10 Best Places to Live in New Jersey, According to Real Estate Experts

Sandwiched between New York City and Philadelphia, New Jersey is often reduced to a side note or the butt of jokes, only getting its due when it comes to Jersey Shore getaways along its 130 miles of coastline. 

However, the state is increasingly growing in appeal thanks to its ideal mix of big-city living and suburban space. Admittedly, when I first moved to New Jersey from California 22 years ago, I tried to mask myself as a New Yorker. But over time, I’ve grown proud of living in a state that has the best of both worlds. There’s small-town charm and local community in my hometown of Hoboken, where I can drive half an hour and forest bathe in South Mountain or Eagle Rock Reservations, or hop on a 15-minute bus ride and be in Times Square, catching a Broadway show.

To find the best places to live in New Jersey right now, we talked to real estate experts all over the state for their top choices. Here are just 10 of their picks of New Jersey cities, towns, and boroughs that offer idyllic living. 

Jersey City

A busy intersection in Jersey City.

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As the Garden State’s second most populous city (Newark is the top), Jersey City offers quick access for New York City commuters. “Your commute to Manhattan will be shorter from Downtown Jersey City than if you lived in Brooklyn,” Leilani Chin with Corcoran Sawyer Smith Residential Brokerage told Travel + Leisure, noting access via the PATH train, NJ Transit buses, and the New York Waterway ferry.

With a median home price of $645,000, according to Zillow, a mix of condo high-rises and historic brownstones make up the walkable neighborhood, which features numerous parks and a Hudson River waterfront pathway offering skyline views of lower Manhattan. As WalletHub’s No. 8 most diverse city in the country, there are outposts of Asian supermarket 99 Ranch and Latino supermarket Supremo Food Market, as well as South Asian food galore in India Square. Its dining scene has long rivaled the city’s with highlights like James Beard-nominated Bangladeshi homestyle cuisine at Korai Kitchen and Dan Richer’s maybe-better-than-NYC pizza hotspot, Razza.

Asbury Park

Aerial shot of the Asbury Park boardwalk.

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Bruce Springsteen was onto something when he named his 1973 album “Greetings from Asbury Park.” “Everyone loves to live here with the art and music scene, the food, the balance of being in a peaceful neighborhood within walking distance of a vibrant downtown with tons of thriving small businesses, and obviously the beach!” Chin said.

Located on the Jersey Shore about 60 miles south of New York City, the beach town’s average home sales were around $662,000. Plus, there’s been a 58.7 percent increase in owner-occupied households, according to a Point2Homes study, showing folks are making their moves more permanent. The shore town is best known for its boardwalk and the music venue, The Stone Pony, as well as a freewheeling vibe that makes it as enticing for visitors as it is for residents. 

But perhaps its essence is best told by its most famous resident. “I’m in the Atlantic Ocean every summer,” Springsteen told the Hollywood Reporter in a podcast about living in nearby Colts Neck. “I still love to go down and get a hot dog from Max’s or the Windmill. I still love to spend a little time on the Asbury Park boardwalk when I can. I’ll be here till the angels come knocking.”

Montvale

A person leaving Wegmans in Montvale, New Jersey.

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Arielle Rosa with Keller Williams Valley Realty admits she’s partial to her own town of Montvale in northern Bergen County near the New York state line, describing it as “a small-town feel with lots of conveniences.” Average home prices here are $915,000, with Rosa noting it’s ideal for both families and first-time buyers because of “the ability to grow here” with “a wide range of housing options: mid-priced and luxury townhomes, more modest houses like capes and ranches, new construction luxury mansions, and everything in between.”

For commuters, she admits it looks far from the city on a map, but her husband catches a commuter bus that gets him there in half an hour. More than anything, it’s the lifestyle that’s so appealing. “Driving across the main road through town, Grand Avenue, you’ll see kids riding their bikes, stopping to fish at Huff Pond, and then heading to the Shoppes at DePiero Farm for Starbucks or Crumbl cookies,” she said. “As someone who grew up in Manhattan, my kids are now living an idyllic suburban life I thought only existed on TV.”

Woodland Park

New Townhouses in Woodland Park, New Jersey.

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For the retiree crowd, Rosa suggested Four Seasons at Great Notch, an active community for those 55 years old and up, located in Woodland Park. The gated community features apartments, attached townhouses, and freestanding homes, with an average home price of $625,000. Perfectly situated at the intersection of major throughways, including Interstate 80 and Routes 3 and 46, she said it’s bordered by a rock quarry, so it “feels like you’re a world away.” 

Rosa adds that there’s also a “massive, beautiful clubhouse with every amenity you can imagine, including a pool overlooking the NYC skyline.” In short, she said, “It’s like summer camp for seniors.”

Woodcliff Lake

A service area named James Gandolfini in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

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Just south of Montvale is Woodcliff Lake, which offers a well-rounded suburban life close to New York City, according to Debbie Portnoy with the Stacy Esser Group, part of Keller Williams Town Life. The “sought-after” area strikes “the perfect balance of convenience, community, and nature, making it an ideal place to raise a family.” Though small in stature, amenities include a Whole Foods, upscale shopping, and express buses to Manhattan. Homes currently average $1.22 million, according to Zillow.

There are also “excellent” public schools and a “wide range of recreational opportunities,” like the unofficial summer hangout at Old Mill pool complex, plus hiking at Atkins Glen, tennis and pickleball courts, seasonal festivals, and a town summer camp. There’s even a community garden where residents can grow their own fruits and veggies in a fenced-in space. During the winter months, ski lessons at Campgaw Mountain or Mount Peter and ice skating at Van Saun Park in nearby Paramus are all within reach.

Morristown 

Downtown Morristown, New Jersey at night.

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One part Gilmore Girls Stars Hollow, one part an outdoor lovers’ paradise, Morris County’s Morristown has “the perfect blend of historic charm, vibrant culture, and modern convenience” along with a “warm, community-focused vibe,” Portnoy said.

That includes a rich cultural scene, with its own Mayo Performing Arts Center hosting performances by household names such as Sutton Foster, Leslie Odom Jr., and Il Divo. Also in town is the state’s second-largest museum, the Morris Museum, which is a Smithsonian affiliate, as well as the Frelinghuysen Arboretum with its delightful gardens and Patriots’ Path for hiking. Dining options range from family-friendly South Street Creamery and The Famished Frog to the upscale 1776 from chef David Burke. 

With an average home value of $870,000, buyers can find everything from entry-level condos to high-end historic homes. “With strong schools, a train line to NYC, and a bustling town center, Morristown continues to be a top choice for those seeking a dynamic suburban lifestyle with urban energy,” Portnoy said.

Fair Lawn

A sign of inclusivity in Fair Lawn, New Jersey.

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Another family-friendly community in Bergen County is Fair Lawn, which is especially notable for its robust year-round community events, including farmers markets, outdoor concerts, fireworks, and festivals. “There’s always something happening,” says Shana Cohen, also with the Stacy Esser Group of Keller Williams Town Life, adding that the events “bring neighbors together and celebrate the town’s spirit.”

With a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and rentals, the community is made up of commuters, families, and longtime residents, who all boast a sense of pride about their borough. One of the most unique areas in town is the Radburn Association neighborhood, founded in 1929 as a “town for the motor age,” an experiment in urban planning. With walking paths and interior parks that never cross busy roads, its residents also have access to 23 acres of green space. 

With a “rare combination of history, thoughtful design, and vibrant modern living,” Cohen said that “Fair Lawn is more than just a place to live—it’s a place to belong.”

Tenafly

A residential home in Tenafly, New Jersey.

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Stacy Esser, founder and team leader of Stacy Esser Group, part of Keller Williams Town Life, points to Tenafly as a destination for home buyers seeking that magical combination of top-rated public schools (including a nationally ranked high school), a quick commute to the city, and upscale living. The Bergen County borough, where homes average $1.24 million, features a diverse range of properties, from grand estates and custom-built homes to updated colonials and historic homes on tree-lined streets.

Highlights include its “charming downtown” packed with boutiques, cafés, and restaurants, and the Tenafly Nature Center, a wooded destination with hiking trails and wildlife programs. “Tenafly offers convenience and a true sense of community,” Esser says. 

Hamilton

Aerial view of houses in Hamilton, New Jersey.

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Centrally located between New York and Philadelphia, Hamilton in Mercer County offers “more affordable” home prices and “reasonable” taxes in a township with decent schools, Christine Mariano of Corcoran Sawyer Smith said. Zillow combines Hamilton with adjacent Greenwood, showing an average home price of $225,000, significantly lower than most Northern New Jersey and Jersey Shore areas. 

“The affordability and location draw many young buyers and families, and as a result, a real sense of community develops among its residents who share local sports teams, houses of worship, local restaurants, and the like,” she said. There’s even a world-renowned outdoor sculpture park, Grounds for Sculpture, the brainchild of the late Seward Johnson, who just happened to be the cousin of Michael Douglas, a huge fan of the park.

Hamilton is also about 12 miles south of one of Mariano’s favorite Mercer County towns, Princeton, with top-notch arts, culture, and dining, plus a walkable downtown surrounding the Ivy League university. However, with a significantly higher average home price of $955,000 and higher tax rates, this nearby option offers the perks within an affordable range.

Monroe 

Aerial view of houses in Monroe, New Jersey.

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Middlesex County’s Monroe also sits in Central Jersey, with the Jersey Shore, New York City, and Philly within easy reach. It’s most known for its adult communities, offering comfortable living for the older set. The well-established communities of Clearbrook, Rossmoor, and Concordia are rooted in tradition, while the newer 55-plus communities of Regency, Renaissance, and Venue are also drawing interest from a vibrant group of empty-nest professionals, Mariano said.

With average home prices at $665,000, and “the history and abundance of adult communities in the township, there are so many options for retirees with regard to price points and amenities,” Mariano explained.