Best Places to Live in New Jersey

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's also one of the most welcoming, LGBTQ+-friendly towns in the state. Just be ready for brisk winters with winds hovering around, so keep your heavy coats handy at all times.

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's also o... Read more

Millburn Township is where you go for academic excellence. With a near-perfect graduation rate and high SAT scores, it's 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.

Millburn Township is where you go for academic excellence. With a near-perfect graduation rate and high SAT scores, it's a magnet for education-focused families. You have the Short Hills Mall for luxury shopping and the Paper Mill... Read more

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. Its walkable downtown is packed with local boutiques, restaurants, and cafes, while the highly rated special education programs attract many families. Residents enjoy community events, well-kept parks, and tree-lined streets that give Summit a polished yet welcoming atmosphere close to New York City.

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. Its walkable downtown is packed with... Read more

Middletown offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle with the convenience of city access, letting residents surf in the morning and still commute to Manhattan by ferry. It’s especially appealing for families who enjoy the outdoors, with highlights like the 250 acres of fossil beds at Poricy Park and nearby seasonal orchards. While waterfront living does require factoring in flood insurance, many see it as a worthwhile trade-off. With a strong 93% graduation rate and an easygoing seaside atmosphere, Middletown strikes a thoughtful balance between nature, community, and connectivity.

Middletown offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle with the convenience of city access, letting residents surf in the morning and still commute to Manhattan by ferry. It’s especially appealing for families who enjoy the outdoors, with ... Read more

Princeton is world-famous for its university, but it's 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.

Princeton is world-famous for its university, but it's 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 enr... Read more

Gloucester City stands out as a value-driven option with scenic Delaware River views and classic row homes that appeal to first-time buyers and investors alike. Its close proximity to Philadelphia, just a quick trip over the Walt Whitman Bridge, makes it especially convenient for commuters. The city also has a strong sense of local character, from its iconic Jersey diners serving pork roll and disco fries to its tight-knit community feel. For those prioritizing affordability, access, and authenticity, Gloucester City offers a practical and grounded place to call home.

Gloucester City stands out as a value-driven option with scenic Delaware River views and classic row homes that appeal to first-time buyers and investors alike. Its close proximity to Philadelphia, just a quick trip over the Walt ... Read more

Toms River Township spans 54 square miles, where suburban neighborhoods ease into the Jersey Shore. Local schools graduate about 92% of students and offer vocational programs in culinary arts, automotive, and healthcare. Community Medical Center, with more than 3,000 employees, anchors the local job market. Since Hurricane Sandy in 2012, many homes have been elevated, making flood zone awareness part of daily life. The Garden State Parkway provides a direct route to New York City in about 90 minutes, while nearby Ortley Beach draws residents seeking a calmer, low-key coastal vibe.

Toms River Township spans 54 square miles, where suburban neighborhoods ease into the Jersey Shore. Local schools graduate about 92% of students and offer vocational programs in culinary arts, automotive, and healthcare. Community... Read more

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.

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 ... Read more

Wayne Township 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. Despite its suburban feel, residents still have easy access to North Jersey shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation options.

Wayne Township 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 ... Read more

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 and home values can vary block by block, so it's worth checking a specific address before committing to a neighborhood.

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 t... Read more