An ode to Jersey City, the heart of Hudson County

Jersey City is a crazy place to live; it has so many different cultures, sections and people. Wild characters from all across the city fill the town with positive vibes, constant action and plenty of stories to tell. Jersey City is the heart of Hudson County, with Bayonne and Hoboken being left envious of our swagger and originality. It’s a fun place with much to do and many places to go.

There are some things you would only understand if you grew up in or live in Jersey City. 

We’re salty that the best park in Jersey City doesn’t have a basketball court

Liberty State Park is the best and nicest park the city has the offer. It’s beautiful and perfect for taking romantic walks, regular walks and people watching; the opportunities are endless. The one thing you cannot do is play basketball. The best park in the city didn’t want the ballers taking over.

We refuse to pay for a lightrail tickets despite numerous warnings 

“If you do not have a valid ticket please do not ride this train. Please validate your ticket before entering this train.” No one listens to these warnings. The lightrail is our way of sticking it to the man, a small protest of sorts. No one buys a ticket – it should just be free.

Every single person is trying to be a rapper

I love my Jersey City dudes, most are talented and have real bars, but some need to pack up that equipment and pick up a book. Everyone tries to rap. If you go on Twitter, you immediately get Soundcloud links shoved down your throat and DMs of “retweet my track”. Jersey City rappers do have talent though with artists like PeteyXKraze making lots of noise for the city. And don’t even get me started on the rappers selling fruit snacks for what they claim to be studio time.

Learning every Jersey Club dance before the function 

WHO NEXT JUMP IN LETS GO! When you see the circle form and the crowd anticipates you to bust a move, you need to be ready. Jersey Club music is the turn up sound that we crafted. Even though Newark DJs created it, we adopted it for ourselves and made it our own.

It is a melting pot of diversity

Jersey City is filled with many different cultures and ethnicities. The city was named the most diverse city in America and came in No. 1 in ethno-racial and linguistic diversity. According to 2010 Census information, more Jersey City residents identified as white (32.7 percent), but other major ethnic groups made up a sizable portion of the population, with African American or Black at 25.8%, Asian at 23.7% and Hispanic or Latino at 27.6%.

Going to a fried chicken spot with your last $5 for a meal

When you’re struggling and trying to stretch your last five bucks, your local fried chicken spot is your best friend. You can get a 2 piece chicken and fries for $2.75, a C&C for .60 cents, and you’ll still have some money left over for a zebra cake or a honey bun. The bodega even has iPhone chargers and t-shirts.

Downtown Jersey City is a bootleg New York

Gentrification has been a blessing and a curse for the city. While new restaurants, buildings, and attractions have blessed the city, projects have been torn down and people have been evicted. Downtown Jersey City has morphed into a New York City Jr. with people who can’t afford to live in the Big Apple flocking to Jersey City for cheaper living. We are the step sister that New York didn’t want.

Going to Newport Mall with no money

Half the time you walk into Newport Mall, you have no intentions of buying something. You go there with your friends and stragg. Stragg = having no destination or desires and just walking or driving with no plans.

Leaving Jersey City makes you realize you love it

Once you go anywhere else you notice the magic of Jersey City. You’ll always miss home.