Union City, NJ

Union City is a vibrant, compact city nestled in the heart of the New York Metro area, just across the Hudson River from Midtown Manhattan. Though small in geography, it ranks among the most densely populated cities in the country, packed with character, culture, and community. Elevated along the New Jersey Palisades, it boasts sweeping skyline views and unmatched access to Manhattan via the Lincoln Tunnel or NJ Transit bus lines.

This is a city defined by its immigrant roots and working-class pride. Union City is a place where generations of families live side by side with new arrivals, where storefronts reflect countries from across Latin America, and where neighbors know each other’s names. In recent years, the city has embraced reinvestment and modern development while keeping its identity grounded in tradition and local spirit.

Union City was officially formed in 1925 through the merger of two communities: Union Hill and West Hoboken. German immigrants originally settled the area in the 1800s and helped build a textile empire that once made Union City the “Embroidery Capital of the United States.” Over the decades, Cuban, Dominican, and Central American immigrants reshaped the population and infused the city with new energy and culture. That history lives on in the food, music, language, and family businesses found on nearly every block.

Rather than a traditional downtown, Union City’s energy flows along Bergenline Avenue. Stretching through multiple municipalities in Hudson County, this corridor serves as the city’s commercial spine and cultural gathering space. It’s lined with bakeries, clothing shops, discount stores, pharmacies, salons, and restaurants — a nonstop mix of people and places that defines daily life in the city. Parades, cultural festivals, and block parties regularly take place here, including the annual Cuban Day Parade, which draws thousands each summer.

Key hubs outside Bergenline include Palisade Avenue, with its postcard views of Manhattan; Summit Avenue, known for local commerce and transit options; and the southern edge of the city, where new residential buildings are rising. These areas combine to give Union City a patchwork of communities that each feel distinct yet deeply connected.

Union City’s shopping scene leans heavily on independent businesses. There are no sprawling malls here, but that’s part of the charm. Bergenline Avenue remains the go-to for everyday retail — where you’ll find affordable fashion, electronics, accessories, and home goods. La Unica Supermarket is a neighborhood institution, stocked with Latin American groceries, hot food, and community warmth. For jewelry, Mi Tierra offers custom gold pieces and traditional styles that have made it a trusted stop for generations.

Green spaces may be limited by the city’s density, but the parks that do exist are well-loved and well-used. Ellsworth Park in the heart of the city serves as a public gathering place for events, festivals, and everyday relaxation. Nearby Firefighter’s Memorial Park offers one of the city’s best-kept secrets — a peaceful, elevated escape with panoramic views of the Hudson and Manhattan skyline. And Washington Park, which Union City shares with Jersey City, gives residents access to ballfields, walking paths, and open lawns just beyond the city’s border.

Culture thrives in community spaces. The Union City Performing Arts Center, housed in the William V. Musto Cultural Center, hosts plays, concerts, and dance performances that spotlight both local talent and international guests. The building itself stands as a symbol of the city’s commitment to heritage and the arts.

Dining in Union City reflects the population — bold, flavorful, and rooted in tradition. Latin American cuisine dominates, with standout spots offering Cuban sandwiches, Dominican stews, and Central American street food. La Pola is a tiny, no-frills sandwich shop that has gained legendary status among locals and visitors alike. Rumba Cubana brings a festive vibe with tropical cocktails, music, and Cuban classics. Mi Bandera delivers hearty Dominican fare with live music on select nights, drawing crowds for both the food and the atmosphere.

Most of Union City falls under two main zip codes, but that small number covers a broad spectrum of living styles. The core of the city is 07087, encompassing Bergenline Avenue, Palisade Avenue, and the dense residential areas that make Union City what it is — a tightly knit, multilingual, transit-accessible community just minutes from Manhattan. On the city’s western side, 07093 includes newer residential developments and green spaces with sweeping views. It’s especially attractive to young professionals and new families looking for access to the city with a more affordable cost of living.

These zip codes also provide seamless access to neighboring cities. Within minutes, residents can reach Hoboken, Jersey City, Weehawken, or North Bergen — each offering additional parks, schools, job opportunities, and lifestyle amenities. Union City’s transit options make car-free living easy, with frequent buses and light rail connections that open up the region without requiring a long commute.

Union City may not be flashy, but it’s real. It’s a city where culture lives in the streets, where local businesses still anchor the community, and where newcomers find roots alongside long-timers. Its elevated views, busy corridors, and strong sense of self give it a place in the greater New York Metro conversation — not just as a satellite to the city, but as a center of community and culture in its own right.

Whether you’re drawn by affordability, diversity, or proximity, Union City offers a version of metro-area living that’s grounded, vibrant, and full of opportunity. It’s a city with pride in its past and momentum for the future.