Hoboken, NJ

Originally an island surrounded by the Hudson River, Hoboken was first settled in the 17th century as part of the Pavonia, New Netherland colony. It has undergone several shifts in history since then that would eventually lead to the flourishing city and major transportation hub it is today.

Hoboken has a rich history and boasts several honors including the home of Frank Sinatra and the birthplace of baseball. The first officially recorded game of baseball took place at Elysian Fields in Hoboken in 1846. Hoboken was also a prominent part of the history of World War I due to serving as a major point of embarkation for three million soldiers and spawning the popular phrase "Heaven, Hell or Hoboken."

Explore all of this history and more at the Hoboken Historical Museum. Attend one of the city's several cultural affairs, including the Arts and Music Festival and monthly art gallery walks.

Enjoy lunch on the sidewalk patio of a French bistro, meet a friend for happy hour or order brick-oven pizza delivery. Hoboken offers dining options to please any palate and an exciting nightlife scene that rivals New York City's.

A walk down Washington Street exposes you to 15 blocks of multiple popular restaurants, cafes and bars. Head to Grimaldi's for coal brick-oven pizza or order free local delivery. One of the most popular pizzerias in New York City, Grimaldi's has two locations in Hoboken that serve pizzas with plenty of topping options, antipasto, calzones, pasta dishes and traditional Italian desserts.

For authentic Cuban food in the heart of Hoboken, dine at the lively La Isla Restaurant. The family-run restaurant, featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, serves traditional Cuban sandwiches, entrees and desserts. Start your meal with black bean hummus and plantain chips or flaky empanadas, and sip fruit-infused batidos, a blended milk drink similar to a smoothie. Indulge in Cuban coffee drinks and desserts such as flan, tres leches and mango cheesecake while listening to Latin music and admiring the vibrant artworks that line the bright walls.

Local favorite Amanda's serves Hoboken a modern fine-dining menu with old-world charm in a 19th century brownstone. Begin your weekend with a satisfying brunch, or enjoy a romantic candle-lit dinner and impressive wine list. Featured on Zagat's Most Popular Restaurants in New Jersey list, Amanda's also hosts monthly wine dinners and an affordable three-course early dinner menu.

Stop in the famous Carlo's Bakery, owned by Buddy Valastro of the Cake Boss fame, and sample a variety of homemade Italian pastries. Be prepared to wait in long lines before you can purchase their famous cannolis, butter cookies, crumb cakes or lobster tails, a flaky pastry filled with French cream.

An array of exciting nightlife and entertainment options awaits you in a city that Guinness Book of World Records featured for having the most bars per square mile. One of the best is Pilsener Haus & Biergarten which provides 20 imported drafts and over 50 American and European bottled craft beers in an old-time beer hall. Come for the live music or trivia nights, and enjoy brews and Austrian-Hungarian fare at spacious indoor or patio communal tables. Hoboken also provides a variety of nightclubs perfect for dancing throughout the night, such as Room 84.

Hoboken receives a score of 95 on Walk Score, ranking as one of the most walkable neighborhoods in the country. The one-square-mile city provides residents with optimal convenience and easy access to all of the attractions and amenities the area has to offer.

Hoboken has an excellent public transportation system that consists of 10 bus lines and 11 rail lines. The PATH rail system, a commuters' favorite, can bring you into New York City in 10 minutes.

Those commuting by car can enjoy easy access to major highways and a 15-minute drive to Manhattan. Parking can be difficult in Hoboken, especially on weekends. However, the city designates resident-only spaces and plenty of paid garage parking. Ride-share options like ZipCar are popular and cabs and Uber remain very accessible. In addition, Hoboken proves to be safe and convenient for bicyclists with numerous bike lanes, bike parking and bike repair stations. In fact, Hoboken is the only New Jersey municipality to be recognized as both bike and walk-friendly by the League of American Cyclists.

Hoboken has over a dozen parks scattered throughout the city that offer something for everybody. Stroll the waterfront walkways and take in the scenic views of the Manhattan skyline. Let your dogs enjoy one of the many dog runs, sunbathe on spacious lawns or take advantage of the recreational offerings such as basketball courts and skating rinks.

Spend a day at popular Columbus Park and let your children enjoy gated play areas, swings and basketball and tennis courts. You can find plenty of shade under one of the several trees sprawled throughout the park to enjoy a picnic.

Enjoy stunning views of New York City, kayak or attend an outdoor concert at Frank Sinatra Park. The nearby Pier A Park offers fishing, jogging lanes, a water park and scenic promenade.

Your four-legged friends are not forgotten in Hoboken; take dogs to one of several parks that provide play areas or dog runs, such as Elysian, Church Square or 1600.

Hoboken parks host a variety of annual events such as the Harvest Festival, free concerts and four-day Italian Festival.

The cost of living in Hoboken averages 40 percent higher than the rest of the state. The rental rate for a one bedroom apartment averages $2,648 per month. A ride on the PATH train costs $2.75, and the price of gas in Hoboken is 11.5% higher than the national average. You should expect to pay around $6 for a pint of beer at a local pub.

Shops and boutiques can be found at every corner of Hoboken, making it easy to find vintage clothing, unique home decor or specialty and gourmet viands.

Anthology on Washington Street provides an assortment of the latest trends in fashion at an affordable price. Shop hand selected dresses, catchy t-shirts and unique jewelry and accessories. Vintage aficionados can appreciate Revival Vintage Boutique on Harrison and Mint Market on First. You can find vintage pieces that span from the 1700s to the 1980 s at Revival. If something doesn't quite fit, an on-site seamstress tailors, mends and alters clothing to your specific needs. Shop an array of unique apparel and consignment fashion at Mint Market. The boutique carries both contemporary and vintage clothing and accessories.

Update your home decor at Maxwell's 9.13.34. Maxwell's offers an assortment of charming vintage accessories, custom furniture, home decor and china. Enhance the look of your home with the one-of-a-kind antique pieces only found here.

Hoboken residents have plenty of options when it comes to grocery shopping. Supermarket chains ShopRite on Madison Street and Kings on Shipyard Lane remain popular options in addition to natural and organic specialty store choices. Shop Organic Basic Food for organic produce and natural health products or Sobsey’s Produce, a family-run grocery store that sources from local farms. Aspen Marketplace on Washington Street offers a wide variety of gourmet products and a cheese, meat, seafood and specialty deli department.

In addition, Hoboken hosts three different farmers markets during the summer and fall months that bring local fruits, vegetables and homemade goods to the community.