There's just something about this place. Many A list celebrities -- meaning academics, artists, authors, athletes and actors -- and other well-known types were either born here or lived here. A short list includes Anthony Bourdain, Sammy Davis, Jr., Pat Boone, Alan Alda, Buddy Hackett, Phil Jackson and Robert Ludlum. Oh, and you know that guy who Tony Manero (John Travolta) worked for at the hardware store in Saturday Night Fever, actor Sam Coppola. He lived here, too.
Leonia is a borough (which means an unincorporated district for those not familiar with northeast-speak) located in the southeast corner of Bergen County, New Jersey with a population of about 9,000 residents, although Leonia's reputation as a harbinger of celebrity might make you think it was more like the size of a city
There's just something about this place. Many A list celebrities -- meaning academics, artists, authors, athletes and actors -- and other well-known types were either born here or lived here. A short list includes Anthony Bourdain, Sammy Davis, Jr., Pat Boone, Alan Alda, Buddy Hackett, Phil Jackson and Robert Ludlum. Oh, and you know that guy who Tony Manero (John Travolta) worked for at the hardware store in Saturday Night Fever, actor Sam Coppola. He lived here, too.
Leonia is a borough (which means an unincorporated district for those not familiar with northeast-speak) located in the southeast corner of Bergen County, New Jersey with a population of about 9,000 residents, although Leonia's reputation as a harbinger of celebrity might make you think it was more like the size of a city. The fact that early 1900s advertising genius Artemus Ward bought land here and launched the Leonia Heights Land Company to lure people into the area from New York City might have something to do with its eventual attractiveness as a home. Leonia is just west of the city over the George Washington Bridge across the Hudson River at the northern end of Manhattan (aka The Bronx). So what if you don't get a New York City address? How does lower rent and a larger home than what you would get in the city sound? Give yourself plenty of time in your search for apartments, or for any rental property, in Leonia, because there are many, many options.
Moving to Leonia
If you're new to town moving day is going to be an exciting one. You're so close to New York City now--it's right across the bridge! You could almost see the lights of Yankee Stadium at night if it wasn't for the billions of other lights competing for space on the Manhattan skyline. But New York and all of that is over there. We're here in Leonia. There's a lot to be excited about here, and a lot to do before you move. You'll need your driver's license, state ID or passport, social security number, and a list of rental references to give to potential landlords so he or she can conduct a proper background and credit check. Some apartment complexes won't accept personal checks for payment of first, last and security, so make sure you know what they need on lease signing day. There are hardly any rental properties out there that will let you move in with a pet unless you pay an additional fee, which is another detail to ask about. Many apartments for rent are not on the ground floor, so you may want to consider hiring a moving company to get your stuff upstairs and settled. Why not have someone else do all of the heavy lifting?
The Neighborhoods of Leonia
Sounds like a new HBO series, right? Leonia is not that big of a place at just 1.6 square miles. Really it's a neighborhood in itself.
Downtown: The area surrounding the intersection of Broad Ave. and Fort Lee Rd. is considered downtown Leonia. This area is near many cafes, restaurants, delis, banks and businesses. There are a lot apartments for rent in this area, and it's close to public transportation making it easy to hop on the bus to get around town or into the city.
Grand Ave: Runs the length of Leonia down the west side of town. Grand Ave. is home to many apartment buildings, duplexes and town homes for rent, everything from studio apts to 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom rental properties. Grand Ave. has grand choices.
Top Apartments in Leonia
Lakeview Apartments
This complex offers 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom apartments for rent with different floor plans available, all between 505-660 square feet. Amenities include fully-equipped kitchens, on-site laundry facilities, private entrances, fitness center, playground, bi-lingual staff and close to public transportation. Lakeview Apartments is in the northwest section of town near Crystal Lake Park.
Leonia Manor
Located on the north side of Leonia these modern, spacious apartments have hardwood floors, on-site laundry, storage closets and garages available for rent, express bus to New York City, and assigned parking spaces for an additional fee.
Grand Lee Apartments
In this self-described "garden" apartment community there are 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom apartments for rent. Amenities include laundry facilities, hardwood floors, express bus to NYC, some utilities paid including heat and water and garages for rent.
Manchester Arms
Manchester Arms offers a choice of studio apartments for rent, 1 bedroom apartments and 2 bedrooms apartments. Additional perks include heat and hot water paid for, hardwood floors, sound insulated windows, renovated bathrooms and kitchens in select units, on-site laundry and a traditional lobby.
Living in Leonia
Sure, you're right across the river from The Bronx and the buzz of The Big Apple, but you live in Leonia and no one wants to go into the city all the time. Great! There is plenty to explore here at home, especially right around downtown at Broad and Fort Lee.
And since you're near the intersection of pizza heaven grab a slice at Dante's Place. Not in the mood for pizza (I don't understand you right now, but OK)? How about Sushi at Kaya Sushi around the corner? Looking for a nice bottle of wine to take home with your take out? Swing by Andres Wine & Spirits. Don't feel like eating out tonight? Spend a few minutes shopping for the right ingredients for making dinner at the Leonia Market. Feeling kind of, ahem,_ bad _after a long night out? Breakfast at the BB Bakery will cure you.
