I know this is probably outside of your budget, but my wife got a job offer out of state that we can't refuse. So we have to leave our lovely apartment that we've only been in 2 months:
http://newyork.craigslist.org/jsy/abo/4123116784.html

Where in NYC is the question? You may want to consider a few other neighborhoods than Journal Square. I work in downtown, but my husband works in mid-town so we ended up buying in Jersey City Heights right by Riverview Fiske park. I get the benefit of a 2 block walk to light rail to PATH, while my husband is planning to take a PABT bus to work from right outside our door. Union City, on the other side of Washington Park, has the same situation going on.

When we were looking to buy, we also looked in Union City and Weehawken, but they were more convenient for my husband than for me and neither had the more up and coming/young vibe JC Heights did. Maybe it was the yoga in the park that sold me, how bad could the neighborhood be?

One thing to note about all these places-a lot of the listings don't end up on Craigslist. You'll drive around and see lots of "for rent" signs just stuck outside the homes. It's very old school in that respect.

If you're tied to Jersey City and you're on a budget (and you don't have kids), I also recommend the Heights area. Get used to some pesky, quality of life issues like broken car mirrors, stolen pumpkins, litter, graffiti, ripped off bikes, etc. If you can see past that, you'll do okay for the long term.

It's a good solid area to support a couple, transportation is close by, and you can walk to shops and the parks.

Watch out for craigslist ads. I've noticed a real turn in their offerings with a lot of scams in the rental listings. You can spot them when they seem "too good to be true." It may be better to go through a realtor if you can swing the fee.

You might also want to take a look at Weekhawken, Union City and West New York. Take a walk on Blvd. East this weekend if you're around. You might be surprised at what you see!

I would also consider checking out the McGinely Sq. area - the street branching between Bergen & West Side Aves. from Highland to about Kensington (further south is not bad depending on the block). There are a lot of great apts. here and lots of buses to the city and JSQ, also only about a 10 min. walk to JSQ. Lincoln Park is huge and has a great dog run on the western section of the park across from the 1/9 park bridge.

I barely ever use newspapers or classifieds when I was looking to rent here in JC.

JC is pretty old school, so find a section of town you like, in your case Journal Square then walk around for a few hours.

There are tons of signs throughout the city with Apt for Rent with a telephone number.

This way you can decide if you like the block and is it even worth to call and inquire.

If you should find a block that you really love and there are no signs to be found, check with the local stores, bodegas, and laundromats and inquire about apartments for rent in the area. You will be surprised how much inside information you will get and sometimes you can find a apt before its even listed.

Good Luck!

Also while checking out the Heights attend a few local block association meetings, and also the police Captain's meeting.
Rizzo's and Renato's on Central Ave. are great places to eat. Take a gander into The Reservoir you can hike around the lake or go fishing there. If proximity to transportation is not a big deal check out the area between Mosquito and Pershing Field parks kind of quiet there. The Western Slope is a little bit of Surburbia but a slight trek away from the hustle and bustle of the Heights scene.

Definitely check out the Heights. I'm a long time resident who came here after graduating college and never left.
There are direct buses to NYC and NJ transit buses directly to Hoboken for PATH access. Very simple. As stated previously, look on the Palisades Avenue side anywhere between Congress and Booraem. It even gives you walkable access to Hoboken via the 100 steps off Ogden Ave., (almost complete) and the Congress ave light rail elevator. This is also the new area zoned for artist living and new restaurants. Big things are coming and it's a great time to get involved!

I would suggest looking at craigslist:

http://newjersey.craigslist.org/searc ... =&bedrooms=&housing_type=

I recommend responding to an ad as soon as possible if you see something you like. Apartments in jersey city seem to go by fast these days.

Thanks everyone for the advice... I will check in to all of them! any further advice... please keep posting!

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Then I would suggest the Heights. You would have to take a bus to J.sq to get on the PATH though so your commute will be higher. But if you live in the southern portion of the Heights you can walk or bike to the station easily.

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Have you tried: www.hotpads.com

You may want to also consider other neighborhoods that offer pretty easy commutes into Manhattan. Look for places near the Light Rail or bus routes (i.e. The Heights).

Try www.airbnb.com .. I used them while in Scotland, but there are plenty of places in Jersey City.

Check Candlewood Suites on 2nd Street - on the JC Downtown waterfront. They do take pets with a deposit according to their website. Don't know what the weekly rates are but they do market themselves as 'extended stay'.

we are mainly concerned about getting a place that will allow our dog. we are looking for $900-$1400/mo. 1-2 bedrooms. close to journal square for commute to manhattan with ease.

Do not stay at the hotels on Tonelle ave in JC. Move a little up to North Bergen at least. Also what is your price range and what exactly are your main concerns? No one can give you an exact location and just tell you of an apartment for rent.

Hi My husband and I are new to the Jersey City Area and are desperately looking for a temporary place (a motel that offers weekly rates) to stay in while we find an apartment. We have a mid-sized dog so we need some place that will accept that. Please help us!

Also if you know of good 1-2 bedroom apartments near Journal square... that accepts dogs please speak up!
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