February 15, 2025
It all comes down to your priorities when deciding where to live in New Jersey: closeness to the city, excellent schools, a lively community, or maybe a little more space.
New Jersey offers possibilities for almost every lifestyle with its blend of vibrant urban centers, quaint little towns, and convenient beach access.
The state’s cost and convenience have attracted more people in recent years, particularly because remote work has made it simpler to trade up city life for suburban benefits.
To make your search easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top NJ neighborhoods. We’ll show you what makes these neighborhoods unique and why they could feel like home.
Jersey City, NJ
Many people believe that living directly on the Hudson is the greatest place to live in New Jersey, not some far suburb.
The bustle of the city is combined with greater space and, let’s be honest, less expensive costs in Jersey City than in Manhattan.
The average cost of a home here is $623,300, while a one-bedroom rental costs about $3,725. You’re paying for skyline views, a short PATH journey to New York, and communities with unique personalities, so it’s not exactly a deal.
With areas that feel like separate universes, Jersey metropolis offers you the vibrancy of a big metropolis.
Paulus Hook has that brownstone beauty, tree-lined streets, and a more tranquil atmosphere that makes you forget you’re only a short drive from Manhattan, while Newport is excellent for high-rise living and convenient commutes.
Liberty State Park is one of the nicest features about living here. With more space than Central Park, you may run, bike, or take in some of the best views of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. It’s similar to having a bit of New York City’s charm without the mayhem.
The food comes next. One of the numerous places that make Jersey City a gourmet paradise is Razza, which The New York Times has dubbed the greatest pizza in the area.
There’s always something worth trying, whether it’s trendy eateries or mom-and-pop treasures.
Another layer is added by the art scene, which features murals that seem to have been added to make you smile.
It’s simple to understand why Jersey City is so popular when you combine it with the fact that it was named the second most ethnically diverse city in the United States.
Convenience, community, and character are all combined into one.
Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ
It’s difficult to find a better spot for families to live in New Jersey than Ho-Ho-Kus.
With its tree-lined avenues, colonial mansions, and distinct historic charm, this little town of just over 4,000 people feels like a little piece of America. Despite being fewer than 30 miles from Manhattan, the way of life here is very different.
Because of its excellent schools, low crime rate, and peaceful, walkable neighborhoods, Ho-Ho-Kus is a popular destination for families.
The town’s downtown is charming but well-rounded, with exquisite dining, bagel shops, and comfortable cafes.
Right outside your door is The Hermitage, a house from the Revolutionary War that has been transformed into a museum.
The Tudor-style homes in the Cheelcroft neighborhood, however, have a unique flavor that is difficult to find elsewhere, if you’re searching for upmarket living, for example.
All of this has a price, of course. Here, the average home is worth $1.14 million, and a one-bedroom rental costs about $5,100.
However, this town offers an unrivaled combination of convenience, community, and quality of life.
Princeton Junction, NJ
Princeton Junction, one of the greatest places to live in New Jersey, comes next.
With tree-lined streets, reputable schools, and easy access to Philadelphia and New York City, this Mercer County treasure has it all.
With fewer than 2,000 inhabitants, it is modest, but its character more than makes up for its lack of size.
The community has an advantage because of its proximity to Princeton University.
After taking a morning stroll in the Ron Rogers Arboretum, you can go to Downtown Princeton for a show at the McCarter Theatre Center, amazing dining, or a museum exhibit.
However, residences in this area are not inexpensive, with average values of $989,300 and one-bedroom rentals at $2,950.
However, Princeton Junction provides a lifestyle that is difficult to match for families, students, or anyone who values peace and convenience.
Montclair, NJ
One municipality that makes a compelling case for being among the greatest places to live in New Jersey is Montclair.
Only 20 miles from Manhattan, it boasts the kind of downtown that keeps people linked, with independent stores, small cafes, and locally owned eateries.
Montclair is a perfect fit for families. It’s an excellent spot to raise children because of its well-regarded schools and expansive parks like Brookdale.
Additionally, Montclair State University offers a variety of cultural performances and events.
There is constantly something going on in this vibrant, well-balanced town.
Although it is more expensive, the housing market offers a wide range of options.
The average price of a home is $1.05 million, and prices range from antique Victorian homes to contemporary condos that start at $360,000.
With one-bedroom rentals starting at $2,100, it’s a good option for young professionals or families who want to explore the neighborhood before making a purchase.
Cherry Hill, NJ
Cherry Hill is regarded as one of the greatest neighborhoods in New Jersey because it provides the ideal mix of livability and convenience.
Conveniently situated across the Delaware River from Philadelphia in Camden County, this area is popular with retirees, professionals, and families.
Despite having a population of around 78,000, it feels modest despite being large enough to offer all the amenities you could ever need.
With an average property value of $590,300 and one-bedroom apartment rentals of $2,075 per month, the housing market here reflects the town’s popularity.
Given the excellent Cherry Hill Public Schools and the abundance of parks and recreational areas in the region, that is reasonably priced when compared to many other areas in the state.
With 1,400 cherry trees bordering King’s Highway and Route 38, Cherry Hill truly lives up to its name in April, making the village a popular springtime trip.
The Cherry Hill Mall is a local staple for shopping; there, you ll find everything from big-brand stores to smaller boutiques.
Additionally, Cherry Hill has a cheaper cost of living than the state and national norms, even though it is so close to Philadelphia. Because of this, it’s a desirable choice for people looking for value without compromising their quality of life.
Edison, NJ
Although Edison bears the name of a well-known inventor, the town in Middlesex County is known for its current way of life more than its past.
Originally the site of Thomas Edison’s Menlo Park laboratory, the town has developed into one of New Jersey’s greatest places to live, drawing educators, young professionals, and families.
Almost half of Edison’s 107,000 citizens are Asian, making it one of New Jersey’s most varied cities. This is evident in the city’s festivals, cuisine, and general cultural diversity.
Beyond the sense of camaraderie, it’s also useful.
There are many youth sports programs available for children of all ages, and the schools here routinely receive high ratings.
The Rutgers Ecological Preserve has trails that allow you to get away from it all without having to leave town if you’re looking for something a little more sedate.
And when it s time to get back to the grind, you re just an hour from Manhattan by car or about 90 minutes by public transit.
Housing in Edison strikes a balance, with the average home value at $602,900 and one-bedroom rentals averaging $2,225.
But the biggest draw is that it s accessible enough for young professionals getting started and roomy enough for families looking to settle down.
Ocean City, NJ
Ocean City might be a small town in the offseason, but it s anything but quiet come summer.
This Jersey Shore favorite sees its population swell from just over 11,000 to more than a million as people flock to its beaches and iconic boardwalk.
If year-round beach living sounds like your dream, Ocean City could be one of the best cities in New Jersey for you.
The boardwalk is the heart of the town. It s the kind of place where grabbing a coffee and walking by the water feels like a daily ritual.
Dog owners love letting their pups loose at the Ocean City Dog Park, history fans can explore the town s past at the Ocean City Historical Museum, and Downtown Ocean City offers plenty of shops, cafes, and local spots to browse.
Housing leans toward the pricier side, with home values averaging $1.03 million, but rentals are a bit easier to come by, with one-bedroom apartments going for around $1,600.
For families, retirees, or anyone who s ready to embrace the slower pace of Shore life, Ocean City delivers all the essentials with plenty of charm.
New Jersey Neighborhoods You ll Actually Want to Call Home
New Jersey isn t short on options, but picking the right neighborhood can still feel like a puzzle.
Let s recap.
Jersey City is for the urbanites skyline views, great food, and all the perks of NYC without needing to live in it.
Want something quieter but still close to the action? Ho-Ho-Kus has tree-lined streets, historic homes, and a walkable downtown that s made for coffee runs and casual strolls.
If beach living is your goal, Ocean City lets you swap the daily grind for boardwalk walks and ocean breezes (though you ll pay for the view).
On the more practical side, Cherry Hill and Edison are perfect for families who want solid schools, parks, and easy access to jobs without the Manhattan price tag.
But, at the end of the day, it s all about what fits your lifestyle.
Whether you re chasing city buzz, suburban calm, or the sound of waves outside your window, New Jersey s neighborhoods give you plenty of reasons to stop searching and start settling in.