New Jersey is gaining recognition as a prime residential location, offering a unique blend of urban accessibility and suburban comfort. Positioned between New York City and Philadelphia, the state provides diverse living options that cater to various lifestyles, from bustling city centers to quiet, family-oriented towns and coastal communities.
Real estate professionals from across the Garden State have identified key areas attracting new residents. Their selections highlight communities with strong schools, convenient commutes, vibrant cultural scenes, and a wide range of housing options, challenging outdated perceptions and showcasing the state's growing appeal.
Key Takeaways
- Real estate experts have named 10 top locations to live in New Jersey, citing a mix of urban, suburban, and coastal lifestyles.
- Locations range from the highly diverse and commutable Jersey City to the family-focused suburbs of Bergen County like Montvale and Tenafly.
- Housing prices vary significantly, with more affordable options like Hamilton (average $225,000) contrasting with upscale areas like Tenafly (average $1.24 million).
- The list includes specialized communities, such as retirement-friendly towns like Monroe and Woodland Park, and cultural hubs like Asbury Park.
Urban Centers with Direct City Access
For those seeking a dynamic urban environment with convenient transportation to major metropolitan areas, certain New Jersey cities stand out for their amenities, diversity, and connectivity.
Jersey City
As New Jersey's second-most populous city, Jersey City offers unparalleled access to New York City. Its strategic location provides multiple transit options, including the PATH train, NJ Transit buses, and the New York Waterway ferry.
Leilani Chin of Corcoran Sawyer Smith Residential Brokerage notes the logistical advantage for commuters.
"Your commute to Manhattan will be shorter from Downtown Jersey City than if you lived in Brooklyn," Chin stated.
The city's housing market includes a mix of modern high-rise condominiums and historic brownstones. According to Zillow, the median home price in Jersey City is approximately $645,000. The walkable downtown area features numerous parks and a scenic Hudson River waterfront path with views of the Manhattan skyline.
A Hub of Diversity
WalletHub ranked Jersey City as the No. 8 most diverse city in the United States. This is reflected in its commercial landscape, which includes major international supermarkets like 99 Ranch and Supremo Food Market, as well as the vibrant India Square neighborhood.
The culinary scene is also a major draw, featuring acclaimed establishments such as the James Beard-nominated Bangladeshi restaurant Korai Kitchen and the popular pizza spot, Razza.
Vibrant Coastal and Cultural Hubs
Beyond the urban core, New Jersey's coastline and historic towns offer unique cultural experiences and strong community engagement, attracting both permanent residents and visitors.
Asbury Park
Located about 60 miles south of New York City, Asbury Park is renowned for its lively arts and music scene, anchored by the iconic venue The Stone Pony. The town, immortalized by Bruce Springsteen, combines a peaceful neighborhood feel with a bustling downtown and popular beach.
"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!" said Leilani Chin.
The real estate market reflects its growing popularity, with average home sales around $662,000. A study by Point2Homes found a 58.7% increase in owner-occupied households, indicating a shift toward permanent residency.
The town's most famous resident, Bruce Springsteen, still maintains a strong connection to the area. In a podcast with The Hollywood Reporter, he said, "I'm in the Atlantic Ocean every summer... I'll be here till the angels come knocking."
Morristown
In Morris County, Morristown offers a blend of historic charm and modern amenities. Debbie Portnoy with the Stacy Esser Group described it as having a "warm, community-focused vibe" combined with "urban energy."
The town boasts a rich cultural landscape, including the Mayo Performing Arts Center and the Morris Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the Frelinghuysen Arboretum and the Patriots' Path hiking trail.
Living in Morristown
With an average home value of $870,000, Morristown's real estate market offers a range of properties from condos to large historic homes. Its strong school system and direct train line to New York City make it a popular choice for families and commuters.
Portnoy added, "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."
Sought-After Suburban Communities
Many homebuyers are drawn to New Jersey for its classic suburban lifestyle, which combines green spaces, strong schools, and tight-knit communities, all within reach of urban centers.
Montvale
Situated in northern Bergen County near the New York state line, Montvale provides a "small-town feel with lots of conveniences," according to Arielle Rosa of Keller Williams Valley Realty. The average home price here is $915,000.
Rosa highlights the town's diverse housing stock, which includes townhomes, ranches, and new luxury homes, making it suitable for both first-time buyers and growing families. Despite its location, a commuter bus can reach New York City in about 30 minutes.
"As someone who grew up in Manhattan, my kids are now living an idyllic suburban life I thought only existed on TV," Rosa commented on the lifestyle in Montvale.
Woodcliff Lake
Just south of Montvale, Woodcliff Lake is another desirable Bergen County suburb. Debbie Portnoy describes it as striking "the perfect balance of convenience, community, and nature." The average home price is currently $1.22 million, according to Zillow.
The town features excellent public schools, upscale shopping including a Whole Foods, and express bus service to Manhattan. Recreational opportunities are abundant, with facilities like the Old Mill pool complex, hiking at Atkins Glen, and a community garden.
Fair Lawn
Fair Lawn, also in Bergen County, is known for its strong community engagement and year-round events like farmers markets and outdoor concerts. Shana Cohen of the Stacy Esser Group said, "There's always something happening," which helps "bring neighbors together and celebrate the town's spirit."
The Radburn Association
A unique feature of Fair Lawn is the Radburn neighborhood, established in 1929 as a "town for the motor age." This planned community was designed with pedestrian safety in mind, featuring walking paths and interior parks that avoid crossing major roads. Residents have access to 23 acres of shared green space.
Cohen concluded that Fair Lawn's combination of history and modern living makes it "more than just a place to live—it's a place to belong."
Tenafly
Stacy Esser, founder of the Stacy Esser Group, points to Tenafly as a top choice for buyers seeking highly-rated schools and an upscale lifestyle. This Bergen County borough has an average home price of $1.24 million and features a range of properties from historic colonials to large modern estates.
Key attractions include a charming downtown area with boutiques and restaurants, as well as the Tenafly Nature Center, which offers extensive hiking trails. "Tenafly offers convenience and a true sense of community," Esser noted.
Affordable and Retirement-Focused Options
New Jersey also offers attractive options for retirees and those seeking more affordable living, particularly in the central part of the state.
Hamilton
Located in Mercer County, Hamilton provides a more accessible entry point into the housing market. Christine Mariano of Corcoran Sawyer Smith highlighted its "more affordable" home prices and "reasonable" taxes. Zillow data shows an average home price of $225,000 in the Hamilton/Greenwood area.
"The affordability and location draw many young buyers and families," Mariano explained. The township is also home to the world-renowned Grounds for Sculpture, an outdoor art park.
Woodland Park
For retirees, Arielle Rosa recommends the Four Seasons at Great Notch community in Woodland Park. This gated 55+ community offers apartments, townhouses, and single-family homes, with an average price of $625,000.
Situated near major highways, the community is bordered by a rock quarry, giving it a secluded feel. Rosa described its large clubhouse, which includes a pool overlooking the New York City skyline, as being "like summer camp for seniors."
Monroe
Monroe, in Middlesex County, is well-known for its numerous adult communities. Its central location provides easy access to the Jersey Shore, New York City, and Philadelphia. Average home prices in Monroe stand at $665,000.
Mariano noted the variety of options available for retirees, from established communities like Clearbrook and Rossmoor to newer developments. "The history and abundance of adult communities in the township, there are so many options for retirees with regard to price points and amenities," she said.
