Best Places To Live In New Jersey Close To NYC In 2024

Are you dreaming of a seamless move to the New Jersey area, close to the bustling metropolis of New York City? If the answer is HELL YES, you’re in the right place. Moving people for years now, we’ve got all the inside info. These vibrant communities offer the ideal blend of convenience, charm, and proximity to the Big Apple. So, sit back, relax, and let us take you on a virtual tour of these top-notch destinations. Let’s get ready to have the best of both worlds.

Hoboken

If you’re looking for a lively and energetic atmosphere with a dash of urban charm, you’ve found the one. Placed just across the river from Manhattan, this city offers a fantastic view of the NYC skyline. Hoboken boasts a thriving restaurant and bar scene, perfect for young professionals and those with an active social life. The waterfront parks are great for outdoor activities and long walks while enjoying the sun. Transportation options are abundant, with direct ferry service to NYC and excellent connections to other parts of New Jersey.

Safety: Hoboken is generally considered safe, with a well-policed and pedestrian-friendly environment.

Housing: It also offers a mix of housing options, like brownstones, apartments, and condos. However, we have to mention that housing prices can be on the higher side due to its proximity to NYC.

Education: The city has good public and private schools, which makes it popular with families with children.

Cost of Living: Living costs are slightly higher than in other parts of New Jersey. Housing, dining, and entertainment expenses, in particular, are where you can notice the difference.

Entertainment: Hoboken is known for its vibrant nightlife, with many bars, restaurants, and music venues. You’ll find a wide range of dining options, from trendy eateries to cozy cafes. The city also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, so there’s no way you’ll ever get bored here.

Ideal For: Young professionals seeking an urban lifestyle, individuals who enjoy a vibrant social scene, and those who prefer easy access to NYC.

Jersey City

As Hoboken’s neighbor, Jersey City recently experienced noticeable growth and transformation. You’d be surrounded by a diverse and multicultural environment with a burgeoning arts scene and a thriving culinary landscape. Can you imagine the possibilities Jersey City offers with all that? And on top of it all, it also has convenient commuting options to NYC with the PATH trains and all ferry services.

Safety: Jersey City has made significant strides in improving safety and is generally considered safe. However, like any urban area, you should always be careful.

Housing: Jersey City offers a range of housing options, including high-rise apartments, historic brownstones, and modern condos. There are also various waterfront developments with stunning views of Manhattan.

Education: The city has both public and private schools, including some highly regarded charter schools and specialized academies. So you have various options to choose from for an excellent education.

Cost of Living: Jersey City’s cost of living is also relatively high due to its proximity to NYC. However, it can be more affordable than Manhattan or some parts of Brooklyn.

Entertainment: Jersey City explodes with an eclectic mix of dining options, from upscale restaurants to ethnic places. The vibrant arts scene includes galleries, theaters, and cultural festivals. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy parks, waterfront promenades, and many outdoor activities.

Ideal For: Professionals with more of an urban lifestyle, people interested in diverse cultural experiences, and those looking for a lively culinary and arts scene.

Montclair

Situated about 20 miles west of Manhattan, Montclair has that next-door neighbor’s charming suburban lifestyle with an energetic downtown area. It’s known for its tree-lined streets, beautiful parks, and a strong sense of community. Montclair boasts excellent schools, making it very popular with families. The town’s cultural scene is thriving, with art galleries, theaters, and various dining options to explore.

Safety: Montclair is known as a safe community with a low crime rate.

Housing: Montclair is famous for its mix of historic homes, spacious single-family houses, and apartments. The town offers a range of housing options so everyone can find what they need.

Education: Montclair is famous for its high-level public schools and private school options. The town’s focus on education makes it an attractive choice for families with children.

Cost of Living: The cost of living in Montclair is higher than average New Jersey prices. However, it offers quite a desirable suburban lifestyle and, more importantly, easy access to NYC.

Entertainment: Montclair offers a thriving arts and cultural scene. You’ll find theaters, art galleries, and music venues, including the renowned Wellmont Theater. The downtown area is full of shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Ideal For: Families seeking excellent schools with a suburban lifestyle, those of you who appreciate a strong sense of community, and those crazy about arts and culture.

Edgewater

POV: you’re walking along the Hudson River, enjoying Edgewater’s breathtaking views of Manhattan, the sun is hitting your skin, and you’re eating some delicious ice cream with your friends. A pretty good pov, right? Imagine living in that movie scene every day; wow… Well, you can do all that in Edgewater. The town has seen significant development in recent years, with many upscale housing options coming to the neighborhood and a growing restaurant scene. Access to NYC is fine, too; many choices, like buses and ferries, make it convenient to get around.

Safety: Edgewater’s focus is on maintaining a secure environment.

Housing: Edgewater offers a mix of luxury high-rise apartments, townhouses, and incredible waterfront properties. Many residences enjoy stunning views of the river and that amazing NYC skyline.

Education: The town has good public schools and many more educational opportunities in cities nearby.

Cost of Living: Edgewater’s cost of living is relatively high. Well, with all those desirable waterfront locations and proximity to NYC, we can only imagine why.

Entertainment: As an Edgewater resident, you can enjoy scenic parks along the riverfront, perfect for walks and so many fun picnics. The town has a diverse selection of restaurants where you can spice up your dinner with casual eateries or upscale dining experiences.

Ideal For: One more city that is ideal for all those professionals among you, looking for a modern and upscale living experience and individuals who enjoy waterfront activities and easy access to NYC is on the top of their list.

Fort Lee

Placed at the foot of the George Washington Bridge, Fort Lee is also the one with easy access to Manhattan. This town also has a diverse community and a whole bunch of housing options. You can find a range of amenities, like parks, shopping centers, and dining places.

Safety: Fort Lee has a relatively low crime rate, and the town always maintains a safe environment. So there’s no need to worry.

Housing: Fort Lee offers a mix of housing options, from apartments, condominiums to single-family homes. Some residential areas offer beautiful views of the Hudson River and NYC. What more can you wish for?

Education: Fort Lee has an excellent public school system, making it a very attractive choice to families. The town is also home to private and international schools, so you can find your place no matter your needs because this one has it all…

Cost of Living: While the cost of living in Fort Lee is higher than average New Jersey prices, it can still be more affordable than living directly in Manhattan.

Entertainment: On top of delicious Asian cuisine and its vibrant Korean community, the town has parks and recreational facilities for outdoor activities. Fort Lee is also home to a historic park and museum, where you can explore all these amazing cultures and do a whole much of learning. On the plus side, imagine the stories you’ll have from all the dates you’ll go on here.

Ideal For: Le’s go over it again; Are you looking for convenient access to NYC, good schools, a diverse community, and have a special interest in experiencing Asian culture and cuisine? Congrats! You’ve found the one!

Maplewood

Located about 17 miles west of NYC, Maplewood has a charming and family-friendly environment. The town has that picturesque downtown feel with tree-lined streets, local shops, and restaurants.

Safety: Maplewood is a safe community with an active and involved police department.

Housing: Where to even start? From historic homes and cozy bungalows to modern residences, this town has incredible and different neighborhoods, each with its unique character.

Education: Maplewood has a strong reputation for excellent public schools, making it a popular choice among families. The town also has multiple private school options, making it stand out with its proximity to prestigious universities.

Cost of Living: The cost of living in Maplewood is, again, relatively high compared to some other New Jersey towns. However, it does give a desirable suburban lifestyle with easy access to NYC.

Entertainment: There are so many community events and festivals you can attend here throughout the year. Annual arts festival and many outdoor activities.

Ideal For: Families seeking a family-friendly community with top-notch schools, those who appreciate a tight-knit community atmosphere, and all of yall who enjoy a suburban lifestyle.

South Orange

Adjacent to Maplewood, South Orange shares similar qualities, including a charming village center and a sense of community.

Safety: Another safe community with a proactive police force and community-oriented programs.

Housing: South Orange features a mix of housing styles, from grand Victorian houses to townhouses and apartments. The town’s tree-lined streets and well-preserved architecture just give it that extra charm.

Education: South Orange is part of the South Orange-Maplewood School District, which is highly regarded for its public schools. The town is also home to Seton Hall University, so education is a pretty strong point.

Cost of Living: Living in South Orange is higher than in other New Jersey places. However, it does offer a desirable suburban lifestyle and a strong, friendly, and welcoming community.

Entertainment: Artistic events, theater performances, and music concerts are just the beginning. The town has a selection of restaurants, cafes, and many, many shops. And all the nearby recreational areas have so many opportunities for outdoor activities.

Ideal For: Families looking for a close-knit community with excellent schools, especially if you’re interested in arts and culture. Get ready for a suburban lifestyle and road trips to NYC.

Each of these towns near NYC in New Jersey has its own distinct character and attractions. The most important thing to do is to think about your preference, budget, and lifestyle when choosing the right one. Explore these areas firsthand, talk to some locals, and check on those areas and all of the criteria on your perfect home checklist. When you finally find the perfect house and your perfect match, the rest you won’t need to worry about. Don’t believe us? Just give us a call and see for yourself, Roadway Moving will think about everything else, from the weather, transportation, garage parking spot to the parking spot, and all above and beyond all of that. You just sit back, relax, and enjoy the views. Sometimes all it takes is a perfect moving company, and reliable movers and you’ll set off to a very good start, if you have some doubts, Roadway Moving is always gonna be there to have your back! The only job you have is to sit back, relax, and enjoy all the views, and trust us, there are plenty of jobs to finish no need to worry, we’ll be here to answer all the questions and concerns. That’s what we’re here for! There’s no need to hesitate.