Union City
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Union City is a city in Hudson County, New Jersey.
Union City is a small city, roughly 1.283 square miles. It is bordered by Weehawken to the east, Jersey City to the south, North Bergen to the west and north, and West New York to the north.
Understand
Because Bergenline Avenue is the main commercial thoroughfare for North Hudson County, driving up or down it can take quite a bit of time, and parking can be difficult. Most areas to park near Bergenline and other commercial avenues are metered, and the rest require city permits to park for more than 4 hours.
Talk
Since most residents in Union City are Latinos, the predominant language spoken is Spanish, though most Spanish speakers also speak English.
Additionally, there is a Hasidic enclave in uptown Union City where Yiddish is spoken.
Get in
By bus
From Manhattan, you can catch NJTransit buses from the Port Authority Bus Terminal on 42nd Street. NJTransit 123 and 125 leave regularly.
By light rail
If you are coming in from Manhattan, or have parked elsewhere in Hudson County, a light rail service running from North Bergen to Bayonne can be used to get into Union City.
Terminating in Hoboken via the PATH from Manhattan allows for quick access to Union City, at the Bergenline Avenue station.
Get around
Minibuses
Minibuses, locally known as jitneys, are private buses that take private routes throughout Union City. The jitneys can be tricky to catch since there is generally no signage regarding their stops. A good online resource is the unofficial Jitney Buses of New Jersey page.
Walking
One of the best ways to absorb the unique culture of Union City is to simply walk around.
Bergenline Avenue is a bustling main thoroughfare, where restaurants and stores run continuously for dozens of blocks. Many of the shops and restaurants are independently owned. Because Bergenline is a one-way southbound street, it is very congested to drive through during most hours of the day. Starting on the north end of Washington Park, the first several blocks are mostly residential. After walking from the park a few blocks, businesses begin to emerge. Buildings on Bergenline span three centuries; many still standing from the 19th century.
The entire northern section of Bergenline, from 32nd to 47th Street, is particularly interesting to walk, as many buildings from the 19th century and early 20th century are still standing; as a result, this district is listed on the New Jersey Historic Preservation.
See
- 1 Monastery and Church of Saint Michael the Archangel. 19th-century grand church, the largest of its time. National Historic place.
- 2 Union City Museum, 420 15th St (in the William V. Musto Cultural Center), ☏ +1 646 545 7183, unioncityhistory@gmail.com. M-F 9AM-12:30PM, Sa noon-4PM. Art exhibits, historic artifacts, and a concert hall.
Do
Parks
- 1 Washington Park. At the southern border of Union City, shared with Jersey City. It features a dog park with scenic views of Hoboken and the New York City skyline, a water park, picnic tables and grills. During the summer there is a festival with carnival rides, live music, and movie nights. Free.
- 2 Ellsworth Park, Palisade Ave between 24 and 25th St. In central Union City. It features a playground for children and cozy seating areas. Free.
- 3 Reservoir Park, Highpoint Ave at 22nd St.
North Bergen
- 4 Braddock Park (take Kennedy Blvd from Jersey City all the way to the end). Marks the border between Hudson and Bergen Counties. Named after James J Braddock whose life was portrayed in the movie "Cinderella Man." The park was also the site of the "Stonehenge Incident," where people reported seeing UFOs from a nearby apartment complex.
Arts
- 5 Park Performing Arts Center (Park Theater), 560 32nd Street. During the holiday season, home of the longest running Passion Play in the US. It was known as Park Theater in the late 20th century.
Parades
Cuban Day Parade of New Jersey - on Bergenline Avenue during the summer, thousands of people.
Dominican-American Parade - on Bergenline Avenue.
Historical markers
Placed on street-corners, walls, and on sidewalks throughout Union City, there are numerous historical markers; most offering a brief history. There markers are used to show the location of recognized or notable persons and establishments. Some of the historical markers are used for buildings which still stand, such as the Blue Chapel; others are located where establishments used to stand. Many are to recognize people who have grew up or lived in Union City and have achieved fame. There are many to visit, and with good planning and a fast-pace, you can see them all in one day.
- Bergenline and 15th street. - Childhood home of Erick Morillo, DJ and music producer, most known for the song "I Like to Move It."
- Peter George Urban, 10th degree karate grandmaster.
- 6 Former 19th-century brewery.
- 7 William Tylee Ranney.
- 8 Acclaimed American Author, 1215 Palisade Ave. Dedicated to Pietro Di Donato, author of "Christ in Concrete"
- 9 Joe Jeanette.
- 10 Blue Chapel.
Buy
- 1 Columbia Park, 3129 Kennedy Blvd, North Bergen.
Eat
Union City boasts a variety of Spanish cuisine, both low-priced and high-priced.
- 1 Pollos a La Brasa, 4215 Bergenline Ave, ☏ +1 201 601-2533. A lot of food for a great price. $10-15.
- 2 El Artesano Restaurant, 4101 Bergenline Avenue, ☏ +1 201 867-7341. Cuban food.
- 3 Juana & Gloria, 1801 Bergenline Avenue, ☏ +1 201 866-9843. Moderately priced.
- 4 Americana Grill & Cafe, 600 Summit Ave, ☏ +1 201 766-4495. Late night diner that delivers.
- 5 Merge Cafe, 4605 Park Ave, ☏ +1 201 590-9138, my@mergecafe.com. Tu-Sa 11:30AM-8PM, M 4-9PM.
- 6 Coach House, 921 Kennedy Blvd, North Bergen, ☏ +1 201-864-8600.
Drink
Sleep
- 1 Shefah, 315 29th St.
- 2 Xplore Hotel & Hostel NYC, 415 38th St.
Connect
Go next
| Routes through Union City |
Ends at N  S ← Secaucus ← |
W  E |
→ Weehawken → Manhattan, New York |
| END ← North Bergen ← | N  S |
→ Weehawken → Hoboken |
| END ← North Bergen ← | N  S |
→ Weehawken → Jersey City |