The Heights of Union City: A Historic View from "Havana on the Hudson"

Despite common confusion, the well-known neighborhood of "The Heights" is officially located in neighboring Jersey City. However, the entire city of Union City shares the same dramatic geography, as it is situated entirely on the high, narrow cliffs of the Hudson Palisades. This section of the city, historically part of the town of "Union Hill," was developed in the 19th and early 20th centuries as a dense, walkable community for the thousands of European immigrants working in the "Embroidery Capital of the United States." Its high elevation was not just a residential feature; it was essential, as the solid bedrock was needed to support the massive, vibrating machinery of the embroidery mills. Today, this elevated perch provides the city with its signature, world-class views of the Manhattan skyline and defines its character as a vibrant community built in the sky.

Brandon J. Broderick, Personal Injury Attorney at Law, provides compassionate and effective legal counsel, fighting to protect your rights and to assist you in obtaining the compensation you are entitled to following injuries from a car, bus, work site, slip-and-fall, or pedestrian accident in New Jersey.

Points of Interest in The Heights

While the officially named "Heights" neighborhood is in neighboring Jersey City, the entire city of Union City is spectacularly located on the high, narrow cliffs of the Hudson Palisades. This unique geography creates a "city in the sky" with its own distinct landmarks and attractions that are defined by their elevation and stunning views. Here is a guide to the top attractions to explore in the high-elevation areas of Union City.

Union City High School Rooftop Field

A world-famous example of urban innovation, this is the most unique attraction in the city. To solve the problem of limited green space, the city built its multi-million dollar athletic complex—complete with a football field, bleachers, and press box—on the roof of the high school. It offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the surrounding city and the distant Manhattan skyline.

Weehawken and Union City Reservoir Park

This beautifully restored 14-acre park is a shared oasis for both Union City and Weehawken. The park is built around a historic, decommissioned reservoir that sits directly atop the Palisades. It's a favorite local spot for its scenic walking and jogging paths, all of which offer incredible, direct-line views of the entire Midtown Manhattan skyline.

Panoramic Views from Palisade Avenue

The eastern edge of Union City is formed by Palisade Avenue, a street that runs along the cliff's edge. A simple walk down this street is an attraction in itself. There are numerous small parks and cut-outs along this route that offer some of the most stunning, clear, and unobstructed views of the Hudson River and the New York City skyline, from the World Trade Center to the George Washington Bridge.

Celia Cruz Park (Union City Walk of Fame)

Located at 31st Street and Bergenline Avenue, this park is the cultural heart of "Havana on the Hudson." It is dedicated to the legendary "Queen of Salsa," Celia Cruz, and serves as the home of the Union City Walk of Fame. Here, you can find stars embedded in the sidewalk honoring Latin music and entertainment legends, making it a must-visit for music fans.

Historic Churches

The high ground of Union City is dotted with magnificent, historic churches whose spires once dominated the skyline. The most notable is the former Monastery and Church of Saint Michael the Archangel on 19th Street. This massive 19th-century granite church is a stunning piece of architecture and a powerful reminder of the European immigrants who first settled these heights.

Accidents in The Heights: What You Need to Know

As a city built entirely on the dramatic cliffs of the Hudson Palisades, all of Union City can be considered "The Heights." This unique, high-elevation, and densely populated urban environment creates specific and predictable risks for personal injury accidents, which are often directly related to its steep geography and crowded, narrow streets. Those injured in The Heights area may need the assistance of a Union City, New Jersey, personal injury lawyer to pursue compensation for their injuries after an accident.

Pedestrian Accidents: Palisade Avenue and Viewpoints

The most significant risk in the "Heights" of Union City is to pedestrians, particularly along Palisade Avenue. This street runs the entire length of the city's eastern edge, directly on the cliff, offering world-class views of the Manhattan skyline. These viewpoints attract a constant stream of both residents and visitors who are often distracted by the scenery or taking photos. Accidents occur when these distracted pedestrians step off a curb or when drivers, also glancing at the view, fail to see someone in a crosswalk. The area around the Union City High School, with its high volume of student foot traffic, is another major hotspot.

Motor Vehicle Collisions: Steep Hillside Roads (14th St, 20th St)

The roads that connect Union City's high elevation to the waterfront in Weehawken and Hoboken are notoriously hazardous. Steep, winding streets like 14th Street and 20th Street are common sites for serious car accidents. These roads feature sharp, hairpin turns and dramatic inclines that require constant braking. In wet or icy conditions, these hills become treacherous, leading to loss-of-control accidents, brake failures, and head-on collisions on the tight curves. The Lincoln Tunnel approach (Route 495), which cuts a trench through the city, is also a site of constant, high-speed collisions.

Slip and Fall Injuries: Inclined Sidewalks

The city's topography makes its sidewalks inherently dangerous. A simple slip and fall accident, which might be minor on flat ground, becomes a much more serious incident on a steep incline. The residential sidewalks on streets sloping down from Palisade Avenue or Kennedy Boulevard are frequent locations for these injuries. Cracked or uneven pavement often triggers these falls, particularly during the winter months. A small patch of ice or poorly cleared snow on a steep sidewalk can be almost impossible to navigate safely, leading to severe injuries from falls.

The personal injury risks in Union City's "Heights" are a direct consequence of its most famous feature: its elevation. The steep hills, a high-density population, and the distractions of its famous views combine to create a challenging environment for drivers and pedestrians alike.

If you’ve been injured on The Heights, the local attorneys at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, in Union City, NJ, are here to provide skilled, compassionate legal representation and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Why Choose Brandon J. Broderick for The Heights Accidents?

Conveniently located to serve Union City, our office offers legal services for residents and visitors of The Heights and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Here’s why clients in The Heights trust us:

  • Local Expertise: We understand the unique dynamics of The Heights as well as the most common types of injuries sustained in accidents in the area.
  • Proven Results: Our firm has recovered millions in settlements for personal injury victims across New Jersey.
  • 24/7 Availability: Call us anytime at (866) 864-1092 for immediate legal assistance.
  • No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay if we win your case.

Directions to Our Union City, NJ, Office

Residents and visitors in the area can easily access our office, conveniently located near The Heights.

Address: 902 Central Ave, Union City, NJ 07087 (serving The Heights and Union City)
Phone: (866) 864-1092

If you’ve been injured on The Heights or in Union City, don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule a free consultation today.

We provide dedicated legal support to accident victims throughout New Jersey and Union City, including neighborhoods such as 43rd Street, 48th Street, Bergenline, Central Avenue, The Heights, Monastery Place, Palisade Avenue, The Summit Avenue Section, Troy Towers Area, Union Hill, and West Hoboken. Don’t wait to get the help you deserve—contact us today to discuss your case and begin the process of securing your compensation.