what conditions can I break lease
  • Can I sublease
  • Is there an on-site maintenance person who can help with my requests and how quickly do they respond
  • Can I paint the apartment
  • Is there on-site laundry? If not, where is the nearest laundromat
  • Are pets allowed
  • Is smoking allowed

Getting the Apartment That Becomes Your New Home

So you’ve found your dream home and everything seems to be in order. Now what? In order to turn this apartment into your new home, you’ll have to work fast, especially in highly competitive cities. To give yourself a better chance of getting the apartment do the following:

Bring necessary documentation during your tour – sometimes you can wait a couple days before making your decision, but in general apartments get snactched up quickly, especially during prime renting season. If you’ve found the perfect place you will have to be prepared to provide all of the necessary information on the spot. This includes:

  • Money for the deposit
  • Proof of income
  • Contact info for references
  • Credit score and social security number
  • Photo ID

Read the lease – If everything checks out, you’ll get moved along to the next step in the process, which is actually signing the lease and paying the rest of the deposit. Take your time and read over the lease with a fine tooth comb. Check to make sure everything you had discussed previously is in the lease including lease length, rent costs, rent due date, terms for breaking the lease, and so on. Don’t sign unless you agree and are willing to adhere to the lease. If you have questions or some of the terms seem different, bring it up and see if you can make the lease more in line with what you were told.

Once you sign the lease the apartment is yours! Congratulations, but you’re not out of the woods yet! You’ll still need to take a few more steps to ensure a smooth transition to your brand new apartment.

Moving Into Your New Apartment

You’re almost at the finish line, but there are a few more things you need to be aware of before you can actually start moving your stuff in:

Pick a move-in date – Work with your landlord or management company and agree on the move-in date. Usually most places want you to move in on the first of the month, but if this isn’t possible due to your schedule, try to work something out that will work. Most people are okay if you move-in a bit later so long as you don’t ask for prorated rent! If you need to move a few days before your lease starts, you might be able to do it, for a small fee.

Confirm moving instructions – there’s nothing worse than not being allowed to actually move your stuff in on moving day. To make sure you don’t run into any issues, ask whether there are any specific instructions you need to follow on moving day. For example, ask whether you are able to move yourself or if the building requires you to hire professional movers. Many newer and luxury buildings require movers as they are able to provide something called a certificate of insurance, which will hold the movers liable if they damage anything. You should also ask if you need to reserve elevators, if there’s a loading dock where you can drive in, and if there’s nearby parking you can reserve.

Document any damage – Before you move, take a closer inspection of the apartment and take pictures of any damage done by the previous tenant. Send these over to the landlord so that they also have a copy. This way when you move out, you won’t get your security deposit withheld for damages you did not make.

Set up utilities – As soon as possible, call up your local utilities and get the necessities set up like electricity, gas, water, and internet. You want to call in advance so you can have all of these services up and running the day you move in. Make sure to give them your billing information, address, and move-in date so they can schedule the services to turn on.

Make the move – Once you’ve packed all your belongings and confirmed all the moving instructions, you can move in! Decide on how you want to do your move. If you have a lot of heavy furniture it might make sense to hire professional movers to do the job for you. If you don’t have the budget for it, enlist the help of friends and family if you can and make sure to thank them with some pizza and cold beverages afterwards.

Change your address – Once you’ve settled in, take some time to update your billing address for any profiles, memberships, and important documents. If you’re moving out of state, remember to update your license and license plate. Don’t forget to alert friends and family about your address!

Shop for Your New Place

Now that you’ve finally moved in, you’re ready to furnish your apartment. It’s all too easy to splurge and buy every little knick knack you find, especially with your first place, but take a moment to pause and reflect on what you need. If you’re not sure, take a look at the below list as your starting point:

  • Flashlight
  • Cleaning supplies (soap, vacuum, mop, sponges, broom, toilet bowl cleaner)
  • Extra set of keys
  • Some knives
  • Cutting board
  • Can opener
  • Plates/bowls
  • Utensils
  • Cookware – skillet, pot
  • Cooking utensils – spatula, ladle
  • Towels – dish and bath
  • Spices
  • Trashcans
  • Bathroom essentials – plunger, shower curtain/rod, bath mat
  • First aid kit
  • Sheets, pillows, blankets, pillow cases
  • Laundry detergent and laundry bag/basket
  • Dresser
  • Hangers
  • Mattress
  • Curtains
  • Microwave and/or toaster oven
  • Small coffee table or larger dining room table (if you can fit one)
  • Chairs
  • Candles
  • AA batteries
  • Tool kit – hammer, screwdriver, handsaw, power drill, nails, screws
  • Sewing kit

Take a look at the items you brought with you and cross-reference them with this list. If you are missing anything, make sure to add it to your next shopping trip. You don’t have to buy everything immediately or at the same time. The only thing you should try to get as soon as possible is a mattress as it’s no fun to sleep on the floors or on an air mattress for too long. Once you get all of the essentials, you should think about how you can decorate the apartment in a way that speaks to you. Maybe that means painting the walls a different color or putting up some snazzy artwork. Just make sure to shop with intention during this phase as it’s easy for spending to get out of control during this phase.

Conclusion

Moving into your own place is a huge step and is definitely the first marker for adulthood for many people. Hopefully, the guide above can help prepare you for what to expect and make your move less stressful. If you want to further reduce your stress, make sure to hire a professional moving service (like us), and we can get everything moved in and out quickly.

Categories
General

Certificate of Insurance for Moving (COI)

Certificate of Insurance for Moving (COI)

If you’re moving to a new apartment or condo, you might hear from your new building management that you need to provide a certificate of insurance before you can move-in. In fact, many luxury buildings require you to provide a certificate of insurance (COI) for moving, which means you’ll need to hire professional NJ movers. NJ Great Movers provides our COI directly to the management team, but we also send it to you so you can keep it in your files. Even though you don’t have to worry about the COI, it’s still a good idea to understand the form.

What is a COI and Why Do You Need It?

A certificate of insurance (COI) essentially is proof that the movers you are using have insurance and are able to cover issues should something go wrong. It will list out the insurance the movers have along with the liability and loss coverage. This way, if anything happens to the building, such as a damage or injury, the mover’s insurance covers the cost of repairs or accidents.

Most reputable moving companies, like NJ Great Movers, can easily procure and provide a COI to your building management company. Although there is no standard for what a certificate of insurance should look like, most businesses use the form created by the Association for Cooperative Operations Research and Development (ACORD). A COI generally includes the following information:

  • Date of issue
  • Information about the certification of insurance
  • Insurance agent or broker that produced/issued the certificate
  • Name and address of the business covered by the policy
  • Liability insurance coverage (general, commercial auto, umbrella, and worker’s compensation)
  • List of insurers
  • Coverage in dollars each policy provides
  • Description of operations, locations, and vehicles
  • Expiration date of insurance
  • Signature of agent, broker, or authorized representatives

While not all buildings will require a COI, if you live somewhere with a doorman or hands-on super, chances are your move won’t happen if you don’t provide one. That means you’ll have to scramble for last-minute storage space for your belongings and reschedule your movers. That’s extra money you probably don’t have! Even if your building says they don’t need one, it’s still a good idea to provide a COI just in case. Why? Because a COI also protects you!

As an example, let’s say you move into a building that doesn’t require a COI. You then move your stuff in but damage the walls and maybe even the elevators! Maybe you even get a parking ticket during the move. You will be held liable for these damages and have to pay for any repairs and tickets out of pocket. This could cost you thousands of dollars! There’s also the matter of your belongings. If it gets damaged during your own DIY move, you will have to cover the entire cost of replacement or repair. This can get costly if you own a lot of high value items.

On the other hand, you don’t have to worry about any of that if you hire professional movers. They will shoulder the responsibility for any damages done to the building and, of course, take care of any parking tickets that were for their vehicles. Your items are also automatically protected by something called released value protection, which will cover up to $0.60 per pound per item for free. If you want, you can spring for the more expensive full value protection. If something gets damaged, the movers will either try to fix, replace, or eventually reimburse you for the damaged items. Ideally the professional NJ movers wouldn’t damage anything since they are highly experienced and know how to maneuver tight corners and narrow hallways.

Even if you don’t think your building needs a COI, call up your super or building management company and ask. They will probably appreciate the heads up and most prefer their tenants to use moving companies anyway as it reduces the chance of potential issues in the future.

There’s also another hidden benefit of asking for a COI. It shows whether the company you chose is reputable or not. All legitimate moving companies are required to carry a minimum amount of insurance. The best moving companies provide more than that. For example, NJ Great Movers has the following insurance:

  • $1 million limit for commercial general liability
  • $1 million limit for automobile liability
  • $5 million for umbrella liability
  • $1 million for workers compensation

Asking for a COI early on in the moving process is a good litmus test to see how trustworthy the movers are. If they aren’t able to provide one or they only provide the bare minimum when it comes to insurance coverage, you’ll have enough time to look for other movers.

When requesting a COI always ask for a copy. That way you can also check the information. While most movers are legitimate, there’s always the chance you could run into a scam company. So even if they do provide a COI, it could be fake or not up-to-date. When looking at the COI check to make sure the name and address matches what is listed on the company’s website. Also, check the expiration date of the insurance to make sure the company is still covered. You should also make sure the COI is filled out exactly like the sample. Otherwise, the building will reject it! While most buildings will find these errors immediately, you can save yourself a lot of back and forth and potential stress by catching these things early.

NJ Great Movers Simple COI Process and Steps

If you work with NJ Great Movers, we make the process of requesting a COI as seamless as possible. With that said, you’ll still need to do a little legwork. Naturally, your first step is confirming with both your buildings whether you need a COI to move in and/or out. While you’re on the phone, see if a COI is needed to reserve the freight elevator. If that’s the case, let us know so we can expedite the process. You’ll want to reserve a time as soon as possible to avoid conflicts with other people. After all, you don’t want to waste an hour or two waiting for the freight elevator! After that, get in touch with your property manager(s) and get a sample of the COI and then send it over to us.

We’ll take over from there. We’ll send the sample COI over to our insurance company so that they can fill the forms out properly. Our team will also check to make sure all of our insurance has expiration dates after your move date and provides the appropriate insurance and coverage amount. Once we’ve double-checked everything, we’ll send a copy to your management company and to you. That way, if they somehow miss the email, you will have a copy on file. We do ask that at least a week before your move date you confirm with the property managers that they received the COI and that everything is in working order. Just in case, we’ll also bring a hard copy of the COI with us on the move date as there have been a few occasions where the security guard and/or doorman on duty did not have the COI we had sent on file. This way, we can prevent any delays in your move!

Our goal as professional and trusted NJ movers is to make your move as smooth and easy as possible. That’s why we triple check everything to make sure nothing falls through the cracks. Thanks to our decades of experience, we can cover even the most complex building management requirements. Just let us know as soon as possible so we can get the process started!

Conclusion

Getting a certificate of insurance might sound daunting at first, but if you work with trustworthy moving companies like NJ Great Movers, we make the process as easy as possible. You can rest assured knowing that we will take care of everything come moving day and that if anything should happen, you won’t have to worry about paying.