If you’re standing on the pier at Exchange Place, staring at the jagged teeth of the Manhattan skyline, you might feel like you’re in a sixth borough. Honestly, many people treat it that way. But you aren't in New York. You're in New Jersey, specifically in a place that has its own grit, its own soul, and a very specific administrative home. So, jersey city is in what county?
It’s Hudson County.
That’s the short answer. But the geography of this place is actually a lot weirder than a simple Wikipedia snippet. Hudson County is the smallest county in New Jersey by land area, yet it’s the most densely populated. It’s a cramped, vertical, high-energy slice of land tucked between the Hudson and Hackensack Rivers. Jersey City isn't just a part of it; it’s the seat of power. It’s the county seat.
Why Hudson County Matters
Hudson County is essentially a peninsula. It’s physically attached to Bayonne to the south and stretches up toward the George Washington Bridge to the north. When you ask about the county lines, you’re really asking about a legacy of urban planning that dates back to 1840. That was the year Hudson County was carved out of Bergen County. Back then, it was all about the railroads and the docks. Today, it's about the "Gold Coast."
Jersey City dominates this landscape. It’s the biggest city in the county, and it’s currently neck-and-neck with Newark for the title of the biggest city in the entire state. The vibe changes the second you cross the line into Hoboken or Union City, even though they’re all in the same county. It's a patchwork.
You've got the Heights, which sits on the Palisades—a massive cliff of diabase rock. Then you've got Downtown, which is basically built on landfill and silt. It’s a geological mess, but it’s a real estate goldmine.
The Confusion with "West New York" and Beyond
One reason people get confused about the county situation is the naming conventions. Within Hudson County, you have a town called West New York. It is not in New York. It’s in New Jersey. In Hudson County. Right next to Jersey City.
Confusing? Totally.
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Then you have North Bergen, which is also in Hudson County, not Bergen County. This is the kind of stuff that drives out-of-towners crazy. If you’re looking at a map, Hudson County looks like a long, thin finger pointing toward the Atlantic. Jersey City takes up the fat middle and bottom part of that finger.
Life in the County Seat
Being the county seat means Jersey City is where the "big" stuff happens. The Hudson County Courthouse—a stunning Beaux-Arts building on Newark Avenue—is where the legal gears turn. If you get called for jury duty in this part of the world, you’re heading to Jersey City.
The city is divided into six wards. Each has a different flavor, but they all share that Hudson County DNA.
- Ward A (Greenville): Historically residential, southern tip.
- Ward B (West Side): Home to New Jersey City University.
- Ward C (Journal Square): The old heart of the city, currently exploding with skyscrapers.
- Ward D (The Heights): Hipster central, great views, sits on the cliff.
- Ward E (Downtown): The high-rises, the PATH trains, the money.
- Ward F (Bergen-Lafayette): Rapidly changing, industrial roots, near Liberty State Park.
Is It Really Just One County?
Technically, yes. But Hudson County is part of the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA Combined Statistical Area. That’s a mouthful. Basically, it means that while Jersey City is firmly in Hudson County, its economy, its transportation, and its very existence are tied to the tri-state region.
You can’t talk about Hudson County without talking about the PATH train. It’s the umbilical cord. It connects Jersey City to Manhattan in minutes. This proximity is why Jersey City has seen more growth in the last decade than almost anywhere else in the Northeast. People realize they can live in Hudson County, pay slightly less in taxes than Manhattan (though still plenty), and get more space.
The Taxes and the Politics
Hudson County politics is... legendary. And not always for the right reasons. It has a long history of "boss" politics, most famously under Frank Hague, who was the mayor of Jersey City for thirty years. He famously said, "I am the law." That shadow still hangs over the county government to some degree.
If you live here, you pay county taxes in addition to your municipal taxes. This goes toward things like the Hudson County Schools of Technology and the county park system. Speaking of parks, Liberty State Park is the crown jewel. It’s over 1,200 acres of green space with a view of Lady Liberty that New Yorkers would kill for. Technically, that's all Hudson County land.
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Getting Around the County
Most people don't use a car if they live in the eastern part of Hudson County. The Light Rail is the lifeline. It zips from Bayonne, through Jersey City, up to Hoboken, and ends in North Bergen. It’s one of the few places in America where you can actually live a high-quality life without a driver's license.
But if you do drive, you deal with the Pulaski Skyway. It’s a terrifying, beautiful, historic bridge that carries Route 1/9 over the Passaic and Hackensack Rivers. It connects Jersey City to the rest of the world. It’s iconic. It’s also a nightmare during rush hour.
Misconceptions About Jersey City's Location
People often think Jersey City is in Essex County because Newark is so close. Nope. Newark is Essex. Jersey City is Hudson. The dividing line is the Hackensack River and the Meadowlands.
Others think it’s in Bergen County because, well, the north end of Hudson County just sort of blends into it. But once you cross into Fairview or Cliffside Park, you’ve left Hudson behind.
Then there’s the "Sixth Borough" myth. While it's a popular marketing term, don't say that to a local. People in Hudson County are fiercely proud of being from New Jersey. They like the fact that they can see the Empire State Building but don't have to deal with the MTA.
Real Estate Realities in Hudson County
If you’re looking to move to Jersey City, you need to understand that being in Hudson County means you’re in one of the most competitive rental markets in the country. Prices in the Downtown area often rival those in Brooklyn or Queens.
However, the "West Side" and "Greenville" are still somewhat affordable, though that’s changing fast. The "Journal Square" area is currently the site of a massive construction boom. Developers are betting that people will want to live in the center of the county, right on top of the transportation hub.
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The Cultural Fabric
Hudson County is one of the most diverse places on the planet. Literally. In Jersey City alone, you’ll hear dozens of languages. There’s a massive Filipino community on the West Side. There’s "Little India" on Newark Avenue. There’s a huge Egyptian population.
This diversity is reflected in the food. You can get world-class dim sum, authentic pierogis, and the best pizza you’ve ever had, all within a three-mile radius. It’s not just a bedroom community for New York; it’s a cultural destination in its own right.
The Future of the County
What’s next for Jersey City and Hudson County? Sea-level rise is a real concern. Since so much of the county is coastal or built on former wetlands, flooding is a recurring issue. The city is investing heavily in "resiliency" parks—parks designed to soak up millions of gallons of rainwater.
There's also the constant push-pull of gentrification. As the "Gold Coast" expands, long-time residents are being pushed further west. It’s a tension that defines the county today.
Actionable Steps for Navigating Hudson County
If you're planning a visit or a move, keep these practical points in mind:
- Check the Map: If you're looking for government services, make sure you're looking at the Hudson County website, not the Jersey City municipal site. They handle different things (like social services vs. trash pickup).
- Use the PATH: If you're coming from NYC, take the PATH. It's $2.75 and runs 24/7. Don't bother with an Uber unless you want to sit in the Holland Tunnel for an hour.
- Explore the Heights: For the best views of the skyline and the most "neighborhood" feel, head to the Jersey City Heights. Stop at The Hutton or Corto for a meal.
- Liberty State Park is a Must: Don't just look at it from a distance. Go there. Walk the promenade. It's the best way to understand the scale of the Hudson River and the county's relationship to the water.
- Parking is a Nightmare: If you're moving here, check the parking permit laws for Hudson County. Every town has different rules, and they will tow you without hesitation.
Jersey City is the beating heart of Hudson County. It's a place defined by its borders—the rivers, the cliffs, and the shadow of the world's most famous skyline. It isn't just a suburb; it's a powerhouse. Whether you're here for the food, the commute, or the history, you're standing in one of the most unique counties in the United States.
Understand the geography, and you'll understand why this tiny slice of New Jersey is currently the center of the state's universe.