As one of the 13 original states, New Jersey has a rich and storied history. Many of its residents live in bedroom communities that feed into the bustling commerce and business of nearby Philadelphia and New York City. If you’re considering a move to New Jersey, you’re in luck! The state offers a variety of cities that cater to different lifestyles, interests, and preferences. In this article, we’ll cover the top cities to live in New Jersey and what makes them stand out.
1. Trenton, NJ
- Population change: A
- Price: A
- Stores: B
- Schools: C
- Healthcare: A
- Entertainment: B
- Restaurant: A
Trenton is the state capital of New Jersey and is located in the central part of the state. It has a population of around 85,000 people and offers a mix of urban and suburban living.. Rent here is affordable for the state, averaging $1,100 for a one-bedroom apartment. Considered a prime destination for foodies, Trenton offers an abundance of restaurants, many of them Latin American. The Pork Roll is a local favorite that’s given rise to its own annual summer festival. Entertainment and shopping rank high with highlights like the Old Barracks Museum and New Jersey State Museum. Schools are moderately ranked here, but healthcare access is excellent thanks to the Saint Francis Medical Center and Capital Health Regional Medical Center.
2. Newark, NJ
- Population change: A
- Price: B
- Stores: C
- Schools: A
- Healthcare: C
- Entertainment: A
- Restaurant: B
Newark is the largest city in New Jersey, with a population of around 280,000 people. Newark sits along the Passaic River and Newark Bay, about 8 miles west of Manhattan Island. Rent here is moderately priced for the area, averaging $1,400 for a one-bedroom apartment. The city has highly-rated public schools as well as several charter school options, making it a popular pick for families. Shopping and healthcare get average grades, while the dining and entertainment stand out. Popular attractions include Branch Brook Park, The Newark Museum of Art, and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.
3. Camden, NJ
- Population Change: F
- Price: A
- Stores: A
- Schools: B
- Healthcare: B
- Entertainment: A
- Restaurant: C
Located just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, Camden offers easy access to amenities in this neighboring city. Residents in Camden enjoy affordable rent averaging $1,125 for a one-bedroom apartment. Shopping and entertainment abound with highlights like Adventure Aquarium, Battleship New Jersey, and Camden Children’s Garden. The area has good public schools as well as several charter school options for families.
4. Jersey City, NJ
- Population Change: B
- Price: F
- Stores: B
- Schools: A
- Healthcare: A
- Entertainment: B
- Restaurant: A
Jersey City is known as New York’s sixth borough, nestled between the Hudson and Hackensack Rivers. This modern urban community has enjoyed a recent revival, making it a highly coveted place to call home. This is reflected in its rental rates, which average $3,415 for a one-bedroom apartment. Schools and healthcare both get high grades here. Popular attractions include the picturesque Liberty State Park and Liberty Science Center. The area has convenient bodegas on every corner and ample restaurants featuring Cuban, Puerto Rican, and American fare.
5. Paterson, NJ
- Population Change: B
- Price: B
- Stores: D
- Schools: C
- Healthcare: D
- Entertainment: D
- Restaurant: C
Paterson sits along the Passaic River in northeastern New Jersey. This is an affordable place to call home with an average rent of $1,600 for a one-bedroom apartment. The Great Falls of the Passaic is a prime attraction, cascading 70 feet. Other highlights include Lambert Castle and the Paterson Museum. The schools are moderately ranked with a 17:1 student-teacher ratio. Local dining includes an eclectic selection of ethnic cuisine including Mexican, Turkish, Dominican, and Middle Eastern food.
6. Passaic, NJ
- Population Change: F
- Price: C
- Stores: C
- Schools: B
- Healthcare: D
- Entertainment: C
- Restaurant: D
Passaic is just 9 miles north of Newark on the Passaic River. This area offers moderately-priced apartments that average $1,638 for a one-bedroom unit. The Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park is a prime local attraction. Good schools combined with family-friendly destinations like the Rack ‘n Roll Family Fun Center make this a popular pick for parents who want a place to settle. Though local shopping and dining options are limited, you can find a great selection in larger cities just a short drive away.
7. Toms River, NJ
- Population Change: D
- Price: F
- Stores: A
- Schools: D
- Healthcare: B
- Entertainment: C
- Restaurant: B
Toms River is a coastal town on the Jersey Shore made famous by shows like MTV’s Jersey Shore and Made. Less than 90 minutes from both New York City and Philadelphia, this is a great place to live if you enjoy weekend excursions into the city. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is $1,849. Toms River offers outstanding shopping and a variety of restaurants. For a quirky atmosphere and award-winning breakfast or lunch, grab a meal at Shut Up and Eat! Other local highlights include Barnegat Lighthouse State Park and Seaside Heights Boardwalk.
8. Clifton, NJ
- Population Change: C
- Price: D
- Stores: D
- Schools: D
- Healthcare: C
- Entertainment: D
- Restaurant: D
Clifton, located in northeastern New Jersey, is a bedroom suburb of New York City. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is $2,000. The area has a dense residential feel with limited attractions. However, its proximity to NYC makes it easy to access nearly anything you might need. Within Clifton, you can find highlights like Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas and Ghost Hawk Brewing Company.
Frequently asked questions about living in New Jersey
New Jersey’s individual income tax is graduated, ranging from 1.4 to 10.75%. The state sales tax is 6.625% and the local sales tax must not exceed 3.313%.
New Jersey’s climate is extremely variable with warm, humid summers and moderately cold winters. When cold air masses from the continental interior meet the warm Atlantic air, intense storms called nor’easters may result.
New York state borders New Jersey to the north and northeast. Pennsylvania sits to the west of New Jersey across the Delaware River with Delaware and Delaware Bay to the south and southwest. New Jersey’s east coast sits on the Atlantic Ocean.
New Jersey has a higher cost of living compared to the national average, but it’s also one of the wealthiest states in the country. The cost of living varies by city, with more urban areas having a higher cost of living.
New Jersey has a diverse economy, with industries such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, technology, and finance driving job growth. There are also opportunities in government, education, and retail.
Final thoughts
Whether you want a new city where you can live and work or you’re looking for the ultimate destination for convenient commuting, New Jersey has great options to suit your needs. Start exploring now!
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