Coming from the luxury fashion world, I NEVER anticipated I would move out of Manhattan let alone to ‘New Jersey’ <<insert snarky tone here>>. I spent my career growing inspirational brands like Alexander McQueen, Brunello Cucinelli and Nili Lotan. The world revolved around NYC, anything else was reserved for the sell-outs, the ones who couldn’t tough-it out raising kids in NYC! 

Fast forward, to my current address - Jersey Avenue, Jersey City, New Jersey ( You couldn’t fit more Jerseys into one singular address if you tried) and I couldn’t be happier.  My love for my neighborhood goes so deep that it inspired me to write a coffee table book on the beauty of life in Jersey city.

Here’s what you probably don’t know about Jersey City and you can’t appreciate until you come to experience it for yourself:

5 THINGS YOU LOVE ABOUT BEING A PARENT IN JERSEY CITY

It’s having the best of both worlds. The perfect balance of a peaceful life in owning a townhouse with a backyard and the proximity – 12 minutes  – to the NYC hectic scene.

The sense of community is unparalleled – old school Jersey City is still preserved and thriving with the amazing influx of great families looking to settle in and create a well-balanced, grounded life for their little ones. A community of kind hearted people all committed to making Jersey City the best it can be.

It’s the most diverse city in the country. People from all different ethnic and religious backgrounds coming together to form one cohesive community.

There are miles of neighborhood streets of beautiful brownstones to walk. If you’re looking for something different the Jersey City Waterfront Walkway stretches for 18.5 miles, great for photoshoots, strolls, marathons, or taking in the view - We live our daily lives under the most iconic backdrop in the world.

Jersey is a walking city…and a biking city ( We have Citi Bike!)… and a driving city… and a scooting city… and a ferry city… and so much more– the transportation options in and around JC are endless.

4 PLACES YOU NEED TO VISIT

Liberty State Park Complaining about lack of green space in your city, not here! Liberty State Park is 1,212 acre state park with miles of green open space alongside the Statue of Liberty. The site for many summer festivals, celebrations, live music and lawn performances.

Liberty Science Center Want to stay in doors? Liberty Science Center – an interactive science museum and learning center has engaging exhibits for all ages including an ever changing schedule of installations for the little ones including Thomas the Train, DocMcstuffin, Sesame street and so much more. It’s also home to the largest Planetarium in the Western Hemisphere

Mana Contemporary Jersey City has a thriving arts scene with city-wide arts events in which local businesses and residential buildings open their doors to display the work of local artists. One of the main pillars of the Jersey City arts world is Mana Contemporary, sited by the New York Times as the art world’s best kept secret. This 1.5 million square foot Art center is made up of studio spaces, art exhibits, music studios, dance performance space – all open to the public.

Beer gardens galore! When you’re looking for some space outdoors where you can monitor your kids and a beverage in hand, we have tons of kid-friendly beer gardens within walking distance from the house.

3 THINGS THAT YOU DON’T LOVE SO MUCH

Pedestrian Safety – Like many other cities, the influx of drivers, pedestrians and bikers in Jersey City has created what can at times be an unsafe and complicated pedestrian experience. Advocacy groups like Safe Streets JC have been pushing for awareness and road design enhancements to create a much safer environment for all but these changes take time to implement and adapt. We’re looking forward to a safer city experience

The Jersey City School System is in the midst of a budget-crisis due in part to the elimination of $600M in state aid over next 6 years. In a time when more and more families are staying in Jersey City for the long run, rather than using it a stop-through to the suburbs, the enrollment numbers are continuing to increase while massive cuts to school staffing and educational programs are looming.

Windy and cold winters – in the northeast and being situated along the water makes the winters cold, long and windy! We’re lucky to have a ton of places to take reprieve from the long winter months.

2 OF YOUR FAVORITE PLACES TO EAT

Razza Pizza – Declared “best in NYC”, Razza’s artisanal pizza and locally sourced ingredients is sure not to disappoint.

La Cote - Bringing fresh flavors to the Paulus Hook neighborhood, La Côte’s simple, elegant aesthetic and airy dining room is the perfect setting to enjoy honest dishes amongst neighborhood friends.

1 ITEM YOU CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT