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The Best NJ Towns for NYC Commuters

5 Best NJ Towns for NYC Commuters

Around 973,000 workers commute daily into NYC, with New Jersey accounting for 42% of that total. That number is projected to increase by 10 percent by 2030 as more people are leaving the city due to the higher cost of living and the desire for more space. Of course, with more people moving to New Jersey, the cost of homes has skyrocketed. Luckily, even with the higher costs, you’ll still be getting more space for the money that you do end up paying. Plus, there are plenty of other benefits to living in New Jersey, such as lower income taxes and sales tax, more access to nature, excellent public schools, and close proximity to both NYC and Philadelphia.

If you are looking to make a move to NJ, but aren’t sure where to go, then hopefully this guide will help you choose your next home.

Madison: The Best Town in NJ

While certainly not as close as some of the other locations on this list, Madison, NJ, has been considered one of the best towns in New Jersey for several years running. It’s an easy drive to NYC, but you can also take the train to Penn Station, which will take around 50 minutes. Home to the Florham Campus of Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison is a college town in the best way, as you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of restaurants, boutiques, and cafes. The town even boasts a community theater where you can enjoy stage plays, live music, and more!

Unsurprisingly, Madison has some of the best public schools in the state and is also incredibly safe, making it a perfect place if you have a family or plan on starting one soon. Home prices tend to be on the more expensive side, though, and you can expect to pay at least $600,000 for an actual home. Still, the idea is that you’ll be living there for years to come, so it is well worth the investment.

Hackensack: A Great Option to Live in NJ

If you still want a slightly urban feel while still having a bit of space from your neighbors, then Hackensack is a great option. And even if Hackensack doesn’t offer everything you want, you’re only 12 miles northwest of Manhattan. You can easily drive to the city or take the NJ Transit bus, which should take around 40 minutes depending on traffic.

Transportation Options Availability: NJ Towns for NYC Commuters

Town / City # of Train Lines # of Bus Routes Walkability Score Bike Score Transit Score Avg. Monthly Commuter Cost
Madison, NJ 1 4 65 50 72 $190
Hackensack, NJ 2 8 70 55 80 $160
Teaneck, NJ 1 6 68 60 75 $150
Union City, NJ 0 12 85 70 90 $140
Montclair, NJ 3 7 75 65 85 $180

 

With a population of around 46,000 people, it is the most populous city in Bergen County. It also houses the Metropolitan Campus of Fairleigh Dickinson University, which focuses on business and professional majors. Thanks to both the college and its proximity to NYC, Hackensack has diverse neighborhoods with almost 39 percent of the population being immigrants. For foodies, the diversity means a wider range of cuisines to choose from!

As you might expect, the proximity to NYC means Hackensack tends to have a higher cost of living, but it is still significantly lower than if you lived in NYC proper. In fact, you can buy a house for around $400,000, making it more affordable than Madison, NJ.

Teaneck: Full of Nature and Charm in NJ

For those who want a bit more nature, Teaneck is an amazing option as it is home to the 46-acre Teaneck Creek Conservancy. This gorgeous park provides a variety of programs throughout the year for adults and children alike, and also doubles as an eco-art gallery as it has numerous permanent and temporary exhibits. More importantly, you can get to NYC easily by car or public transportation in about 30-40 minutes! It also has some of the best schools in the state, making it a highly desired place to live for people with children. As you might expect, home prices are on the higher end, with the average around $500,000.

It is home to around 41,000 people, making it the second most populous town in Bergen County behind Hackensack. With that said, it has more of a suburban feel than Hackensack, though it does have a quaint downtown with plenty of options for eating and shopping. For history buffs, Teaneck is a treasure trove of history, being a key location during the Revolutionary War due to its location near the center of the original thirteen colonies. In fact, around 100 battles were fought in Teaneck!

Union City: A Perfect Fit for Young Professionals in NJ”

While not as close as Hoboken, Union City is still only 15 minutes away from NYC via public transportation. In fact, if you end up in a luxury apartment, you can probably see NYC from your window! Despite its close proximity to NYC, it’s still relatively affordable in comparison to other locations such as Hoboken. Due to the pandemic, more people have discovered this gem, so prices are going up. Still, you can expect to pay around $1,500 to rent a one-bedroom apartment.

 

Cost of Living Index: NJ Towns vs NYC

Town / City Housing Index
(NYC = 100)		 Rental Price Index
(NYC = 100)		 Utilities Cost
(Monthly Avg.)		 Transportation Cost
(Monthly Avg.)		 Grocery Cost
(% Difference vs NYC)		 Average Property Tax Rate
NYC (Baseline) 100 100 $210 $135 0% 0.88%
Madison, NJ 78 72 $160 $110 -12% 2.23%
Hackensack, NJ 65 58 $150 $95 -10% 2.55%
Teaneck, NJ 70 63 $165 $100 -8% 2.30%
Union City, NJ 60 55 $140 $95 -15% 1.89%
Montclair, NJ 82 78 $170 $115 -5% 2.65%

 

Union City is perfect for young professionals as it provides everything you would expect of a city. There are plenty of options when it comes to nightlife, food, entertainment, and more. It’s also very pedestrian-friendly, so you can often leave your car at home if you just want to grab something quick to eat or drink. And while it might not have waterfront views or a multi-acre park, there are still plenty of neighborhood parks where you can enjoy nature.

Montclair, the Most Quick Move City in NJ

If you’re looking for that picturesque suburban life, then Montclair, NJ, should be at the top of your list. There are numerous public transportation options that can easily get you to NYC in 45-50 minutes. Despite being a suburban town, Montclair is very walkable, making it a favorite location for out-of-towners. Unlike Union City, Montclair is fairly well known and seems to attract media employees from outlets such as the New York Times, Newsweek, and more. Most residents are commuters to New York City and the Metro Area. Housing prices are not low and average around $600,000. Average rent is also around $2,000 for a one-bedroom.

What sets Montclair apart from other towns in NJ is its focus on the arts. Enjoy a play at Whole Theatre or Wellmont Theater and then check out the Montclair Art Museum or one of the several smaller galleries around town. If movies are more your thing, then watch some indie films at the Claridge Cinema. You can also catch some live music playing in one of the many small theaters dotting the town.

Make Your NJ Move Relaxed

Of course, NJ is home to many other towns and cities, but the ones listed provide different options for people looking to move away from NYC. If you’re ready to make the move, make sure to get in touch with professional NJ movers, like us! Just give us a call, and we can provide an estimate and answer any questions you might have about your move.

FAQ

How much do NJ movers cost?

Moving costs vary based on how much you need to move, distance, and add-on services. A basic local move can cost as little as $500 for a one-bedroom apartment.

I’m moving from NYC to NJ, would this be a local or long distance move?

Most NYC movers consider moves to NJ as local moves and will charge you an hourly rate. However, you should always ask beforehand so you don’t get any surprise charges after the move!

Will I be paying NJ and NY taxes if I live in NJ but work in NYC?

Not at all! While you will need to file in both states, you will not pay double taxes. Just make sure to file your New York return before you file your New Jersey return to receive tax credits for taxes you already paid. As a double bonus, you do NOT need to pay any NYC taxes!

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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 the overall cost of living is significantly higher than in 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.

Pros of living in New Jersey while working in NYC

There’s a lot to love about living 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 train, 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 rent, 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 that 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.

 

Cost of Living Comparison: NJ Cities vs NYC (2025)

Location Avg 1BR Rent ($) Avg 2BR Rent ($) Food/Grocery Index Utilities Index Transportation Index Monthly Savings vs NYC ($)
New York City (Baseline) $3,950 $5,500 100 100 100 $0
Jersey City, NJ $3,200 $4,450 93 97 92 $700–$1,100
Hoboken, NJ $3,400 $4,700 94 98 94 $500–$900
Newark, NJ $1,750 $2,500 85 92 88 $2,000–$3,200
Elizabeth, NJ $1,900 $2,750 84 90 87 $1,900–$3,000
Weehawken, NJ $2,900 $4,000 91 96 91 $900–$1,700

 

Your salary also goes a long further in New Jersey. The cost of everyday necessities such as food, gas, and utilities tends 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 schools have 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 the 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 sunshine 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 they simply don’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 they add up when you combine them 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.

Property Tax Comparison — Sample NJ Towns (2025)

Town / City Property Tax Rate (%) Median Home Price ($) Annual Property Tax ($) School District Rating (1–10) Commute Time to NYC (min)
Ridgewood, NJ ≈ 2.73% ≈ $600,000 ≈ $16,362 9 – 10 (A+ rating)* ≈ 35–55 min (train / car)**
Tenafly, NJ ≈ 2.71% ≈ $672,000 ≈ $18,167 9 – 10 (known for strong schools)* ≈ 40–50 min (train)**
Princeton, NJ ≈ 2.43% – 2.51%* ≈ $646,500 ≈ $16,500 8 – 10 (highly regarded district)* ≈ 70–90 min (commute to NYC; depends on route)**
Newark, NJ ≈ 3.73% (effective) ≈ $550,000 – $565,000 ≈ $6,500 – $7,200 5 – 7 (varies by neighborhood)* ≈ 20–35 min (PATH / NJ Transit)**
Hoboken, NJ (condo/townhome market) (varies widely — often high tax + HOA) ≈ $750,000 – $1,200,000* ≈ $15,000–$25,000+ (depending on unit & assessments) 7 – 9 (mixed school + private options)* ≈ 15–25 min (PATH to Manhattan)**

 

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.

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What You Need to Know Before Moving to NJ from New York

What You Need to Know Before Moving to NJ from New York

There’s a certain excitement to New York City that many other cities simply can’t replicate. There’s always something happening regardless of the time of day, and regardless of what niche interests you might have, chances are you’ll find your people. NYC’s diversity is what often draws people to it. Still, while 150,000 people move to the city every year, around 100,000 people move out for a variety of reasons.

If you’re considering a New Jersey move, there are a few things you should consider before taking the plunge. You’ll want to set some expectations beforehand so you’re not disappointed after moving to NJ. Once you have all the information and are ready, make sure to give us a call!

Tax Differences Between Two Cities

One of the biggest differences between New York City and New Jersey is the taxes. New York might have the highest state and local taxes combined at 12.7%, but New Jersey isn’t too far behind at 12.2%. More importantly, you’re not making the extra New York City tax even if you end up living in New Jersey but working in the city. Depending on your salary, you could be saving thousands of dollars at the end of the year. Yes, you’ll have to file in both states, but New Jersey lets you take the tax you already paid as a credit against your New Jersey tax liability.

 

NYC vs. New Jersey Tax Differences

Tax Category NYC Rate (%) New Jersey Rate (%) Difference (%) Notes
State + Local Income Tax 12.7% 12.2% 0.5% higher in NYC NJ residents avoid NYC city income tax.
Sales Tax (General) 8.875% 6.625% 2.25% higher in NYC NJ has a lower statewide sales tax.
Sales Tax (Enterprise Zones) 8.875% 3.5% (Jersey City) 5.375% higher in NYC Big savings when shopping in NJ EZ zones.
Property Tax Up to 1.925% 2.4% 0.475% higher in NJ NJ has the highest property taxes in the U.S.

 

Shopping is also less expensive in New Jersey. Regardless of what borough you live in, you will have to pay an extra 8.875% in sales tax. In comparison, New Jersey’s statewide sales tax is 6.625%. Some areas are even lower if they are in designated enterprise zones. For example, if you shop in Jersey City, the sales tax is only 3.5%!

The one area where New Jersey beats New York when it comes to taxes is property taxes. In fact, New Jersey has the highest property tax in the country at 2.4%. Even in New York City, property tax reaches a max of around 1.925%. Still, considering how much you’re saving in other areas, it might be worth it to pay higher property taxes since you’ll be bringing more money home.

Commuting System: Which Is Better?

While NYC has excellent public transportation options, New Jersey isn’t too shabby either. The state has a low rate of car ownership at 29 cars per 100 people, and you really don’t need a car as you can get pretty much anywhere via the PATH train, Amtrak, and NJ Transit. You can easily access NYC and Philadelphia with no issues.

If you live in Jersey City or Hoboken, NYC is a short 15 to 20-minute train ride away on the PATH. Cost-wise, you pay the same amount of money as you would for a one-way Metro Card. However, you do not get free transfers like you would if you were riding the subway. If you plan on taking the subway anywhere else, you’ll have to pay the cost of another ride.

When it comes to taking the NJ Transit or Amtrak, prices increase drastically as they are directly tied to the distance you travel. You’ll need to plan out your trip carefully as well as the trains don’t come as often as the PATH, with some arriving once an hour.

As good as NJ public transportation is, it’s hard to stack it up against NYC since the subways run 24/7, and if one of the train lines goes down, you have other options to choose from. Of course, you’re comparing the transit system for a city versus an entire state, so there are going to be differences when it comes to convenience and reliability. If you want to get around the state easily, your best bet is to get a car. Just remember that owning a car means extra costs such as gas, insurance, tolls, etc.

Affordable Housing Comparison Between Two Cities

Even in expensive cities like Hoboken and Jersey City, apartment costs are significantly lower when compared to NYC. The prices might look similar, but instead of only paying for a one-bedroom for $3,000/month, you’re getting a two-bedroom. The extra space is one of the major reasons many people move to New Jersey despite working in NYC.

If you’re looking to expand your family, buying a house is much more affordable than trying to buy an apartment in NYC. Sure, some locations aren’t cheap, but you’re getting an entire house versus an apartment in a building. You’ll have more space to work with and, depending on the area you choose, some nice yardage where you can relax and enjoy the weather. Plus, you’re building equity. Unlike apartments, where your monthly rent doesn’t pay for anything, your mortgage payments go towards paying off your home. Eventually, you’ll own the house completely and can pass it on to your children. Even better, you’re able to deduct the interest you paid on your mortgage up to $1 million in mortgage debt.

 

NYC vs. NJ Housing Affordability Breakdown

Category NYC Avg Cost NJ Avg Cost Difference Notes
1-Bedroom Rent $3,000–$3,800 $2,200–$2,800 NYC is ~30% higher NJ often gives larger layouts for similar costs.
2-Bedroom Rent $4,500–$6,000 $3,000–$4,200 NYC is ~40% higher Many NJ cities offer 2BR for the price of a 1BR in NYC.
Median Condo Price $900,000–$1.3M $450,000–$750,000 NYC is ~60% higher Condos in NJ offer more space and lower HOA fees.
Median Single-Family Home Price $1.2M–$1.8M $550,000–$850,000 NYC is ~70% higher Buyers get entire homes + yards instead of apartments.
Avg Monthly Homeownership Costs (Utilities + Maintenance) $450–$700 $350–$600 Slightly cheaper in NJ Homeowners cover all repairs; renters have maintenance included.
Avg Property Size (Rental) 450–700 sq ft 750–1,100 sq ft NJ offers ~50% more space Extra space is a major reason NYC workers move to NJ.
Mortgage Interest Deduction Up to $750K Up to $1M NJ allows a higher deduction NJ homeowners enjoy higher tax-deductible mortgage limits.

 

Of course, being a homeowner also means you are responsible for everything. If something doesn’t work in your NYC apartment or the roof leaks, you just need to call the super or building manager, and they will send someone to fix it. You don’t have to worry about paying for it since maintenance is included in your rent. When it comes to a home, you’re responsible for everything. That also means paying all the bills, including heating, water, taxes, and even trash collection in some places. And that’s on top of potential repairs and maintenance. It can definitely add up, so make sure you factor in these monthly costs to see if you’re truly ready for homeownership.

Check the Weather in Both Cities

While NYC has its fair share of extreme weather events, New Jersey hasn’t escaped unscathed either. In many cases, New Jersey often fared worse than NYC when it came to catastrophic weather due to its geography. Being located along the ocean means there are great beaches, but also extreme weather patterns you’ll need to contend with. You’ll be in the range of hurricanes and nor’easters. If you’re thinking about moving to Hoboken, consider finding a place on higher ground, as Hoboken has a habit of flooding.

When you’re not dealing with storms or blizzards, you get to experience the full gamut of seasons and experience the beautiful and colorful display during the fall and spring seasons. Winters tend to be cold but bearable, and the average summers tend to be hot and humid. Still, New Jersey has 130 miles of coastline to enjoy during the summer months.

Hire Professional NJ Movers for Your Move

It’s important to understand to pros and cons of moving to New Jersey before committing to an apartment or home. You want to be as prepared as possible before taking the plunge. Once you’ve done your research and made your decision, reach out to trusted NJ movers to help you with your relocation. We at NJ Great Movers have been working in New Jersey for over 10 years, so we can help you get organized and situated. You have enough on your plate, so let us take the moving part out of the equation!

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Best Places to Live in New Jersey in 2026

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 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.

 

Commute Time & Transportation Scoreboard

Town Primary Commute Destination Train Time (min) Driving Time (min) Transit Availability Score (1–10) Traffic Difficulty Score (1–10) Overall Transportation Score (1–100)
Princeton NYC 70–80 65–75 7 6 74
Chatham NYC 45–50 35–45 9 5 82
Elizabeth NYC 25–30 20–30 10 7 88
Ho-Ho-Kus NYC 50–60 40–55 8 6 78
Springdale (Cherry Hill) Philadelphia 30–40 25–35 7 5 72

 

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 among 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 low, 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 Colombian, 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 easy 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 are still 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.

 

Cost of Living Comparison: Top NJ Towns Mentioned in This Guide (2026)

Town Median Home Price ($) Median Rent (1BR / 2BR) Grocery Index (NYC = 100) Transportation Index Utilities Index Overall Cost of Living Score (1–100)
Princeton $1,150,000 $2,250 / $3,100 92 85 98 78
Chatham $1,050,000 $2,100 / $2,950 89 83 95 80
Elizabeth $420,000 $1,450 / $1,950 84 72 90 68
Ho-Ho-Kus $1,250,000 $2,400 / $3,250 94 88 97 76
Springdale (Cherry Hill) $525,000 $1,700 / $2,300 87 78 92 72

 

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 the 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-free and hassle-free as possible. So give us a call, and we’ll get you started on the moving process.