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McGinley Square

McGinley Square

Urban Core Neighborhood in Jersey City, New Jersey

Hudson County 07304, 07306

$612,935 Average Value
$466 Average Price per Sq Ft
42 Homes For Sale

Old world charm in McGinley Square

McGinley Square is close to urban areas like Journal Square and Downtown Jersey City, making it ideal for those who want to dip into the action. Megan Gülick, an associated licensed broker with Corcoran Sawyer Smith, puts it this way: “McGinley Square is the anchor of Jersey City.” But people seek out this neighborhood for its distinctly historic homes and sophisticated look, too. “It’s a place with old world charm, where you’ll see people walking to Lincoln Park,” says Tamayo Oppenheimer, Realtor with Silver and Oak Realty. “Some residential streets have a big reputation. People will tell me to call them about any homes on Bentley Avenue, regardless of price.” The neighborhood gets its name from Roger McGinley, the founding pastor and builder behind St. Aedan's Church. As one of the most notable pieces of local architecture, it resembles a fortress with large brick walls and a domed roof. Near the north side is Journal Square’s PATH train station, too, giving commuters an option that’s considered even more desirable than the local light rail stations.

Renovated rowhouses, colonials from the low $500,000s

"Some people move here because if you want to live around Jersey City in with a place with character, but you're priced out of downtown, McGinley Square is a really good alternative," Gülick says. It’s possible to find a one-bedroom condo in the low $300,000s. But the neighborhood is full of single-family homes, too, and that’s an appealing factor. “You’ll see a lot of prewar homes in McGinley Square,” says Oppenheimer. Renovated rowhouses are a common sight, and these can range anywhere from the low $500,000s up to $750,000. Despite these urban-forward housing styles, it’s also still possible to see homes that would fit right into a suburban setting. Colonial styles feature covered front porches, bay windows and yards of ivy that frame a narrow walkway. Prices for these four-bedroom properties can reach into the upper $800,000s.

Renovated rows of homes are a common sight in McGinley Square, Jersey City.
Renovated rows of homes are a common sight in McGinley Square, Jersey City.
Colonials with charming covered front porches add character to the streets of McGinley Square.
Colonials with charming covered front porches add character to the streets of McGinley Square.
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Cafes and international cuisines

This community is filled with cafes, underscoring its old-world, pedestrian-friendly character. Blue Coffee serves single-origin brew in a chic space with marble floors and abundant natural lighting. Snapdragon Coffee & Social aims for more of a traditional coffee house with hardwood floors, exposed brick walls and plush couches to lounge on while eating a sandwich or bagel. Then there’s The Cottage Brunch & Espresso, which feels like a rustic market in the middle of Monticello Avenue: there’s a back patio, and the menu ranges from French toast to omelettes. For more cozy neighborhood institutions, places like Venti sell deli food in an intimate space. McGinley Square is also known for supporting a range of cuisines, including Dominican, Pakistani and Honduran. For a traditional supermarket that covers everything from produce to frozen food, 99 Ranch Market on the south side is a close option.

The Snapdragon Coffee and Social also hosts regular events that are a hit with Mcginley locals.
The Snapdragon Coffee and Social also hosts regular events that are a hit with Mcginley locals.
Discover delightful flavors and cozy ambiance at Cafe Alyce in McGinley Square, Jersey City.
Discover delightful flavors and cozy ambiance at Cafe Alyce in McGinley Square, Jersey City.
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Taco Tour, Mother's Day Market

McGinley Square plays host to various events through the year. There’s a Cinco De Mayo Taco Tour and a Mother’s Day Market in the spring, while October brings the Heart of the City Fall Festival. The Neighborhood Clean-Up event on Earth Day brings out residents, but so does the Live Music Series, held on Saturdays from June to October – musical genres range from pop to folk to jazz.

Magnet programs at Lincoln High

Julia Barnes Elementary covers kindergarten through eighth grade, and earns a C-plus rating from Niche. Lincoln High is known for magnet programs that cover many interests, from law to the culinary arts. The school earns a C-minus. Private school options include Hudson Catholic Regional High, which is co-ed, and Saint Dominic Academy, an all-girls Catholic school that covers seventh through 12th grade.

Lincoln High school earns an overall score of C- on Niche.
Lincoln High school earns an overall score of C- on Niche.
The Julia A. Barnes School is a public school situated in Jersey City.
The Julia A. Barnes School is a public school situated in Jersey City.
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Lincoln Park's walking paths

There are a few small green spaces in and around McGinley Square, ideal for a quick hit of relaxation, like Boyd-McGuiness Park, which features a playground, a Little Free Library, tables for chess and a splash pad. Bergen Hill Park feels more like a tree-lined haven, and frequently hosts public events, like yoga classes and movie nights. Lafayette Park on the south side is the neighborhood’s biggest park. It has a pair of playgrounds and a spiderweb of walking paths that lead to a central gazebo.

NJ Transit linking McGinley Square residents to seamless transportation options.
NJ Transit linking McGinley Square residents to seamless transportation options.

Pedestrians thrive, but commuters have Interstate 78

“McGinley Square is a neighborhood where you’re going to see a lot of foot traffic,” says Oppenheimer. Besides this pedestrian-friendly atmosphere, the neighborhood is also conducive to commuting. Interstate 78 on the south side helps drivers make the 5-mile trek into Manhattan in about half an hour. Bus lines are abundant here, too. Grand Street is a commercial corridor trafficked by buses, but other key paths are serviced as well, like Monticello Avenue, Summit Avenue and Montgomery Street.

Paul Spencer
Written By
Paul Spencer
Jacob Cooperman
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Jacob Cooperman

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Katerina Yeffet, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Newark Liberty International

12 min drive

Bus

Communipaw Ave & Garfield Ave

Bus

Jfk Blvd & Highland Ave

Bus

Monticello Ave & Communipaw Ave

Bus

Communipaw Ave & Bergen Ave

Bus

Sip Ave & Romaine Ave

Bus

Montgomery St & Boland St

Bus

Pacific Ave & Johnston Ave

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime McGinley Square US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$557,500
Median Single Family Price
$610,000
Median Townhouse Price
$550,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$515,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$343,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$466
Number of Homes for Sale
42
Last 12 months Home Sales
122
Months of Supply
4.10
Median List Price
$599,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
17%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,004
Median Year Built
1918
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
952
Significantly below the national average
1,936
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,263
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,105
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
766
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
3,484

Open Houses

  • Saturday, May 3
    1 - 3pm

    2 Park St, Jersey City, NJ 07304

    $1,249,999

    • 4 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 2 Park St
    • New 6 days ago

    Special Financing Available! This home qualifies for the Community Loan Program an exclusive opportunity for first-time buyers featuring a low 5.6% interest rate, NO PMI, and low down payments starting at just 5%. A rare chance to make homeownership more affordable and within reach, rarely seen in today's market! Effortless city living meets timeless charm in the jewel of Bergen Hill—a

    Francesco Mazzaferro CHRISTIE'S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE GROUP

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Katerina Yeffet, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
19,748
Median Age
37
Population Density
56 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$58,835
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$79,777

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
87.3%
College Graduates
43%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
21.1%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
62.7%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
50''
Average Winter Low Temperature
28°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
18''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

63 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

93 / 100

Excellent Transit

Transit Score®

71 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
McGinley Square