Jersey City

Jersey City
City
City of Jersey City
Skyline of Jersey City Skyline of Jersey City
Flag Official seal of Jersey City Seal
Nickname(s):  Wall Street West, Chilltown, J.C.
Motto(s):  "Let Jersey Prosper"
Coordinates:
Country	United States
State	New Jersey
County	Hudson
Incorporated	January 28, 1820
Government
• Type	Mayor-Council
• Mayor	Steven Fulop
Area
• Total	21.1 sq mi (54.7 km2)
• Land	14.9 sq mi (38.6 km2)
• Water	6.2 sq mi (16.1 km2)
Population  (2020)
• Total	292,449
• Density	14,000/sq mi (5,300/km2)
Time zone	UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP Codes	07097, 07302-07311
Area code(s)	201, 551
Website	www.jerseycitynj.gov

Jersey City is the second-most populous city in the U.S. state of New Jersey, after Newark. It is the seat of Hudson County as well as the county's largest city. As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Jersey City was 292,449, reflecting its status as a diverse and rapidly growing urban center.

History

Jersey City was originally inhabited by the Lenape, an indigenous people of the Northeastern Woodlands. After being settled by the Dutch in the 17th century as part of New Netherland, the area was taken over by the British and renamed Jersey City in 1820 after the island of Jersey in the English Channel. It grew rapidly in the 19th century, especially as immigrants used it as a first stop after arriving in America.

Economy

Jersey City is part of the New York metropolitan area, and its economic base is heavily reliant on the sectors of finance, insurance, real estate, and health care. The city is sometimes referred to as "Wall Street West" due to its large financial district, which serves as one of the backbones of the United States' financial markets.

Geography

Jersey City is located on the Hudson River and Upper New York Bay, making it an important transportation terminus and distribution center. It has a total area of 21.1 square miles, of which 14.9 square miles is land and 6.2 square miles is water.

Demographics

The city is noted for its cultural diversity, with significant populations of Hispanic, Asian, and African American residents. This diversity is reflected in the city's neighborhoods, cuisine, and cultural festivals.

Government

Jersey City operates under a mayor-council form of government. The current mayor is Steven Fulop, who has been in office since 2013. The city council consists of members elected from wards as well as at-large members.

Education

The Jersey City Public Schools serve students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. The city is also home to New Jersey City University and Saint Peter's University, providing higher education opportunities to residents and students from around the world.

Transportation

Jersey City is a major transportation hub for the region. It is served by multiple PATH train stations connecting it to Manhattan, a comprehensive bus network, and close proximity to major airports including Newark Liberty International Airport.

Culture and Recreation

Jersey City boasts a vibrant arts scene, numerous parks, and a bustling waterfront. The Liberty State Park, located on the waterfront, provides stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Manhattan.

See also

• List of people from Jersey City, New Jersey
• Hudson County, New Jersey