The Historic Downtown district is a wonderful place to work, live and play. This area west of the Waterfront has blossomed with fabulous shopping, cool art galleries, the wonderful Jersey City Museum and top-notch restaurants—all within an architectural landscape dating back to the early 1800s. This district includes the historic neighborhoods of Hamilton Park, Harsimus Cove, Paulus Hook and Van Vorst Park, where elegant older brownstones rub elbows with new condominiums and luxury apartment buildings. These areas, where some of the earliest city residents made their homes, are now welcoming an influx of new residents attracted to this diverse community.

There's no shortage of attractions in the Historic Downtown, and walking is a great way to see and enjoy them all. Newport Center Mall, a modern three-level shopping center, is easy to reach via the light rail system. Walking through the downtown shopping district along Newark Avenue, Jersey Avenue and Grove Street, you'll find small, funky boutiques, discount stores and plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat—and you'll pay a special low sales tax for everything. Victory Hall Cultural Center draws visitors to its art installations, dance and theater performances, poetry readings and other arts activities. The Attic Ensemble theater group stages original plays and hosts theater workshops in the Barrow Mansion (constructed in 1837). You can view new exhibits, see an independent film or even take an art class at the Jersey City Museum, which houses a unique collection of regional contemporary and historic art. The gardens of Van Vorst Park provide a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, while Enos Jones Park is a great place to catch a pickup basketball game or break out your rollerblades. There's always something happening downtown!

For more about what's happening in Jersey City's Historic Downtown district, a message forum and other information about downtown Jersey City, visit the Downtown Jersey City List website at www.jclist.com.