New Jersey - The 10 Best Places To Live In 2021 - Highly Educated, Perfectly Situated

New Jersey, named after the island of Jersey in the English Channel, is nicknamed 'The Garden State' because of its lush green scenery and outdoor recreation. New Jersey is a beautiful state with plenty of shore towns, a state famous for high-performing public schools, with one of the highest high school graduation rates in the country. From dense urban areas like Newark and JerseyCity to green countrysides and charming villas, New Jersey offers diverse places to live. The Garden State’s low cost of living adds to its appeal, and it’s a contributing factor to why many young professionals, families, and retirees are putting down roots in the state. Families flock to the Jersey Shore during warm summer months while many outdoor lovers venture to the Skylands for hiking, hunting, and camping. With spacious homes, great schools, a family-friendly atmosphere, and miles of shoreline, New Jersey is a great place to live. Here is a list of the 10 best places to live in New Jersey that we’ve rounded up.

10. Newark.

Newark is a top spot for those who want access to great jobs, unique restaurants, a growing arts scene, and more spacious homes without skyscrapers' prices. Not only does Newark have a lower cost of living and cheaper monthly rent than Jersey City, but it’s also known for having a more diverse community. Many of the best free things to do in Newarkinvolve taking in the stunning scenery! Despite being a big city, there are lots of parks and green spaces to explore. Financial services, legal firms, health care systems, and local universities make up some of the largest employers in Newark.

9. Jersey City.

Jersey City is situated along the Hudson River and part of Upper New York Bay. While not nearly as large as New York City, Jersey City is still a relatively large city and offers plenty in the way of arts and entertainment, dining, and more. Despite the proximity, the overall cost of living in Jersey City is significantly lower than any of the neighborhoods in New YorkCity. In addition to the overall cost of living being more affordable in Jersey City, real estate is much more affordable and easy to come by in Jersey City

8. Hoboken.

Hoboken is a relatively small city located on the Hudson River waterfront. Its proximity to Manhattan has made it a popular place to live and work for decades. Many people who live in Hoboken work in New York City but prefer to live somewhere a little quieter and less densely populated. Jobs in Hoboken are plentiful and growing. The top employers in Hoboken are in the professional services, Finance, and Education industries. From a safety standpoint, Hoboken is about as safe as any other urban area, instances of violent crime in Hoboken are relatively slim. Still, the cost of living in Hoboken is quite high compared to national averages.

7. Long Beach Township.

Building a new home in Long Beach Island can be one of the best real estate investments you will ever make in your lifetime. Consisting of 18 miles of beautiful white-sand beaches, this place has become one of the most coveted areas to live in all of New Jersey. Retiring on Long Beach Island is becoming more popular. Long Beach Island is the perfect place to unwind, due to the peacefulness of the community and the numerous recreational opportunities. Boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, and ice cream parlors are all located within steps of the beach for your enjoyment.

6. Madison.

Madison is known for its vibrant downtown, a tree-lined Main Street full of restaurants and shops that longtime residents are quick to call "quaint." This place is perfect for people who aren't entirely done with city life. Located just off the highway and under an hour from Manhattan, it’s an easy drive to the Big Apple. New Jersey highlights the low crime rate, reasonable taxes, stellar schools, and rising home values make it the place to live.

5. Clifton

Clifton is about 15 miles from both Newark and Jersey City, and it’s less than 30 miles from Manhattan, making it an ideal place for those who want to be near big-city action but enjoy a slower, more relaxed lifestyle. The tight-knit community hosts family-friendly events throughout the year, and its 38 city parks offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Although the median home value in Clifton is higher than the state average, coming in at $340,000, so is its median household income, which is $70,000 – so it balances out. The average commute time for residents is24 minutes, and the town also has modest crime rates.

4. Westfield.

Westfield is the perfect combination of urban living with a small-town vibe. With safe, family-friendly suburbs, a charming downtown district, gorgeous homes on tree-lined streets, and great commute options into neighboring cities, it’s an excellent home for first-time homebuyers and families of all ages. Westfield’s high schools also boast a 97%graduation rate with many students getting accepted into the prestigious Rutgers University after they graduate. Westfield is home to several different parks that are perfect for running, biking, afternoon picnics, and mingling with the local community.

3. Atlantic City.

Atlantic City has a history as a thriving city where people have come to enjoy resorts. Retiring in this exciting coastal city means getting to live life to the fullest every single day. Atlantic City has a vibrant culture that includes plenty of museums, restaurants, and shopping opportunities. The Absecon Lighthouse in the heart of the city is one of the country's oldest lighthouses. It features a museum, expansive grounds, anda wonderful view of downtown.

2. Princeton.

Princeton enjoys a central New Jersey location and transit network that put it a quick train ride away from New York City and Philadelphia. It is a go-to destination for people that want to replicate city life in a suburban setting. With easy access to parks, waterways, and trails, you explore the outdoors all year round easily. Students enjoy convenient jogging trails that line the Delaware & Raritan Canal, canoeing on Lake Carnegie, and biking and hiking trails throughout the region. The Jersey Shore and Pennsylvania’s ski mountains are also just a short road trip away.

1. North Arlington.

The beauty of North Arlington is that it offers a small-town feel yet promises all the perks you would expect while living in the city. In this case, that city happens to be arguably the world’s most famous: New York City. North Arlington is only 15 miles from Apple’s financial district, the world’s most prominent financial district. Residents have access to an excellent school district, and the area has a low crime rate...