7 Best Places to Live in New Jersey in 2025

Let's talk New Jersey—small state, big personality! If you're a Gen Z or Millennial hunting for the best places to live in New Jersey, you're in for a real treat—this state has it all: late-night diners serving disco fries, beaches that make for prime summer hangout spots, and a history that's downright fascinating (we're talking over 100 Revolutionary War battles happened here!)

Salt water taffy? You know, that originated in Atlantic City after a candy store was flooded—true story. 

NJ is unique, for example, it's the only state where it's illegal for you to pump your own gas (so fancy, right?)! With a population density of 1,263 people per square mile, it's the most densely populated state in the entire country, which means more energy and more vibes. If you want affordable locations, the best schools, or the sand and surf, or just a quick train schedule to NYC, New Jersey has a town for you. 

Whether you're into the hustle and bustle bars of Hoboken or the Victorian charm of Cape May, the best places to live New Jersey are calling your name! Looking forward to finding your new home? 

Let's check out 7 areas that showcase the best of the Garden State.

1. Princeton, New Jersey

If you're after a combination of prestige, tranquility, and ambiance, Princeton is one of New Jersey's best places to live. With the world-renowned Princeton University calling the town its home, the place has its academic and cultural charm. Whether venturing to Palmer Square or getting coffee in and around Nassau Street, the ambiance is warm, polished, and designed for thought.

Quick fact: Einstein received an honorary degree from Princeton University, where he worked until he died in 1955.

Some of the best neighborhoods in Princeton are Riverside and Jugtown, which provide tree-lined streets and collective charm. The town has fantastic public schools; therefore, it must be one of the best places to live in New Jersey for families. Additionally, despite the small, quaint charm, you're still a drive of roughly one and a half hours to NYC or Philly, which makes it a great place for commuting professionals, too.

2. Hoboken, New Jersey

If you're a young professional looking for the NYC experience without the price of Manhattan, Hoboken should be your number one choice. With breathtaking skyline views, a lively bar and food scene, and the PATH train mere minutes away from Midtown, Hoboken is one of the best places to live in New Jersey, close to New York City.

The city has a youthful energy without being overwhelming, one that offers both a vibrant city feel and a fun community feel. Hoboken, New Jersey, is home to Stevens Institute of Technology, a prestigious university known for its innovation in engineering and applied sciences. Just minutes away, students also have access to a range of academic opportunities in nearby cities like Jersey City and New York City.

If you're searching for the best neighborhoods in Hoboken, check out Uptown Hoboken or Downtown Hoboken. Many of the best neighborhoods in New Jersey feature tree-lined streets, improving walkability, parks by the waterfront, or even specialty and boutique shopping for fashion. Despite its fast pace, quality rental options, and social scene, Hoboken is still one of the best cities in New Jersey to live, especially for those in their twenties and thirties.

3. Ridgewood, New Jersey

If safety, schools, and a gorgeous suburban feeling are high on your criteria, Ridgewood is truly one of the safest places to live in New Jersey. It has a real sense of community with top-rated public schools, and a quaint downtown area like Van Neste Square. Everything in Ridgewood is very well cared for and manageable, from the well-kept parks to the historic homes. Ridgewood, New Jersey doesn’t have a university within its borders, but it's conveniently located near institutions like Ramapo College of New Jersey and William Paterson University. The town’s suburban charm and easy access to nearby campuses make it a peaceful base for students.

The Heights and Old Country Club are two of Ridgewood's most desirable neighborhoods that have serene block after serene block that make up the locations of residences, plenty of space. Perfect for any family wishing to have some space while being able to access NYC (just under an hour train ride). If you are looking for something that embodies one of the best NJ suburbs, Ridgewood possesses the qualities of suburban life while being close to an urban environment. This is also one of the safest places to live in New Jersey!

Quick fact: The honeybee became New Jersey’s state bug in June 1974. These little critters help keep gardens populated and pollinated.

4. Montclair, New Jersey

Montclair is a unique town that feels like a metropolitan city but also offers the charm of suburban living, which is a huge reason to consider a move to Montclair if you're a creative, family, or a professional who needs to commute. And commuting to New York City from Montclair is easy, so getting there is less stressful!! 

Known for its whimsical arts scene, excellent schools, and many diverse residents, Montclair has something going on every weekend, whether it is the farmers market, First Wednesday events, or a jazz festival! 

Montclair, New Jersey, is best known for Montclair State University, one of the state’s largest public research universities offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The town’s vibrant arts scene and close proximity to New York City make it an appealing choice for students.

If you're in search of the best neighborhoods in Montclair, Upper Montclair and Watchung Plaza are great options and offer beautiful streetscapes that are walkable, connected to shops and the community.

5. Jersey City, New Jersey

Jersey City has rapidly grown in popularity as top places to live in New Jersey, especially for those wanting to stay close to Manhattan while avoiding the costs associated with Manhattan living. As long as you can get to the PATH train, getting into NYC is only a 15-minute ride away. The only difference is that you’re basically living in a borough in NYC where you will have a better view, slightly more breathing space, and an overall more relaxed experience. Jersey City, New Jersey is home to New Jersey City University (NJCU), a diversel public institution offering programs in the arts, education, and business, along with nearby Saint Peter’s University, a private Jesuit college. Its urban location provides students with direct access to internships and job opportunities in New York City.

 That blends right into one of the reasons why I like Jersey City and NJ in general, diversity of the neighborhoods that fit every lifestyle.

If you're new to Jersey City, my suggestion is to check out Downtown and Paulus Hook. In my opinion these are the two best neighborhoods in Jersey City with waterfront paths, multi-level modern condos and walkable dining establishments. Ultimately, Jersey City is one of the best cities to live in New Jersey if you’re into nightlife, food and fast-paced living. City life with a commute, especially if you work in finance or are launching a startup – it is all possible in Jersey City.

Quick fact: New Jersey’s state flower is the common blue violet, while its state bird is the Eastern Goldfinch. 

6. Cherry Hill, New Jersey

Cherry Hill offers families ample space, schools, conveniences, and is overall just a terrific place to live in New Jersey. The town stands just across the river from Philadelphia to boast all the benefits of suburban living with easy access to a major metropolitan area. With several parks, a great school system, and shopping, Cherry Hill has much to offer.

Barclay Farm and Erlton are two of Cherry Hill's best neighborhoods. Great for families with children or those looking for a quieter place to settle down, Cherry Hill is also only 10-20 minutes drive away from Rutgers University - Camden, Temple University, and the University of Pennsylvania. Surprisingly it is economical compared to using a town in more northern NJ.

7. Morristown, New Jersey

Morristown blends historical charm with modern amenities, making it one of the most balanced and best places to live in New Jersey. 

You have your Revolutionary War history on one side, and your trendy downtown nightlife and shopping, too. When you add a NJ Transit stop with direct trains to NYC, it is easy to understand why commuters regionally refer to Morristown as New Jersey's last best-kept secret. If you're searching for the best places to live in New Jersey, you'll find a wide range of towns that cater to families, professionals, and students alike.

For beauty and value, the best neighborhoods in Morristown are the Historic District and Convent Station. Morristown, New Jersey, is home to several esteemed higher education institutions, including Saint Elizabeth University, a private Catholic liberal arts university, and the Rabbinical College of America, a prominent Chabad Lubavitch yeshiva. Nearby, Drew University in Madison offers a liberal arts education, while Fairleigh Dickinson University's Florham Campus in Madison provides a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs

Choosing the best place to live in New Jersey really comes down to what fits your lifestyle. Whether you're the Princeton sort, Hoboken city type, or Cherry Hill family, New Jersey has a little something for everyone. From the safest neighborhoods in New Jersey to proximity-to-the-city neighborhoods with the most commuter-friendly towns near NYC, you really can't go wrong.