Hoboken, New Jersey

Hoboken is a densely populated city on the west bank of the Hudson River in Hudson County, New Jersey, just across from Manhattan. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 38,577. The current mayor of Hoboken is David Roberts.

Character

In the mid 20th century Hoboken sank from its earlier incarnation as a lively port town into a severely rundown condition. It was often included in lists with other New Jersey towns and cities that had seen much better days, such as Paterson, Elizabeth, and Camden. The old economic underpinnings of port traffic and manufacturing had shrunk to near the vanishing point and nothing new seemed to be on the horizon. Heaps of uncollected garbage and roving packs of semi-wild dogs were common sights. Then, in the late 1970s, the town began a surprising rejuvenation that led to its becoming, by the mid-1990s, easily one of the state's most vibrant communities. As mentioned above, the key factor in the turnaround was the adoption of the town by artists and "bohemian types" with close ties to New York City who valued the superior aesthetics of Hoboken's residential, civic and commercial architecture, along with the quick train hop into Lower Manhattan.

Related Topics:
20th century - Paterson - Elizabeth - Camden - 1970s - 1990s

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The city today is noted for its excellent views of Manhattan, fine-grained street grid, historic architecture, and lively collection of restaurants and bars. Its compactness and historic street layout mean that a car is more of a hindrance than a help in getting around, and the city retains a basic pedestrian orientation. On weekend nights the town swells with young partygoers from nearby New Jersey towns who practice a rowdier style of barhopping than is fashionable across the river in Manhattan. Hoboken pockets their liquor money and quiet Sundays see families and artsy types back in possession of streets and parks.

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Hoboken's gentrification has become relatively advanced, though a large base of native residents remains in the city and holds political power.The population of "newcomers" or "yuppies", as they are typically called in the local press, consists of college and post-graduate students, bi-nationals, older artists and, increasingly, well-to-do commuters to Manhattan. The presence of these individuals gives Hoboken a unique energy and a growing reputation as a desirable place to live. However, the rising cost of living in the town, particularly in rental units, has already resulted in a significant exodus of the "bohemian" population that was responsible for turning the city's reputation around.

Related Topics:
Yuppies - Commuters - Bohemian

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