Are you thinking of moving to Hoboken, NJ? This charming suburb of New York City is located just across the Hudson River from Manhattan. It has a lot to offer newcomers, including vibrant art and culture scene, great restaurants and bars, and easy access to all the amenities of a ‘big city life’.
We know Manhattan may start feeling overwhelming and too busy at some point in life, or you just want to move to Hoboken to stay close to the Big Apple whereas you also get to live the suburban life. Either way, Hoboken may the right choice for you!
In order to help you, in this article, we’ll go over ALL you need to know about Hoboken, and you’ll finally get the answers you need to the following questions:
- Is it worth moving to Hoboken?
- Is Hoboken a good place to live?
- What’s The Cost of Living in Hoboken?
- What salary do you need to live in Hoboken?
- Is Hoboken cheaper than some neighborhoods in Manhattan?
- Is Hoboken safe? What is the crime rate in Hoboken?
- Is Hoboken walkable? Do I need a car in Hoboken?
About Hoboken, New Jersey
Located right across the Hudson River, Hoboken is considered a “compact city”. It has a vibrant population of about 60,000, according to the latest 2021 Census.
Hoboken is also referred to as “the mile square city” because its land has only 1.28 square miles of ground.
It has become very popular in the previous because that is a very walkable city, accessible to Manhattan and other boroughs easily by train.
From NYC’s Penn station, it’s only a 20 minutes journey.
Due to the fact Hoboken is a more compact city and to its big development in the 1990s, apartment prices have also increased over the past few years.
If you’re planning on buying an apartment there, you really should plan ahead. In June 2021, for example, the average price was about $ 959,000, according to Realtor.com.
Because of the pandemic, people that left Manhattan ended up choosing Hoboken as a place to invest as well, which has made sales volume skyrocket 181 percent.
Is it worth moving to Hoboken?
Overall, yes, moving to Hoboken is worth it!
This “compact city” has a lot to offer its residents, including a vibrant art and culture scene, great restaurants and bars, and easy access to all the amenities of big city life.
Plus, Manhattan is only a short train ride away, so you can still enjoy all that the city has to offer without having to deal with the hustle and bustle daily.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a charming suburb that still has easy access to all the best that NYC has to offer, Hoboken is definitely worth considering!
Cost Of Living in Hoboken
The cost of living in Hoboken is relatively high, but this is to be expected given its close proximity to New York City.
According to Numbeo, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Hoboken is $2900 in the city center and around $2000 out of it. However, prices can vary greatly depending on the specific neighborhood and amenities you’re looking for.
Utilities, such as electricity, gas, and internet, will cost an average of $200 per month.
Food costs are also relatively high in Hoboken. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant will cost around $70, while groceries for a week for one person will run about $60.
What salary do you need to live in Hoboken?
Given the high cost of living in Hoboken, you’ll need to make a good salary in order to live comfortably.
Numbeo reports that the average monthly salary after taxes is $5000, so you’ll need to make at least this much to cover your basic costs of living.
Of course, if you have a partner or family, your costs will be higher and you’ll need to make more money to cover all of your expenses.
Is Hoboken cheaper than some neighborhoods in Manhattan?
Hoboken is definitely cheaper than most neighborhoods in Manhattan. While rents are high, they are still significantly lower than what you would pay to live in the city.
Utilities and food costs are also relatively low when compared to other parts of NYC.
Overall, Hoboken is 32% cheaper than Manhattan when we take into account all the expenses, including food & groceries, housing, utilities, etc.
Is Hoboken a safe city?
Hoboken is a safe city, with a crime rate that is significantly lower than the national average.
According to SafeWise, the violent crime rate in Hoboken is just 0.91 per 1000 people, which is much lower than both the state and national averages.
The property crime rate in Hoboken is also lower than the national average, at 14.81 per 1000 people.
Is Hoboken walkable? Do I need a car in Hoboken?
No, you do not need a car in Hoboken. The city is very walkable and there is also an excellent public transportation system that can take you anywhere you need to go.
If you do have a car, parking can be difficult and expensive. Many residents choose to use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft instead of driving their own cars.
Moving to Hoboken Checklist
Now that you know all about moving to Hoboken, it’s time to start planning your move!
To make things easier, we’ve put together a moving checklist with everything you need to do before making the big move.
Research different areas in Hoboken to find the best fit for you (Start Early!)
If you want to find a good apartment with the price range you’re looking for, start your research early. It’s not easy – nor fast – to find a good place in Hoboken because – remember – it is a small city!
Consider the cost of living in Hoboken and whether or not you can afford it
Make sure you have a good understanding of the cost of living in Hoboken before making the move. It’s an expensive city, but there are ways to save money (like cooking at home instead of eating out all the time).
Check your credit score and start saving for a security deposit and the first month’s rent.
Your credit score will impact your ability to rent an apartment in Hoboken, so make sure it’s in good shape before you start your search.
If you don’t have a good credit score, start working on improving it and save up for a security deposit and the first month’s rent so you’re not caught off guard when you find a place you love.
Plan your commutes ahead (if you’re planning to work in NYC or any other city around)
If you’re commuting to NYC for work, plan your route ahead of time and give yourself plenty of time to get there. The PATH train is usually pretty reliable, but there can be delays from time to time.
You should also consider getting a monthly pass so you don’t have to worry about buying a ticket every day.
Plan Your Move to Hoboken
Now that you know all about moving to Hoboken, it’s time to start planning your move!
If you’re thinking on doing it alone, start by buying the boxes in order to pack all your belongings correctly. Make sure they’re safe to move.
Depending on the number of things you have, you may also consider renting a car or a truck to carry it all.
You’ll also need to plan ahead how you’ll place them so they don’t move throughout the way.
However, if you don’t want to worry about all of these processes, you may hire a moving company, such as Bluebell Relocation Services, to do it all for you.
We have never 17 years of experience in helping families moving around the NY-NJ area, and we are ready to help you too!
About Bluebell Relocation Services: Based in New Jersey, BlueBell Relocation Services has over 17 years of experience in relocations. We are ready to help you from packing to carrying your personal belongings. To speak to one of our Certified Moving Consultants or to schedule an on-site estimate, learn how to contact us here.
