Choosing where to live in New Jersey comes down to what matters most to you—proximity to the city, great schools, a vibrant community, or perhaps a little extra breathing room.
With its mix of charming small towns, lively urban hubs, and easy access to beaches, New Jersey has options for just about every lifestyle.
In recent years, more people have been drawn to the state for its balance of affordability and convenience, especially with remote work making it easier to trade city living for suburban perks.
And we want to make your search a breeze, so we’ve found the best places to live in NJ, and we’ll show you what makes them stand out and why they might just feel like home.
Jersey City, NJ
For many, the best place to live in NJ isn’t tucked away in the suburbs—it’s right on the Hudson.
Jersey City combines the buzz of city life with more breathing room and, let’s face it, prices that don’t sting as much as Manhattan’s.
Homes here average $623,300, and one-bedroom rentals go for around $3,725. Sure, it’s not exactly a bargain, but you’re paying for skyline views, a quick PATH ride to New York, and neighborhoods that have their own distinct character.
Jersey City gives you the energy of a major city with neighborhoods that feel like their own little worlds.
Newport is great for high-rise living and easy commutes, while Paulus Hook has that brownstone charm, tree-lined streets, and quieter vibes that make you forget you’re minutes from Manhattan.
One of the best things about living here is Liberty State Park. It’s bigger than Central Park and gives you room to run, bike, or soak in some of the best views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. It’s like having a piece of NYC’s magic without the chaos.
Then there’s the food. Razza has been called the best pizza in the region by The New York Times, and it’s just one of the many spots that make Jersey City a foodie haven.
Trendy cafes, mom-and-pop gems, you name it; there’s always something worth trying.
And the art scene adds another layer, with murals that feel like they’ve been dropped in to brighten your day.
Combine that with the city’s diversity—it was ranked the second-most ethnically diverse city in the U.S.—and it’s easy to see why Jersey City is such a draw.
It’s got character, convenience, and community all rolled into one.
Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ
When it comes to the best place to live in New Jersey for families, Ho-Ho-Kus is hard to beat.
This small town of just over 4,000 feels like a slice of Americana, with tree-lined streets, colonial homes, and a historic charm that sets it apart. It’s less than 30 miles from Manhattan, but life here couldn’t feel more different.
Families love Ho-Ho-Kus for its top-rated schools, low crime rate, and quiet, walkable neighborhoods.
The town’s downtown is quaint but well-rounded, with cozy cafes, bagel shops, and fine dining.
You also have The Hermitage, a Revolutionary War-era home turned museum, right on your doorstep.
But say, for instance, you’re looking for upscale living, the Tudor-style homes in the Cheelcroft section have a distinct character that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Of course, all this comes at a cost. The average home value here is $1.14 million, and rentals hover around $5,100 for a one-bedroom.
Nonetheless, this town has an unbeatable mix of community, convenience, and quality of life.
Princeton Junction, NJ
Next up is one of the best towns in NJ to live in: Princeton Junction.
This Mercer County gem has everything: tree-lined streets, respectable schools, and breezy access to New York City and Philadelphia.
It’s small, with just under 2,000 residents, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in character.
Being so close to Princeton University gives the town an edge.
You can spend the morning strolling through the Ron Rogers Arboretum, then head to Downtown Princeton for incredible dining, a museum exhibit, or a show at the McCarter Theatre Center.
But, as you may expect, homes here aren’t cheap—average values hover around $989,300, with one-bedroom rentals at $2,950.
But for families, academics, or anyone who loves calm and convenience, Princeton Junction offers a lifestyle that’s hard to match.
Montclair, NJ
Montclair is a town that makes a strong case for being one of the best towns to live in NJ.
Just 20 miles from Manhattan, it has the kind of downtown that keeps people connected—think locally owned restaurants, cozy cafes, and independent boutiques.
For families, Montclair checks all the boxes. Highly rated schools and sprawling parks like Brookdale make it a great place to raise kids.
And Montclair State University brings a mix of cultural events and performances.
It’s a lively, balanced community where there’s always something happening.
The housing market offers variety, though it leans on the pricier side.
Homes average $1.05 million, with everything from historic Victorians to modern condos starting at $365,000.
Rentals, at $2,100 for a one-bedroom, mean it’s appealing for young professionals or families trying out the area before buying.
Cherry Hill, NJ
Cherry Hill offers the perfect balance of convenience and livability, earning its reputation as one of the best neighborhoods in New Jersey.
Located in Camden County, just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, it’s a prime spot for families, professionals, and retirees.
With a population of nearly 78,000, it’s big enough to have all the amenities you’d want, but it still feels manageable.
Housing here reflects the town’s appeal, with an average home value of $590,300 and rentals for one-bedroom apartments averaging $2,075.
That’s affordable compared to many other parts of the state, especially considering the highly rated Cherry Hill Public Schools and the area’s wealth of parks and recreational spaces.
April is when Cherry Hill lives up to its name, with 1,400 cherry trees lining King’s Highway and Route 38, turning the town into a springtime destination.
The Cherry Hill Mall is a local staple for shopping; there, you’ll find everything from big-brand stores to smaller boutiques.
And despite being so close to Philadelphia, Cherry Hill’s cost of living is lower than the state and national averages. Hence, it’s an attractive option for those seeking value without sacrificing quality of life.
Edison, NJ
Edison might carry the name of a famous inventor, but it’s not just history that puts this Middlesex County town on the map—it’s the life happening here today.
Named after Thomas Edison and once home to his Menlo Park laboratory, the town has grown into one of the best areas to live in New Jersey, attracting families, young professionals, and educators.
With nearly 107,000 residents, Edison is one of New Jersey’s most diverse communities—almost half of the population is Asian, and it shows in the food scene, festivals, and overall cultural richness.
Beyond the community vibe, it’s practical, too.
The schools here consistently earn top marks, and there are plenty of youth sports programs for kids of all ages.
If you prefer something a little quieter, the Rutgers Ecological Preserve offers trails that let you escape into nature without leaving town.
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.
