10 Best Places to Live in New Jersey

10. Ho-Ho-Kus

County Bergen
Population 4,094
Closest Metro Area New York City
Average home value (2022) $788,573
Average household income (2019) $178,450
Niche Rankings #7 Best Suburb in NJ, #8 Best Suburbs to Buy a House in NJ, #( Best Suburb to Raise a Family in NJ

“As a long time NJ resident we looked closely at every town in Northern NJ and Ho-Ho-Kus had the best of everything we were looking for. The schools were great, lots of well educated families, a town you could walk to, great restaurants, the ability to get really involved in the town or not at all and reasonable taxes compared to the rest of Bergen County.

9. Glen Rock

glen rock nj with American Flag waving over it

County Bergen
Population 11,780
Closest Metro Area New York City
Average home value (2022) $761,873
Average household income (2019) $178,607
Niche Rankings #6 Best Suburbs to Buy a House in NJ, #6 Best Suburb to Live in NJ

“Glen Rock is a very safe and kid friendly town to live in. There is an excellent education system and many community activities to allow for all to get involved with others and working together. The people in Glen Rock are always very helpful and always willing to go out of their way for others.

8. Monmouth Junction

Monmouth Junction, NJ on a sunny day

Township South Brunswick
County Middlesex
Population 2,906
Closest Metro Area Close to mid-point between NYC and Philadelphia. Depends on traffic. Geographically closer to New York City.
Average home value (2022) $488,296
Average household income (2019) $150,500
Niche Rankings #1 Best Suburb to Buy a House in NJ, #2 Best Suburb to Raise a Family in NJ

“There are few better places to live in New Jersey–or anywhere else. I heartily recommend Monmouth Junction to anyone who can afford to live there.

7. Haworth

peter post house in haworth nj

County Bergen
Population 3,382
Closest Metro Area New York City
Average home value (2022) $691,500
Average household income (2019) $178,450
Niche Rankings #3 Suburb with Best Public Schools, #4 Best Public Schools in NJ, #4 Best Suburb to Live in New Jersey

“This is Mayberry! A small town with a big heart! Everyone knows one another, it is friendly and safe, and the schools are excellent.

6. Upper Montclair

tudor-inspired post office building in upper montclair nj

Township Montclair
County Essex
Population 11,589
Closest Metro Area New York City
Average home value (2022) $864,894
Average household income (2019) $211,221
Niche Rankings #3 Best Suburb in NJ, #6 Best Suburb to Raise a Family in NJ, #8 Best Place to Live in NJ

“It has a little bit of everything- urban areas with restaurants, stores and cafes; lots of greenery, parks, and hiking trails; friendly people and neighbors; proximity to the city; safety! Love living here!.

5. Princeton Meadows

green, lush woodlands

Township Plainsboro
County Middlesex
Population 13,717
Closest Metro Area New York City
Average home value (2022) $392,800
Average household income (2019) $112,520
Niche Rankings #6 Best Place to Raise a Family in NJ, #9 Best Public Schools in NJ, #23 Best Places for Young Professionals in NJ

“Excellent place to live in central jersey with beautiful homes, Posh, Spacious landscape, best schools, Corporate offices, Shopping centers, medical centers, sports facilities Including baseball, golf, cricket, soccer, fitness centers, farms, parks, lakes.

4. Princeton

Palmer Square in Princeton NJ

County Mercer
Population 31,000
Closest Metro Area Trenton, NJ. About halfway between Philadelphia and NYC
Average home value (2022) $769,357
Average household income (2019) $234,375
Niche Rankings #2 Best Public Schools in NJ, #13 Best Place to Raise a Family in NJ

“Small town feel with all of the big city conveniences, Princeton is filled with scenic beauty, open reserves, hiking trails, museums, theaters, restaurants. Just an hour train ride away from New York and Philadelphia, an hour drive to the nearest shores, 2 hour flight to DC and Boston.

3. Ridgewood

Ridgewood NJ Country Club

County Bergen
Population 25,179
Closest Metro Area New York City
Average home value (2022) 854,986
Average household income (2019) $247,369
Niche Rankings #2 Best Suburb to Live in NJ, #5 Best Suburb to Raise a Family in NYC, #6 Suburb with the Best Public Schools in NJ

“Straight out of a storybook! I completely love the vibrant downtown scene. The community is made up of highly educated and caring residents that would do anything for one another.

2. Mountain Lakes

Mountain Lakes NJ Historic District

County Morris
Population 4,270
Closest Metro Area New York City
Average home value (2022) $885,011
Average household income (2019) $310,870
Niche Rankings #1 Best Place to Raise a Family in NJ, #1 Best Suburb to Live in NJ, #3 Best Place to Buy a House in NJ

“You’ll wish you grew up here! Luckily, I did, and moved back to raise our children. So many Lakers who grew up here have moved back here the past few years because they appreciate the wonderful community, top schools, great recreation with many lakes and hiking! It’s a real testament to our town. So easy to make friends here. I love the history of the town too. The town celebrates the history and is protective of the charm and natural setting.

1. Princeton Junction

Rural road in Princeton Junction, NJ

Township West Windsor
County Mercer
Population 2,336
Closest Metro Area Trenton, NJ. About halfway between Philadelphia and NYC.
Average home value (2022) $766,451
Average household income (2019) $231,094
Niche Rankings #1 Best Place to Buy a House in NJ, #1 Best Place to Live in NJ, and #2 Best Place to Raise a Family in NJ

“Moved here from Manhattan and been living here for 21 years, and love it. Great for raising a family, social and cultural diversity, convenience, safe, great schools, lots of outdoor spaces in and around town. Great sense of community, pride and ownership in town. Eclectic food scene. Access to Princeton University, NYC and Philadelphia.