Get to know Union City, NJ

Union City, New Jersey is the country’s most densely populated city.  It lies just 2 miles from New York City via the Lincoln Tunnel.  After being claimed by the Dutch, the area of Union City was one of the first permanent European settlements in the state.  The land remained sparsely populated until the early 19th century when people came in search of land, especially immigrants.  The Swiss and Austrian immigrants brought the European lace industry to the area, making Union City the “Embroidery Capital of the United States”.  The industry remained strong until the 1990’s when fashion trends led to the decline of embroidery.  In the early 20th century, Union City was famous for the vaudeville theater the Hudson Burlesque.  It gained the moniker “Havana on the Hudson” in the 20th century as Cuban immigrants and refugees fled Fidel Castro’s regime.  Union City lies in New Jersey’s Urban Enterprise Zone, which attempts to promote economic development in some of the state’s most distressed communities.  It has become a hub for artists in the 21st century and is a part of the collection of New Jersey art cities called “NoHu”.  Popular attractions include the Hudson Presbyterian Church, a National Register of Historic Places site, and the annual Cuban Day Parade.

Quick Facts

Population: 68,656

Median Household Income: $41,107

Median Property Value: $289,600