Here Are The 12 Best Places To Live In New Jersey...And Why
New Jersey is a great place to live and so are many of our towns. In fact, there isn’t a single town without several redeeming qualities. Still, some neighborhoods stand out more than others. Whether you’re looking for safety or socialization, these are the 12 best places to live in New Jersey!


Hoboken is the place to be if you’re young, hip, and have disposable income. The mile square city packs every inch with entertainment. There are beautiful parks, booming bars, five star restaurants and trendy boutiques galore. The 24/7 PATH train will get you into New York City in under 10 minutes and the views of Manhattan are incredible.
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Just south of Hoboken is the more affordably priced Jersey City. Jersey City is fairly massive and has very distinct neighborhoods, some nicer than others. The nicest will cost you a pretty penny but Journal Square offers affordable housing and endless entertainment; almost anything you want can be found within walking distance. Should you ever want to leave the city, there are numerous public transportation options that allow you easy access to New York, Newark and the rest of New Jersey.

A haven for history buffs, this town has a host of museums and is home to Washington’s New Jersey headquarters. Downtown is more modern with a wide range of boutiques and fine dining options.


This riverfront town has a thriving arts scene, great antique shops and a charming main street. Red Bank hosts numerous cultural festivals throughout the year and it’s a summertime hot spot. Just a few miles from the ocean, the quaint town is far enough from the hustle and bustle of the beach while affording easy access.
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Ridgewood is a beautiful mix of Victorian homes and turn of the century farmhouses. The village offers numerous parks, a thriving downtown and a small-town feel with easy access to New York City. Crime is low, property values are high and families flock here in droves.

Haddonfield, and neighboring Collingswood, are both fantastic places to live. You'll find safe, historic neighborhoods and incredible downtown areas with a plethora of shopping and dining options. Haddonfield was recently chosen by Philadelphia Magazine as one of the best places to live, shop and dine in the Delaware Valley.

Though the city is home to the state’s largest university, New Brunswick is so much more than a typical college town. While there is no shortage of nightlife, New Brunswick also offers an abundance of cultural centers and endless dining options. While this vibrant city is suitable for families, much of it is geared towards a younger crowd.


This suburban town has a little bit of everything. Though very family friendly, Montclair is also a college town with great pubs, hip shops, independent theaters and concert venues. There’s a thriving yoga scene and a stunning art museum worth checking out.


This central New Jersey town is family oriented, offers great restaurants and shops and has a prime location with easy commutes to both New York City and the Jersey Shore. A regional attraction in itself, those looking to explore outside the city can pick up free museum passes at the local library.

This upper class neighborhood is consistently ranked among the safest in New Jersey. Chatham has a charming business district, beautiful historic homes and bucolic parks well suited for serene strolls. The town will be celebrating its tricentennial on June 13th!

Smithville is a popular tourist destination, but it is also a lovely place to live. Housing is affordable, the historic district has amazing shops and the holiday festivals are magical, like taking a step back into time. Transport into the modern world is easy enough as the town is just 15 minutes from Atlantic City’s beaches and boardwalk.

This scenic lakeside borough in the Pine Barrens offers a wonderful sense of community, and unique events like the Canoe Carnival, pictured. You'll find many lovely log cabin homes here, along with great schools.
Each town is unique and most are distinctly different. Some hip, others historic, they all share at least one thing in common. Every town on the list adds to New Jersey’s charm; the variety that makes it so special. Which towns would you add to this list?
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