3 Local Blogs that Reveal Life in Journal Square: Read Before You Move
Following on the heels of an intense 2020 quarantine and hybrid schooling (before districts began their transition to in-person learning), young parents who experienced tight quarters with their families are itching for space. Unfortunately, soaring housing prices are the latest consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Renting an Apartment Might be More Lucrative Right Now
For current renters in search of a new property, now may not be a great time to buy. According to Forbes, housing prices are up 15% nationwide. Fun fact: this is the highest housing prices have been in the United States since 2006. Surprisingly, the demand for housing following COVID-19 remains unaffected.
There is now a home-building shortage following the COVID-19 pandemic. This puts the supply of housing under what is necessary to meet the demand of the now home-buying age demographic: older millennials.
So what does this mean for those interested in buying a property? Well, these prices can’t remain at an all-time high forever. But during this seller’s market, renting may be a more lucrative option.
Moving to Jersey City? Great timing.
With summer beginning its full swing, and the number of new COVID-19 cases in the United States on the decline, states like New jersey updated their mask policies with the hope of boosting local business. As of this article, the New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub from the Department of Health reports that restaurants can open at full capacity (both indoors and outdoors).
Other New Jersey COVID-19 policy updates include:
The lift on state-wide mask mandates for most indoor public places
Reopened dance floors at bars and nightclubs
Encouragement of unvaccinated customers to continue to wear masks
While the above suggests that life is slowly returning to the local Jersey City neighborhoods, the New Jersey Department of health still advises mask-wearing if you’re unvaccinated and to get vaccinated if eligible.
What to Do in Journal Square as Life Returns
New resident? Interested in moving to the Journal Square area? Just visiting? Take advantage of the new hustle in the local Jersey City hubs this summer. In this article, we’ll showcase three local blogs that highlight all there is to offer in the best neighborhoods in Jersey City.
Jersey Digs
Great for foodies, potential investors, and renters alike, Jersey Digs reports on local stories. Split across Jersey City’s seven neighborhoods, Jersey Digs centers on local businesses, complete with new business backstories and hours of operation.
Great for those interested in learning about the food options in Journal Square, Jersey Digs publishes restaurant profiles that highlight the diversity of cuisine coming to the neighborhood. We encourage you to check out three new restaurants that popped up during the pandemic, Krewe (Southern), ITA Kitchen (Italian), and Rosita’s Yah (Vegan), all located near McGinley square, Journal Square’s growing foodie district.
Jersey City Upfront
An honest blog about local restaurants, activities, and all things Jersey City, JC Upfront offers advice for new residents interested in learning about new deals, activities, and gatherings across the best neighborhoods in Jersey City. This blog offers direct support and advice from the community to those searching for true reviews and opinions from locals.
We encourage you to check out their Weekender edition, a hand-picked weekly pull of upcoming activities and festival circuits showcasing food, music, and more.
Art House Productions
For those unaware, Art House Productions is a major local Jersey City art and festival production company. Their site offers the latest on upcoming events with the option to join all or some of their mailing lists to get dates on comedy shows, art displays, performances, and film festivals. This site allows families to stay updated on family-friendly events this summer.
Produced by Art House Productions, JC Fridays is an art festival that showcases local talent across music, film, performance arts, and comedy. They’re currently offering a virtual series on Fridays with accessibility options including captions and ASL interpreters.
If you’re looking to move to the area next year, you’ll be happy to know Jersey City’s Comedy Festival will return in 2022, with past performers including Gilbert Gottfried, Kevin Farley, and Jackie Martling.
Before your move to Journal Square, check out Spot the Red Flags: Apartment Hunt Like a Journal Square, New Jersey Pro, and What New Yorkers Don't Tell You About Moving to New Jersey for rental tips, restaurant reviews, and more.
Interested in a Journal Square rental? Visiting MRK Journal Square’s website to view 1-2 bedroom floorplans. Units start at $2,043 with virtual tours available.
Email mrk@cmpnd.com or call (201) 448-9569 with questions.