The 10 Best Places To Live In New Jersey For 2026


The best places to live in New Jersey for 2026 are Hillsdale, Waldwick, and Park Ridge. Find out where your city or town ranks.

We all know New Jersey is the best state in the Union. What with the bagels, diners, the shore, and all the great produce.

But because the whole state is the best, choosing the best place to live in New Jersey is hard.

We decided this question needed to be answered once and for all. So we used Saturday Night Science to compare Census, FBI, and Zillow data for the 177 places in New Jersey over 5,000 people. In particular, we looked at factors like home prices, crime rates, unemployment, and income.

And while you might have heard about Hoboken, Trenton, or Newark, New Jersey has some fantastic smaller places that we’re going to highlight today.


Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Table | Map | Methodology | Summary


What’s the best place to live in the Garden State? The best place to live in New Jersey is Hillsdale based on FBI, Zillow, and Census data.

But honestly, having grown up in Mendham and living around the country, there really is no better state in the Union, so enjoy the Taylor Ham and pizza every day you can.

For more reading, check out:

The 10 Best Places To Live In New Jersey For 2026

Best Places To Live In New Jersey Map

Hillsdale, NJ

Source: Wikipedia User JERRYE | CC BY-SA 4.0
Stat Hillsdale New Jersey
Population 10,144 9,343,809
Rank Last Year 3
Median Home Value $843,787 $569,411
Median Income $186,688 $103,556
Unemployment Rate 3.4% 6.3%
Crime Per Capita 0.0027 0.0167

More on Hillsdale: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

Hillsdale, another borough located in Bergen County, ranks as the number 1 best place to live in New Jersey. Hillsdale’s appeal lies in top-tier schools, robust demand for housing, and a low crime rate.

The town boasts the Stonybrook Swim Club with its pool complex and recreational facilities and Beechwood Park’s amphitheater, playground, and walking trails provide ample leisure options.

With a range of recreational sports and a community-oriented environment, Hillsdale remains a sought-after location for families and individuals alike, solidifying its reputation as one of the best places to live in the state.

Waldwick, NJ

Source: Wikipedia User Daniel Case | CC BY-SA 3.0
Stat Waldwick New Jersey
Population 10,164 9,343,809
Rank Last Year 4
Median Home Value $738,299 $569,411
Median Income $177,962 $103,556
Unemployment Rate 2.2% 6.3%
Crime Per Capita 0.0037 0.0167

More on Waldwick: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

We’re sticking around Bergen County for our 2nd best place to live in New Jersey, Waldwick. At $738,299, homes in Waldwick are some of the cheapest you’ll find on this list. Residents still enjoy a high median household income of $177,962/year, which helps give Waldwick the second lowest cost of living among the cities we’re covering here. And an unemployment rate of 2.2% is the 3rd lowest in New Jersey. Just 2.9% of folks in Waldwick are on food stamps, so you know the economy is working just fine here without government assistance.

Low crime numbers and solid scores in education also make Waldwick an attractive place to live. Fans of railroad history will also be interested in visiting the Waldwick Museum.

Park Ridge, NJ

Source: Wikipedia User KLOTZPLATE | CC BY-SA 4.0
Stat Park Ridge New Jersey
Population 9,406 9,343,809
Rank Last Year 2
Median Home Value $845,037 $569,411
Median Income $171,029 $103,556
Unemployment Rate 3.2% 6.3%
Crime Per Capita 0.0028 0.0167

More on Park Ridge: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

Coming in as the 3rd best place to live in New Jersey is Park Ridge, a borough of 9,406 located about a half-hour north of Newark.

For starters, Park Ridge ranked as one of the safest places in New Jersey, recording the 13th lowest overall crime rate statewide — the crime rate in Park Ridge is nearly half the national average.

It’s not just safe streets, though. Park Ridge has some of the best schools in New Jersey, with their elementary school scoring in the top 5% statewide and their high school receiving a College Success Award from GreatSchools.

Education has undoubtedly played a key role in reducing poverty and unemployment numbers to incredibly low levels. In fact, the median household income in Park Ridge is $171,029, and the median home price here is $845,037.

If you’re looking for fun things to do locally, the Wortendyke Dutch Barn Museum provides a unique historical perspective on Bergen County’s roots. And having Newark down the road helps meet your entertainment needs as well. After all, you can always catch a New Jersey Devils’ game or a concert at the Prudential Center.

Westfield, NJ

Source: Wikipedia User Jared Kofsky/PlaceNJ.com | CC BY-SA 3.0
Stat Westfield New Jersey
Population 31,111 9,343,809
Rank Last Year 5
Median Home Value $1,269,852 $569,411
Median Income $232,629 $103,556
Unemployment Rate 3.6% 6.3%
Crime Per Capita 0.0057 0.0167

More on Westfield: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

Located just west of Newark, Westfield is a town of 31,111, making it the biggest place on this list. Downtown Westfield is a regional destination with plenty of shopping, restaurants, and nightlife, so this just might be the most exciting place to live among the places we’re covering here.

Roughly 75% of Westfield residents have at least a bachelor’s degree, so you know people take education seriously here. That dedication to learning has translated into a number of economic successes. Like having the 9th highest median household income in the state at $232,629/year. Or having a poverty level of just 1.8% and the 39th highest percentage of residents with health insurance in the state, 97.3%. And with a perfect 10/10 SnackAbility score for education, you’d better believe that Westfield’s up-and-coming generation is set up nicely to continue the community’s tradition of excellence.

And since my wife grew up here, I think it’s pretty great.

Fair Haven, NJ

Source: Wikipedia User Apc106 | CC BY-SA 3.0
Stat Fair Haven New Jersey
Population 6,170 9,343,809
Rank Last Year 1
Median Home Value $1,483,126 $569,411
Median Income $250,001 $103,556
Unemployment Rate 4.9% 6.3%
Crime Per Capita 0.0019 0.0167

More on Fair Haven: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

Fair Haven is a Monmouth County borough of 6,170 and ranks as the 5th best place to live in New Jersey. Whether you’re after a heady meal complete with live jazz or piano music at Raven & the Peach or looking for outdoors serenity at the nearby Hartshorne Woods Park, Fair Haven has you covered.

As for being family-friendly, 47.9% of Fair Haven’s households have kids, so you know that people consider it an excellent place to raise children. The statistics actually prove the truth of that, considering that GreatSchools gave Fair Haven an average score of 9/10 for its public schools, and test scores here are in the top 5% statewide.

If you don’t want to embarrass yourself at a pub quiz night in Fair Haven, you’d better get studying because 87% of adults are highly educated here (including an incredible 30% of adults with master’s degrees or higher). Additionally, 97.1% of residents have health insurance in Fair Haven, the 4highest rate in New Jersey.

But you won’t need that insurance for any crime-induced injuries. Fair Haven had the 5th lowest total crime rate over 2024.

Fanwood, NJ

Source: Wikipedia User Jared Kofsky/PlaceNJ.com | CC BY-SA 4.0
Stat Fanwood New Jersey
Population 7,799 9,343,809
Rank Last Year 6
Median Home Value $791,728 $569,411
Median Income $195,529 $103,556
Unemployment Rate 2.7% 6.3%
Crime Per Capita 0.0074 0.0167

More on Fanwood: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

With a 1.0% poverty rate (the lowest in the state) and a median household income of $195,529, Fanwood is one of the best places to live in New Jersey. Frankly, it’s the kind of place where wealth and community actually intersect.

This Union County borough of 7,799 puts solid schools and safe streets within reach. But that combination doesn’t come cheap in Fanwood.

You’ll spot median home values near $791,728. It’s steep, but you’re getting what you pay for. The Fanwood municipal government works hard to maintain this as one of New Jersey’s best places to live.

Oradell, NJ

Source: Wikipedia User | GFDL
Stat Oradell New Jersey
Population 8,235 9,343,809
Rank Last Year 8
Median Home Value $975,411 $569,411
Median Income $221,322 $103,556
Unemployment Rate 2.3% 6.3%
Crime Per Capita 0.0022 0.0167

More on Oradell: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

Oradell’s combination of safety, top-rated schools, and proximity to both nature and urban amenities make it one of the best places to live in New Jersey. This quaint borough is known for its safe and friendly neighborhoods, making it an ideal location for families.

Oradell has something to do for everyone. You can explore the beautiful Oradell Reservoir in town. Or drive the fifteen miles northwest to Midtown Manhattan for all the cultural attractions and entertainment options that New York City has to offer.

The median home price in Oradell is $975,411, making it an attractive option for those looking to settle down in a charming community without breaking the bank.

Little Silver, NJ

Source: Public domain
Stat Little Silver New Jersey
Population 6,105 9,343,809
Rank Last Year 7
Median Home Value $1,110,499 $569,411
Median Income $240,853 $103,556
Unemployment Rate 3.3% 6.3%
Crime Per Capita 0.0062 0.0167

More on Little Silver: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

Located in Monmouth County, New Jersey, Little Silver is ranked as the 8th best place to live in the state. With a population of 6,105 and a median income of 240,853, it offers its residents a high standard of living.

Little Silver enjoys access to the beautiful beaches of the Jersey Shore, which are just a short drive away. The town itself has a charming downtown area with unique shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Little Silver is highly regarded for its top-notch education system, with a high percentage of adults being highly educated. The community prides itself on providing excellent schools that consistently rank among the best in the state. This makes Little Silver an ideal place for families with children.

Haddon Heights, NJ

Source: Wikipedia User Jerrye & Roy Klotz, MD | CC BY-SA 3.0
Stat Haddon Heights New Jersey
Population 7,516 9,343,809
Rank Last Year 9
Median Home Value $493,148 $569,411
Median Income $133,125 $103,556
Unemployment Rate 4.5% 6.3%
Crime Per Capita 0.0051 0.0167

More on Haddon Heights: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

If you’re hunting for the 9th best place to live in New Jersey, Haddon Heights deserves a close look. This borough of 7,516 is just outside Philadelphia, with a median household income of $133,125 and a poverty rate of just 2.5%.

Homes cost about $493,148, and residents stick around. This is the kind of community where families stay. The median age of 41 shows that clearly.

Haddon Heights ranks as one of the best places to settle in New Jersey.

Norwood, NJ

Source: Wikipedia User Adam Moss | CC BY-SA 2.0
Stat Norwood New Jersey
Population 5,724 9,343,809
Rank Last Year 25
Median Home Value $898,893 $569,411
Median Income $178,311 $103,556
Unemployment Rate 0.9% 6.3%
Crime Per Capita 0.0037 0.0167

More on Norwood: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

Ranked 10th on our list of best places to live in New Jersey, Norwood is a Bergen County borough that appeals to professionals and retirees seeking a stable home base.

At 48, the median age reflects Norwood’s appeal to an older, more established demographic. Homes here sell for a median price of $898,893, with median household income at 178,311.

With an average commute of 30 minutes, Norwood proves convenient for working professionals. The quiet residential character keeps it equally appealing to retirees and empty-nesters seeking one of the best places to live in New Jersey.

Mapping The Best And Worst Places To Live in New Jersey

Best Places To Live In New Jersey Size Requirement

Before we even started to collect data on the best places to live in New Jersey, we had to answer a tough question: Is it fair to pit Trenton, with a population of 90,338, against places with a population of 18?

We firmly decided no, that just isn’t fair.

So, to create our ranking, we broke the best places to live into three tiers:

  • Cities — Populations over 5,000
  • Towns — Populations between 1,000 and 5,000
  • Small Towns — Populations below 1,000

This filter left 177 cities, 209 towns, and 67 small towns.

We then decided no matter how much anyone loves their town, the best cities to live in New Jersey have more of everything, and therefore, you need over 5,000 people to truly be ‘the best.’

Methodology: How We Calculated The Best Cities To Live In New Jersey

Now that we had our set of the best possible cities, it was time to rank them using Saturday Night Science.

We ranked each place in New Jersey across a number of criteria from one to 177, with one being the best.

We then took the average rank across all criteria, crowning the city posting the lowest overall score, the “Best Place To Live In New Jersey.”

The criteria we looked to determine the best places were:

  • Median Home Values
  • Median Income
  • Population Density (Higher is better)
  • Unemployment Rate
  • Commute Time
  • Crime
  • Education Levels
  • Health Insurance Coverage
  • Poverty rates

Sources of criteria include the New Census Data, FBI Crime Data, and Zillow. We updated this article for 2026. This report is our eleventh time ranking New Jersey’s best places to live.

If your city or town isn’t among the top 10, jump down to the bottom of the post to see a detailed chart of the best places in New Jersey. Otherwise, buckle up for a ride down good living lane with Hillsdale at the end of the cul-de-sac.

Summary: The Best Places In New Jersey

If you’re looking at areas in New Jersey with the best economic situations, where there’s lower than average crime, and a lot to do, this is an accurate list.

The best places to live in New Jersey are Hillsdale, Waldwick, Park Ridge, Westfield, Fair Haven, Fanwood, Oradell, Little Silver, Haddon Heights, and Norwood.

Hillsdale made a strong showing to take in the overall number one spot for the best place to live in New Jersey for 2026.

If you’re curious enough, here are the worst places to live in New Jersey according to the data:

  1. Camden (Pop. 71,496)
  2. Newark (Pop. 310,178)
  3. Bridgeton (Pop. 27,001)

For more New Jersey reading, check out:

Best Places To Live In New Jersey Table

Rank City Population Unemployment Rate Home Value Median Income Rent Crime Per Capita
1 Hillsdale 10,144 3.4% $843,787 $186,688 $1,764 0.0027
2 Waldwick 10,164 2.2% $738,299 $177,962 $3,446 0.0037
3 Park Ridge 9,406 3.2% $845,037 $171,029 $2,257 0.0028
4 Westfield 31,111 3.6% $1,269,852 $232,629 $2,357 0.0057
5 Fair Haven 6,170 4.9% $1,483,126 $250,001 $3,492 0.0019
6 Fanwood 7,799 2.7% $791,728 $195,529 $2,446 0.0074
7 Oradell 8,235 2.3% $975,411 $221,322 $2,305 0.0022
8 Little Silver 6,105 3.3% $1,110,499 $240,853 $3,501 0.0062
9 Haddon Heights 7,516 4.5% $493,148 $133,125 $1,166 0.0051
10 Norwood 5,724 0.9% $898,893 $178,311 $2,094 0.0037
11 Chatham 9,407 5.2% $1,310,369 $241,500 $2,250 0.0053
12 Madison 16,447 6.3% $990,722 $171,471 $2,253 0.0043
13 Haddonfield 12,595 3.6% $830,376 $200,400 $1,897 0.0160
14 Franklin Lakes 11,084 2.3% $1,557,852 $235,795 $3,230 0.0041
15 Ridgewood 26,308 3.4% $1,200,488 $208,211 $2,499 0.0064
16 Emerson 7,305 5.6% $780,189 $155,536 $1,887 0.0010
17 New Providence 13,727 3.8% $990,084 $161,599 $1,903 0.0030
18 Bernardsville 7,916 4.3% $1,003,866 $236,115 $2,297 0.0064
19 Old Tappan 6,008 2.2% $1,224,145 $205,385 $3,501 0.0025
20 Glen Rock 12,154 6.0% $1,056,914 $215,096 $1,930 0.0064
21 Allendale 6,865 4.1% $1,073,640 $160,162 $2,590 0.0012
22 Glen Ridge 7,943 7.6% $1,125,696 $250,001 $2,728 0.0126
23 North Caldwell 6,656 6.0% $1,133,695 $208,245 $3,329 0.0066
24 Rumson 7,241 4.5% $2,183,827 $250,001 $3,501 0.0039
25 Mountainside 7,049 3.5% $1,043,568 $211,538 $3,501 0.0035
26 Florham Park 13,564 5.4% $1,025,255 $158,696 $3,109 0.0066
27 Manasquan 5,922 2.7% $1,158,873 $142,944 $2,030 0.0105
28 River Edge 12,091 4.7% $839,655 $159,028 $1,879 0.0079
29 Point Pleasant 19,334 3.0% $733,629 $115,625 $1,930 0.0053
30 Hawthorne 19,628 5.1% $629,473 $110,237 $1,830 0.0091
31 Dumont 18,279 3.7% $666,364 $126,071 $1,787 0.0031
32 Oakland 12,768 5.4% $750,020 $162,019 $1,383 0.0038
33 Woodcliff Lake 6,152 12.0% $1,228,602 $213,981 $1,888 0.0075
34 Midland Park 7,019 7.2% $732,464 $146,841 $1,853 0.0071
35 Linwood 6,992 7.4% $487,432 $156,354 $2,188 0.0073
36 Roseland 6,268 4.9% $819,879 $164,458 $3,297 0.0077
37 Tenafly 15,319 6.8% $1,262,422 $208,200 $3,501 0.0048
38 New Milford 16,995 6.4% $727,506 $114,889 $1,765 0.0051
39 Westwood 11,283 2.5% $755,182 $165,781 $2,458 0.0031
40 Wood-Ridge 10,218 4.8% $709,508 $136,108 $1,878 0.0062
41 Hasbrouck Heights 12,115 4.4% $709,659 $123,734 $1,700 0.0050
42 Closter 8,606 3.3% $1,153,805 $190,469 $2,721 0.0122
43 Ringwood 11,657 4.8% $596,571 $152,414 $1,750 0.0021
44 Morris Plains 6,315 5.0% $727,185 $154,923 $2,835 0.0128
45 Ramsey 14,805 3.2% $863,403 $160,996 $2,245 0.0105
46 Kinnelon 10,013 8.1% $836,758 $187,438 $2,282 0.0037
47 Leonia 9,336 6.0% $808,460 $129,665 $2,073 0.0052
48 Northfield 8,456 3.9% $388,519 $111,599 $1,835 0.0108
49 Mount Arlington 5,935 3.2% $529,938 $92,264 $2,392 0.0015
50 Matawan 9,710 5.1% $645,511 $123,354 $1,824 0.0002
51 Fair Lawn 35,610 6.2% $709,175 $144,574 $1,917 0.0101
52 Metuchen 15,144 5.8% $683,090 $158,052 $2,078 0.0104
53 Hoboken 58,668 3.8% $855,399 $180,579 $2,938 0.0193
54 Pitman 8,856 5.4% $358,955 $98,489 $1,521 0.0032
55 Audubon 8,730 4.0% $376,496 $115,789 $1,290 0.0378
56 Rutherford 18,894 4.2% $738,683 $143,153 $1,966 0.0088
57 North Haledon 8,778 4.6% $712,134 $125,313 $2,369 0.0034
58 Jamesburg 5,770 3.5% $465,246 $110,972 $1,957 0.0040
59 Cresskill 9,174 5.2% $1,000,898 $170,376 $2,599 0.0496
60 Butler 8,133 4.1% $549,895 $111,557 $1,599 0.0055
61 Caldwell 9,003 4.4% $724,634 $96,824 $1,976 0.0039
62 Boonton 8,854 6.9% $667,779 $114,302 $1,849 0.0093
63 Rockaway 6,613 6.4% $561,516 $107,053 $1,587 0.0035
64 Oceanport 6,195 7.3% $910,435 $126,094 $1,608 0.0042
65 Watchung 6,485 6.1% $1,060,984 $173,672 $2,738 0.0429
66 Summit 22,705 5.4% $1,372,010 $190,304 $2,430 0.0079
67 Montvale 8,901 5.9% $920,950 $178,269 $2,053 0.0110
68 Roselle Park 14,093 4.8% $538,084 $109,679 $1,663 0.0075
69 Englewood Cliffs 5,362 4.8% $1,733,277 $230,611 $3,501 0.0159
70 Wanaque 11,206 4.0% $507,937 $113,175 $1,778 0.0022
71 Somerville 13,410 3.4% $542,519 $103,760 $1,802 0.0092
72 Beachwood 11,088 3.1% $462,368 $106,858 $2,335 0.0086
73 Raritan 8,368 2.8% $545,696 $107,672 $2,112 0.0094
74 Totowa 10,959 3.0% $659,952 $113,563 $2,072 0.0204
75 West Long Branch 8,586 8.3% $959,619 $114,271 $1,970 0.0119
76 Bergenfield 28,450 6.2% $629,539 $130,045 $1,752 0.0028
77 Upper Saddle River 8,439 7.3% $1,412,975 $250,001 $3,501 0.0496
78 Woodland Park 13,355 5.6% $648,175 $98,845 $1,839 0.0106
79 Palisades Park 20,290 5.6% $987,742 $94,743 $2,009 0.0072
80 Kenilworth 8,401 6.3% $625,219 $118,611 $2,023 0.0087
81 Tinton Falls 19,361 5.8% $624,718 $117,308 $1,746 0.0541
82 Edgewater 14,759 8.0% $714,157 $124,050 $2,579 0.0135
83 Union Beach 5,707 7.1% $527,337 $119,250 $2,567 0.0541
84 South Plainfield 24,473 5.6% $583,002 $130,239 $2,107 0.0206
85 Maywood 10,093 8.1% $681,177 $117,912 $1,854 0.0157
86 Ridgefield 11,498 5.6% $778,379 $118,059 $2,095 0.0077
87 Paramus 26,568 7.7% $1,039,756 $144,349 $3,032 0.0496
88 Highland Park 15,121 4.8% $585,368 $104,694 $1,873 0.0138
89 Brigantine 7,674 5.7% $697,787 $97,250 $1,517 0.0085
90 Hopatcong 14,565 2.9% $447,232 $115,758 $1,777 0.0025
91 Berlin 7,539 2.1% $389,296 $102,855 $1,439 0.0133
92 Barrington 7,076 4.7% $364,663 $87,290 $1,320 0.0122
93 Lincoln Park 10,957 10.1% $534,178 $123,397 $1,857 0.0064
94 Carlstadt 6,378 7.5% $656,613 $115,444 $1,645 0.0165
95 Fort Lee 40,067 5.8% $588,321 $107,274 $2,270 0.0124
96 Bogota 9,360 7.1% $605,189 $103,299 $1,941 0.0054
97 Pompton Lakes 11,047 3.1% $548,025 $124,454 $1,845 0.0333
98 Bloomingdale 7,716 3.6% $547,973 $127,500 $1,753 0.0051
99 Manville 10,921 3.1% $476,360 $93,333 $1,844 0.0107
100 Cliffside Park 25,781 4.4% $645,670 $93,452 $1,837 0.0078

About Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar has been in the real estate business for almost ten years now. He originally worked for Movoto Real Estate as the director of marketing before founding HomeSnacks.

He believes the key to finding the right place to live comes down to looking at the data, reading about things to do, and, most importantly, checking it out yourself before you move.

If you've been looking for a place to live in the past several years, you've probably stumbled upon his writing already.

You can find out more about him on LinkedIn or his website.