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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 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 higher cost of living and the desire for more space. Of course, with more people moving to New Jersey, the cost of homes have 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 is 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 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.

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 a 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.

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-acreage park, there are still plenty of neighborhood parks where you can enjoy nature.

Montclair, 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 cheap 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.

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The Best Guide to Living in Elizabeth, NJ

The Complete Guide to Living in Elizabeth, NJ

As the fourth largest city in New Jersey, Elizabeth boasts plenty of amenities and easy access to public transportation that can take you to other locations in New Jersey or to New York City, which is only 35 minutes away. The close proximity to NYC makes Elizabeth one of the best neighborhoods in NJ for commuters and the excellent public schools make this the perfect NJ city for parents and families.

Before you plan on moving to Elizabeth, NJ, you should do a bit of research to see if this bustling city makes sense for you. Once you’ve decided to take the plunge, make sure to call up trusted NJ movers to help you get settled into your new home.

Know Everything About Elizabeth, NJ

One of the Busiest Ports in the World

Due to its location on the water, Elizabeth has always been a transportation hub. Since its founding in 1664, the city has seen its transportation facilities grow. It’s home to Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal, a container ship facility for goods entering and leaving the NYC metro area. It is the largest container port in the Eastern United States and the 2nd-largest in the country.

It’s part of the Urban Enterprise Zone

Portions of the city are part of the NJ Urban Enterprise Zone and was part of the initial group of 10 zones chosen to participate in the program when it was launched in 1992. As such the city encourages employment and investment in these areas and also has a 50% reduced sales tax.

Excellent Public Transportation in Elizabeth

You don’t need a car in Elizabeth if you want to get around. The New Jersey Transit Authority has bus routes that run through the city and takes you directly to the Port Authority Terminal. It’s also home to two train stations: Elizabeth Station and North Elizabeth Station. NJ transit is also planning a segment of the Newark-Elizabeth Rail Link (NERL) that will connect to Midtown Station and Newark Airport for even easier commuting.

However, if you do want to own a car there are two major highways you can hop onto: Highway 1 which will take you north and south through Elizabeth, NJ and the I-95 which will get you to NYC and Philadelphia. There are three smaller highways – Highway 27, 82, and 28 – which run north and south, northwest, and west respectively.

There are some amazing locations nearby the city that aren’t accessible by train, so having a car can come in handy. For example, one of the best places to check out the fall foliage is Cheesequake State Park which is only 35 minutes away from Elizabeth. The highways also provide easy access to Staten Island if you want to visit for whatever reason.

Princeton Was Founded in Elizabeth

It might now be located in Princeton, NJ, but the esteemed college was founded in Elizabeth back in 1746 as the College of New Jersey. It later moved to Newark in 1747 and then to Princeton in 1756 where it remains today.

Variety of Neighborhoods in Elizabeth

As a large city, Elizabeth boasts a variety of neighborhoods, each with their own look and feel. When choosing where to live you should take the time to explore each area to find the one that matches your needs.

  • Midtown/Uptown – this is the main commercial district and historic section. It’s home to the First Presbyterian Church which was a battleground during the American Revolution. It’s also home to many English type gardens.
  • Bayway – located in the southern portion of the city and between the Elizabeth River and Arthur Kill. The neighborhood has very strong Polish roots with plenty of ethnic restaurants and stores. Houses tend to be more affordable here with an emphasis on two to four-family housing units.
  • Downtown/Elizabethport – the oldest and most diverse location in Elizabeth. You can find old world Elizabethan houses right next to modern American colonial-style houses. Enjoy some amazing shops and then head to the marina for a nice stroll along the water.
  • Elmora and the West End – If you’re a foodie, then Elmora is the place to be. It boasts some of the best restaurants in the city and it’s a quick jaunt to the Elizabeth station.
  • Frog Hollow – this small neighborhood got its name due to the excellent frog catching in its marshes. Since its inception, the neighborhood has expanded and now includes the area known as Helltown which included many docks and shipyards. As such, it’s a great place for people who enjoy being on the water.
  • Keighry Head – Located close to Midtown, this neighborhood is more on the affordable side and is close to transportation and great shopping.
  • North Elizabeth – Next to Elmora, North Elizabeth is a great place for commuters as it is home to the North Elizabeth train station. You can find a nice apartment or a larger one or two-family home here.
  • Peterstown – This middle/working class neighborhood is located in the southeastern part of the city. Despite being part of Elizabeth, it delivers a more ‘small-town’ feel and contains the historic Union Square which is home to many food stands, meat markets, and poultry stores.
  • The Point – formerly known as the Crossroads, this area is close to Midtown and is going through a transformation as more two-family homes are being built here.
  • Quality Hill – Once the most fashionable place to live in Elizabeth, it has become a quiet residential area with new condos popping up.
  • Westminster – If you love nature, then Westminster is the place for you. It’s home to the Phil Rizzuto Park and provides easy access to the boardwalk along the Elizabeth River for excellent birdwatching.

Schools in Elizabeth, NJ

Elizabeth is one of the largest school districts in New Jersey. There are a total of 26 public elementary schools and six high schools with a total enrollment of 28,712 students. The schools have consistently received excellent ratings from parents and students alike. In fact, some schools have been recognized by the Department of Education by receiving the Blue Ribbon School Award of Excellence – the highest award an American school can receive – including William F Halloran Alternative School and Victor Mravlag Elementary School.

While Elizabeth might not be home to any universities, there is a branch of the Union County College located in the city as well as Drake College of Business. The city is also close to other major universities like Rutgers and Princeton.

Variety of Jobs in Elizabeth

As the fourth most populous city in New Jersey, Elizabeth boasts a variety of jobs. While most of the residents tend to commute to NYC for work, many more find local jobs. Some of the largest employers include:

  • Port Newark – the 2,000 acre marina terminal is the second largest container port in the US
  • Bayway Refinery – this refining facility supplies petroleum-based products to the NYC/NJ area producing around 230,000 barrels per day
  • Jersey Gardens Mall – if you enjoy working retail, then your best bet is to find one at the Jersey Gardens Mall, the largest outlet mall in NJ
  • Trinitas Regional Medical Center – the largest healthcare facility in the city and one of the largest healthcare employers in the area

If you don’t want to work for a large company, there are plenty of small businesses in a diverse set of sectors from food and beverage to manufacturing. Chances are you’ll find an employer that needs your skill sets!

Of course, if you can’t find anything in town that suits your needs, then you can find a job in NYC. And you wouldn’t be the only one. On average around 10,000 residents who live in or near Elizabeth commute to the city. While driving is certainly an option, you can also take the NJ Transit trains to Penn Station or one of the buses to Port Authority.

If you want to start your own business, Elizabeth, NJ is a great place! Residents can apply for small business grants and loans. The city itself supports small businesses by providing a network of partners such as the Elizabeth Development Company. Its recent growth in small businesses is due in no small part to the Urban Enterprise Zone which has brought billions of dollars in private investments.

Cost of Living in Elizabeth

Despite its proximity to NYC, the cost of living in Elizabeth is actually slightly lower than the rest of New Jersey. Of course, this all changes based on your living situation, but by and large Elizabeth residents spent around 6 percent less on food, housing, and personal spending than other New Jerseyians. Interestingly, the cost of healthcare, utilities, and transportation are 5 percent higher than the rest of the state.

When it comes to housing, the median home price is around $374,100 compared to the $397,900 for the rest of New Jersey. Renting an apartment is also cheaper with studios averaging around $1,200/month. Of course, as more people start flocking to Elizabeth, chances are rents and home prices will continue to increase.

Safety and Crime

As a large city, Elizabeth does suffer from crime with theft being the most common. Like any city, there are areas that are safer than others with the northeast part having fewer cases of crime. With that said, it’s important to remember when looking at a crime map that often the areas with the highest instances of crime tend to be in retail areas, parks, etc. due to the large concentration of people that visit these places.

If you’re worried about property crime, make sure to install cameras as your home is 300 percent more likely to be robbed with no home security system. From there, it’s really about getting to know your neighbors! The more people know you, the more they will look out for you.

Elizabeth Demographics

Elizabeth has a population of almost 140,000 people. Due to its roots in manufacturing, transportation, etc. Elizabeth is considered a blue-collar town though more white-collar workers have started to move to the area due to its affordable prices and quick commute to NYC. Still, around 40 percent of the workforce is employed in blue-collar occupations.

Thanks to its location along the water, Elizabeth is also quite diverse with around 59 percent of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino, 21 percent identifying as black, and 16 percent identifying as Pacific Islander. The city’s Hispanic population was the tenth-highest in New Jersey. The median income is $43,770 with the majority of residents being between 18-44.

Elizabeth Weather

Similar to other New Jersey cities, Elizabeth is characterized by hot, humid summers and cool to cold winters. Located in the Northeastern part of the United States, you’ll get to experience all four seasons. While the area generally doesn’t see too much in the way of extreme weather events, it can be affected by hurricanes and blizzards.

Fun Things to Do in ElizabethFun Things to Do in Elizabeth

There’s truly something for everyone in Elizabeth whether you’re going to brunch with your friends or enjoying the beautiful weather with your kids. Chances are there’s fun activity going on! Plus, if you get tired of Elizabeth, NYC is just a short train ride away.

  • Enjoy the outdoors – Want a little fun in the sun? There’s plenty of outdoor options. Walk along the Elizabeth River Trail and enjoy the city’s rich history. Join an intramural sports team and play at Mattano Park while enjoying views of the Elizabeth River. Or do some light hiking at the 200-acre Warinanco Park.
  • Eat great food – Thanks to its culturally diverse population, there’s plenty of interesting restaurants to visit. Go to Valencia restaurant for some of the best traditional Portuguese fare in New Jersey. If you’re looking for fusion cuisine, check out The Garden for a fusion of Latin American flavors.
  • Go shopping – Elizabeth is home to Jersey Garden Malls, the largest outlet mall in the state. It’s home to local and international brands. If you’re looking to support small businesses, visit Midtown or Elmora for more boutique options.
  • Find some weekend entertainment – Elizabeth offers a variety of entertainment options. If you’re looking for a more artsy experience, go to Barcode for some great food and ticketed events. If you’re in the mood to dance the night away, you can head over to Bamboleo Bar and Grill. Otherwise, enjoy a cold brew and the game at The LOBBY! There are also seasonal festivals and events throughout the year such as Portugal Day Parade, the Reenactment of the Battle of Elizabethtown, and more!
  • Watch some live performances – Built in 1926, the Ritz Theatre offers a wide variety of concerts and shows. There’s something happening almost every day of the week so check out the site and see if there’s anything that interests you. If you want to do something arty for free, check out the local street murals. These artworks were commissioned by the Elizabeth Renaissance Foundation and features murals by a local artist.

Moving to Elizabeth

Elizabeth, NJ boasts a combination of qualities that will appeal to people from different backgrounds from people looking for a quiet, residential area to those who want to be near the nightlife. There’s truly something for everyone. Plus, if you can’t find it in Elizabeth, you’re just a stone’s throw from NYC.

If you’ve decided to move to Elizabeth, make sure to reach out to movers NJ residents trust! They’ll be able to get you moved in without delay so you can start your new life on the right foot.

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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.