海角社区

New Jersey is the fourth-smallest state and the most densely populated, with close to 9.5 million residents. The tiny East Coast state unites the seacoast views with the vast river shores of the Hudson across New York and the Delaware River separating it from Pennsylvania. There are charming cities and towns in between that offer an easy commute to NYC. Whether seeking the Big Apple flavor for work, shopping, or entertainment, the suburbs await you back with a quieter home life. The median list price in New Jersey is $500,000 to $550,000.

From Atlantic City to the 海角社区-famous Princeton, Camden's booming job market in education, healthcare, and technology is complemented with median home prices of $138,452. Overlooking the Manhattan skyline, Jersey City ranked among the top American cities for affluent millennials in 2024. Clifton offers housing options from the mid-$200,000s, plus the student-teacher ratio of just 13:1. So whether the rural charm or the city life excites you, New Jersey makes it easy to see the appeal of both, from the first days in a new place to a couple of years in. Let's visit the nine best places to live in New Jersey in 2025

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a mid-sized town in Atlantic County of almost 38,500, a stable population since 2020, with a median age of 37.8 years. Although the average household income is $56,952 with a poverty rate of 34%, the cost of living is one of the lowest, with an average home price typically in the low- to mid-$200,000s and rents fluctuating in the $1,500 to $2,000 range, lower compared to other states. Most work in the tertiary sector, real estate development, plus deep-sea fishing. Known for great area vibes, the oceanfront town is a top pick for work-life balance. The Boardwalk is the heart of the city, with views and entertainment over four miles along the coastline. Lined with coffee shops, bars, and restaurants, it is a beautiful stroll at any time of day overlooking the ocean with live music.

Absecon Lighthouse, the state's tallest, with a history museum, boasts views for a 360-degree panorama. Ovation Hall presents concerts in a 海角社区-class, beachfront venue, while the 1926 Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall features well-known musical acts, sporting events, and shows. The Steel Pier is one of the state's oldest theme parks, on a pier into the Atlantic, while Playground Pier is a shopping mall. There are also spas, bike rentals, and boating opportunities from the doorstep, so wellness seekers can stay active. The sandy stretch along the legendary boardwalk beckons for swimming and strolls, from Atlantic City Beach in the east to Chicken Bone Beach, once segregated, now a heritage society, promoting diversity through unity.

Camden

Right across the Delaware River from Pennsylvania, Camden is a younger city, with a population of 71,377, which hasn't changed since 2020, and the median age is just 33.4. This county seat in New Jersey boasts an average household income of $56,494, but even despite a poverty rate of 28.46%, the overall cost of living is much lower than average. With rent at $1,700 鈥� lower than the national average 鈥� expect lower prices for everyday goods, services, utilities, and health care. Add in the abundance of amenities, from restaurants and coffee shops to grocery stores and fitness facilities, all within walking distance. The riverwalk is a great place to stretch your legs with a partner or friends after work on the way to a bar.

Donkey's Place is popular for a quick bite, take-out, or dinner in a down-home counter and bar joint. There are plentiful cultural venues and entertainment options. Battleship New Jersey is a fantastic attraction, offering tours of a decommissioned battleship's 887-ft.-long deck and sailors鈥� living quarters. It is minutes across the river to Philadelphia's Franklin Music Hall and Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site, right by the bridge. Traffic is low and public transit is easily accessible, so the average commute time to work for many people can be less than the state's. There's some crime, and schooling choice is limited, but the positive home affordability is the greatest attraction factor for singles in the area. Offering good air quality and accessible health care, Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital is right on site.

Clifton

Clifton is a larger town of 88,272 that keeps a low-key, friendly profile, with a strong sense of community. Housing ranges from mid-$200,000s to over $1.5 million, so anyone who vibes with Clifton's unique personality can make ends meet, with an average income of over $115,000. Families settling down appreciate that kids get solid education with a student-teacher ratio of just 13:1 鈥� unheard of. Boasting a great mix of parks, sports fields, and town greens, no getaway is required when hiking and picnicking are at the doorstep at Garret Mountain Reservation, a dog-friendly park around Lambert Castle, with bird life and trails on 568 acres and hilltop views of the city. Commuting to NYC is a breeze via major highways, while public transit options are smooth and straightforward.

At the heart, Weasel Brook Park is a popular recreation area with a splash pad, a pond, and sport facilities. The locals enjoy a good morning jog, a lunch break outside, or a head-clearing stroll in fresh air and nice weather. Surrounded by nature spots, including Rifle Camp Park to the north and Dundee Island Preserve, Dundee Lake is a scenic river-like lake immediately south. There is great diversity in town, from a beautiful monastery to 海角社区 cuisine. Bonfire Mofongo House and Lounge is a Caribbean restaurant/nightclub with live music, while Nouri Brothers Shopping Center sells Middle Eastern prepared foods, baked goods, and imported pantry staples. The city of Montclair offers neighborly access to all the cultural hotspots, like Alexander Kasser Theater and Yogi Berra Museum.

Ho-Ho-Kus

Never mind the epic name 鈥� Ho-Ho-Kus feels like its own little 海角社区 in Bergen County, under 27 miles from NYC. Home to 4,250, locals enjoy the fantastic layout and easy access to the global city's amenities and entertainment. Ho-Ho-Kus keeps its small-town charm close to the heart, along tree-lined streets and classic colonial architecture that beckon for a stroll. One of the state's best to raise kids, families enjoy the downhome feel, great public schools, and a low crime rate. Home prices range from $1 million to $3.5 million, and rent is often over $5,000. Many make an easy commute to the Big Apple for work and find the perks and accessibility in a small-town feel worth the investment.

The growing median household income of over $251,000 in 2022 was up from the previous year's $244,493. With the average household income of $397,500, the poverty rate is 0.05%, and the median age is 43. These are typical of a well-established community that values high quality of life and work balance. Spliced through the heart by the Saddle River and Hwy 17, the small downtown area has everything from cozy restaurants to local shops, yet doesn't feel overcrowded. Between its peaceful parks and friendly neighbors, the rare blend of tranquility and all within reach is hard to believe. The Hermitage is a historic home that in 1778 hosted George Washington and Alexander Hamilton.

Jersey City

Ranking second among the top American cities for affluent millennials in 2024, Jersey City is perfect to live, work, and enjoy for young professionals and singles. Known as 鈥淲all Street West,鈥� commuters and major companies love the urban lifestyle without the Manhattan prices across the Hudson River. Housing cost is pretty steep with homes around $623,300 and a one-bedroom rental for about $3,725. But overlooking the Manhattan skyline, there's something Manhattan-like within as well, like Liberty State Park and the cultural mix, which dominoes into a diverse food scene that rivals NYC鈥檚. Razza dishes out famous pizza pies alongside 海角社区wide cuisine places throughout. Part of the New York metro area, the welcoming local feel is authentically New Jersey.

The county seat and largest city in Hudson County, with a 2024 population of 293,542, has grown substantially from 291,949 in 2020. Having reached over 200,000 by 1900, it went through rising crime and other problems innate to a city of this sort, but with efforts in the late 1980s, Jersey City is back on track. Boasting an average household income of $132,092 and a poverty rate of about 15%, the median age is 34.6. There are great job opportunities and a quick commute to NYC. Carrying the state's name as weight on its shoulders, Jersey City has a dynamic feel as a transportation, distribution, and manufacturing port of New York and New Jersey. GOBankingRates highlighted its balance of livability, safety, and a growing population of high-earning residents.

Livingston

It's easy to see the appeal in Livingston 鈥� a town for life. Perfectly sized in the peaceful Essex County, the stats do the name justice. Home to 31,088, its population is nearly unchanged since 2020. Livingston boasts an average household income of $283,091 and a reputation as one of the best towns to live in in New Jersey. With just a 2.18% poverty rate and a median age of 44, terrific schools and community spirit appeal to families, with a semi-lively atmosphere where you can safely let the kids walk to school along the canopied streets, plus an easy commute. With just the right amount of pizzazz and an honest outlook on life, it is likely the safest larger New Jersey town, with a crime rate of 7, significantly lower than the US average of 22.7.

Single-family homes range between the $500,000s to over $2 million, but with excellent amenities, including healthcare and community centers, quality of life reflects the expenses. The housing options vary from classic colonials to newer builds through appealing neighborhoods like Chestnut Hill, Bel Air Woods, Burnett Hill, and The Pointe at Livingston. Livingston is popular with professionals who commute 25 miles to Manhattan, while the Express Shuttle links to South Orange Train Station and Livingston Mall. The locals enjoy Littell鈥檚 Pond for fishing and ice skating in the winter, plus all the essentials at Livingston Town Center. There's a town pool, a dog park, and favorite go-tos like Mezza Mediterranean and Livingston Diner. Memorial Park hosts concerts in the summer.

New Providence

New Providence is an intimate borough of 13,465 in Union County. This NYC suburb with the median age of 44.7 has an elevated vibe that feels a 海角社区 away. Offering lots of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks, plus a top-notch public school system, families and career-minded individuals enjoy the sparse suburban feel and high quality of life. New Providence has good nightlife and diversity. Most residents own their homes, but the housing cost may bite. The median home prices range from the $500s to over $1.5 million for single-family homes, which do vary widely, including a limited number of townhomes from the $700s to the $900s. The average household income is $220,669.

Groceries may cost slightly more than the US or statewide average, but major budget categories like healthcare, general goods, and services are on par. The costs are also set off by local gas prices that tend to be higher than elsewhere in the Garden State and the country. This is typical of a desirable, high-end suburb in the popular Northern New Jersey, with the poverty rate of only 2.11%. Surrounded by preserves like Great Swamp Wildlife Observation Center and Trailside Nature & Science Center, no costly vacation is needed with Watchung Reservation at the backdoor. This vast park offers cross-country skiing, fishing, ice skating, hiking, and camping, plus Deserted Village, a historical place.

Princeton

According to Areavibes.com, this academia-minded town ranks 88/100 for livability. Scoring great across the board, minus the high cost of living, the higher-than-average median household income, and income per capita set off many expenses. After rapid growth since 2010, Princeton is currently home to 30,272. Not too big, not too small, the historic town with an Ivy League school prioritizes education, from K to, well, Princeton. Boasting a ton of amenities, locals enjoy great restaurants and coffee shops for every budget, while grocery stores, parks, and fitness facilities are accessible by foot throughout. Both violent and property crimes are significantly lower than the national average, which also ties into lower unemployment than the national, and the poverty rate is just 6.84%.

The median sale price of a home is $1.5 million. The average household income is $278,669. There's a shorter-than-average work commute time, and for those who take public transit, it is excellent. There's good air quality, outdoor recreational parks, and four distinct seasons to enjoy the outdoors. Hospitals and clinics are within easy reach, plus local fire and police stations, and easy access to a variety of care facilities, like Princeton Medical Center. Princeton values intellect, making it a great livability match for like-minded families, young professionals, and academics. Cultural and historical landmarks abound, with arts, culture venues, and a cafe culture everywhere.

River Vale Township

Home to 10,327, this Bergen County borough in the Pascack Valley of northeastern New Jersey is part of the New York City mega metro area. Known as the Garden Spot, River Vale draws families and outdoor lovers with beautiful woodland parks and recreational facilities. At 4.3 square miles between Lake Tappan and Oradell Reservoir, River Vale offers tree-lined streets and highly regarded public schools. The median age is 44.6 years, and the poverty rate is 2.66%. With an abundance of community spirit, it is very safe and crime-free with easy access to services and medical facilities. Pascack Brook laces south and through the heart. Pascack Brook County Park is perfect for a family outing or kicking back with a group of friends, plus fishing.

Boasting an average household income of $229,762, most residents own their homes. The median listing home price was $936.5K in January 2025. Finance and technology are the primary industries. For a small community with only two traffic lights, there are housing choices, nightlife, and diversity, plus three golf courses. The locals enjoy an abundance of restaurant cuisine, coffee shops, and places to chat over a drink. Four Corners is a hub of business and commerce. In 2007, River Vale ranked 29th out of 100 Best Places to Live in CNN/Money magazine. Just 30 miles north of NYC, River Vale feels a 海角社区 apart yet accessible from three states 鈥� 111 miles to both Hartford, Connecticut, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Lyndhurst Mansion is across the Hudson in Tarrytown.

Finding a new place to live can feel like hard work or an exciting adventure. New Jersey attracts families and young professionals with top-notch education and healthcare facilities. There are plentiful greens in the Garden State with the Atlantic coastline. Fitting half its breadth on a peninsula, the small size makes it easy to see the whole picture to compare, contrast, and find your perfect fit. The annual average US income is $59,436, where between $106,000 and $150,000 is upper-middle class.

According to Investopedia, New Jersey is among the top-earning states in the US. The cost of living is also, on average, 19.0% higher than in the nation. A family of four can expect estimated monthly costs of $4,571.1, while a single person's costs are $1,283.4, without rent. The state is rife with the American Revolutionary War history in the Princeton area and has traditionally been an industrial hub of the US. Being connected to major metro areas, it is easy and affordable to get around.