Moving to New Jersey could be the best decision you make in 2025! Ranked the 3rd best state to live in 2025, the Garden State boasts a per capita income of $84,071. Plus, it is home to 15 Fortune 500 companies, including Johnson & Johnson.
Beyond career opportunities, New Jersey offers everything from a vibrant urban life in Newark to the beautiful beaches of Asbury Park. This is an all-in-one relocating to New Jersey guide, packed with essential tips and local insights to help you settle in with ease.
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AT A GLANCE:
- New Jersey ranks as the 3rd best state to live in 2025.
- New Jersey has a booming job market led by 15 Fortune 500 companies like Johnson & Johnson and Merck.
- Hoboken and Jersey City offer quick NYC access, while Cherry Hill and Montclair provide peaceful suburban living nearby.
- Millburn and Princeton schools have earned Blue Ribbon honors, and New Jersey ranks 1st in the U.S. for education quality.
- Retirees, veterans, and business owners get tax breaks, including exemptions and low-tax zones like Asbury Park.
- New Jersey experiences all four seasons, with hot summers and snowy winters.
6 Reasons to Move to New Jersey
Why settle for just sunny beaches when you can also enjoy the high life? Browse through over thousands of mansions, high-rise penthouses, and spacious luxury homes for sale in New Jersey, and enjoy the finest the state has to offer.
1. Thriving Job Market
New Jersey has a robust job market in healthcare, services, and finance sectors. In 2024 alone, the state added 36,000 new jobs. Plus, the state is home to 15 Fortune 500 companies, including Johnson & Johnson and Merck, offering diverse career opportunities.
New Jersey is strategically located between major economic hubs like New York and Philadelphia. Plus, the state has an extensive public transit system with NJ Transit trains, buses, and PATH service, making daily commuting fast and convenient.
2. Top-Tier Education System
With over 590 school districts that serve 1.3 million students, New Jersey ranks #1 for education in the country. School districts like Millburn and Princeton are highly recognized for winning the prestigious Blue Ribbon award and Advanced Placement programs.
New Jersey’s Princeton University consistently ranks among the top universities in the world. Plus, state-sponsored programs like the Garden State Guarantee and the NJ STARS make it easy to attend college in New Jersey.
3. Proximity to Major Cities
One of the most unique advantages of living in New Jersey is its location. Situated between New York City and Philadelphia, New Jersey offers easy access to two of the country’s most dynamic job markets and cultural hubs.
Towns like Jersey City, Hoboken, and Montclair provide direct train access to Manhattan. Meanwhile, places like Princeton, Trenton, and Cherry Hill offer convenient transit options to Philadelphia, making daily commutes fast and hassle-free in both directions.
4. High Safety Score
New Jersey is more than beaches and amazing bagels—it’s also one of the safest states in the country! Ranking 3rd in the nation for public safety, the state boasts a violent crime rate of 202.9 per 100,000 residents.
Besides, if you’re looking for some much-needed peace of mind, then the Garden State has your back. Bergenfield and Bernardsville rank among the top 10 safest cities in the US.
5. Tax Benefits
Homeowners aged 65+ or with disabilities and Veterans get a $250 property tax deduction, while permanently disabled veterans (and their spouses) are qualified for a full tax exemption.
The business owners enjoy reduced sales tax rates of 3.3125% (half the state) in designated areas like Jersey City and Asbury Park.
6. Climate and Recreation
New Jersey has a humid climate with four distinct seasons, with humid summers and snowy winters. The temperature ranges from 70°F to 86°F in the summer, and from 17°F to 40°F in the winter. The state enjoys around 206 sunny days per year.
Climate varies by region. Northern areas experience colder temperatures and more snowfall, while South Jersey and coastal areas are generally milder and less snowy in winter. However, the state is prone to hurricanes and heavy rainstorms that often cause flooding.
Pros and Cons of Living in New Jersey
Here are the key benefits and drawbacks of moving to NJ:
| ✔️ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. You are very close to NYC and Philadelphia. You can work in these cities and still come home to a quiet New Jersey suburb. | 1. Housing is pricey, especially in cities like Hoboken and Jersey City, where home prices and rent are among the highest in the state. |
| 2. The state has some of the top school districts and colleges in the country, including Princeton and Rutgers universities. | 2. Property taxes are the highest in the country. You may end up paying around 2.33% of your home’s value. |
| 3. The state has a humid climate with warm summers and cold winters. | 3. Prone to hurricanes and frequent floods, especially in the coastal areas. |
| 4. The state offers several outdoor spots with beaches, forests, and hiking trails. | 4. Highways and city roads can be very slow during rush hour, especially roads connecting to New York and Philadelphia. |
Things to Know Before Moving to New Jersey ✅
Before entering the New Jersey housing market, know the key laws affecting property ownership and transactions.
- Driver’s License and Vehicle Registration: After relocating to New Jersey, you must register and acquire a NJ driving license within 60 days of becoming a resident. For registration, you will need the vehicle title, proof of insurance, and a valid ID.
- New Jersey’s Gun Laws: You don’t need to register your firearm, but open carry is illegal, and concealed carry requires a permit. Plus, assault weapons are banned, and guns must be unloaded, locked, and stored separately from ammunition during transport.
- Pet Vaccinations and Pet Licensing: Rabies vaccination of all the dogs and cats over 7 months of age is mandatory under New Jersey law. Plus, you must obtain a license for your dog annually from the local municipality.
- New Jersey Residency Requirements: You don’t have to register for residency. You are considered a resident if you are moving in with the intent to stay. For tax purposes, you are considered a resident if you live in NJ for more than 183 days in a year.
Cost of Living in New Jersey
The cost of living in New Jersey is 15% higher than the US average. This simply means that you spend more on Housing and daily expenses like utilities, food, transportation, and healthcare. However, higher earning potential offsets the higher cost of living in the state.
How to Move to New Jersey?
If you are already thinking there is a lot to consider, don’t worry! Here is the step-by-step guide to make your relocation to New Jersey seamless:
1. How to Plan Your Logistics?
Just remember, moving your belongings isn’t free. Here’s what to keep in mind:
If you want to skip the hassle of moving your belongings, hiring a New Jersey moving company would cost you around $135[3] per hour. However, this rate can vary depending on your belongings and the distance.
On the other hand, if you are in for doing it yourself, renting a mid-sized truck is a better option. The average rent for a truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80[4] per day.
2. How to Set Up Electricity, Water, and Internet?
It is recommended to start your utility setup in advance, as setting up these utilities can take a few weeks. Here is how to set up your utilities before you move to New Jersey:
- Electricity and Gas: Electricity and gas providers vary depending on the location you are moving to in New Jersey. Northern NJ is mostly served by PSE&G, while South Jersey uses Atlantic City Electric or South Jersey Gas.
- Water & Sewer: These services are mostly managed by the local municipality’s utility department. Visit your city website or contact the local town hall to get started. We recommend applying at least 2-3 weeks early if possible, as setting these can take time.
- Internet and Cable: For the internet and cable services, you have multiple options in New Jersey. Major providers include Xfinity, Verizon Fios, and Optimum. Check the availability with your new ZIP code on the service provider’s website and apply accordingly.
3. How to Enroll Your Kids in School?
- For Kindergarten or First Grade: To enroll in school, the child must be at least 5 years old for kindergarten and 6 years old for first grade. You will need proof of residency (like a lease or utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, and immunization records.
- For Older Students: For an older child, you will need the documents mentioned above, plus records and a withdrawal form from the previous school. Each school district might have slightly different rules, so it’s best to contact them directly.
4. How to Transfer Your Job or Find a New One?
- If You Work From Home: If you are someone working from home and your employer is outside New Jersey, ask your employer if they have state-specific tax and employment laws.
- If You are Looking for a New Job: If you’re job hunting, industries like healthcare, finance, education, and tech are booming in NJ. Major employers include Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Prudential, and Rutgers University.
5. How to Find a Perfect House?
Housing costs in the Garden State can vary depending on your location.
- In popular cities like Hoboken and Jersey City, the average rent in New Jersey ranges between $1,230 – $20,000[2], depending on the nearby amenities.
- If you are planning to buy a house in a coastal city, homes for sale in Long Branch have a median home price of $1.92M[2]. On the other hand, homes for sale in inland cities like Columbia come at a lower median price of $468,009.
Should I Move to New Jersey?
Yes, you should definitely move to New Jersey. The state combines new opportunities, a good quality of life, and friendly communities. However, relocating to New Jersey isn’t easy. It takes time, careful planning, and effort to find the perfect place to call your home.
With Houzeo, New Jersey’s best home-buying website, buying a house in New Jersey is simple. You can browse through the latest listings, save your favorites, schedule showings, and submit offers, all at your fingertips.
» NEED MORE CLARITY? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.
Data Sources
To help you make a smart move to New Jersey, we analyzed key data points that impact relocation costs, lifestyle, and employment prospects. We’ve sourced reliable, up-to-date data across the following categories:
- StatisticalAtlas: Major employers
- Zillow: Average rent prices
- MoveBuddha: Estimated moving costs
- Thisoldhouse: DIY truck rental rates
By backing our insights with real numbers, we give you a clear picture of what it really takes to relocate to New Jersey, long before the moving boxes are packed.
