Elizabeth NJ Moving Companies

Elizabeth, New Jersey

With a population of 125,800, the city of Elizabeth is New Jersey’s fourth largest city. As the Union County seat, Elizabeth contains most major governmental offices and courts servicing the county. Elizabeth’s two NJ Transit train stations provide quick access to New York City, and points westward and south through New Jersey. Those moving to Elizabeth will discover a bold, pioneering spirit lives on today in its residents and is part of what makes Elizabeth a great American city that many are proud to call home.

History:
English settlers founded Elizabeth, originally called “Elizabethtown” and part of the Elizabethtown Tract, in 1665. On March 13, 1855, the city of Elizabeth was created by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature, combining and replacing both Elizabeth Borough and Elizabeth Township (which had been formed in 1693), based on the results of a referendum held on March 27, 1855. On March 19, 1857, the city became part of the newly created Union County. Portions of the city were taken to form Linden Township on March 4, 1861. The first major industry, the Singer Sewing Machine Company came to Elizabeth and employed as many as 2,000 people. In 1895, it saw one of the first car companies, when Electric Carriage and Wagon Company was founded to manufacture the Electrobat, joined soon by another electric car builder, Andrew L. Riker. The Electric Boat Company got its start building submarines for the United States Navy in Elizabeth, New Jersey beginning with the launch of USS Holland (SS-1) in 1897. These pioneering naval craft were developed at Lewis Nixon's Crescent Shipyard in Elizabeth between the years 1896-1903. Elizabeth grew in parallel to its sister city of Newark for many years, but has been more successful in retaining a middle-class presence and avoided riots in the 1960s.

Economy:
The City of Elizabeth is the economic engine for the state of New Jersey, leading the way as a hub for transportation, shipping, industrial and retail opportunities. Businesses interested in coming to the City will find a solid network of public and private partners in place, ready to assist with any needs. One such partner is the Elizabeth Development Company, designed to serve as a “one stop” shopping center for businesses. In the past decade, Elizabeth has embraces an economic revitalization program like none other – one that is transforming its once abandoned waterfront into a shopping and business development mecca, and reaching into every City neighborhood to improve the quality of life for all its residents and visitors. The City of Elizabeth is the economic engine for the State of New Jersey, leading the way as a hub for transportation, shipping, industrial, and retail opportunities. Business interested in coming to the City of Elizabeth will find a solid network of public and private partners in place, ready to assist with any needs. One such partners is the Elizabeth Development Company, designed to serve as a "one-stop" shopping center for business. With more than $1 billion in private investments, revitalized neighborhoods, and renovated business districts, Elizabeth has become the most prosperous major City in New Jersey.

Tourism:
Elizabeth is the State of New Jersey’s largest Urban Enterprise Zone, a very important fact to shoppers. Participating stores are eligible to charge a sales tax rate that is half the normal sales tax throughout the rest of New Jersey. Start your day with a stop in the eastern end of the city at IKEA, and take advantage of the tax break. After IKEA, drive across Center Drive from IKEA to the exciting Jersey Gardens Mall (also the state’s largest mall) and enjoy a wide selection of shopping opportunities. Once you are tired of shopping, explore more of Elizabeth’s history and sample the diversity that makes this city so great. Start your walking tour at the historic Elizabeth Public Library and check out an ongoing exhibit there. This elegant building, which recently received significant upgrades over the past decade, was a gift from Andrew Carnegie in the early part of the past century. Finally, the Ritz has been magnificently restored and currently features excellent performances. Famous acts such as the Marx Brother, George Burns, Jack Benny, Ray Charles, Harry Chapin, Maya Angelou, Chaka Kahn, Rodney Dangerfield, Miles Davis and so many others performed there throughout its storied history.

Colleges/Universities:

• Kean University
• Union County College
• Rutgers University – Newark
• Essex County College

Interesting Facts:

• The city’s people represent more than 50 countries and 37 language groups.
• The town was not named for Queen Elizabeth I as many people may assume, but rather for Elizabeth, wife of Vice Admiral Sir George Carteret, 1st Baronet and one of the 2 original Proprietors of the colony of New Jersey.