Has anyone living in FiDi developed a social life or community based around FiDi?

35M and probably moving with my wife (33F) and 1 year old to FiDi sometime next year from Jersey City. We’re planning to purchase a condo there. We’ve been in downtown Jersey City for 10 years and feel like we’ve outgrown it. The suburbs aren’t even a consideration, we both agree it’s just not for us. We’ve decided the city is where we want to be.

We’ve landed on FiDi because my wife used to live there for several years before we lived in JC, maximum space for the price is a major priority, and I have to commute to central jersey half of the week by car. I’ve been doing it from downtown JC for 10 years already anyway. Essentially, my company pays for me to store my car in a garage (Exchange Place) and I would take the Path to grab it the mornings I have to travel in. We’ve actually tested out what it would add to my commute by living in FiDi (stayed in a hotel for a week) and I’m cool with it.

We’re firmly one and done (no more children). My wife works from home most days and will visit midtown a couple hours per week.

We’re social but not super social. We do value quietness at home but we also want to develop a community of friends. A lot of our friends that lived in JC have left over the years and this will kind of be a reset for us.

My only concern is the community in the FiDi area. Everyone always talks about how the area is dead (for activities) but has anyone still been able to develop a social life based around FiDi? Or do you just meet people from all other neighborhoods and travel to see them?

I see all these posts about people living in UWS, UES, Brooklyn, etc trying to schedule meetups and making friendships. My wife and I are open to visiting wherever necessary to meet people but we do have a 1 year old. We have indeed considered other neighborhoods but the fact that I do still have to commute occasionally to NJ suburbs for work kills any chance of that.

Just seeking other people’s experiences!

Thank you.