Tag: Moving Guide

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DIY Moving Projects How To

How to Hire the Right Movers for Your NJ Move

How to Hire The Right Movers for Your NJ Move

Doing a DIY move when you’re young isn’t so bad. You’re still in decent shape and you likely have some nearby friends and family who are available to help out. However, as you get older moving everything yourself can put a serious toll on your mind and body. Not to mention most of your friends and family are probably too busy with their own life to help out (and maybe they also just don’t want to get hurt helping you move).

Whatever the case, you now need to hire right movers. Even if you’ve gone through the process in the past, it can still be a daunting task. After all, there are so many companies to choose from and not all of them will fit your needs. In order to find the right one moving company for you, you’ll need to do some planning. Luckily, the following guide will help walk you through the process.

Need to Calculate Your Moving Cost

Before hiring NJ professional movers onboard, you first need to figure out if you even have enough money. In order to do that, you need to figure out how much they cost. While there aren’t any universal rates, most movers tend to offer similar prices. If you don’t want to guess how much movers will cost, you can simply reach out to a few that offer the service you need and get a quote. So long as you provide accurate information and include any additional services you might want to include, the quote should be fairly accurate.

Your best bet is to reach out to a minimum of three NJ moving companies, ideally more. You should be suspicious if an estimate is significantly lower than the others as it might be a sign of a scam. And while it used to be a red flag if movers don’t do an in-home visit, thanks to COVID-19, many can provide estimates if you send them pictures and/or video.

Check All the Important Documents

Whether you’re making a local move or long distance move it’s important that you make sure the company you hire is licensed and insured. The US Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) requires all professional moving companies to have a U.S. DOT number. In order to receive this number, the movers must enroll in an 18-month education program to learn about carrier safety and hazardous material regulations. During this time, the company must maintain safe operations and pass a safety audit. To maintain their number, movers must comply with all Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) safety regulations.

Some states, like New Jersey, also require registration with the state’s Department of Transportation for additional security. Moving companies are required to post both their state and federal DOT numbers in an easy to find location on their website. You can then check the moving company’s numbers on the FMCSA website to ensure their numbers are still valid.

In addition to having the appropriate registration with the state and federal DOT, you also want to make sure the moving company is properly insured. You can ask for a certificate of insurance (COI), which is a form that shows all of the necessary insurance the movers have including umbrella, general liability, automotive, worker’s compensation, and more. When you look over the document, pay close attention to the expiration dates for the insurance as well as the name and address listed for the business. You want to make sure the insurance is still valid up to the date of your move and that the name and address matches what is listed on the company website.

Read Reviews Online

Thanks to the beauty of the internet, you can now easily find reviews on almost everything, including NJ moving companies. Don’t let this resource go to waste! Simply search the name of the company and you’ll be able to pull up reviews from multiple sources including Yelp and Google. You can always arrange reviews by the most recent and even drill down to see specific ratings like one-star reviews. From there, you can determine whether the negative and/or positive reviews are a good representative sample.

In addition to customer reviews, you should also check out the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the company has a report. You can check out the letter grade the BBB has assigned to the mover and read any complaints, reviews, and government actions. Besides the BBB, you can also review the company’s complaint history on the DOT website.

You shouldn’t always trust online reviews though as some companies will pay people to post positive reviews. If you know people who have used a moving company you are considering, ask them questions on the cost, professionalism, etc. See if they have any complaints and see if it matches up with the online reviews.

Ask Questions About What You Want to Know

Once you’ve narrowed down your NJ moving company search, you should take some time to ask them questions. You don’t want to go in there without any preparation, so make a list of questions beforehand. Below are some questions you should ask:

  • Can you provide a certificate of insurance? You want to make sure the movers the insurance is up-to-date and that they have enough coverage. Usually, insurance should go be at least $2-5 million
  • Are you a broker or carrier? Brokers outsource their services to other companies while carriers handle all moving services in house
  • What coverage option do you offer? All moving companies must offer partial liability coverage for free. This only insures your items for $0.60 per pound per item. Professional moving companies are required to have full value protection, but you will need to pay extra for this
  • What services do you offer? Not all movers are created equal. If you need additional services like packing and unpacking or storage, make sure you ask if they offer these options.
  • How do you calculate prices? Most companies charge customers on several factors including weight, distance, season, and hourly rates. If you’re moving locally, most movers stick with a flat hourly rate, but that’s not always the case so it’s important to ask.
  • What about cancellation fees? There are plenty of reasons why you might need to cancel or reschedule your move. Some companies will let you cancel free of charge so long as you do it far enough in advance. Others might charge you a fee on top of your deposit so make sure you ask!

Hire Right Movers NJ

Once you’ve done your research and found the right movers for you, make sure you book them! Ideally, you’ll want to reserve your movers at least a month beforehand, but you might be able to get in a last-minute move if you’re lucky. Still, the more lead time you have, the better as you’ll be able to start the moving process in advance.

Looking for some movers in NJ, then reach out to NJ Great Movers for a quote!

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Seasonal Moving Tips

Important Pros and Cons of Moving During NJ Winters

Pros and Cons of Moving During NJ Winters

Winters in New Jersey aren’t just a great time to go skiing and snowboarding, they’re also good for moving…so long as you plan properly. Relocating when it’s cold, dark, and maybe snowing might not seem like the best idea, but there are a lot of benefits to moving during the winter. Of course, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any drawbacks. However, it’s up to you to decide whether the pros outweigh the cons!

The Most Common Pros of Moving During Winter

Movers Are Free Than Other Time

40 million Americans move every year with around 80 percent of these moves occurring between April and September, with peak months being July, August, and September. With so many people moving at the same time, you’ll have a lot more competition when it comes to hiring professional moving companies. What does that mean for you? You’ll have to start researching and booking your moving company at least a month in advance if you want to find one one your exact move date.

NJ movers are significantly less busy during the winter months and will have more flexibility on dates and times. If you’re making a long-distance move you might find that your belongings will arrive sooner than if you moved during the summer months because moving companies have lighter schedules. You can also expect extra TLC from movers as they’ll have a less hectic schedule and can give you and your move the attention it deserves.

You’ll Move at a Lower Cost

Tying into the first point, since there are fewer moving requests in the winter, many moving companies will offer reduced moving rates to attract customers. In some cases you can save as much as 30 percent from peak prices! Take your time and shop around to see what kind of promotions different movers offer. If they don’t have one, ask them if they can provide some kind of discount. Movers are more willing to negotiate, especially if you already have other offers on hand.

Moving companies aren’t the only things that are cheaper during the winter. Rents and even home prices tend to dip during the colder months as there’s lower demand. Landlords will be more willing to negotiate and even houses tend to sell for less between October through January and February. There is lower supply during these months, but there’s also less competition for the units and houses that are available so you should be able to spend a bit more time finding your new home.

Temperatures Are Cooler

Okay, so that might be a bit of an understatement depending on what month you decide to move. But as long as it isn’t in the single digits, moving in the colder weather is better for you. For one, there’s less chances of you or the movers overheating. Imagine moving boxes and furniture on a 90 degree day with 85 percent humidity and that’s what you would likely be dealing with during the summer months. The lower temperatures also mean you’ll be less prone to dehydration or exhaustion, which means you’ll have more energy to unpack once you get into your new place.

You’re not the only thing that does better in cooler temperatures. Your possessions also won’t have to deal with the summer heat. Things like candles, soap, records, and your precious electronics won’t melt. Wooden furniture also does better in the winter months as the air is drier, leading to less swelling and warping.

Not Too Much Traffic

Unless you decide to move during the holidays, the roads tend to be less packed than during the height of summer travel season. Of course, there will always be people on the road for one reason or another and there are plenty of people who love winter sports, but overall you can expect less congestion. That means faster relocation for you whether you’re doing a DIY move or hiring professionals.

Most Common Disadvantages of Moving During the Winter

Frigid Winter Conditions

This is a no-brainer, but the weather in the winter can be brutal. New Jersey has a continental climate, which means it has moderately cold and snowy winters. Different parts of the state get different amounts of snow with South Jersey averaging around 18 inches while North Jersey gets around 34 inches.

More importantly, winter weather can lead to white outs, icy roads, and generally unsafe driving conditions. Most experienced NJ movers should know how to handle the truck safely during winter weather. However, it might mean your move takes longer as they will need to travel much slower for safety’s sake.

Not Getting Enough Daylight

Moving in the dark is not ideal, but depending on the size and complexity of the move, it might be something you can’t avoid. Whether you’re moving yourself or hiring pro movers, you should plan to start as early in the day as possible. Even if you run into some mishaps, you can hopefully still get everything in your new house before it gets completely dark.

Moving in the dark isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s also a lot more dangerous. Temperatures drop significantly once the sun is gone during the winter, which can lead to ice forming relatively quickly on sidewalks and roads, meaning more chances for accidents. Even without the ice, moving in the dark can cause plenty of accidents as you’re not able to see clearly in front of you.

Absolutely Lowest Temperatures

This should go without saying, but winters tend to be cold. While New Jersey temperatures rarely drop to sub zero temperatures, it doesn’t need to get that cold to have a negative effect on your belongings. Much like some items don’t hold up in high temperatures, there are some items that cannot handle the cold. For example, items like instruments, china, and plants are extremely sensitive to the cold. In order to prevent potential damage, you will want to take the time to provide extra protection. And while electronics do better in cold than heat, very cold temperatures still aren’t good for their lifespan so make sure you pack them properly.

The cold also affects your body! As the temperature drops, the thickness in your joint fluid increases, making your joints feel stiffer and muscles harder to move. This makes it a lot harder to move things quickly. Even professional movers find it difficult to move in the cold. On top of that, you’re likely wearing a bulky jacket, gloves, etc. All of which impede your freedom of movement and, more importantly, hand grip.

Need for Extra Preparation

Sure, the summer months bring sweltering temperatures and summer thunderstorms, but there’s a lot more you need to think about if you move during the winter months. There’s obviously snow and ice to deal with not just outside, but inside your home if you don’t put down some mats or plastic for the movers. And of course you need to make sure you have sturdy enough boxes to withstand getting wet.

On top of that, if you’re moving into a house, you really have to make sure the heat is working properly when you move in. There’s nothing worse than being surrounded by boxes in a freezing house. Plus, depending on the actual temperature, you might have to run the heat to keep the pipes warm so they don’t freeze over.

Ready to Make Your Winter Move?

Moving any time of the year is not easy. However, when you have a reliable moving company, they can help walk you through the process and make sure everything gets delivered without a hitch. If you’re ready to move, make sure to call NJ Great Movers for a free estimate!

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Community Guides General

Important Pros and Cons of Living in NJ Cities

The Honest Pros and Cons of Living in NJ

For those considering a move to NJ, the Garden State offers both opportunities and some challenges. Its proximity to two major cities (NYC and Philadelphia) make it a great option for people who want to have access to all of the amenities of a big city without the high cost of living. While moving to NJ might be appealing to you, your first step is to weigh the pros and cons of living in NJ to help you make informed decisions about your ideal home. Once you’ve done that, you can start looking for movers NJ residents can rely on to help make the transition smoother.

The Pros of Moving to New Jersey

High Quality of Life

There aren’t many states that offer good schools, healthcare, job market, etc. but New Jersey checks almost everything off on the list. As of 2023, New Jersey is currently ranked as the 5th happiest state in the country. When you move to New Jersey you can enjoy:

  • Excellent public schools – the schools in NJ are ranked as the 3rd best in the states
  • Wide variety of outdoor activities – from hiking to hanging out at the beach, NJ offers it all
  • Great healthcare – New Jersey ranks 4th in the US for best healthcare

What more can you ask for? Of course, that high quality of life also comes with a higher cost of living, especially in the most sought after cities such as Hoboken, Montclair, and Princeton, Still, when compared to NYC you’ll be able to get a larger apartment for the amount of rent you might pay for a studio or one bedroom. You might even be able to buy a house!

Easily Access Other Locations

If you can’t find something you want in your city or town, you can easily get to Philadelphia or New York City depending on which part of New Jersey you move to. Depending on where you decide to move, you might even be able to access these cities via Amtrak or the NJ Transit. The ease of access to these major cities is one of the many reasons why so many people end up working in NYC and living in New Jersey.

More into nature? Then New Jersey offers a wide variety of options. There are amazing national parks dotted all over the state including:

  • Ringwood State Park in Ringwood
  • Allaire State Park in Wall Township
  • High Point State Park in Sussex
  • Vorhees State Park in Glen Gardner

And more. All of these parks have beautiful hiking trails with many providing gorgeous vistas and views of waterfalls. If you’re more of a fan of beaches, there are plenty to choose from as NJ has 130 miles of shoreline. Some of the popular beaches you can visit include:

  • Stone Harbor
  • Cape May
  • Point Pleasant Beach
  • Keansburg Beach

Bored of New Jersey? Then you can enjoy some amazing hiking in New York or head down to Cape Cod for the weekend. And while New Jersey does have some ski slopes, you’re also not too far from Vermont or New Hampshire slopes.

Mild and Amazing Seasons

If you’re a fan of the seasons, then you’re in luck as New Jersey has all four of them. More importantly, the seasons are fairly evenly split across the year so you only have to deal with three months of cold during the winter.

Despite its small size, there are distinct temperature differences between the north and south regions of the state. South Jersey can be described as subtropical where you will get hot, humid summers and cold, wet winters. North Jersey has more of a continental climate which has hot summers and cold winters with little rainfall. Whichever option you choose, you can expect to also enjoy the beautiful colors of both spring and fall.

Speaking of weather, while hurricanes and tornadoes can happen in New Jersey, they are rare. Instead, you’ll probably have to deal with blizzards during the winter and heavy thunderstorms during the summer. Besides this, New Jersey doesn’t experience as much inclement weather as some other states further south. Still, when it does get hit by severe weather, the areas closest to the oceans and rivers tend to suffer the most damage.

Family-Focused Entertainment

Besides enjoying the great outdoors, New Jersey offers a ton of family-friendly activities to do that are cheap or free to the public. Some popular attractions include:

  • The State Fair in the Meadowlands – runs for about three weeks from June to July
  • Six Flags Great Adventures – located in Jackson Township and home to 14 roller coasters and 350-acre safari
  • Crystal Springs Waterpark – located in East Brunswick, it is the first municipal waterpark in New Jersey
  • Howell Living History Farm – located in Lambertville, NJ it offers a variety of classes and holiday events
  • New Jersey State Museum – located in Trenton, you can visit the museum for free! Its collections include natural history specimens, archaeological artifacts, and fine art objects.
  • Big Brook Park Fossil Site – located throughout Monmouth County along Big Brook. You can explore the area and potentially find some amazing fossils.
  • You pick your own farms – there are dozens of farms in New Jersey and many offer a variety of you-pick-your-own foods like strawberry, blackberry, apples, and pumpkins.

Secure Neighborhood Areas

Like most states, New Jersey’s large cities tend to have high crime rates due to the number of people living in a small area. However, the majority of the state is extremely safe. In fact, New Jersey was named the safest state in the United States! This is based on 37 metrics organized into 6 key indicators of crime and prevention: personal safety, public safety, financial safety, mental health, transportation and infrastructure, and public security.

When compared to other states, New Jersey has the lowest rate of sexual assault and sexual offenders per capita. On top of that, it has one of the lowest aggravated assaults per capita. And if you’re looking to find a job in New Jersey, you’ll be happy to hear that New Jersey has the second lowest rate of fatal occupational injuries.

All this to say, New Jersey is a great place to live if you’re concerned about safety. With that said, you should always check the safety maps for the cities and/or towns you are considering so you can get a clearer picture of potential safety issues.

The Disadvantages of Living in New Jersey

Highest Tax Rates

If you want to buy a home in New Jersey, be prepared to pay high taxes as New Jersey has the highest property taxes in the nation at 2.49 percent. What’s more, houses themselves aren’t cheap. The average home price is around $471,000, which is 10 percent higher than the national average.

Combine the high home prices with the high property taxes and you’re paying a lot more per month for your house than you might in other locations. Luckily, there are plenty of great jobs that pay well in New Jersey, so it might not be so bad.

The state ranks in the top five nationally when it comes to the tax burden put on its residents. In addition to property taxes, you can expect to pay 6.625% in sales tax and between 1.4%-10.75% in income tax. If you’re moving from states that don’t take income taxes, you might be shocked with how much less money you’re getting in your paycheck.

High Living Expenses

You might get a high quality of life, but it will cost you. In addition to high taxes, it’s expensive to live in New Jersey. Almost every cost of living item is higher than the national average with the exception of healthcare. Below is a breakdown of the costs of living in New Jersey compared to the national average:

  • Housing – 31 percent higher
  • Utilities – 8 percent higher
  • Food – 6 percent higher
  • Transportation – 6 percent higher
  • Goods & Services – 4 percent higher
  • Healthcare – 5 percent lower

Of course, your cost of living will change based on where you live. For example, Hoboken’s overall cost of living is 60 percent higher than the national average compared to Vineland, NJ which is 4 percent lower than the national average. Depending on your budget, you might want to look in towns that are less popular though that might mean less amenities and proximity to major cities.

Traffic Flow

You think NYC traffic is bad? Wait until you get to New Jersey. Due to the high number of commuters and just generally bad highway and street layout (and maybe bad drivers), New Jersey has been identified as having the worst traffic in the country and the worst bottleneck. Traveling into NYC by car can be a nightmare if you’re driving and can often take 30 minutes to an hour to get through the Lincoln or Holland Tunnel.

Why is traffic so bad in New Jersey? It’s because of a combination of things such as a large population (New Jersey is the one of the most densely populated states in the US), job growth, and suburban sprawl. Traffic is expected to only get worse as more and more people choose to live away from expensive cities.

High Population Density

Speaking of traffic, one of the biggest reasons why the traffic is so bad is because so many people live in New Jersey. Despite its small size, New Jersey is home to over 9 million people. While most of that population is concentrated into the major cities, it can be hard to find a quiet place away from crowds. And with more and more people moving into the state every year, even if you live in a smaller town, chances are you’ll start seeing new home construction in the next five years.

A dense population isn’t always a bad thing. It also brings with it more job opportunities, amenities, and entertainment. However, if you like the peace and quiet, it might be hard to find in New Jersey.

Is New Jersey Right for You?

If the downsides of New Jersey don’t seem too bad, then there’s no better place to move. It’s a great place to live with some of the best healthcare, education, and jobs in the United States. Plus, if you need to get away from people, you can always take a breather in one of the many national parks around the state.

Once you’ve decided to make your NJ move, call us up! We are expert NJ movers who understand all the little quirks of the NJ streets.

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General

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.