Tag: moving to New Jersey

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Moving Tips

The Best Up and Coming NJ Places to Move to in 2025

The Best Up and Coming NJ Places to Move to in 2025

While mortgage rates might have leveled off, housing prices are still going up in New Jersey, especially in locations where people can easily commute to NYC or Philadelphia. Since 2012, New Jersey’s overall population has increased by 4 percent, with some locations growing by more than 20 percent! Of course, the cost of houses in these popular areas is also going up significantly. Before the prices get too out of control, you might want to consider looking at these New Jersey towns.

Westwood

Known as the Hub of the Pascack Valley, Westwood offers easy commutes to New York City. In fact, you have multiple forms of public transportation to choose from. Hop on the NJ Transit line at Westwood station to get you to Penn Station or transfer at the Hoboken Terminal for access to other transportation options, including the PATH, New York Waterways, or the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail. You can also catch an NJ Transit bus that will take you to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. 

 

Cost of Living Index Comparison

Town Property Taxes (Annual) Groceries (Monthly) Utilities (Monthly) Transportation (Monthly) Other Expenses (Monthly)
Westwood $15,000 $600 $250 $250 $400
Barnegat Township $8,500 $550 $230 $200 $350
Griggstown $12,000 $580 $240 $180 $370
Hackensack $10,500 $620 $260 $300 $400
Bayonne $9,500 $610 $250 $280 $380

 

But you don’t need to leave Westwood to enjoy some amenities. The Downtown area is a regional hub that offers plenty of shopping and dining options. Go to Westwood Cinema and enjoy a movie, or check out Fritz Deitl Ice Rink to brush up on your ice skating. Otherwise, go to the community center to check out the many events happening throughout the year. 

While Westwood is by no means cheap, it is more affordable in comparison to its neighbors. Median home prices are around $650,000 and are expected to go up in the next few years.

Barnegat Township

Located along the Southern shore of New Jersey, Barnegat Township’s population has steadily grown since 2000. This is due in part to the town’s focus on building 55-plus housing. In fact, two of the largest builders in this field – Lennar and D.R. Horton – have constructed nearly 600 age-restricted luxury homes, adding to the already 3,000 homes available. Besides 55-plus housing, the town is also building certain areas along the waterfront to encourage more professionals and young families to move in.

This is a great town if you love the outdoors. Even with all the new construction, the area still has a fairly rural feel, with the majority of the township being taken up by the Manahawkin Wildlife Management Area to the east and Greenwood Forest Wildlife to the west. Both locations offer extensive hiking trails, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy nature. Manahawkin is one of the few remaining salt marsh and transitional woodland coastal habitats in New Jersey. On the other hand, Greenwood Forest is the largest tract of land preserved by the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife, with over 95,000 acres.

So long as you don’t try to get a home close to the water, you can easily find a nice home here for under $400,000.

Griggstown

At just under 50 miles away from NYC, Griggstown is in that sweet spot where it’s a bit too far away to be considered an easy daily commute to NYC, but just close enough to still have access on the weekends. As such, it’s not seen as an attractive option for people who want to work in NYC, but it’s definitely a great place for young professionals and families, as the town is very safe and, for those with kids, has great schools!

 

School Ratings & Education Options

Town Public Schools Private Schools Average School Rating Student-Teacher Ratio Graduation Rate (%) Special Programs
Westwood 6 3 8/10 12:1 95% STEM, AP courses, Arts
Barnegat Township 7 2 7/10 13:1 92% Sports, Arts, Special Ed
Griggstown 3 1 9/10 11:1 98% STEM, Environmental Programs
Hackensack 10 5 7/10 14:1 90% AP courses, Arts, Music
Bayonne 8 3 8/10 13:1 94% STEM, Arts, ESL Programs

 

When it comes to activities, Griggstown is perfect for the outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy a scenic walk along the Princeton Highlands/Griggstown Native Grassland Preserve Trail. It’s a lovely trail during all seasons, and you get to enjoy a shallow wading brook if you head south or a wide open meadow if you head north! If you prefer a more structured outdoor activity, Griggstown is home to the Bunker Hill Golf Course, where you can practice your swing. After a game, head over to Griggstown Farm to buy some seasonal produce.

Griggstown is a great area and, as such, has a pretty high price, with homes selling for almost $500,000. But, if you want to live in a quiet area but still be close enough to a big city, it’s a great option.

Hackensack

While it might not be the most populated city in New Jersey, Hackensack is the most populous municipality in Bergen County with a population of over 45,000. As such, it’s a great place for people who want to have ‘city’ amenities without paying city costs. And, at just under 15 miles away from New York City, it’s the perfect place for young professionals to move to if they want to save some money.

Hackensack is served by three train stations on the NJ Transit Pascack Line, with two of them going to Hoboken Terminal. There are also multiple buses that take you to the Port Authority Bus Terminal and still more that take you to other major hubs such as Newark and Jersey City. Downtown Hackensack has plenty to offer, from delicious restaurants to bars and clubs. If you want to relax a bit, you can enjoy views of the Hackensack River at Foschini Park.

Despite all of these perks, Hackensack is pretty affordable, with home prices averaging under $350,000, that is, if you can find it. Hackensack has more renters than homeowners, and average rents are high, with one-bedroom apartments going for around $2,200.

Bayonne

Bayonne has become more popular as Jersey City continues to grow and expand. With more affordable housing and rent, Bayonne is attracting young professionals who don’t mind commuting a little longer for work. As such, the area has seen a huge growth in restaurants, bars, cafes, retail shops, and more! It’s a perfect place for young professionals who want to stretch their dollar.

 

Public Transportation Options in NJ Towns

Town Train Stations Bus Routes Ferry Access Avg Commute to NYC Other Transit Options
Westwood 1 (NJ Transit) 3 No 35 min NJ Transit Bus
Barnegat Township 0 1 No 60+ min Mostly car-dependent
Griggstown 0 1 No 55 min (by car to train) Car required
Hackensack 3 (NJ Transit) 5+ No 25–30 min Light Rail, NJ Transit Bus
Bayonne 1 (PATH via Jersey City) 4+ Yes (Bayonne Ferry) 35–40 min PATH, Bus, Ferry

 

Despite its proximity to NYC, Bayonne was not on many people’s radar until around the early to mid-2000s due to its being designated as an Urban Enterprise Zone. This allowed businesses to hire locally while also encouraging shopping thanks to the reduced sales tax. Thanks to this, more businesses started moving to the area, and now there are over 200 businesses that make up the Bayonne Town Center. The revitalization of the downtown area, Bayonne, has brought back popular attractions, including the Bayonne Hometown Fair, which was revived in 2015.

Home prices and rents are expected to increase, especially once a ferry terminal gets built, but for now, you can find houses for under $450,000 and one-bedroom apartments renting out for under $2,000. Prices won’t stay this low, though, as more people realize how convenient the area is!

Prepare for Your NJ Move

Whether you choose the locations listed above or find a place that suits your needs better, NJ Great Movers is here to help with your transition. Our trained team can walk you through the process so you get a better understanding of what we offer and what you need. From there, we’ll make the move as easy and stress-free as possible. So reach out to us for your free estimate!

FAQ

Do I need a car in New Jersey?

That depends on where you move. For more rural and suburban areas, a car is a necessity, but for more urban locations, you might be able to get away with not having one.

Is it better to own or rent in New Jersey?

It’s hard to say. Some locations might not have any rental opportunities, so you will have no choice but to buy. For places that do have an option, look at the cost of renting vs. paying a mortgage. If the rents are cheaper than a mortgage, it might be better to rent. However, buying also means you get to build equity in these up-and-coming area,s which could be a huge advantage in the long run.

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General Moving Tips

The Honest Pros and Cons of Living in NJ

The Honest Pros and Cons of Living in NJ

New Jersey is more than just the state between NYC and Philadelphia. Sure, that is the major draw of the area, but there’s so much more to the Garden State than its proximity to other cities. For locals, New Jersey offers the perfect blend of city life, accessible shorelines, and beautiful countryside. Despite its small size, New Jersey has a lot to offer its residents. Of course, it does have some faults, but what location doesn’t? If you’re considering a move to New Jersey, read the points below to help you with your decision.

Close to Major Cities

No matter where in New Jersey you move to, you’ll have easy access to either NYC or Philadelphia. New Jersey is a relatively small state, so even if you do end up in southern NJ, you can get to NYC in around two hours. Commuting to NYC or Philadelphia is common for many NJ residents. So you don’t have to give up access to all the amazing amenities these cities have to offer if you want to live in the suburbs. Depending on where you move to, you can even take a quick 15-30 minute train ride to get into Manhattan!

 

Best NJ Areas for Different Lifestyles

# Lifestyle Best Area Why
1 Commuters Hoboken 10–15 min PATH to NYC
2 Families Princeton Top-rated schools
3 Affordability Cherry Hill Lower housing costs
4 Nightlife Jersey City Bars + restaurants
5 Outdoors Sussex County Forests + trails

 

You don’t even need to go into NYC or Philadelphia to get access to city amenities. Jersey City and Newark both offer plenty of things to do, including some amazing restaurants, great bars and nightclubs, an international airport (Newark Airport), and more! Many long-time residents don’t even go into NYC unless necessary because New Jersey has pretty much everything they need.

Excellent Quality of Life

Sure, NYC might be exciting, but with so many people packed into a small place, it’s not always going to be the cleanest or safest place. While there are certainly unsafe parts of New Jersey, overall, New Jersey is one of the safest states in the United States. If you want to avoid high crime rates, avoid moving to Camden, Trenton, Paterson, and Atlantic City, as crime rates are quite high at these locations.

Besides being safe, New Jersey also has a booming job market (the state is home to 17 Fortune 500 companies), great access to healthcare, and the best public schools in the nation. On top of that, you have access to plenty of entertainment and access to nature, thanks to the many county and state parks. It’s no surprise that New Jersey consistently ranks in the top ten happiest states in the country. 

Beautiful Scenery

Despite its small size, New Jersey offers a wide range of scenery to enjoy. Traverse the 130 miles of shoreline and more than 60 designated beaches where you can swim, sail, surf, scuba dive, and fish. If you’re not into the beach, then there are plenty of parks for you to enjoy. Go to Liberty State Park for stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. During the spring, go to Branch Brook Park in Newark, as it is home to one of the largest collections of cherry blossoms in the country! 

If you want a bit more exercise, visit Wharton State Forest, the largest state forest in New Jersey. There are plenty of trails for you to explore on foot, by bike, or on horseback. You can also bring a canoe or kayak and paddle on the lakes. There are plenty of other small parks dotted around New Jersey, so even if you get tired of Wharton, you can simply head to another place.

Great Educational Institutions

New Jersey has consistently ranked as the number one state in public education. Of course, not all public schools in the state are the same, but the majority of schools offer a great student-to-teacher ratio, extracurricular activities, advanced placement classes, and more. Besides public schools, there are also plenty of private schools to choose from if you want to go that route. Neither option is a bad choice, and you can rest easy knowing your child will be getting some of the best education in the nation.

 

NJ Public Education Snapshot

# Metric NJ Rank/Score Notes
1 Public School Ranking #1 Best in the U.S.
2 Graduation Rate 91% Among the top 5 states
3 Student–Teacher Ratio 12:1 Better than the national average
4 Reading Scores Top 5 Strong performance in literacy
5 AP Participation High Excellent access to advanced courses

 

Besides primary schools, New Jersey is also home to some of the best universities. There is, of course, Princeton University, the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, as it was chartered before the American Revolution. It is also one of the world’s most prominent research universities, with people traveling across the globe to attend. Besides Princeton, New Jersey is also home to Rutgers University, the largest university in New Jersey, as well as the second oldest, behind Princeton. 

Rich in History

New Jersey is steeped in American history with plenty of historical sites and landmarks. The most notable historical site is, of course, Ellis Island, which is partially owned by New York. There’s also the Thomas Edison National Historical Park, which includes the lab and house of Thomas Edison and the battlegrounds of the Revolutionary War in Princeton. But there are plenty more smaller sites like the plaque in Hoboken to commemorate the first ever recorded baseball game in history, or the various houses dotted across New Jersey with historical significance due to their architectural style. Wherever you go, there’s history!

It’s Expensive

With all the amazing amenities New Jersey has to offer, it should come as no surprise that you end up paying for it. The cost of living in New Jersey is quite high. The median home price is around $550,000 compared to the national median of $440,000. The prices only go up the closer you get to a major city like Newark or Jersey City. And speaking of housing, property taxes are some of the highest in the nation, even higher than in New York! You’ll also be paying a lot more for the basics like utilities, groceries, and more. Still, there are affordable places outside the more popular cities and towns in New Jersey, but it might mean a longer commute. 

 

Cost of Living Breakdown in New Jersey

# Category NJ Score Notes
1 Housing 9/10 High prices near NYC/NJ major cities
2 Property Taxes 10/10 Highest in the U.S.
3 Utilities 7/10 Above national average
4 Transportation 8/10 Tolls + congestion
5 Groceries 7/10 Higher in dense counties

 

Extreme Weather Conditions

Being on the coast makes New Jersey vulnerable to coastal storms and flooding. It is also at heightened risk of hurricanes and tropical storms, which, when they land, lead to devastating results, as seen by Hurricane Sandy. With rising sea levels and warmer temperatures, New Jersey will likely see more tropical storms and hurricanes in the upcoming decades. On top of that, the aging infrastructure makes the state even more susceptible to natural disasters. On the other hand, New Jersey is prone to nor’easters, which can lead to below-zero temperatures and blizzards, making for a difficult winter.

Horrible Traffic

You might think NYC has bad traffic, but New Jersey has some of the worst in the country. In fact, it is the 9th worst state for driving! Much of the traffic is concentrated around the major roads, bridges, and tunnels that lead to NYC or Philadelphia due to all the commuters. If this is your plan, know that New Jersey residents spend an average of 86 hours per year stuck in traffic! What should be a 25-minute car ride anywhere else can end up lasting an hour or longer, depending on when you’re driving in and if there’s any construction or an accident. 

Make Your Move to New Jersey

If the pros outweigh the cons for you, then make sure to give NJ Great Movers a call to help with your relocation to New Jersey. We’ve helped hundreds of customers make a smooth transition to their new home. And with New Jersey being so expensive, you’ll be happy to know that we do our best to offer services that match your needs and budget.

FAQ

What other taxes do I need to worry about in New Jersey?

In addition to property taxes, you will also need to pay income taxes and sales tax, which happens to be the 8th highest in the nation. Luckily, there are some areas in New Jersey called the Urban Enterprise Zone, which allow businesses to charge half the sales tax on tax exempt goods.

How is public transportation in New Jersey?

It depends on where you live, but on the whole New Jersey has a great public transportation system. There are buses and trains that take you to various locations in New Jersey to NYC. There are also local buses that take you within certain towns. If you end up moving more to the suburbs, though, you’ll definitely want to invest in a car.

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General

Best Places to Live in New Jersey in 2024

Best Places to Live in New Jersey 2024

The new year brings with it new opportunities including a chance to find a new home. While many New Yorkers like to make fun of New Jersey, the state itself has a lot to offer from national parks to amazing beaches. If you’re in the market for a new home this year, moving to New Jersey might be in the cards. Not only can you get more space for the money you would spend on apartments in New York City, but you also aren’t too far away from the city life.

Of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows in New Jersey. You’re also dealing with high taxes, expensive homes, insane traffic, lots of landfills, and a lot of people (NJ is actually the most densely populated state with 9.3 million residents residing within the 7,354 square miles that make up the state). However, if you know where to look you can find some amazing places where you can experience all of the benefits with very few negatives. Below are some of the best places to live in New Jersey.

Princeton – A Popular University City

As the name suggests, this town is home to the prestigious Ivy League university of the same name. However, it boasts more than just an amazing university. The town is home to 31,000 residents including many young families and professionals. Thanks to the presence of the university, the town boasts a more urban feel and has a wide variety of restaurants, coffee shops, local retail shops, and cultural attractions. There’s also plenty of green spaces for you to enjoy during those warm summer days either at Morven Museum & Garden or Princeton Battlefield State Park.

While Princeton might be most known for the university, the emphasis on education is apparent at all levels. In fact, Princeton has some of the best public schools in the entire state. You can easily start a family, living in Princeton and have them attend excellent schools from kindergarten to college. Besides offering world-class education, Princeton University also has some excellent college lacrosse and basketball teams. So don the school colors (orange and black) and cheer with your neighbors.

Chatham: A Great Location for Families and Professionals

Located less than 25 miles away from Manhattan, Chatham offers all the charm of a quiet neighborhood while still being close enough to the bustle of a large city. It’s a great location for families and professionals as the downtown offers a great selection of restaurants and local stores to shop from. It’s also commuter-friendly and you can easily get around the town without a car. Of course, if you do want to travel outside of the town you have access to well-maintained roads and public transportation thanks to the NJ Transit.

Chatham is a great place for families. It’s safe and has plenty of family-friendly recreational locations to choose from. It’s located close to the Thomas Edison National Historic Park, which preserves Thomas Edison’s lab and residence where you can check out his inventions and tour the grounds. There’s also Liberty Hall Museum and Arboretum where you and your children can explore the mansion that hosted many distinguished guests such as George Washington, William Howard Taft, and Benjamin Franklin. Chatham is also home to some amazing public schools that are rated some of the best in New Jersey.

Elizabeth: One of the Largest Cities in New Jersey

If you’re still working in New York City, then Elizabeth might be a great option for you as it has two train stations and is close to both the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike. With a population of 128,000, Elizabeth is the fourth largest city in New Jersey. While housing prices aren’t cheap, you could potentially find a decent place for around $400,000. When compared to places like Princeton or Chatham, that price tag doesn’t look so bad!

One of the greatest strengths of Elizabeth is its diversity as it is home to 37 different languages and residents from 50 different countries. If you’re a foodie, you’ll be happy to find cuisine from around the world whether you’re looking for Columbian, Indian, Japanese, or Portuguese. There’s definitely something for everyone and you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home. Of course, if you want to, Elizabeth is very pedestrian-friendly and thanks to the two train stations, you probably don’t need a car unless you plan on visiting other areas of New Jersey.

Thanks to its large size, it’s also relatively to find a job in Elizabeth and the city even offers incentives to business owners to bring commerce to the community. If you’re an entrepreneur, this could be a great place to start.

Ho-Ho-Kus: A Small Community for Peaceful Living

If you’re looking for a more small-town feel, then Ho-Ho-Kus might be the place you’re looking for. This quaint town is home to around 4,000 people and, as you would imagine, is a very tight-knit community. Despite that, the residents are welcoming so you don’t have to worry about feeling iced out by your neighbors when you move in. While many of the residents have spent their entire lives in the area, many still are transplants who wanted a quieter lifestyle with more nature.

Despite its small population, Ho-Ho-Kus offers a cute downtown lined with shops and restaurants as well as a commercial center and train station. If you’re looking for a bit more nature, you just need to travel a short distance and you’ll find yourself walking along Saddle River or Brewster Pond. The area does have an elementary and middle school, though kids will have to go outside the town for high school. Due to its attractive amenities and picturesque scenery, houses are not cheap in Ho-Ho-Kus, but if you can afford it, it’s a wonderful place to live.

Springdale: The Best Suburb in New Jersey

If you prefer being closer to Philadelphia than New York City, then Springdale might be the perfect option. Located just over 45 miles from Philadelphia, Springdale is a neighborhood of Cherry Hill, NJ, and offers quiet suburban living with city life just under an hour away so you get to enjoy both the quiet and peaceful streets and small-town vibe without sacrificing the delights of a big city. Compared to some of the places on this list, Springdale is on the more affordable end when it comes to home prices.

With a population of under 14,000 Springdale offers a sparse suburban feel. While there is a downtown, you’ll mostly find big-box retailers and chain stores. If you want an active nightlife scene, this might not be the best option as Springdale is home mainly to families and retirees. With that said, the restaurants are quite good and there are other amenities such as local gyms, pools, and close proximity to some green areas such as Pennypacker Park and Wharton State Park. As it is a neighborhood in Cherry Hill, you also have access to top-tier public and private schools. In 2021, Springdale was ranked in the top ten of best suburbs to live in New Jersey.

Moving to NJ

Once you’re ready to make your NJ move, why not give trusted professional movers a call to help make your transition smoother? NJ Great Movers offers plenty of moving services and we can cater to your needs and budget. We also know New Jersey like the back of our hand and can get you moved into your new place with no issues. As a trusted NJ moving company, our goal is to make your move as stress and hassle-free as possible. So give us a call and we’ll get you started on the moving process.

FAQ

Is living in New Jersey expensive?

It depends on where you live. Some areas are more expensive than others. With that said, New Jersey does have high taxes and home prices so you’ll want to keep that in mind when making your NJ move.

How safe is New Jersey?

Like other states, there are some areas of New Jersey that are safer than others. In general, the larger the population, the more crime there will be. Smaller suburbs and towns tend to be safer.

Will I need a car?

New Jersey offers some excellent public transportation in the form of trains, buses, and even ferries. Depending on where you live, you might not need a car at all. With that said, if you want to discover everything the Garden State has to offer, a car can provide you with more freedom and flexibility.

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Community Guides General

Important Pros and Cons of Living in NJ Cities

The Honest Pros and Cons of Living in NJ

For those considering a move to NJ, the Garden State offers both opportunities and some challenges. Its proximity to two major cities (NYC and Philadelphia) makes it a great option for people who want to have access to all of the amenities of a big city without the high cost of living. While moving to NJ might be appealing to you, your first step is to weigh the pros and cons of living in NJ to help you make informed decisions about your ideal home. Once you’ve done that, you can start looking for movers NJ residents can rely on to help make the transition smoother.

The Pros of Moving to New Jersey

High Quality of Life

There aren’t many states that offer good schools, healthcare, job market, etc., but New Jersey checks almost everything off on the list. As of 2023, New Jersey is currently ranked as the 5th-happiest state in the country. When you move to New Jersey, you can enjoy:

  • Excellent public schools – the schools in NJ are ranked as the 3rd best in the state
  • Wide variety of outdoor activities – from hiking to hanging out at the beach, NJ offers it all
  • Great healthcare – New Jersey ranks 4th in the US for best healthcare

What more can you ask for? Of course, that high quality of life also comes with a higher cost of living, especially in the most sought-after cities such as Hoboken, Montclair, and Princeton. Still, when compared to NYC, you’ll be able to get a larger apartment for the amount of rent you might pay for a studio or one-bedroom. You might even be able to buy a house!

Easily Access Other Locations

If you can’t find something you want in your city or town, you can easily get to Philadelphia or New York City, depending on which part of New Jersey you move to. Depending on where you decide to move, you might even be able to access these cities via Amtrak or the NJ Transit. The ease of access to these major cities is one of the many reasons why so many people end up working in NYC and living in New Jersey.

More into nature? Then New Jersey offers a wide variety of options. There are amazing national parks dotted all over the state, including:

  • Ringwood State Park in Ringwood
  • Allaire State Park in Wall Township
  • High Point State Park in Sussex
  • Vorhees State Park in Glen Gardner

And more. All of these parks have beautiful hiking trails, with many providing gorgeous vistas and views of waterfalls. If you’re more of a fan of beaches, there are plenty to choose from, as NJ has 130 miles of shoreline. Some of the popular beaches you can visit include:

  • Stone Harbor
  • Cape May
  • Point Pleasant Beach
  • Keansburg Beach

Bored with New Jersey? Then you can enjoy some amazing hiking in New York or head down to Cape Cod for the weekend. And while New Jersey does have some ski slopes, you’re also not too far from Vermont or New Hampshire slopes.

 

New Jersey Living Advantages – Key Data Overview (Pros)

# Category Statistic / Rank Impact
1 Property Taxes Highest in U.S. (~2.49% effective rate) Significantly increases monthly housing expenses.
2 Home Prices Avg ≈ $471,000 (≈10% above national) Higher up-front purchase costs, pricier mortgages.
3 Sales & Income Tax 6.625% sales · 1.4%–10.75% income tax Lower take-home pay vs no-income-tax states.
4 Cost of Living Index Housing +31% · Utilities +8% · Food +6% Overall, living costs exceed national averages.
5 Traffic Congestion Ranked among the worst in the U.S. Long commutes and daily congestion, esp. to NYC.
6 Population Density One of the most densely populated states Crowding, less quiet space, and more construction growth.
7 Commuter Bottlenecks 30–60 min delays at tunnels/bridges Adds travel time & stress for daily commuters.

 

Mild and Amazing Seasons

If you’re a fan of the seasons, then you’re in luck, as New Jersey has all four of them. More importantly, the seasons are fairly evenly split across the year, so you only have to deal with three months of cold during the winter.

Despite its small size, there are distinct temperature differences between the north and south regions of the state. South Jersey can be described as subtropical, where you will get hot, humid summers and cold, wet winters. North Jersey has more of a continental climate, which has hot summers and cold winters with little rainfall. Whichever option you choose, you can also expect to enjoy the beautiful colors of both spring and fall.

Speaking of weather, while hurricanes and tornadoes can happen in New Jersey, they are rare. Instead, you’ll probably have to deal with blizzards during the winter and heavy thunderstorms during the summer. Besides this, New Jersey doesn’t experience as much inclement weather as some other states further south. Still, when it does get hit by severe weather, the areas closest to the oceans and rivers tend to suffer the most damage.

Family-Focused Entertainment

Besides enjoying the great outdoors, New Jersey offers a ton of family-friendly activities that are cheap or free to the public. Some popular attractions include:

  • The State Fair in the Meadowlands runs for about three weeks from June to July
  • Six Flags Great Adventure – located in Jackson Township and home to 14 roller coasters and a 350-acre safari
  • Crystal Springs Waterpark – located in East Brunswick, it is the first municipal waterpark in New Jersey
  • Howell Living History Farm – located in Lambertville, NJ, it offers a variety of classes and holiday events
  • New Jersey State Museum – located in Trenton, you can visit the museum for free! Its collections include natural history specimens, archaeological artifacts, and fine art objects.
  • Big Brook Park Fossil Site – located throughout Monmouth County along Big Brook. You can explore the area and potentially find some amazing fossils.
  • You pick your own farms – there are dozens of farms in New Jersey, and many offer a variety of you-pick-your-own foods like strawberries, blackberries, apples, and pumpkins.

Secure Neighborhood Areas

Like most states, New Jersey’s large cities tend to have high crime rates due to the number of people living in a small area. However, the majority of the state is extremely safe. In fact, New Jersey was named the safest state in the United States! This is based on 37 metrics organized into 6 key indicators of crime and prevention: personal safety, public safety, financial safety, mental health, transportation and infrastructure, and public security.

When compared to other states, New Jersey has the lowest rate of sexual assault and sexual offenders per capita. On top of that, it has one of the lowest aggravated assaults per capita. And if you’re looking to find a job in New Jersey, you’ll be happy to hear that New Jersey has the second-lowest rate of fatal occupational injuries.

All this to say, New Jersey is a great place to live if you’re concerned about safety. With that said, you should always check the safety maps for the cities and/or towns you are considering so you can get a clearer picture of potential safety issues.

The Disadvantages of Living in New Jersey

Highest Tax Rates

If you want to buy a home in New Jersey, be prepared to pay high taxes, as New Jersey has the highest property taxes in the nation at 2.49 percent. What’s more, houses themselves aren’t cheap. The average home price is around $471,000, which is 10 percent higher than the national average.

Combine the high home prices with the high property taxes, and you’re paying a lot more per month for your house than you might in other locations. Luckily, there are plenty of great jobs that pay well in New Jersey, so it might not be so bad.

The state ranks in the top five nationally when it comes to the tax burden put on its residents. In addition to property taxes, you can expect to pay 6.625% in sales tax and between 1.4%-10.75% in income tax. If you’re moving from states that don’t have income taxes, you might be shocked by how much less money you’re getting in your paycheck.

High Living Expenses

You might get a high quality of life, but it will cost you. In addition to high taxes, it’s expensive to live in New Jersey. Almost every cost of living item is higher than the national average with the exception of healthcare. Below is a breakdown of the costs of living in New Jersey compared to the national average:

  • Housing – 31 percent higher
  • Utilities – 8 percent higher
  • Food – 6 percent higher
  • Transportation – 6 percent higher
  • Goods & Services – 4 percent higher
  • Healthcare – 5 percent lower

Of course, your cost of living will change based on where you live. For example, Hoboken’s overall cost of living is 60 percent higher than the national average, compared to Vineland, NJ, which is 4 percent lower than the national average. Depending on your budget, you might want to look in towns that are less popular, though that might mean fewer amenities and proximity to major cities.

 

New Jersey Living Challenges – Key Data Overview (Cons)

# Category Statistic / Rank Impact
1 Property Taxes Highest in U.S. (2.49%) Significantly increases monthly housing expenses.
2 Home Prices Avg: $471,000 (10% above national) Higher upfront costs for buyers; pricier mortgages.
3 Sales & Income Tax 6.625% sales; 1.4%–10.75% income tax Higher paycheck deductions vs no-income-tax states.
4 Cost of Living Index Housing 31% ↑ | Utilities 8% ↑ | Food 6% ↑ Overall, living costs exceed the national average.
5 Traffic Congestion Worst Traffic Nationally Long commute times, especially via the Holland/Lincoln Tunnels.
6 Population Density Most densely populated state Crowded cities, limited quiet areas, and more congestion.
7 Commuter Bottlenecks 30–60 min delays entering NYC Slows daily travel and increases transportation stress.

 

Traffic Flow

You think NYC traffic is bad? Wait until you get to New Jersey. Due to the high number of commuters and just generally bad highway and street layout (and maybe bad drivers), New Jersey has been identified as having the worst traffic in the country and the worst bottleneck. Traveling into NYC by car can be a nightmare if you’re driving and can often take 30 minutes to an hour to get through the Lincoln or Holland Tunnel.

Why is traffic so bad in New Jersey? It’s because of a combination of things, such as a large population (New Jersey is one of the most densely populated states in the US), job growth, and suburban sprawl. Traffic is expected to only get worse as more and more people choose to live away from expensive cities.

High Population Density

Speaking of traffic, one of the biggest reasons why the traffic is so bad is that so many people live in New Jersey. Despite its small size, New Jersey is home to over 9 million people. While most of that population is concentrated in the major cities, it can be hard to find a quiet place away from crowds. And with more and more people moving into the state every year, even if you live in a smaller town, chances are you’ll start seeing new home construction in the next five years.

A dense population isn’t always a bad thing. It also brings with it more job opportunities, amenities, and entertainment. However, if you like the peace and quiet, it might be hard to find in New Jersey.

Is New Jersey Right for You?

If the downsides of New Jersey don’t seem too bad, then there’s no better place to live. It’s a great place to live with some of the best healthcare, education, and jobs in the United States. Plus, if you need to get away from people, you can always take a breather in one of the many national parks around the state.

Once you’ve decided to make your NJ move, call us up! We are expert NJ movers who understand all the little quirks of the NJ streets.