Being Curious about the best places to live in New Jersey? New Jersey, the “Garden State” on the East Coast of the United States, is famous for its diverse community culture, excellent educational resources and convenient transportation network. From historic colonial towns to bustling modern cities, from quiet lakeside communities to vibrant art neighborhoods, New Jersey has the right place to live for families, students, professionals, singles, and retirees. However, with so many incredible cities and regions in New Jersey, choosing the best place to call home within the state can be a daunting task. To help you make your decision easier, this article will delve into how to find the best coordinates for your life in the land, and uncover the mysteries of New Jersey’s living map by compiling a list of the 10 best areas in New Jersey to live and highlighting what stands out about each place.
How To Select The Best Places to Live in New Jersey?
Matrix of Core Considerations
When choosing the best areas to live in NJ, we need to have a establishment of a scientific evaluation system. The famous “SHAPE model” is recommended:
- Safety Index
- Housing Affordability
- Transportation Accessibility
- Public Schools
- Employment
Dynamic Requirements Matching Policy
- Students should balance the cost of rent with the convenience of the public transportation and the distance from campuses.
- Professionals need to prioritize commuting radius, and the 30 minutes rail transit circle is recommended.
- Families should focus on school district quality and community amenities.
- Retirees need to pay attention to the density of medical resources and aging facilities in the community.
10 Best Places to Live in New Jersey
Princeton
Princeton is one of the best cities to live in New Jersey for families and academics, with a strong school district, beautifully lush green spaces, and many parks. The local Princeton University not only has an Ivy League aura, its affiliated laboratories create 15% of the local high-tech jobs. With an average monthly rent of $3,500, the overall living expenses in Princeton is higher, but the high quality schools, good living environment and amenities make it worth the money. It is very close to New York City, but it has nothing to do with the atmosphere of metropolitan New York, instead having a quaint suburban feel. Princeton has a pleasant climate with four distinct seasons, warm summers and cold winters. Princeton has a low crime rate and is one of the safest communities in New Jersey. In free time, local residents can relax with families and friends at the RON Rogers Arboretum, downtown Princeton, the Princeton University Art Museum, and the McCarter Theatre Center.
Ho-Ho-Kus
Ho-Ho-Kus is also popular among families in New Jersey, thanks to its charming suburban feel and elite education atmosphere. Unlike Princeton, Ho-Ho-Kus has one of the Top3 public school districts in Northern New Jersey, with a 98% AP pass rate. Despite being just 0.6 square miles in size, this tiny community remains 89% white, close-knit, and has a crime rate 92 % below the state average. The area is rich in historical landmarks, such as the Winter Palace, a former house and now a museum. With only 27 miles to NYC, the cost of living in Ho-Ho-Kus is much lower than in Manhattan, but it is still over 41% higher than the national average, with the average one-bedroom housing renting for $5,100 a month and the average home price in the millions. Almost 91% of the population live in their own houses in Ho-Ho-Kus, and only 9% rent an apartment.
Hoboken
Hoboken is one of the most popular cities in New Jersey, USA. With its stylish restaurants, lively bars, beautiful views along the Hudson River, stunning New York skyline, and easy PATH train or ferry access to Manhattan, Hoboken attracts a very young population, with 58% of residents under the age of 35. Renowned local academic institution, Stevens Institute of Technology, and a variety of high-quality student housing also make Hoboken become one of the most student-friendly cities in NJ. Due to its proximity to New York City and the 7-minute PATH train to Midtown Manhattan, Hoboken is also oftern called the best suburb of New York. Hoboken is a great choice for those who want a quick commute to the Big Apple without New York City prices. It has many parks and green spaces, many of which are pet-friendly, while in Hoboken Downtown, there are many colorful arts and entertainment venues, and festivals are often held. The Hoboken Arts & Music Festival and the Hoboken International Film Festival also draw hundreds of thousands of people to Hoboken each year. The local security is good and the climate is pleasant, with a not too cold winter and a warm summer. At just 2 square miles, Hoboken has an abundance of livable homes and desirable amenities, making it easily the best towns to live in NJ.
Montclair
Montclair is a trendy place, appreciated to its lively arts and music scene, delicious restaurants, walkable streets and lush parks. The local architecture is a mix of Victorian and artisan styles, and Montclair has the highest density of art practitioners in the state. Montclair State University is located in Montclair, offering community education courses, and Montclair High, a top public high school, has one of the top three AP courses in the state. Montclair is also very commuter friendly and has a good public transportation system where you can get to New York in 40 minutes. At the end of the workday, you can take your family and friends to the Wellmont Theater’s Centennial Theater, the Montclair Art Museum, or the Eagle Rock Reservation overlooking the Manhattan skyline and taking in the 15-mile hiking trails that run through six eco-parks. Montclair offers a blend of suburban tranquility and urban amenities, and is also another great place to live in NJ, especially for families.
Summit
Summit is known as the city of the commuter revolution, NJ Transit direct to New York Penn Station only 45 minutes, the proportion of commuters accounted for 63%. The monthly rent is about $2,300, and the overall cost of daily living is relatively high. Summit’s Springfield Avenue is home to 32 Michelin-recommended restaurants, and The Grand Summit Hotel is a landmark historic renovation with superior facilities close to Summit Medical Group. The annual International Film Festival attracts entries from 30 countries, and the local public library was named “America’s Best Small Library.” Summit High School is ranked in the top 2% of the nation in Niche, with a 100% pass rate in IB courses. The community is very connected and the living environment is very safe. Summit, as another best town in NJ, Summit boasts the excellent schools, a family-friendly atmosphere and well-developed transportation system, offering you a high happiness index.
Ridgewood
How to describe Ridgewood? Luxury, rich, high-end, etc., all the upscale words are deserved for Ridgewood. Ridgewood is the top 5 wealthy communities in the New Jersey, and the latest data shows that the median family income in Ridgewood reaches $210,000. At the same time, the area’s educational resources are also very strong, Ridgewood High sends 60+ students to Ivy League schools each year. In Ridgewood, King’s, an organic grocery store, accounts for 28 percent of The neighborhood’s retail sales, and The Stable, a boutique buyer, sells more than $800 per year. Van Neste Square Park is surrounded by a historic preserve, while the Saddle River County Park water system runs through the entire area and the boat club has a century-old history. Rich Ridgewood also offers wonderful dining options, parks, and spaces for family activities, and is deservedly one of the best NJ suburbs.
Jersey City
Jersey City is fast becoming a top choice for young professionals due to its low affordability relative to Manhattan and the rapid development of the arts. Meanwhile, compared to Hoboken, the average rent in Jersey City is about $2,400 a month, which is much lower than Hoboken’s average rent of $3,800 per month. Jersey City’s affordable apartments and modern atmosphere, rapidly growing job market and business environment, abundant entertainment options, and direct access to New York City attract countless young professionals and singles. At the same time, New Jersey City University is also located in Jersey City, and a large number of students come to study here every year. If you want to efficiently find cheap and high-quality student housing in Jersey City, contact uhomes.com, a popular student housing rental site that offers detailed listings, features and price comparisons, 24/7 multiple languages consultant services, and exclusive offers. Jersey City also boasts some luxury apartments with infinity rooftop pools, state-of-the-art fitness centers, and luxury interiors for around $3,200 per month. Downtown Jersey City is relatively safe. Jersey City offers residents great dining, co-working spaces, convenient transportation, beautiful views of the Hudson River, and cultural landmarks such as the Freedom Science Center and Mana Contemporary Art Warehouse, being a definitely a best place to live in NJ.
Haddonfield
Haddonfield is called a historic living fossil for three reasons: it was founded in 1701, Haddonfield is the site of the first dinosaur fossil discovery in the United States, and its historic buildings are 73% protected. With rich history, Haddonfield, is also the nice neighborhoods in New Jersey. There are many Georgian homes in the area, while renovated barns and loft conversions are sought after by young families. The local education level is also good, Haddonfield Memorial High has been ranked as a Blue Ribbon school for 20 consecutive years, and the STEM laboratory has been funded by NASA. The farmers market offers products from 30 local organic farms. There is an annual Christmas parade for adults and children alike, winter ice fishing on the Cooper River Park lake, and the annual Cherry Blossom Festival attracts over 50,000 visitors. Although Haddonfield seems like a sparse suburban, it does not affect the happiness index of living, and even enables people to better enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and natural scene.
Morristown
Morristown offers young professionals a quiet suburban living with the sophistication of the city. Morristown is home to the headquarters of Atlantic Healthcare Group, creating 12,000 healthcare jobs. Medical workers make up 34% of the resident population, and the vacancy rate of apartments around hospitals is only 2.3%. Morristown is a walkabe city, and the bustling downtown area with boutiques, restaurants and bars allows people to enjoy the convenience of the city and a lively and relaxed atmosphere while having a peaceful living environment. The South Street dining area is home to 23 Michelin-recommended restaurants. The Community Senior Center offers 64 courses and a free shuttle to cover a 5-mile radius of the Tier 3 hospital. Morristown is only a 50-minute drive from New York City, but its housing rents and daily costs are lower than those of Hoboken and Jersey City. Therefore, if you’re planning to save more but still have an easy commute to New York City, Morristown is another flexible alternative to Hoboken and Jersey City as the best places to live in New Jersey.
Livingston
Livingston is famous for the education. Livingston High has a quantum computing lab and a dual-credit project with Princeton University. Simultaineously, Livingston is considered an elite Asian community, with a population of 31,000, 42% Asian, and an SAT average score of 1450, leading the state. Livingston is probably the safest town in New Jersey. The housing rent reaches $2,900 per month averagely, and only 14% of the population in Livingston choose to rent an apartment to live in Livingston, NJ. The total living expenses in Livingston is expensive but deserved due to the the schools, the amenities, and the family-friendly atmosphere. In terms of ecological environment, Livingston has the Riker Hill Constructed wetland, which can purify 90% of the community’s domestic sewage, and has been awarded LEED Community Platinum certification. Staying in Livingston, you can easily feel the 4 seasons, spring, summer, autumn and winter, which is clearly and cozy, maybe also due to the Riker Hill Constructed wetland. Comfortable climate and excellent healthcare also make it another best part of New Jersey to live in for retirees.
Best Places to Live in NJ for Students
- Princeton
- Hoboken
- Montclair
- Jersey City
Best Places to Live in New Jersey with Families
- Princeton
- Ho-Ho-Kus
- Montclair
- Summit
- Ridgewood
- Haddonfield
- Livingston
- Westfield
- Bergen County
- Morris County
Best Areas in NJ to Live for Young Professionals
- Hoboken
- Montclair
- Jersey City
- Morristown
- Weehawken
- Princeton
Best Places to live in New Jersey near NYC
- Hoboken
- Jersey City
- Weehawken
- Montclair
- Summit
- Ho-Ho-Kus
- Morristown
- Princeton
Conclusion About Best Places to Live in New Jersey
From Hoboken’s art warehouses to Princeton’s Ivy Promenade, from Summit’s century-old strip mall to Livingston’s innovative education cluster, New Jersey is redefining the multi-dimensional possibilities of modern life. It is not only a transportation hub in a geographical sense, but also an ideal container for different stages of life. No matter what stage of life you’re in, the top 10 best places to live in New Jersey have something for everyone, making each place an ideal home.
FAQs on Best Places to Live in NJ
Which is the best place to live in New Jersey?
When it comes to the best areas to live in NJ, Princeton, Ho-Ho-Kus, Hoboken, Montclair, Summit, Ridgewood, Jersey City, Haddonfield, Morristown, and Livingston win the top 10 places, which are popular for their nice living environment, friendly amenities, and abundant transportation. However, the results will be different according to individual preferences and various criteria.
Where do most people live in NJ?
Most people in New Jersey live in Newark which boasts over 300,000 residents. Newark is also the most populous city in New Jersey, and it is also a top New Jersey commuter town. Around 76% residents in Newark rent a house to live.
Which are the best areas to live in New Jersey for singles?
For singles planning to live in New Jersey, you can consider Hoboken, Montclair and Jersey City. All of them can provide you with the urban lifestyles, various housing types, lively atmosphere, convenient transport, and close proximity to New York City, making you always feel the freedom, and convenience.
Which is the safest place to live in New Jersey?
According to the latest statistics, Vernon Township is considered as the safest places to live in New Jersey, with only 751 people had a crime among 100k people. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th safest area in NJ is Bernards Township, Sparta Township, and Jefferson Township.
What are the New Jersey best places to live for retirees?
For retirees in New Jersey, you can choose Mays Landing, Fort Lee, Mountainside, Sea Girt, Haddonfield, Ridgewood, and Livingston as best suburbs in New Jersey to live in. They are popular among retirees due to their livability and affordability, as well as the retirement funds and healthcare institutions.
Where is the most affordable place to live in New Jersey?
The most affordable nice areas to live in New Jersey are Camden, Trenton and Vineland. Camden brings you an affordable urban life, while Trenton gives you an affordable and small-city atmosphere. Vineland holds an agricultural ecomomy and boasts the local farmers’ markets, making residents conveniently enjoy the local healthy and cheap produce.
