When people think about living in Hudson County without a car, the PATH is usually the first thing that comes to mind. But one of the biggest advantages of living here is that the PATH is only part of the transportation network.

Between ferries, light rail, NJ TRANSIT buses, commuter rail, and highly walkable neighborhoods, there are often several ways to get where you need to go.

The PATH: Your Starting Point

For Hoboken and Jersey City residents, PATH remains one of the most important connections to Manhattan. Stations throughout Jersey City and Hoboken provide access toward the World Trade Center and Midtown Manhattan.

But your proximity to a PATH station shouldn’t be the only thing you consider when choosing where to live. Depending on your neighborhood and destination, another option may actually make more sense.

The Ferry: An Underrated Commute

Living along the Hudson gives residents access to an extensive ferry network. NY Waterway currently operates Hudson County terminals at Hoboken Terminal, Hoboken 14th Street, Paulus Hook, Liberty Harbor, Lincoln Harbor, and Port Imperial, among others.

Depending on the terminal, routes connect to Midtown at West 39th Street, Pier 11/Wall Street, and Brookfield Place.

For someone working near the Manhattan waterfront, the ferry can completely change which Hudson County neighborhoods make sense.

Hudson-Bergen Light Rail: Getting Around Hudson County

The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail is particularly useful for trips within Hudson County.

It connects communities including North Bergen, Weehawken, Hoboken, Jersey City, and Bayonne. Hoboken Terminal itself serves the light rail in addition to its other transit connections.

For residents who live farther from the PATH, proximity to a light rail station can make a major difference. It can provide an easier connection to Hoboken Terminal, Downtown Jersey City, waterfront neighborhoods, and other parts of the county without relying on a car.

NJ TRANSIT Buses: Especially Important Outside Downtown

If you’re considering Weehawken, North Bergen, West New York, Union City, or parts of Jersey City and Hoboken, don’t overlook the bus.

NJ TRANSIT operates an extensive bus network throughout Hudson County, including routes connecting communities with Manhattan’s Port Authority Bus Terminal.

This is why two homes that look equally far from Manhattan on a map can have very different commutes. A property close to a frequently served bus corridor may be considerably more convenient than its distance from the PATH suggests.

Hoboken Terminal Is a Transportation Hub

New residents sometimes think of Hoboken Terminal simply as the PATH station, but it connects several transportation systems in one location.

From the terminal, residents can access PATH, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, NJ TRANSIT commuter rail, buses, and ferry service. The commuter rail connection is especially useful for reaching destinations elsewhere in New Jersey without driving.

That connectivity is part of what makes southern Hoboken particularly convenient for commuters.

Walking & Biking Matter More Than You Think

Transportation in Hudson County isn’t always about getting on a train or bus.

In neighborhoods like Hoboken and Downtown Jersey City, walking can handle a significant portion of everyday life. Restaurants, grocery stores, parks, coffee shops, gyms, schools, and transit can often be reached on foot.

The Hudson River Waterfront Walkway also provides an important pedestrian and cycling connection along portions of the waterfront.

The Commute Should Be Part of Your Home Search

For buyers moving to Hudson County, don’t simply ask:

“How far is this home from the PATH?”

Ask how you’ll actually get to the places you visit most often.

If you work near Wall Street, Paulus Hook ferry access might matter more than being close to a PATH station. If you work near Port Authority, a direct bus route could be incredibly valuable. If you regularly travel around Hudson County, light rail access might matter more than either.

A home that’s 15 minutes from the PATH isn’t necessarily less convenient than one that’s five minutes away. The best transportation option depends on where you’re actually going.

Before You Choose a Neighborhood

Test your commute during the hours you’ll actually be traveling. Check weekday and weekend schedules, understand your backup options, and look at how far the property is from more than one form of transportation.

In Hudson County, location isn’t just about the neighborhood. It’s about what that neighborhood connects you to.

Thinking about making a move in Hudson County? Let’s find the neighborhood that works for both your lifestyle and your commute.

Soha Fontaine | Compass