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Crucial Steps to Take Before Moving to NJ

Crucial Steps to Take Before Moving to NJ

New Jersey, also known as the Garden State, is a popular destination for a variety of reasons, with the most common one being its distance to two major cities: NYC and Philadelphia. While it’s often overshadowed by New York, there’s plenty of other reasons to move here including affordable housing, parks and beaches, great schools, and more. So whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or perhaps a retiree, moving to New Jersey is a great option. Below are some hints and tips on how to choose the right place in New Jersey for you.

Check Out Different Towns/Cities

New Jersey might be the fifth smallest state when it comes to land area, but there’s a lot of diversity when it comes to the various towns and small cities. If you want to commute easily to NYC, look at Hoboken or Jersey City as you can simply hop on the PATH train to access Midtown, the West Village, and Battery Park City. Due to its proximity to NYC, both locations have a more urban feel and offer a wide variety of amenities and great night life, making it perfect for young professionals. 

However, if you’re looking for something a bit quieter, there are plenty of options to choose from including:

  • Montclair – offers an urban/suburban feel with plenty of restaurants and retail shops. It also has highly rated public schools and low crime
  • Princeton – home to the prestigious Princeton University, the town of Princeton is often considered one of the best places to live. The historic downtown is very walkable with plenty of food and shopping options.
  • Closter – Located in Bergen County, this small town is great if you’re looking for a more rural environment, but still want access to major cities. NYC is about an hour away via NJ Transit buses. Considered the Historic Hub of the Northern Valley, Closter offers a quaint downtown area as well as an outdoor mall that includes grocery stores, restaurants, and a movie theater.

Know what kind of environment you want before moving. You don’t want to move to the suburbs if you’re looking for a more bustling environment. Some factors to consider when comparing neighborhoods include:

  • Community – each area has its own culture. Some towns are more conservative while others are more progressive. Find the one that suits you!
  • Cost of Living – the cost of living varies widely between towns, but the more amenities you want where you live, the more expensive it will be. Living in Hoboken will be more expensive than a place like Morristown for example.
  • Amenities – what do you want from the neighborhood? If you’re an outdoorsy person, you might want to move to a place that has easy access to one of the many parks in New Jersey. Young professionals, on the other hand, might want to move to a place that has an active nightlife. Figure this out before you move so you’re not stuck somewhere that doesn’t offer the things you want. 
  • Commute – While New Jersey traffic might not be as bad as NYC, you can experience traffic jams during the morning and evening rush hour. If you plan on commuting to NYC or Philadelphia, make sure you are okay with the commute time! An hour might not seem that long initially, but it might slowly wear on you if you have to make the trip 5 days a week. 

Decide Whether to Rent or Buy

New Jersey has plenty of housing options and you can choose to buy or rent. For either option, peak season is during the summer months between Memorial Day and Labor Day. If possible, try to find a place between October and April as while the supply might be lower, you’ll have a better chance of negotiating the rents and home prices down.

When it comes to renting, there are plenty of options to choose from including apartment buildings to family homes. Tenant laws in New Jersey are meant to protect renters. For example, landlords cannot charge more than 1.5 times the monthly rent for a security deposit. The best part about renting is that you can leave when your lease is up. Have your paperwork ready if you end up finding a place you love as apartments tend to move fast in the more desirable locations. You will need to show proof of income, ID, and occasionally have references ready. Unlike NYC that requires 40 times the rent,, New Jersey landlords are a bit more lenient, requiring 30-35 times the monthly rent as the annual income requirement. You might also need to pay Broker fees, though it’s less common than NYC.

If you want to buy, you have plenty of options to choose from condos to townhomes to family estates. The housing market can be fierce, especially in areas with good schools and access to amenities so you’ll need to move fast if you find a place you like. If you plan on buying a condo, make sure you familiarize yourself with everything you will need to pay for including things like insurance, condo fees, taxes, maintenance fees, etc.

Find a Place That Matches Your Budget

With the cost of living continuing to rise, finding a location that you can afford is imperative. On average, New Jersey tends to be more expensive than the national average, but compared to NYC and Philadelphia, it is cheaper. Still, that doesn’t mean all of the towns are affordable as there are plenty of wealthy areas like Princeton and Montclair. In general, most locations that have great schools, lots of amenities, and access to NYC tend to be on the more expensive side. Likewise, there are more affordable locations like:

  • Phillipsburg – A rural town equidistant to NYC and Philadelphia. It has seen an economic revival in the past 20 years due to the Urban Enterprise Zone initiative which has reduced sales tax to 3.3125% to encourage more shopping and businesses. There has also been continuous talks of re-establishing a train from NYC to Phillipsburg so it could become a bustling town in the near future.
  • New Brunswick – A regional commercial hub for Central New Jersey, the area is home to Rutgers University, the largest university in New Jersey, and is also a popular commuter town for those who work in NYC. 
  • Toms River – A perfect location for those who want to live along the water. You get the Toms River that goes right through town and easy access to the beach along the Atlantic Ocean. It’s one of the safest cities in the United States and tends to attract families and retirees. 

Depending on where you move in New Jersey, home ownership isn’t just a pipe dream. There are many great locations where you can still get a home for under $300,000. In fact, compared to neighboring states, New Jersey has a higher percentage of homeowners! One thing to keep in mind is that New Jersey has the highest property taxes in the United States. And while HOAs do exist, they aren’t as prevalent as many homes and communities were created pre-1980.

Speaking of taxes, New Jersey does not have any city taxes, unlike New York. That means if you live in New Jersey but work in NYC, your take home pay is more than if you lived and worked in NYC since you aren’t paying NYC taxes. It also has progressive state taxes so you only get taxes on the income you earn above a certain bracket. 

Besides housing and taxes, you also have to consider other areas of your budget. For example, if you move to a suburban or rural area, you will definitely need to invest in a car, which means insurance and gas. Luckily, New Jersey tends to have cheaper gas than neighboring states as it is a major shipping hub for gas and oil. There are several options for grocery stores including Aldi and Trader Joe’s for budget-friendly options. You can also pick up fresh vegetables and fruits at your local farmer’s market!

Explore the Town

Have you narrowed down your choice of towns to one or two? Then now is a perfect time to actually spend time in the area. This is a crucial step as it will give you a better idea of the community vibe and atmosphere so even if you’re making a long-distance move to NYC, rent an AirBnB and spend a few days or week in the area. The more time you can familiarize yourself with the area, the better. 

Don’t treat this like a vacation! Use this time to act like you already live in the area. Travel to the grocery store, gym, school, work location, etc. to see how long it will actually take you to get to these places via your preferred method of travel. Outside of the major NJ cities, you’ll likely need to rent a car to get around, but you can always check to see if the area is bike and/or pedestrian friendly if you enjoy walking around town. If you plan on commuting to NYC via bus or train, ride it so you get an idea of how long it will take and if it’s something you can handle on a daily basis. You should also travel to areas of interest whether that’s to parks, the beach, or cultural institutions. Don’t forget to check out the local events to see if there’s anything happening. That way you can get to know your neighbors beforehand!

Not everyone can take time off work to explore a new city. If that’s the case, then explore digitally via Google Street View. Check out points of interest and map out how long it will take to get to these locations. While it won’t give you the same experience, it’s better than nothing!

Moving to New Jersey

Your move to NJ doesn’t have to be stressful. At NJ Great Movers, we have helped hundreds of customers relocate with no issues. Our experienced moving team has handled every type of move in every situation from moving during a blizzard to the scorching summer heat. So whether you’re making a local or long distance move we’re here to help. Reach out to us and we’ll answer any questions you might have. 

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The Best Places to Live in NJ for Gen Z

Best Places to Live in NJ for Gen Z
Best Places to Live in NJ for Gen Z

Being on your own for the first time after college can be both exciting and scary. If you’re still deciding where you want to move to, why not consider New Jersey? Sure, this might be the 5th smallest state based on land area, but it’s also the most densely populated one with close to 9.3 million residents. Plus, depending on where you move you will be a short train ride or drive away from either NYC or Philadelphia. Depending on what city you move to though, you might not even need to venture outside the state as there are plenty of jobs, entertainment, and more at your fingertips.

So if you’re looking for your first apartment, then consider looking in these NJ cities.

One of the Largest Cities is: Jersey City

If you want to enjoy all the trappings of a large city without dealing with millions of people, then Jersey City might be the place for you. Sure, it’s still crowded as it has almost 300,000 residents residing within 21 square miles, but you still have a bit more breathing room when compared to living in Manhattan. Speaking of Manhattan, you’re only a short train ride away so whether you decide to work or play in NYC, you can make the commute in 30 minutes or less via the Path Train or NJ Transit.

Thanks to its proximity to NYC and being a major port of entry for immigration, Jersey City is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the United States. As such, it’s an amazing place for foodies. You can try cuisines from around the world such as Cuban, Indian, Caribbean, Filipino, and Vietnamese. In fact, Food & Wine declared Jersey City one of America’s next great food cities.

Jersey City offers more than just amazing food; it’s also a great place for job seekers. Many financial firms have opened up locations in Jersey City since the 1980s including Chase, Merrill Lynch, UBS, and Royal Bank of Canada. Because of the high concentration of financial institutions, Jersey City has been given the nickname the Wall Street West. If you’re not interested in working for a large financial company, Jersey City is also home to Colgate-Palmolive and Salesforce. Of course, you can always commute to NYC if you can’t find something you like. You can get easy access to Midtown, the West Village, and Battery Park thanks to the PATH train and NJ Transit buses.

There are plenty of opportunities available in the area and with the lower cost of living and lower income taxes when compared to NYC, you’ll have more money at the end of the month making this one of the best cities in NJ for young professionals. The best part is that the salaries for these financial institutions and other large companies tend to be close to what you would get in NYC. Which means you’re getting a NYC salary without having to worry about NYC rents and other cost of living expenses.

While rents are rising in Jersey City, you can get more for your money so instead of spending $3,000 for a studio apartment, you can get an actual one bedroom complete with a separate living room and kitchen.

Morristown: The Best Place to Find a Soulmate

If you don’t like the fast pace of city life but don’t want to give up on convenience then Morristown might be the perfect place for you. The city only has around 20,000 residents, making it more than 10 times smaller than Jersey City and measures only 3 square miles, making it one of the smallest cities in New Jersey.

Despite its small size, Morristown has plenty to offer. You can hop on the NJ Transit train to go to NYC. Or you can travel to other locations in NJ such as Secaucus or Dover and everything in between. With that said, you don’t need to leave Morristown if you’re looking for things to do. Why not eat at one of the hundreds of restaurants in the area? Or go on a self-guided walking tour to check out the numerous landmarks and historic destinations like Washington’s Headquarters or Jockey Hollow. After that, shop at one of the small retail businesses to support the local economy.

Average rent in Morristown is around $2,600, but that’s for an 800 square foot apartment. Of course, you might be able to find better deals as the price varies greatly depending on unit type. Still, when compared to NYC, you’ll save quite a bit, especially if you opt to have roommates. Plus, you don’t have to spend your saved money on commuting. There are plenty of jobs available in Morristown as it is home to several pharmaceutical companies like Orexo, Bayer, and Vernalis. There are also plenty of small businesses to choose from if you prefer working in a more tight knit organization.

Morristown tends to skew a bit younger with the majority of the population in their 20s and 30s. As such, a large portion of the population is single! In fact, around 60 percent of the population is single. So if you’re looking for your soul mate, Morristown is the perfect place!

Best City for Young Professionals: Hoboken

Don’t be fooled by its small size. Despite its 1.28 square mile size, Hoboken is home to around 60,000 residents making it the 3rd most densely populated city in the United States. However, the city never feels as busy or packed as some streets in NYC, giving it an almost small town vibe, which is helped by homey store fronts and low-rise buildings in the main areas of town.

You have easy access to NYC via the PATH train and can easily get to the West Village or Midtown for work or play. Of course, you don’t need to go into NYC as Hoboken has plenty to offer. Thanks to its growing population and its status as a college town – it’s home to Steven’s Institute of Technology – there’s plenty to do. It has a thriving nightlife scene with more bars per capita than even NYC. If you’re looking for some entertainment, you can find live music almost any night of the week. Or you can walk along the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway and enjoy the spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline.

One fun historical tidbit is that Hoboken is home to modern baseball! On June 19, 1846 Hoboken’s Elysian Fields hosted the very first recorded baseball match that is recognized by modern rules. The game was between The New York Nines and Cartwright’s Knickerbocker squad with the New York Nines winning. While the original Elysian Fields there is a concrete and bronze monument on the intersection between 11th and Washington street to commemorate the baseball field.

Unfortunately, living in Hoboken isn’t cheap so you’ll probably need to live with a couple of roommates in order to afford rent. Still, you’d likely be doing the same thing if you decided to live in NYC, but at least you’ll have more space in Hoboken and save money in other ways! Just make sure you don’t spend all that extra money on the delicious food and drinks!

Highland Park: The Best Place to Live for Gen Z

Highland Park isn’t just one of the best places to live for Gen Z’s, it’s one of the best places to live in NJ, period. With around 15,000 people, this suburb of NYC tends to fly under the radar as it’s not as close to NYC as some of the other locations in this list. It’s definitely more suburban than say Jersey City or Hoboken, so it’s a great option for you if you want to get away from the fast-paced life in a city. Despite being further away from NYC, the town boasts a fairly young demographic with around 37 percent aged 24 to 44. Chances are a lot of graduates from nearby Rutgers University decided to stay in the area!

This historic location is one of the prettiest towns in New Jersey complete with picturesque tree-lined streets, historic homes, and two large parks at either end of town. While you’ll probably want a car to get around, it’s actually quite walkable. Head down to Raritan Avenue to check out the various boutique shops, restaurants, and bars. There’s a weekly farmer’s market and plenty of town events to foster a sense of community. It’s also centrally located so you can easily get to NYC and Philadelphia.

Want to enjoy some nature? Take a stroll along the Raritan River at Donaldson Park in the South or Johnson Park in the Northwest. You can also travel 15-20 minutes outside of town and visit the Rutgers Botanical Garden.

Highland Park has historically been a bedroom community for nearby Rutgers University and Johnson & Johnson in New Brunswick. While there aren’t any major companies in Highland Park itself, New Brunswick boasts several including Bristol-Myers Squibb, RWJBarnabas Health, and more. There are also many small businesses in Highland Park though it might be harder to find a position locally.

Perhaps the biggest draw of Highland Park is its lower cost of living. The average rent price is around $2,000 for an 800 square foot apartment, making it a great option if you want to save some money. More importantly, it’s a location where you can set roots if you want. It has low crime, great schools, and a welcoming community.

Ready to Move to New Jersey?

If you’re thinking about moving to NYC, but can’t figure out how you’ll afford rent, then consider moving to one of these NJ cities. Many of them are close enough to NYC that you can easily commute if you want. At the same time, they also offer plenty of job opportunities and entertainment that you can live, work, and have fun all in the same place.

Once you’re ready to make your move, make sure to call up some professional NJ movers like us. We’ll walk you through it so you know exactly what to expect and we’ll work with your budget. You can give us a call for a free estimate and hopefully, after chatting with our customer service representatives, you’ll understand why we’re the movers NJ residents trust.

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The Best NJ Cities for Young Professionals in 2024

Best NJ Cities for Young Professionals in 2022

You don’t have to move to NYC to have good job prospects. If you’re a young professional in NJ, you might want to look locally for jobs. Sure, you don’t have to limit yourself, but NJ is home to 15 Fortune 500 companies and over 750,000 small businesses. Of course, not all cities are created equal. If you’re a young professional, you’ll want a location that has plenty of great jobs, a decent nightlife, and affordable rents or home prices. While it’s getting harder to find all three things, it’s not impossible. If you’re looking to make a move, then below are some of the best NJ cities for young professionals.

Most Affordable and Popular City: Jersey City

Despite its negative reputation, Jersey City has quickly become a favorite among young professionals for a variety of reasons. Jersey City is the second most populated city in New Jersey right behind Newark. Thanks to this, it offers plenty of amenities such as amazing restaurants, great nightlife, and cultural institutions such as the Liberty Science Center. And if that’s not enough, you’re a short PATH ride away from NYC.

Compared to NYC, Jersey City’s rents are affordable. You might see similar prices, but you’re getting a lot more space than what you might find in the best neighborhoods of Brooklyn or Manhattan. There’s also plenty of work in Jersey City. Nicknamed the Wall Street West, Jersey City is home to major financial institutions such as Citigroup, Fidelity Investments, and Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation.

If you like shopping, then you’re in luck! Jersey City has several shopping districts including Newport Mall. Some portions of the city are part of the Urban Enterprise Zone where you can pay reduced sales tax on your items.

Beautiful View from the City: Great Montclair

While technically a town, living in Montclair offers some stunning views of the surrounding area. If you manage to snag a home in higher locations, you can even get views of the NYC skyline. This quirky location offers the trappings of a quiet, suburban life, but also keeps it exciting as they have a lively food scene, wonderful cultural establishments such as Montclair Art Museum and Wellmont Theater, and a bustling downtown. If you’re looking to connect with other young professionals, there are many networking groups dedicated to specific industries and businesses.

While it’s further away from NYC than Jersey City, you can still get there in under an hour via the NJ Transit. Of course, you could drive, but dealing with the traffic getting into NYC and then finding a parking spot might not be worth it. Average rent in Montclair tends to be a bit on the higher side, but you’re getting a lot more bang for your buck. Buying a home also isn’t cheap, but you might be able to find a decent starter home for around $500,000-$630,000.

Best Option to Start a Career: North Bergen

Much is great for people just getting started in their careers. Average rents in North Bergen is around $2,000 with 2+ bedrooms venturing into the $3,000 territory. While this might be high for single renters, it’s a great option if you plan on having a roommate. Not only do you get two actual bedrooms, you can also expect an actual living room and separate kitchen for these prices. That’s more than you can say for 2 bedrooms in Manhattan! And while you don’t have the PATH train taking you to Manhattan, North Bergen does have easy access to NYC thanks to both bus and light rail services. You can also hop on a Jitney commuter bus for access to the George Washington Bridge Bus Station, the Newport Centre, and other local stops.

Much like Jersey City, portions of North Bergen are part of the Urban Enterprise Zone so you pay 50% less in sales tax in these areas. Job-wise, you can choose from a variety of companies though the largest include Hudson News and Liz Claiborne. If you’re in the freight industry, you’ll be happy to know that the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway operate five facilities in North Bergen. After a hard day at work, you can kick back at the New Jersey Beer Company.

Small but Best City for Young Professionals: Hoboken

It might be small in size, but Hoboken is one of the best NJ cities for young professionals for a variety of reasons. The first reason is competitive rents. While the rents in Hoboken are rising due to demand, it still remains cheaper than some areas in Manhattan and Brooklyn. For many, saving a couple hundred dollars a month is definitely worth it. Plus, it’s a short 15-minute ride into Manhattan, making it a faster commute than if you were traveling from some areas of the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens.

Just because you’re close to Manhattan doesn’t mean you have to travel there. In fact, there’s plenty of things to do in Hoboken. Despite its quaint, small-town vibe Hoboken has a wide selection of bars and restaurants to visit due in part to the local college in the area, Stevens Institute of Technology. You can enjoy a pint at Moran’s for a more chummy atmosphere or go clubbing at Wicked Wolf. Want to learn how to decorate cakes? Go to Butter Lane for some delicious pastries and baking classes.

Of course, since you’re so close to NYC, you pretty much have all the benefits of living in NYC without having to pay NYC taxes or prices! It’s the perfect happy medium for those who want the trappings of city life without the price tag.

Small Town with a Great View: Edgewater

This little town might not seem like much at first, but it offers pretty much everything you could want. Of course, there’s the spectacular views of the Hudson, but it also offers fine dining, such as The River Palm Terrace, as well as affordable comfort options. On top of that, it’s a short bus ride to NYC so you can head into the city if you’re tired of the Edgewater scene. While costs have risen over the years, Edgewater still remains affordable. Average rents for a one bedroom is around $2,500 with the average size of an apartment coming in at just over 1,000 square feet. Home prices aren’t cheap, but you can find something for as low as $500,000.

What sets Edgewater apart from the other areas is its diversity. It is a very ethnically diverse area and boasts the largest Japanese-American concentration in New Jersey when combined with nearby Fort Lee. It’s home to Mitsuwa, a very large Japanese grocery store that offers Japanese produce, snacks, and pastries. There’s also a Whole Foods for organic produce and Trader Joe’s if you want something a bit more affordable. There are five other shopping areas where you can enjoy local restaurants, shops, and more.

Ready to Make Your NJ Move?

There are so many amazing places to live in NJ, but if you’re a young professional, you probably want to stay close to the action in NYC without having to live with 4+ roommates. In that case, these NJ city options are a great starting point.

If you’re ready to move, make sure to hire trusted NJ movers (like us). They’ll help get you settled into your new place as soon as possible.

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Pros and Cons of Living in NJ While Working in NYC

Pros and Cons of Living in NJ While Working in NYC

Many New Yorkers might consider NYC the best city in the world, but not everyone feels the same way. Sure, there are plenty of perks to living in The Big Apple such as world-class restaurants, storied cultural institutions, and hard-to-beat convenience. However, access to everything New York City has to offer doesn’t come cheap. Renting in NYC is expensive for the size you get and overall cost of living is significantly higher than other parts of the United States. On top of that, you have to pay extra tax for living in NYC!

Instead of staying in NYC, many people have opted to move to New Jersey for the cheaper rents and larger living spaces. In fact, around 320,000 people commute from NJ to NYC on a daily basis! Before you decide to take the plunge you should first familiarize yourself with all the aspects of living in NJ and working in NYC beforehand.

Pros of living in New Jersey while working in NYC

There’s a lot to love about live in New Jersey and more people are starting to leave the city for greener pastures. Here are some reasons why people are making the decision to live the commuter life.

Location

New Jersey has access to several large cities: New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. No matter where you live, you’re not far from a major highway and there’s also many public transportation options that can shuttle you between NYC and Philadelphia.

If you want more time in nature, New Jersey offers plenty of outdoor options from hiking to skiing to camping. It’s also home to Wharton State Forest, which is the largest single tract of land within the NJ State Park System with over 120,000 acres spread across three counties. During the summer you can enjoy the many beaches New Jersey has to offer. While the Jersey shore might have gotten a bad rep due to the reality TV show, there are plenty of towns that boast beautiful beaches such as Wildwood Crest, Cape May, Stone Harbor, and Ocean Grove.

If you plan on commuting to New York City for work, you’ll want to focus your search on the northern part of New Jersey. The popular locations in New Jersey tend to be those that have direct access to the PATH trains which can take you into Manhattan in about 15-20 minutes. Of course, due to its proximity to Manhattan, you can expect to pay higher rents but it’s worth it if you don’t want to waste 30+ minutes on your morning and evening commute. In some cases, commuting from Hoboken or Jersey City might actually be faster than commuting from some of the outer boroughs, especially if you work in Midtown.

Speaking of location, New Jersey is also home to Newark International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world just behind Kennedy International Airport in New York City. The airport is easily accessible by the NJ Transit system and you can find a direct flight to almost anywhere in the world. It’s perfect for people who travel a lot either for business or pleasure.

Lower Cost of Living

One of the biggest reasons why people choose to move to New Jersey while still working in NYC is because it’s cheaper. Sure, cities like Hoboken and Jersey City might see comparable prices, but you’re probably getting more indoor and, in some cases, outdoor space. Heck, it might even be feasible to buy an actual house in New Jersey for the price you would pay for a co-op or condo in NYC. With that said, New Jersey has some of the highest property taxes in the United States, so if you do choose to buy, make sure you know what you’re getting into.

Your salary also goes a lot further in New Jersey. The cost of everyday necessities such as food, gas, and utilities tend to be lower. Plus, your paycheck will go further in New Jersey because you’re dealing with fewer taxes. Say goodbye to the New York City income tax and hello to a lower income tax. While you will need to file two tax returns if you live in New Jersey and work in NYC, you will receive a tax credit for any taxes that you paid for New York. That prevents you from being taxed on the same income by both states. Just make sure to file your New York State tax return first to receive the tax credit.

Speaking of taxes, you’re also paying less in sales tax overall. New York has a sales tax of 8.875% while New Jersey has a sales tax of 6.625%. If you shop in an area that is designated as an Urban Enterprise Zone, you will only have to pay half the standard sales tax rate. You’re saving money while you shop!

Great Quality of Life

If you have kids or plan on having them, one of the most important choices when choosing your home location is its school system. Luckily, New Jersey has some of the best schools in the nation. In fact, New Jersey has the second-highest high school graduation rate with around 90.6 percent of students graduating and the state’s public school has been named one of the best in the nation. Of course, that depends on where you live. If you have children, you might want to move to the following school districts:

  • Millburn Township
  • Princeton
  • Ridgewood
  • Tenafly
  • West Windsor-Plainsboro
  • Livingston

New Jersey is also home to the prestigious Princeton University, Stevens Institute of Technology, Rutgers University, and Seton Hall University.

You’re also not missing out on too much even if you don’t live in the heart of NYC. New Jersey has plenty of cultural institutions, entertainment, restaurants, and other amenities to the point where there’s no reason to really go into NYC. If you’re a lover of the arts, then you’ll be thrilled to know that New Jersey is home to 700 arts organizations. Sports fans can head over to the MetLife Stadium to watch both the NJ Jets and NYC Giants play. Afterwards, you can grab a bite at some of the delicious restaurants that dot the state. Speaking of which, if you’re looking for some of the best NY pizza slices, they’re in New Jersey!

Cons of living in New Jersey while working in NYC

Living in New Jersey isn’t all sunshines and rainbows. There are some downsides to consider before you decide to make your move.

It’s not New York

There’s something about New York City that is enticing to people from around the world. For some, it’s the possibility of making it big in their field whether that’s as an actor, tech innovator, or investor. For others, the convenience of NYC is the biggest draw. Everything you could possibly want is at your fingertips and can probably be delivered to your door. And since the public transportation system is fairly reliable, you don’t need a car in NYC. In fact, about 50 percent of NYC residents don’t have a driver’s license.

While you can get a lot of those same benefits in certain areas of New Jersey, the further away you get from the city, the fewer amenities you can expect. Plus, places like Hoboken and New Jersey City might be busy, but even it simply doesn’t have the same energy as NYC. Some people thrive off that buzz. If that’s you, it can be hard to find that anywhere else.

Commuting

The PATH train might not be horrible, but if it goes down you don’t have too many other transportation options to get into the city besides a ferry and maybe a bus. In the worst case scenario, there might not even be any alternative transportation options. This issue becomes worse the further away from NYC you move so if you have to depend on NJ transit buses or trains, you might not be able to make it into work.

Unless you work directly off the PATH or NJ Transit stops in Manhattan, your commuting costs will be higher than if you live in NYC. Sure, the PATH train costs the same as a fare, but since you cannot use your monthly Metrocard for the PATH, you’re effectively paying double the price if you need to take the subway to your job. It’s the same for the NJ Transit trains and buses. The fares aren’t too expensive, but it adds up when you combine it with your subway fare.

The unreliability of public transportation is one of the reasons why many New Jersey residents opt to drive to work. This comes with its own costs, of course. You’ll have to pay for insurance, gas, maintenance, and more. Plus, you’ll have to deal with horrible traffic during rush hour. What should be a 20 minute drive will often take over an hour during the morning and evening commute. You’ll also have to pay high tolls to get into NYC.

Property Taxes

In almost every other aspect, New Jersey is cheaper when it comes to taxes. That is until you get into property taxes. New Jersey has some of the highest property taxes in the United States. If you plan on buying a home, you can end up paying a very high tax rate depending on the area. In most cases, the cities/towns with the best schools tend to have the highest property taxes.

While property tax rates tend to change over the years, the average property tax for a home in New Jersey (2.42%) is nearly three times the amount as in New York City (0.88%). Of course, you might end up paying more in actual tax in NYC versus New Jersey as your rate is calculated by multiplying the taxable value of your property by the current tax rate for your property’s tax class.

And while you have the benefit of owning your home instead of renting, it also comes with more costs. In general, when you rent you don’t have to pay for heat or hot water. However, when you own your home, you have to pay for everything! That means extra bills on top of your mortgage, homeowner’s insurance, HOA fees, taxes, etc. This can really eat into your savings.

Moving to New Jersey

Once you’ve weighed the pros and cons of living in New Jersey and commuting to NYC it’s up to you to decide whether you want to relocate or not. If you do decide to make a move, make sure to call up qualified NJ movers to help you out so you can get started on the right foot.