A Guide to Jersey City’s Greenville Neighborhood
Located in the heart of Jersey City, Greenville has something for everyone. From its rich history, to its vibrant culture, to its excellent places to visit, eat, and shop, Greenville is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This guide to Greenville will help you experience this unique area like a local, and explore all of the amazing things Greenville has to offer.
Exploring Greenville: A Guide To Jersey City's Oldest neighborhood
In comparison to other neighborhoods in Jersey City, Greenville and its rich history are frequently overlooked. It wasn't too long ago, that an address in this area held a much higher status.
In the early 1900s, the streets of Greenville were lined with recently built homes and were known for being calm and peaceful. Many of the houses had more advanced plumbing, electricity, and heating than those found in other parts of the city. Residents could get around easily on the public transit system, but they also had driveways and garages for their cars. With its tranquil atmosphere, multiple churches and schools, easy access to shops, and convenient commutes to a variety of workplaces, this area became a popular destination for families. While it was never regarded as luxurious, the area was admired for its security, wealth, and quality of life.
The transformation of the Greenville locale from a farm area to a mainly residential, fairly affluent, urban area follows a pattern seen in many American cities during the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries. The development of real estate ventures and the alteration in political associations in Greenville were largely propelled by three components: successive enhancements in transportation technology, a burgeoning industrial economy, and the expeditious influx of new inhabitants, mainly of immigrant origin.
History of Greenville, Jersey City
The southern part of Jersey City was not always referred to as “Greenville.” Local histories state that the Lenape Native Americans called the place Pamrapo or Minkakwe. Archaeological digs along the New York Bay shoreline demonstrate that Lenape visited the area on a periodic basis. They harvested and kept shellfish for later use. Mentions of Minkakwe (spelled in varied ways) show up in seventeenth- and eighteenth-century legal documents.
Today’s Bergen Avenue:
At the time, it was merely an unpaved dirt road following a meandering route largely determined by local topography. Old Bergen Road, between McAdoo Avenue and Merritt Street in today’s Greenville, preserves a segment of this colonial-era road that once ran the entire length of the peninsula
The period between 1804 and 1869 was a time of fragmented growth with separate settlements breaking away from and advancing from the past agriculturally based way of life. The Civil War put a strain on the town's development, as resources were diverted to the conflict. What was then Jersey City (Paulus Hook) became independent in 1838, and the settlements of Bergen Square, Communipaw, present-day Lafayette, Claremont, and Greenville were re-chartered by the state. By 1853, the small country estates built along the Bergen Point Plank Road (Garfield Avenue) began to appear in advertisements for property for sale in the New York Times. These estates had sweeping views of Manhattan and the Upper New York Bay and were popular among wealthy businessmen who could afford horse and carriage transportation to the ferry and had access to regular steam-powered ferryboat service between the waterfront of Jersey City and lower Manhattan.
It wasn't until the mid-19th century that Greenville began to develop into the suburb it is today. The first significant residential development occurred in 1854 when William Dickinson (for whom Dickinson Avenue is named) built several large homes on Montgomery Street. This spurred more development in the area, and by 1860, Greenville had become a thriving community with a population of over 1,000 people.
The township of Greenville was established in 1859. During its brief existence as an independent municipality, it lacked a mayor or town hall and had to hold committee meetings in rented venues. It faced common challenges of the time, such as requests for street paving, schools, and utilities, and had to find creative solutions to address these growing needs. In 1869 an opportunity to unite the smaller towns of Hudson County into one presented itself. At the time, Greenville was among several communities that voted against the consolidation, voting to continue to exist as a separate entity. The towns of Bergen, Hudson City, and Jersey City voted in favor, forcing Greenville to unify with the surrounding areas as part of a “greater Jersey City”.
In 1873, Greenville was annexed by Jersey City and became part of the rapidly growing city. Growth continued unabated through the early 20th century. By 1930, Greenville's population had swelled to nearly 50,000 people.
At some point, the farms just south of Caven Point came to be called "Celeryville." Perhaps the soil and climate conditions were particularly good for growing the vegetable. Anecdotal references to Celeryville recall the growing of celery, cabbage, radishes, and other garden variety farming through the early nineteenth century.
The Greenville of Today
Eating and Drinking
Whether you're looking for a quick bite to eat before exploring all that Greenville has to offer, or a leisurely meal to round off a day of shopping, we've got you covered.
For breakfast, head to Lou's Restaurant at 209 Ocean Avenue.
“They serve up a mean eggs benedict, and their pancakes are to die for.” “If you're looking for something a little lighter, they also do great avocado toast.”
For lunch, Shawn's Table is the perfect spot. Located at 271 Ocean Avenue, it's just a short walk from all the main shops and attractions. The food is delicious and reasonably priced, and the atmosphere is really relaxed and inviting.
When it comes to dinner, you can't go wrong with Laico's. This popular spot is located at 67 Terhune Avenue, and it's known for its delicious Italian food. The pasta dishes are particularly good, but make sure you save room for dessert.
You can find out more about Laicos HERE as well as a profile of their history in our Finally Home Book Series.
And speaking of dessert, Sweets 4 Miles at 410 MLK Boulevard is a must-visit. They have a huge range of sweet treats on offer, from cookies and cakes to ice cream and milkshakes. Whatever your preference, you're sure to find something to satisfy your sweet tooth here.
One of the best places to eat in Greenville is Cherry's Lounge. This restaurant is known for its fantastic food and friendly service. The menu features both traditional American fare and international dishes, so there's something for everyone to enjoy. And if you're looking for a place to relax after a long day of sightseeing, Cherry's Lounge has an extensive wine list and a cozy lounge area where you can sit back and unwind.
For something a little different, be sure to check out Neptune Bakery and Deli. This Jersey City institution is famous for its fresh-baked bread and pastries, but they also serve up some of the best sandwiches in town. The deli counter is always stocked with delicious meats and cheeses, so you can create your own custom sandwich. And if you have a sweet tooth, don't leave without trying one of Neptune's famous cookies!
Visit Greenville’s Historic Landmarks
Greenville, Jersey City, is home to many historical landmarks and buildings that have been standing for centuries. Some of the most notable landmarks include St. Patrick’s Church and School, St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church, Lembeck Mansion, and Hudson & Lembeck Buildings. St. Patrick’s Church and School is one of the oldest buildings in Greenville, Jersey City. It was built in the 1870s and has been serving the community ever since. The school is still in operation today and offers a great education to its students. St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church is another old landmark in Greenville, Jersey City. It was built in the 1860s and is still an active church today. The church is beautiful inside and out and is definitely worth a visit. Lembeck Mansion is a historic mansion that was built in 1868. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in Greenville, Jersey City, and is open to the public for tours.
What There Is to Like and Love About Greenville, Jersey City
Besides good access to city museums and landmarks, Greenville offers many shops and restaurants along John F. Kennedy Blvd, Ocean Ave, and Old Bergen Road. Local favorites include Lou's Restaurant, Laico's, and The Backyard.
Greenville has long been a tight-knit community known for its strong sense of pride and camaraderie. The area is also well known for its ethnic diversity, with people from all over the world calling Greenville home. This diversity is reflected in the many businesses and organizations found in Greenville. Many things make Greenville, Jersey City, a great place to live, including attractive tree-lined streets and a family-friendly vibe. Residents here are friendly and welcoming, and something is always going on.
In and around Greenville, Jersey City, you'll find several parks, including Bayside Park, Columbia Park, and Audubon Park. It was where the legendary Jackie Robinson made his debut in his baseball career. Robinson was the first African-American to play in the major leagues.
Greenville is a vibrant and thriving community that has something to offer everyone. Whether you're looking for a place to call home, a place to do business, or just a place to have some fun, Greenville deserves more than a passing glance.