I was categorically opposed to living in Jersey City at first, but I actually have ended up liking it, sort of. The residential architecture around our neighborhood is pretty Brooklyn-ish. And the basic setup and vibe and amenities are much like a typical outer-borough neighborhood.

It's generally mellower than NYC, less crowded, the sidewalks are wider, etc. Unfortunately, Jersey City still really hasn't figured out the good, mid-priced restaurant thing. In some ways it's gentrifying quite a bit, but I still see a lot more open drug-dealing on my block than I ever saw when I lived in New York. I still get a surprising amount of pleasure from riding the Path at night and seeing what the kids are wearing. Jersey City is interesting because it's so close to Manhattan, and yet so far. There's definitely no casting director involved on the Path, but that's what makes it interesting -- I actually think the Jersey kids are a lot more original, in their way. They're less of a herd.

Having said all that, I'm not out trying to recruit for Jersey City. It's definitely not for everybody, and I don't think it will ever be the coolest (or hottest) neighborhood in the bi-state area.

-Gothamist Interview with Rob Walker, who writes the Consumed column for the New York Times Magazine.

He pretty much sums up my feelings about Jersey City: I've actually ended up liking it - sort of. The shining beacon of gentrification, Washington Mutual, has opened up on Newark Ave., so some restaurants and boutiques can't be far behind. Although, the dollar stores seem to have a stronghold on Newark - they'd put up some fierce competition. A thai place tried it's hand on Newark, and I swear it was only open for 2 weeks. I had never seen a restaurant open and close so fast. It will be interesting to watch my neighborhood change over the next few years, as it is definitely poised for some major overhauls.