History & Demographics

Since its incorporation on June 1, 1925, Union City has been a destination and become a home for people with a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds. One of the things we pride ourselves on is the fact that so many people - over 67,000 - live and work together in this small city of 1.4 square miles.

In the 1960s, the Cubans were the newest ethnic group to find Union City attractive. Before them came the Dutch, the Germans, the Italians, the Irish, the Armenians, and the Puerto Ricans. After the Cubans came others: South Americans, Central Americans, Haitians, Asian Indians, Koreans, Arabs and many others.

Through the years, each of the groups has left their own indelible mark on Union City culture. Today, we all enjoy foods tasting of the spices from many lands and we all share our lives with friends and relatives from different ethnic backgrounds. On a walk through our shopping districts, one's senses are stimulated by the sights, sounds and smells of a rich variety of cultures. We celebrate our diversity - it is what makes Union City a unique and interesting place to live and work.

Union City is bordered on the south by Jersey City, on the north by West New York and North Bergen, on the west by North Bergen, and on the east by Weehawken. We are in Hudson County, in and area known as North Hudson.

Business & Shopping

Business and commerce has always been a big part of Union City life. Known internationally as the home of the American embroidery industry, Union City continues to be a hub of the textile industry with dozens of garment and lace manufacturers located throughout the city. In fact, the lace made in Union City is used on garments sold around the world and is a fine example of European-style lace making. Of late, the textile industry is making new inroads and coming back strong in the North Hudson area. The main commercial districts are Bergenline Avenue, from 49th to 32nd streets, and Summit Avenue, from 15th to 8th streets. Both of these avenues are lined with shops and bustling with activity seven days a week.

Education & Schools

There are eight public grammar schools in Union City and two public high schools. There are also several private schools currently in operations, including Holy Rosary Academy grammar school, St. Francis Academy, St. Augustine's School, Mother Seton School, and St. Anthony's School. Union City is also home to a Hasidic seminary and elementary school. In recent years, Union City students have been recognized for their many advances in mathematics and science. The Board of Education has entered into partnerships with several corporations and universities to provide opportunities for our students to go beyond the regular school curriculum. Many Union City students have been recognized for their work and some have gone to prestigious colleges and universities after their studies in Union City. The Union City school district is recognized internationally for its innovative programs and its success as an urban district. Union City also has an award-winning day care program. Union City Day Care, Inc. has main facilities at 219 47th Street and 510 35th Street.

Recreation

In 1993 we opened the Union City Swimming Pools and Recreation Center, now called the Bruce D. Walter Recreation Center and Pool in memory of the late mayor, adjacent to the Edison School at 507 West Street. The indoor, year-round swimming pool is used by all ages - from toddlers to senior citizens - with special time slots dedicated to different groups. There are swim times for families, for students, for "early birds" and for adult aquacise. Senior citizens get free transportation to the pool and pool registration is free for all Union City residents. Union City has two public libraries, the main library on 43rd Street and the branch on 15th Street.

Parking & Transportation

Union City is easily accessible by public transportation. NJTransit and other buses and independent commuter vans traverse the city almost 24 hours a day, seven days a week and buses leave from Union City to most of northern New Jersey, New York and Miami. Transportation to Manhattan is available via the Lincoln Tunnel, the approach to which runs underneath our streets; bus; and, within a short shuttle bus ride or car drive, ferry. Construction on a new light rail station in the uptown section of the city is slated to begin next year. This station will connect Union City by rail to the entire northeast region of the country.

The New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway are only minuted away. Union City can be reached directly via Turnpike Exit 16E northbound, or Exit 17 southbound by simply following the directions out of the toll booth to Kennedy Boulevard. Once you have reached Kennedy Boulevard you are in Union City.

Union City is an easy commute to Newark International Airport (about 20 minutes by car) and to Teterboro Airport (a smaller, commuter plane, private jet, and helicopter airport in Bergen County - about a half-hour's drive).

Union City has had a colorful and wonderful history. The changes we are making today will guarantee that our city's future will be just as great.

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