Did you know Hoboken and Jersey City are a walker’s paradise? According to Walk Score, Hoboken has a walk score of 99 and a bike score of 83, making it easy to get around for all your daily to-dos. Jersey City has a walk score of 87 and bike score of 70, also providing quick access to the incredible restaurants, shops, and parks the city offers. 

Walking in Hoboken

Hoboken is just one square mile, but it is jam-packed with restaurants, shops, and parks. If you are walking along the waterfront, you can stop at Pier 13, the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, or Pier A Park for some spectacular views. 

Aside from the scenery, residents and tourists alike can walk to restaurants and shopping, as well as your day-to-day errands like grocery stores and pharmacies. And for those who need to travel outside of Hoboken, there’s easy access to the PATH station, Hoboken Ferry, and plenty of bus stops. 

Walking in Jersey City

Hoboken isn’t the only walkable neighborhood in New Jersey. With Citi Bikes and easy access to public transportation, it’s a breeze getting around JC. 

Aside from your day-to-day activities, you can walk to Liberty State Park for views of New York City and the Statue of Liberty. Head to India Square or Newark Avenue pedestrian plazas for dining and shopping. 

Why walk?

While walking makes it easier to get around, it also improves the urban landscape. Cities Alive, a report by ARUP, highlights many benefits to living in a walkable area. From car-free city blocks to accessible bike lanes, cities worldwide are now taking active steps to encourage more walking amongst residents. If you need a reason why walkable neighborhoods are growing in popularity, look no further! 

1. Accessibility

While not everyone can afford a car or knows how to drive, walking is universally accessible. When transportation is limited to vehicles, many people, including the elderly, the disabled, and children, are limited to specific transportation systems. Walkability means easy access for a broader range of our population. 

2. Happiness 

According to the report, researchers found that if someone shifts from a long commute to a walk, their happiness increases as much as if they’d fallen in love! Furthermore, people who walk 8.6 minutes a day are 33% more likely to report better mental health. It might be in time to fall in love with walking! 

3. Health 

Residents of a walkable neighborhood are less at risk for obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Over a prolonged period, this extra daily activity can make quite a difference. Driving easily increases stress levels, but on the other hand, walking is a calming experience.

4. Environment

Walking is naturally better for the environment than driving because it emits zero C02. This is healthier for the earth and our lungs. Walkable neighborhoods limit the amount of driving place to place for everyday errands and necessities. Walking is a simple way to decrease your carbon footprint and enjoy some fresh air at the same time!

5. Community 

Walkable streets bring people together who might not otherwise meet. As an alternative to driving alone, walkable neighborhoods increase the opportunity for daily interactions between neighbors. This helps strengthen the bonds and relationships within the community. 

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Interested in living in a walkable neighborhood? Lucky for you, there are plenty of communities with all of these benefits in the Jersey City and Hoboken area. Give us a call!