15 Best Places To Live In New Jersey

Touted for its proximity to New York City and Philadelphia, people don’t often consider that New Jersey has much more. New Jersey offers diverse dwellings and lifestyles: excitement in urban life, the charm of suburban areas, and peaceful coastal serenity—all great for families, young professionals, and retired folks alike. Here, we delve into the 15 best places to live in New Jersey, citing the state’s unique neighborhoods on essential factors.

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7 Factors to Consider When Selecting the Ideal Neighborhood in New Jersey

To determine the appropriate place to live in New Jersey, selection criteria are an essential factor. But here’s what makes a neighborhood really ideal:

• Affordability: A neighborhood with a high cost of living varies within New Jersey and so must determine neighborhoods with value, especially places that are affordable to stay in New Jersey.

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• Safety: A safe environment is the topmost priority for families looking at some family-friendly cities here in New Jersey.

• Educational Facilities: Many look for neighborhoods near some of the finest schools New Jersey has to offer in case they want to ensure quality educational facilities for their young ones.

• Healthcare Services: To have easy access to great health care, we start by prioritizing areas that boast reputable facilities.

• Lifestyle Amenities: From entertaining venues and shopping malls to outdoor activities in New Jersey, lifestyle amenities enrich the daily lives of residents.

• Climate and Environment: New Jersey’s diverse climate and beautiful natural scenery mean that outdoor enthusiasts can have hobbies all year round, so people must look for a neighborhood best suited to their climatic preferences.

• Community Vibe: Historic towns in New Jersey and lovely suburban neighborhoods provide enough for those to thrive from a sense of community and local culture.

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15 Best Places To Live In New Jersey

1. Princeton

• Overview: Historic Town with the flavour of intellect, thus is suitable for families as well as academics.
• Safety: Low crime rate ranked one of the safest communities in New Jersey
• Livability: High living cost, but quality schools and amenities make it well worth it
• Healthcare: Excellent; Princeton Medical Center nearby
• Climate: Four distinct seasons, warm summers, and cold winters.
• Lifestyle and Amenities: Arts and culture; restaurants; outdoor recreational parks.
• Why It’s a Top Pick: Known for outstanding schools and cultural and historical landmarks.

2. Hoboken

• Overview:  Vibrant riverside suburb with proximity to New York City.
• Safety: Safe but policing good in town, plus a very active community.
• Cost of Living: Expensive, though proximity to public transportation a bonus.
• Healthcare: Accessibility to hospitals and clinics nearby.
• Climate: Not so bad in winters but extremely warm in summers.
• Lifestyle and Amenities: Adds nightlife, dining, and shopping closer to NYC
• Why It’s a Top Pick: Gist for young professionals or an urbanite who can soak in the convenience of the city and the charm of the suburban scene.

3. Montclair

• Overview: Eclectic arts vibe, family-friendly neighborhood with a happening downtown
• Safety: Low in crime rate and is community-oriented
• Cost of Living: Moderate to high, good schools and excellent amenities
• Healthcare: Savor quality medical facilities available in Montclair
• Climate: Rhythmically well-adjusted seasonal changes.
• Lifestyle and Amenities: Art centers, theaters, parks, outstanding schools.
• Why It’s a Top Pick: This is one of the best balanced options for those that have families or an appreciation for the arts.

4. Summit

• Overview: The epitome of a quaint suburb, this town boasts about excellent schools and a family-friendly atmosphere.
• Safety: Extremely safe, very close-knit community.
• Cost of Living: On the higher end, but the outstanding schools balance it out.
• Healthcare: High-rated facility close to Summit Medical Group.
• Climate: Four very different seasons.
• Lifestyle and Amenities: Parks, shopping, and fine school districts.
• Why It’s a Top Pick: A safe, family-friendly community with excellent educational options.

5. Morristown

• Overview: This town oozes with historic charm and has a bustling downtown.
• Safety: This is extremely safe, and welcoming.
• Cost of Living: Moderate and real estate is accessible.
• Healthcare: In walking distance of Morristown Medical Center.
• Climate: Mild seasons.
• Lifestyle and Amenities: History sites, museums, and hot local eats.
• Why It’s a Top Pick: Good for history buffs, culture enthusiasts and community groups

6. Red Bank

• Overview: Arts destination with theaters, art galleries, and waterfront dining.
• Safety: Safe and family-friendly
• Cost of Living: Reasonable as homes are fairly priced in real estate.
• Healthcare: Good facilities
• Climate: Seasonal; winter is mild
• Lifestyle and Amenities: Riverfront parks, performance venues, and restaurants.
• Why You’ll Love It: Arts aficionados and families seeking an inspirational venue will love it

7. Jersey City

• Summary: The thumping city feeling yet remains close to NYC due to its flexible commutation
• Safety: Mixed-improving downtowns are relatively safe
• Cost of Living: High, but its proximity to Manhattan pays off
• Healthcare: Excellent access to Medical facilities
• Climate: Mellow-warm summers and cold winters
• Lifestyle and Amenities: Parks, museums, dining and retail hubs.
• Why It’s a Top Pick: Suitable for the urban dweller and livability is a bonus with being close to NYC.

8. Westfield

• Description: A small suburban township with a very walkable downtown that is very family-friendly.
• Safety: Extremely safe and low-crime area.
• Cost of living: Very pricey and lives up to that with many excellent schools and amenities.
• Healthcare: Located nearby with sufficient medical facilities.
• Climate: Seasonal but pleasant summers
• Lifestyle and Amenities: Excellent shopping, fine dining, beautiful parks.
• Why It’s a Top Pick: Strong schools, family-oriented, and a lovely downtown.

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9. Chatham

• Description: This is an excellent small suburban town that shines in its quality of life.
• Safety: One of the safest places to live in New Jersey.
• Cost of Living: High but highly worth it for family features.
• Healthcare: Has access to some of the state’s best hospitals.
• Climate: Seasonal with heavy snows
• Lifestyle Amenities: Good quality schools, parks, quiet neighborhoods.
• Why Top Pick: The school system is the best in the area; parents want security, peace and quiet, and good schools for their children.

10. Tenafly

• What makes it: Good school system and proximity to New York City.
• Safety: Very safe; there is hardly any crime.
• Living Cost: Expensive but compensated by close community bonding
• Healthcare: Quality healthcare facility
• Climate: More seasonal; winters are cooler.
• Life and Amenities: Parks, schools, and NYC nearby.
• Why It’s a Top Pick: A good fit for those who want a suburban feel but with the convenience of easily commuting to New York City.

11. Maplewood

• Overview: Artistic, cozy neighborhood.
• Safety: Has been fairly safe and an active watch group.
• Cost of Living: Mid-range.
• Healthcare: Excellent local hospitals close.
• Climate: Four distinct seasons.
• Life and Amenities: Art centers, parks, and community activities.
• Why It’s a Top Pick: Suitable for family people and artists who have fondness for arts.

12. Ridgewood

• Overview: Customarily, it is a classic family town and one of the most well-ranked school communities in the country.
• Safety: Low crime, with an extremely strong community feel.
• Cost of Living: High but fantastic for quality of life.
• Healthcare: Great medical facilities nearby.
• Climate: Seasonal.
• Lifestyle and Amenities: Wonderful dining venues, parks, and family activities.
• Why You’ll Love It: Perfect for those who would like to see strong schools and a sense of community.

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13. Hackettstown

• Overview: Historic town for affordability and quaintness.
• Safety: Safe and quiet.
• Cost of Living: Moderately priced and very affordable.
• Healthcare: Access to healthcare is wide open.
• Climate: Temperate and in terms of the changing of seasons, pretty moderate.
• Life and Amenities: Historic downtown with small shops and easy access outdoors.
• Why It’s a Top Pick: Good for those who like a splash of history and are tight on money.

14. Haddonfield

• Overview: It is a historic town with an energetic downtown.
• Safety: Very safe, low crime rate.
• Cost of Living: Middle of the road, it is very affordable.
• Healthcare: There are many good healthcare centers in the area.
• Climate: Temperate with beautiful seasonal changes.
• Life and Amenities: Historic Landmarks, shopping, and community celebrations.
• Why It’s a Top Pick: Great for families and history buffs wanting an attractive town.

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15. Livingston

• Overview: Good family place, schools are excellent, excellent community spirit
• Safety: Probably the safest town in New Jersey
• Cost of Living: Expensive, but terrific value in the schools and the amenities
• Healthcare: Excellent healthcare
• Climate: Seasonal, nice
• Lifestyle and Amenities: Neighborhood parks, community centers and educational institutions.
• Why you’ll love it: For quality schools, safety, and family-friendly living.

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Conclusion

New Jersey has an excellent diversity of communities, from active cities that offer great urban amenities to quiet suburbs that are just full of history and natural beauty. 

If some of the best cities to live in, New Jersey, if you have kids is what you need or affordable neighborhoods with excellent job opportunities, the state has a neighborhood for every taste. 

This area offers its charm in different ways, balancing the cost of living, quality schools, and access to amenities. Explore these neighborhoods and find a community that will match exactly what you envision of living in New Jersey.

FAQs for Best Places To Live In New Jersey

Q: How does New Jersey’s cost of living compare to neighboring states?

A: Generally higher than the national average but often more affordable than NYC or Connecticut, especially in suburban areas.

Q: What public transportation options are available across New Jersey towns?

A: Cities like Jersey City and Hoboken offer extensive transit options, while suburban and rural areas have fewer but accessible NJ Transit options.

Q: Which school districts in New Jersey are highly ranked?

A: Princeton, Millburn, and Westfield are among the top districts, known for academics and extracurriculars.

Q: How do amenities like shopping and dining differ across towns?

A: Urban areas offer trendy options, suburbs have family-friendly retail, and rural towns focus on local businesses.

Q: What are the pros and cons of living in a small town vs. a larger city in New Jersey?

A: Small towns are quieter and less costly; cities offer more amenities and job options but are pricier.