An Expat Talks about Living in Hoboken, New Jersey

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Hoboken

What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?

This tends to be a young town, so most people find friends from school or the town that they grew up in that already live in Hoboken. Unless you grew up in town, this is almost always true. Most young people that live here tend to have their social lives in the city, not that there isn't plenty of night life and restaurants in Hoboken. Most people, if they are right out of school, will start off going out in Hoboken quite a bit until they get a little stir crazy and then go out in Manhattan more.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.

Hoboken is a very diverse town... you name the group and you'll find them here. People get along racially/religiously I find.

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

Most people find work before they move in, and it's usually in the city. However, some people that work in NJ like to live in Hoboken because its easier to get to work there than from Manhattan. (Avoiding a bridge/tunnel crossing going either way saves time). It's usually networking or through a headhunter that people get jobs.

In general, what are peoples' priorities in this city? For example, do lives revolve around work, family, socializing, sports, etc.?

Working hard and playing hard. I'm a transplant so I can only speak about the 22-35 year old demographic of people that didn't grow up in Hoboken. There is still a blue collar element to the town, which I don't know much about.

If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.

It's hard to say... some people like Hoboken because they feel like it's smaller than Manhattan and they need a smaller pond. I fall into this group. A lot of people live in Hoboken for a while and then eventually take the plunge into NYC. Hoboken is getting developed and a little easier on the eye than in the past. There is a high yuppie element to the town. A great place to see live music is Maxwell's in Hoboken. They get some bands that are really original, and sometimes some of the highest profile bands sneak a night in here and there.