Wonderful Weehawken: 5 Reasons to Love this Tiny Township

Perched high atop the Hudson River Palisades, Weehawken, New Jersey is known for its world-famous views and unbeatable proximity to Manhattan.But there's more to Weehawken than meets the eye (as you whiz by on the Lincoln Tunnel approach). Amidst those 300-foot cliffs resides a tight-knit community that prides itself on keeping a family-friend atmosphere.

Since shortly after Henry Hudson anchored at Weehawken cove more than 400 years ago, Weehawken has been home to generations of lifelong residents. Today, 14,000 “Weehawkenites” love their city's unbeatable views, outdoor recreation, top-tier schools, rich history, and abundant transportation alternatives.

1. The Views

From its Hudson River vantage point, Weehawken offers arguably the best views of the Manhattan skyline. If you’re house-hunting here, why not combine a feast for your eyes with a feast for your stomach, and soak up those stunning vistas while lingering over a meal at one of the many restaurants situated along the Weehawken waterfront? From Lincoln Harbor to Port Imperial, you'll find destinations to suit every palate, including seafood (Chart House), Italian (Masina Trattoria), steak (Ruth's Chris), Mexican (Charrito's), Japanese (Robongi), and Mediterranean (Molos)

For an even closer look, take a New York Harbor cruise. Spirit Cruises offers brunch, lunch, and dinner cruises departing from Lincoln Harbor. While on board, guests will enjoy views of Lady Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and other points of interest while indulging in fabulous food and cocktails.

2. The Great Outdoors

With surroundings as gorgeous as theirs, it's no surprise Weehawkenites adore their outdoor recreation. The city is dotted with family-friendly park space: Hamilton Park stretches along the cliffs overlooking Manhattan; the Weehawken Waterfront Park and Recreation Center featuring playgrounds and fields for organized sports; two city dog runs provide exercise space for Fido; and a small pocket-park surrounding Weehawken's icon Water Tower provides a resting space along Park Avenue.

Weehawken residents also enjoy their stretch of New Jersey's magnificent Hudson River Waterfront Walkway – the 18.5-mile path stretching from Bayonne to the George Washington Bridge. Along the path, near the end of Pershing Road, stands Weehawken's majestic tribute to 9/11 featuring two of the iconic trident-shaped supports from the Twin Towers.

3. Top-Tier Schools

Weehawken parents are fiercely proud of their schools, which boast small class sizes and consistently high ratings. The area is served by two elementary schools — Daniel Webster School (pre-K to second grade) and Theodore Roosevelt School (third to sixth grades) — and one upper-level school — Weehawken High School, serving 1,200 students in grades 7-12.

The high school maintains a very low 10:1 student-teacher ratio and is a Silver Medal winner among US News & World Report Best High Schools, which places it in the top 15 percent in the state and top 7 percent in the nation. Weehawken High means more to local families than class sizes and test scores. One WHS graduate puts it best, saying, "This school is like family."

4. Hidden History

Thanks to our high school history books, not to mention a clever 1993 milk commercial, most Americans know that Aaron Burr killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel. But did you know that that famous clash happened in Weehawken? The site of the duel, adjacent to Hamilton Park, is commemorated with a plaque while a bust of Hamilton stands guard nearby.

In addition to this bit of American history, the city is home to sprawling Victorian homes, scenic cobblestone streets and the 100-year old Weehawken Public Library — a replica of a Rhine River castle set into the Weehawken cliffs.

5. Getting Around is a Breeze

Weehawkenites surely do not lack transportation alternatives — both on land and water — for travel within the immediate area or into Manhattan.

In New Jersey, the free Weehawken Township Shuttle Bus transports residents between Union City and the Port Imperial Ferry Terminal each weekday while the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail takes passengers from North Bergen to Bayonne seven days a week.

For commuters headed to Manhattan, five New Jersey Transit bus lines run between Weehawken and Port Authority Bus Terminal and NY Waterway provides regular ferry service from both Port Imperial and Lincoln Harbor to Manhattan at 39th St.

Gorgeous outdoor spaces, family-friendly amenities, rich history and easy transportation all come together in wonderful Weehawken.View All Listings >

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