Best Places to Live in New Jersey

Millburn is where you go for academic excellence. With a near-perfect graduation rate and high SAT scores, it is a magnet for education-focused families. You have the Short Hills Mall for luxury shopping and the Paper Mill Playhouse for Broadway-caliber shows. Property taxes are steep at an average of $24,000 a year, but most residents feel the elite services and 39-minute NYC commute are worth the price tag.

Summit offers a classic suburban feel with a Midtown Direct train that gets you to the city in 45 minutes. It is known for being incredibly safe with crime rates 60% below the national average. The downtown is full of local shops and the special education programs are highly regarded.

Hoboken is a walkable square mile packed with young professionals. You can ditch the car entirely since the PATH train hits Manhattan in just 12 minutes. It is loud and energetic. It also features a thriving LGBTQ+ community with perfect equality scores. Parking is a nightmare and permits are pricey, but for those who want a city that never sleeps without the NYC price tag, this is the place.

Montclair is the state's cultural hub, buzzing with art galleries and farm-to-table spots on Bloomfield Avenue. It’s a favorite for families who want a STEM-focused education and a quick 37-minute commute to Manhattan. It is also one of the most welcoming, LGBTQ+-friendly towns in the state. Just be ready for brisk winters with chill winds hovering around, so keep your heavy coats handy at all times.

Princeton is world-famous for its university, but it is also a thriving tech and pharma hub. The schools are elite and the community is incredibly diverse with a large Asian population and vibrant cultural centers. Life here is enriched by free university lectures and beautiful trails around Carnegie Lake. Expect a good amount of snow each year, which turns the campus into a winter wonderland.

Middletown offers a coastal lifestyle where you can surf in the morning and take a ferry to Manhattan for work. It is perfect for families who love the outdoors because it features 250 acres of fossil beds at Poricy Park and local orchards. Because it is on the water, you will need to factor in flood insurance. However, the 93% graduation rate and seaside vibes are a major draw.

Jersey City is a city of neighborhoods. You have luxury towers downtown and historic brownstones in The Heights. It is a melting pot where you will find an incredible Indian food scene in Journal Square and a massive finance and tech job market. School quality varies significantly by street. Make sure to do your homework on zoning before you sign a lease.

Wayne is a car-centric suburb where life revolves around the Willowbrook Mall and local sports like PAL ice hockey. It is a sprawling community with strong special education programs and a 60-minute commute to NYC. It is popular with families looking for space and safety, particularly near the synagogues off Route 23. You will definitely need a reliable vehicle to get around here.

Toms River spans 54 square miles where suburbs meet shore. Schools graduate 92% with vocational programs in culinary, automotive, and healthcare. Community Medical Center employs over 3,000, anchoring local jobs. Post-Sandy 2012 elevations signal flood zone checks. Garden State Parkway connects to NYC in 90 minutes. Ortley Beach draws locals seeking calm coastal vibes.

Gloucester City is one of the best bargains in the state. It offers Delaware River views and row homes often priced under $200,000. It is a commuter’s dream for Philly workers with a 20-minute zip across the Walt Whitman Bridge. It is famous for its classic Jersey diners where you can order pork roll and disco fries. It is a gritty and honest town that is perfect for those on a budget.