Pavonia Ave, Historic Downtown

Pavonia street (near the five corners neighborhood) is experiencing something of a renaissance after years of neglect and decay. Filipino restaurants and businesses seem to be leading this urban renewal. The ground floors of once-dilapidated office buildings are filling out with Philippine bread houses and grocery stores.
There is a Jersey city branch library, but it is frequently filled with rowdy kids. So you might want to just drop in, get the book you want and scoot out.
All in all I wouldn't recommend this street for living, just for visiting and maybe grabbing some nice Philippino food.