In the heart of Hudson County,
Jersey City has long been celebrated for its rich, dynamic history spanning more than 350 years. With neighborhoods lined by buildings that echo the past, the city’s historic homes are more than basic structures; they're architectural feats and living archives, offering glimpses into the lives, styles, and aspirations of those who built and cherished them. From the enduring elegance of Dutch Colonials to the bold asymmetry of Queen Annes, these homes span centuries, each standing as a testament to Jersey City’s illustrious heritage and timeless appeal.
Below, we take a tour of the most notable historic homes of Jersey City.
Summit House
510 Summit Avenue
Year Built: c. 1690
Architectural Style: Dutch Colonial
One of the oldest homes in Jersey City, the Summit House, also known as the Newkirk House, exudes the sturdy charm of Dutch Colonial architecture. Built around 1690, this iconic residence holds an enduring link to Jersey City’s beginnings, showcasing the understated yet enduring designs that define Dutch Colonial style, including interior timber framing, with its modern-day facade boasting robust brick and sandstone construction and a clapboard gabled roof. Though it served as a home for the prominent Newkirk family for roughly 200 years, the last century has seen 510 Summit serve in various commercial capacities, including as a day nursery, a string of retail businesses, and, more recently, a series of restaurants.
Van Vorst House
531 Palisade Avenue
Year Built: c. 1740
Architectural Style: Colonial Era Stone Construction
The Van Vorst House, constructed in the early 1740s, represents the colonial era’s stonemasonry expertise. Originally owned by the influential Van Vorst family, this house speaks to Jersey City’s early European settlement. Its sturdy stone structure is emblematic of the era’s practicality, while its location, once offering views of Upper New York Bay, situates it as a critical piece in Jersey City’s storied past. Located along the eastern edge of the Heights neighborhood, the home is among the oldest surviving structures in Jersey City and among the oldest continually held private homes in Hudson County.
Apple Tree House
298 Academy Street
Year Built: mid-1700s, mid-1800s
Architectural Style: Colonial Era Stone, Greek Revival, Italianate
Also known as the Van Wagenen House, the Apple Tree House stands out with its Greek Revival architecture and Dutch Colonial accents, including period wood beams, stonework, and a gable wood roof. The original structure went up during the mid-1700s, with an addition in the 1840s. That and subsequent renovations saw elements of Italianate introduced to the home, though it has kept its same basic footprint and architectural integrity since the late 1800s. The house earned its historical mark as a rumored wartime meeting place for George Washington and Marquis de Lafayette in 1779, making it an architectural gem and a symbol of early American independence. Today, the Apple Tree House is home to the
Museum of Jersey City History.
Barrow Mansion
83 Wayne Street
Year Built: c. 1837
Architectural Style: Greek Revival
Arguably, Jersey City’s most prominent historic home, the Barrow Mansion, erected on Wayne Street in 1837, is a remarkable example of Greek Revival architecture. Built by Cornelius Van Vorst, the structure’s grand columns and expansive façade reflect the city’s 19th-century prosperity. As the home for NYC physician Dr. William Barrow, the mansion’s stately presence captures the affluent lifestyles of the region’s business and social elite during that period. After later serving as the home for the local YMCA and then a church social center, the mansion was restored to its Victorian-era grandeur and now sits on the National Register of Historic Places.
Hilton-Holden House
79 Clifton Place
Year Built: 1854
Architectural Style: Jersey City Vernacular
Though less architecturally celebrated than many of Jersey City’s more prestigious homes, the historical lineage of the 1854-built Hilton-Holden House as a safe house along the Underground Railroad cannot be denied. Aesthetically, the home is a mix of design elements, but it stands as one of the few remaining safe houses to endure into the modern era. That utility and build quality made it an ideal waypoint for enslaved peoples seeking refuge. The home’s tower observatory served as the perfect lookout and signaling point, while the massive cellar could accommodate upwards of 25 people on their way to freedom.
West Bergen-East Lincoln Park Historic District
Year Built: 1860 to 1945
Architectural Style: numerous, including late-Victorian to early 20th-century revival
Though the city features an impressive array of historic homes across its urban-suburban landscape, those wanting to admire a vast number of Jersey City’s most consequential residences within a single neighborhood will find such a showcase in the West Bergen-East Lincoln Park Historic District. Spanning over 107 acres and comprising 587 contributing buildings, this recently christened historic district is a vivid reminder of Jersey City’s role as a prestigious streetcar suburb. Offering up a trove of architectural eye candy with styles ranging from Gothic to Queen Anne to Italian Renaissance to Art Deco, the district offers a compelling walk through time, featuring single-family residences, multi-family apartments, and landmark sites like the Fairmount Apartments, Jersey City YMCA, and the Temple Beth-El.
Straddling both sides of Kennedy Boulevard between Bergen and West Side Avenues and extending north from Harrison Avenue to Fairmont Avenue, the most impressive stretch of homes is found on Harrison, Bentley, and Gifford Avenues. Along these streets, nearly every home serves as a contributing structure to the area’s historical aesthetic, including those boasting Second Empire, Queen Anne, Colonial, Georgian, and Tudor Revival, and even Art Deco architecture. Many esteemed professionals, including notable doctors, two state governors, and a U.S. senator, once called this district home, underscoring its cultural and historical significance.
Discover More About Jersey City
Jersey City’s historic homes and districts represent the city’s evolution, reflecting everything from early colonial life to Victorian opulence to modern architecture. Preserved and cherished, these homes allow residents and visitors to step back into the city’s past while celebrating its continued growth and relevance.
If you're in the market for one of Jersey City’s historic residences or you’re planning to sell one,
contact The Andrew Botticelli Team today to start your Jersey City real estate journey. Allow the team’s experience and expertise to help you navigate this timeless, sought-after city and ensure a successful and lucrative transaction.
*Header photo courtesy of Flickr
