New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the United States. We’re also the only state where every county is classified as “urban” based on census designations. Still, there are places you can go while looking for peace and quiet. These quiet towns in New Jersey offer the utmost serenity. While some also offer a variety of activities, they’re among the best spots to get away from it all. Please note that the towns are listed from north to south.

1. Walpack Township
Walpack Township, NJ, USA
Wikipedia/Mitchazenia
If you're looking for someplace to go for peace and quiet in New Jersey, look no further than Walpack. Known by some as "The Town That Time Forgot," Walpack was mostly abandoned in the 1960s to make way for a dam that was never built. There are still about two dozen residents and a museum in the historic Rosenkrans House that welcomes curious visitors. There is little to do here but immerse yourself in nature (the town is located in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area) or dine at the charming Walpack Inn.
2. Mahwah
Mahwah, NJ 07430, USA
Wikipedia/DanielleK0512
This town in the Ramapo Mountains may be a bit more urban than other spots on the list, but it's so much more secluded than the rest of Bergen County. One of the safest communities in the state, you'll find over 5,000 acres of parkland to enjoy here.
3. Sparta
Sparta Township, NJ 07871, USA
Flickr/Billy
One of the safest cities in New Jersey, there's a lot to love about Sparta. Enjoy a laid-back lifestyle on the lake in Sparta, which offers a number of charming waterfront communities. The views are so scenic and serene, that you'll forget you're just an hour from New York City.
4. Belvidere
Belvidere, NJ 07823, USA
Wikipedia/Jerrye & Roy Klotz
This town on the Delaware River is adjacent to some of the best rapids in the state. It is home to a historic cemetery housing Civil War soldiers, a small museum, and Four Sisters Winery. Belvidere also has more certified historic Victorian homes than any other town in New Jersey. Visit during September for the annual Victorian Days festival.
5. Peapack-Gladstone
Peapack and Gladstone, NJ, USA
Wikipedia/Jared Kofsky - PlaceNJ.com
This beautiful borough in New Jersey is often featured in film and television; it played a major role in the CBS soap opera, Guiding Light. There is a unique lime kiln in the center of town, and the United States Equestrian Team is headquartered here.
6. Titusville
Titusville, Hopewell Township, NJ 08560, USA
Wikipedia/Aerolin 55
Home to Washington Crossing State Park, the heart of the village sits on a bluff overlooking the Delaware River. You'll find beautiful hiking trails and a visitor's center with Revolutionary War artifacts. This quiet town in New Jersey is also home to an eerie phenomenon called Gravity Hill, a must-see experience for any paranormal enthusiast.
7. Allenhurst
Allenhurst, NJ 07711, USA
Wikipedia/APC106
This Monmouth County shore town is home to around 500 residents and a popular beach club. While the town is mostly residential, you're just minutes away from bustling Asbury Park and a short drive from Long Branch.

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8. Allentown
Allentown, NJ 08501, USA
Wikipedia/Mr. Matte
Though it is certainly peaceful, you'll find a charming downtown area with historic buildings and several thrift shops. The Old Mill is one of the town's most notable features.
9. Roebling
Roebling, Florence, NJ, USA
Facebook/Roebling Museum
A census-designated place within the Township of Florence, Roebling is one of the most overlooked places in New Jersey. Home to the Roebling Museum, John A. Roebling & Sons mined the steel for and built the Brooklyn and Golden Gate Bridges, among other notable structures.
10. Manchester Township
Manchester Township, NJ, USA
Flickr/Shawn Perez
Peace and quiet in a town of over 40,000? You'd be surprised! According to FBI crime data, this New Jersey town is incredibly safe for its size, and the town is also home to an abundance of natural areas. You'll find the Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Manchester Wildlife Management Area, Whiting Wildlife Management Area, and Crystal Lake. Another incredible place to find some serenity? Pine Lake Park. You'll find a stunning man-made lake with its own island.
11. Medford Lakes
Medford Lakes, NJ 08055, USA
Flickr/Patrick Stahl
One of the best small towns in New Jersey, the motto of this community-oriented town is, "Medford Lakes-in-the-pines, the year-round summer playground." With 22 lakes, the borough has nearly as much water as it does land. Another fun fact? Over 10% of the town's homes are log cabins.
12. Harvey Cedars
Harvey Cedars, NJ 08008, USA
Flickr/Tim Scott
This sleepy island oasis has under 500 year-round residents. There are just a few shops in this quiet New Jersey town, but you'll find easy access to both bay and ocean beaches. Even though the population increases during the summer months, there's a laid-back atmosphere separating it from nearby shore towns.
13. Brigantine
Brigantine, NJ 08203, USA
Wikipedia/Bookfan
Minutes from Atlantic City, Brigantine is an island town that's nothing like its neighbor. The northern part of the island is home to a portion of the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, a popular bird-watching destination.
14. Sea Breeze
Sea Breeze, NJ 08302, USA
Flickr/Brett Ciccotelli
Once a thriving town with ferry service to Philadelphia, Sea Breeze today is mostly abandoned. It offers one of the most secluded beaches in the state and several summer homes but little else. There are just a handful of roads in this unincorporated community, and they are mostly unpaved.
15. Cape May Point
Cape May Point, NJ, USA
Flickr/Fishhawk
While Cape May is one of our favorite quiet towns in New Jersey, it has a ton going on in the summer. For a more relaxed experience, head to Cape May Point. There are only a handful of shops, but you will find the Cape May Light and some scenic natural areas.

There are so many sleepy towns in our bustling state, so this list is by no means all-encompassing. What others would you add to the list? For more charming neighborhoods in New Jersey, check out this list.

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Towns in New Jersey

Jackie Ann | September 17, 2022

What is the oldest town in New Jersey?

First settled in 1664, the Township of Woodbridge is the oldest original township in New Jersey. If you’re looking for unique towns in New Jersey to visit that have a historic past, you’ll find just that in some of New Jersey’s oldest towns like Jersey City, Burlington, and Piscataway. For Revolutionary War fanatics, a day trip to the historic town of Morristown is a must. The town was first settled in 1715 and played a big role in the war. Of course, there are plenty of sights to see in this historic town that are separate from the war including historic architecture, famous homes, and more. 

What is the most naturally beautiful town in New Jersey?

Whether you’re just looking for some peace and quiet or a change of scenery, the tiny town of Walpack is the most naturally beautiful town in New Jersey. Part of the reason for this is that the town was abandoned in 1965 to make way for a dam, but the dam was never built. Few ended up returning, and today the town is only home to a handful of residents. Visitors to this peaceful town can enjoy tons of natural scenery including glacial lakes, mountain views, and Hemlock forests. 

Which town in New Jersey has the best restaurants?

No matter where you are in The Garden State, you can bet that you’re never too far away from one of the best restaurants in New Jersey. The hardest part is deciding what you’re in the mood for! While New Jersey is known for its strong Italian scene, there’s one little town that’s known for having some of the best pizza restaurants in New Jersey, and that’s Hoboken. In just one square mile, you’ll find over 10 pizzerias! Of course, pizza isn't the only food you’ll find in New Jersey. You might be surprised to learn about the many authentic Polish eats you’ll find in the charming town of Wallington. Known as New Jersey’s Little Poland, about a third of the population here is Polish and you’ll find some delicious, authentic Polish food here. 

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