JC could definitely work for you. For occasional nightlife - there is nightlife in JC, plus Hoboken, and the city is close if you want to change it up, just keep in mind the PATH trains late night are infrequent but they do run on a schedule, so keep that handy on their app on your phone so you don't get stuck waiting on the platform.

For physical activities, JC is great as you can ride bikes and zip in the city to ride more miles easily, but you can easily zip up north to hike at Bear Mountain or Harriman or zip west to hike or camp at other parks in NJ if you own or rent a car. And the beach is also a zip south. So you do have more access to a variety of outdoor activities.

If you like live music and a variety of venues, we do have some but it's a pittance compared to areas of BK, so then BK would be for you.