Americans love New Jersey! And why wouldn’t you? From breathtaking mountain ranges and exciting boardwalks to charming small towns and world-class universities, the Garden State offers something for every lifestyle.
The median home price in New Jersey is $478,100. The state scores 74/100 in quality of life. The Garden State is considered the 3rd best state in the country to live and work. For a rich cultural experience, Jersey City, and Newark are some of the best places to live.
People are attracted to move here because of the strong job market, excellent schools, and diverse communities. Additionally, the state ranks 2nd in quality of education rankings. Let’s explore the best places to live in New Jersey!
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3 Reasons to Live in New Jersey 🏔️
- Flourishing Job Market: The NJ job market has grown at a rate of 7.9% in the last 10 years. The state is home to 17 Fortune 500 companies. Some of the biggest employers in the state are Amazon, Johnson & Johnson, and PSEG.
- Excellent Education System: Home to over 7,800 schools, New Jersey ranks 2nd amongst all the states for education. Hilltop School, Burnet Hill School, and Harrison Elementary School are some of the top schools in the state.
- Safety: In terms of violent crimes nationwide, the state is ranked 47th. This makes New Jersey ideal for moving with families.
7 Best Places to Live in New Jersey
| # | City | Population | Median Home Price | Monthly Expenses | Unemployment Rate | Community Well-Being Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Memphis | 11,441 | $142,688 | $7,878 | 4.4% | 62/100 |
| 2. | Brownsville | 311,549 | $147,682 | $8,649 | 7.50% | 74/100 |
| 3. | Knoxville | 292,449 | $337,544 | $8,464 | 4.60% | 74/100 |
| 4. | Chattanooga | 91,798 | $287,374 | $7,808 | 4.10% | 57/100 |
| 5. | Union City | 146,199 | $140,171 | $8,366 | 9.0% | 62/100 |
| 6. | Johnson City | 134,283 | $262,824 | $8,540 | 5.90% | 62/100 |
| 7. | Nashville | 30,168 | $423,694 | $8,187 | 3.70% | 69/100 |
1. Gloucester City
| Home Value | ⬆️ 17.5% |
| Median Income | $59,926 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,878 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.4% |
The median home price in Gloucester City is $170,300, which is quite affordable. The cost of living in the city is 5.8%, lower than the national average. Moreover, the Realtor classified Gloucester City as a ‘seller’s market‘ for October 2023. This means that the number of homebuyers is more than the number of homes available for sale.
Gloucester City’s diversity makes it one of the best places to live in New Jersey. The city has numerous tight-knit communities and an excellent social life. Additionally, the livability score of the city is better than the state average.
» Homes for Sale in Gloucester City, NJ: View thousands of properties for sale in Gloucester City.
2. Newark
| Home Value | ⬆️ 7.1% |
| Median Income | $37,476 |
| Monthly Expenses | $8,649 |
| Unemployment Rate | 7.50% |
The median home price in Newark is $432,693. Healthcare cost in the city is 8% lower than the national average. The rent of a two-bedroom unit in the city is 2.8% cheaper than the national average.
Newark is New Jersey’s largest city. The city’s proximity to New York makes it an ideal place for job seekers looking for reasonable rents. Apart from this, the city has excellent nightlife. The famous Newark Prudential Center hosts night hockey games and music concerts.
» Homes for Sale in Newark, NJ: Find your dream home online.
3. Jersey City
| Home Value | ⬆️ 4.9% |
| Median Income | $57,292 |
| Monthly Expenses | $8,464 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.60% |
The median home price in Jersey City is $591,988. Healthcare costs in the city are 5% lower than the national average. Moreover, 4 out of the 39 schools in the city are ranked in the top 5% of schools in the state.
Jersey City is an ideal place for job seekers. The city is home to big financial corporations like Merrill Lynch, Royal Bank of Canada, Chase, and UBS. Furthermore, Jersey City has easy access to New York’s job hubs like Battery Park and the West Village.
» Homes for Sale in Jersey City, NJ: Find the best properties in the Jersey City neighborhood.
4. Toms River
| Home Value | ⬆️ 6.5% |
| Median Income | $85,752 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,994 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.1% |
The median home price in Toms River is $401,835. The average rent of a two-bedroom apartment in the town is $1,560, lower than the state average. Also, the town has an excellent high school graduation rate of 90%.
Toms River is surrounded by the serene Ortley Beach. The beach is known for its boardwalk and games. In addition, the crime rate in the city is 3.4 times lower than the national average.
» Homes for Sale in Toms River, NJ: Find your dream home in Toms River.
5. Paterson
| Home Value | ⬆️ 7.6% |
| Median Income | $45,141 |
| Monthly Expenses | $8,366 |
| Unemployment Rate | 9.0% |
The median home price in Paterson is $433,327. The average rent for a 724 sq. ft. apartment is $1,610. Also, the cost of living in the city is 4.2% lower than the state average.
Paterson is an ideal option for families, as the city has top-rated public schools and excellent connectivity. The city is close to New York, major highways, and central markets. It is home to the Great Falls National Park. The park has a 77-foot-high waterfall, which is a perfect picnic spot for families.
» Homes for Sale Paterson, NJ: View the best luxurious properties for sale in Paterson.
6. Elizabeth
| Home Value | ⬆️ 15.7% |
| Median Income | $96,776 |
| Monthly Expenses | $8,540 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.90% |
The median home price in Elizabeth is $485,755. The average rent for a 705 sq. ft. apartment in the city is $1,678. Moreover, the schools in the city have an excellent 90% minority enrollment.
Elizabeth is famously known as the ‘Industrial Epicentre’ of New Jersey. The city has a flourishing economy in retail, transportation, and shipping. In addition, Elizabeth is ideal for start-ups. The city has one of the lowest sales tax, corporate tax credits, and unemployment insurance rebates in the country.
» Homes for Sale in Elizabeth, NJ: View the best properties in Elizabeth online.
7. Princeton
| Home Value | ⬆️ 9.9% |
| Median Income | $165,149 |
| Monthly Expenses | $8,187 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.7% |
The median home price in Princeton is $848,522. The average rent for a two-bedroom unit in the city is $2,220. Additionally, the city is home to the tech giant Bloomberg, an ideal company for job seekers.
Princeton has a highly-rated education system. The college town in the city is home to the prestigious Princeton University. Princeton University is an ideal option for students seeking higher education in computer sciences and mathematics.
» Homes for Sale in Princeton, NJ: Find your dream home on Houzeo.
Best Places to Live in New Jersey for Young Adults
Here are the best places to live in New Jersey for Young Adults:
- Parsippany-Troy Hills: The city has a flourishing job market in sectors like finance, pharma, and tech. The average salary in Parsippany is $84,000, higher than the national average.
- Bayonne: The city is the hub of the logistics and transportation industry. The average annual salary in Bayonne is $76,000.
Bottom Line
New Jersey is one of the best places to live in the US due to its low cost of living and great climate. Other things that contribute are its cultural diversity and excellent city life.
The Garden State’s current population is 9,456,087, which has grown by 1.2% in the past year. Moreover, the state is ranked 8th as the best healthcare state in the country.
In some cities, the median home price is around $170,300, whereas in places like Princeton, it can go up to $848,522. You must research before moving to New Jersey. To start your home search, browse properties online.
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Research Methodology
We considered different regions to rank the best places in New Jersey. Comparison criteria for the best cities to live in New Jersey and the information sources are as follows:
- Population: New Jersey Demographics Report [1]
- Median Home Price: Zillow[2] and Redfin[3]
- Median Household Income: United States Census Bureau[4]
- Monthly Expenses: Economic Policy Institute[5]
- Unemployment Rate: US Bureau of Labor Statistics[6]
- Community Well-Being Score: Community Well-Being Index by Sharecare[7]
Additionally, we have listed the good cities to live in New Jersey for varying demographics. These include the best places to live for families, young adults, retirees, and working professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is best place to live in New Jersey?
Gloucester City is the best place to live in New Jersey. The city's cost of living is lower than the national average.
Which is the best place to live in New Jersey for families?
Paterson is the best place to live in New Jersey for families. The city has a top rated education system and great connectivity.
Which is the best place to live in New Jersey for retirees?
Newark is the best place to live in New Jersey for retirees. The city's healthcare cost is lower than the national average and offers a vibrant social life.
Which city is the safest in New Jersey?
Denville Township, with a crime rate 3.2 times lower than the national average, is one of the safest cities in the US to live in.
What is the nicest but cheapest place to live in New Jersey?
With a cost of living 5.8% below the national average, Gloucester City is the cheapest place to live in New Jersey.
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