23 Best Towns in New Jersey in 2024 (By a Local)
There are so many beautiful towns in New Jersey. From gorgeous seaside escapes to historical gems, if you’re looking for where to visit or live in New Jersey, then you’ve come to the right place.
As a New Jersey resident for over 30 years, I have the inside scoop on all things New Jersey. In this article, I’m going to introduce you to some of our most beautiful towns around the Garden State.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful getaway or a more active vibe, these New Jersey towns have got you covered and are some of the best places to visit in the state.
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23 Best Towns in New Jersey
Cape May
A peaceful seaside town with a classic Victorian flair.
🏠 Population: 2,834 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Cape May on Booking
Cape May is a popular seaside resort town with tons of great things to do, especially in the spring and summer months. The town is located at the bottommost tip of New Jersey and is like taking a trip back in time to the Victorian era.
Beach Avenue (so named because it overlooks the beach) is one of the most popular sites and one of the best places to stay in Cape May. Colorful, Victorian-style homes line Beach Avenue, enhancing its beauty. There are some activities for young ones here, but Cape May is often more appealing to mature visitors and older residents.
The peaceful demeanor of the town is particularly relaxing. Enjoy great views of the Atlantic Ocean as you sit on the beach. You may even spot a whale breaching!
Princeton
A famous college town bursting with historical charm.
🏠 Population: 30,872 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Princeton on Booking
Princeton is a great, family-friendly college town. It’s home to its namesake Ivy League learning institution, Princeton University. This town offers beautiful gothic architecture and great art museums.
Good news for the golfers out there, Princeton has a variety of great golf courses. Golf is actually one of the most popular forms of recreation in Princeton.
Princeton has activities for all ages and a comfortable atmosphere. This, coupled with great schools, makes this a great place to live in New Jersey or visit. The police presence is strong, lending to a safe environment.
Get planning with my guide to the best things to do in Princeton.
Sparta
This historical town was named the safest town in New Jersey.
🏠 Population: 18,647 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Sparta on Booking
Concerned about safety in New Jersey? Then you’ll be happy to know that Sparta proudly sports the title of being the safest town in New Jersey.
This picturesque town is in New Jersey’s Sussex County. It features beautiful parks, farms, and lakes. It’s also an affluent town with a median income of over $100,000. The most popular communities are those with lakefront views.
It’s an ideal place to visit and live in for mature visitors. Those with younger children who love running in wide open spaces will love it here too. I’m a sucker for lake views, and Sparta has plenty of them. The family-oriented atmosphere and safety make it an excellent place to settle down and raise a family.
Bordentown
A quiet and quaint town with a charming atmosphere.
🏠 Population: 3,990 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Bordentown on Booking
Bordentown, located in Burlington County, is unassuming for the most part. Small shops and a slow pace give it the intimate feel that the residents have come to love.
The main street isn’t anything fancy, but it has a few boutiques and restaurants. The boutiques are great for unique finds. I found the residents to be friendly and they say hi or give you a nod as they pass. You see a lot of families and get to enjoy a generally serene vibe.
Red Bank
A diverse town with an eclectic flair that offers a good mix of things to do.
🏠 Population: 12,920 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Red Bank on Booking
Red Bank is a town I had the pleasure of passing through on the way to check out the beach. One of the things I appreciate most about Red Bank is that it’s diverse.
You feel safe there too as there’s a good police presence. Red Bank is a nice mix of cozy suburbs, with an urban feel. The nightlife is enough to draw in a younger crowd, but you have family-friendly activities too. It’s a little crowded passing through during beach season, but that’s to be expected in this area.
Toms River
This New Jersey town has the clearest water in the state.
🏠 Population: 95,997 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Toms River on Booking
Go to Toms River if you want some of the nicest beaches in New Jersey. It isn’t far from Seaside Heights, but I promise you the vibe is far different.
Ortley Beach has the clearest water I’ve seen in over 30 years of living in NJ. The sand is soft – hot, but soft. When I visited, as the evening approached, my daughter and I even had the privilege of seeing Sting Rays swimming.
The downtown area is nice too. There isn’t a lot to it, but enough to keep residents and visitors entertained and fed. I’ll definitely be back here again.
Spring Lake
A safe and beautiful town known for its gorgeous beaches.
🏠 Population: 2,796 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Spring Lake on Booking
Like Toms River, Spring Lake also boasts some beautiful beaches. It’s even featured as one of the best beaches in New Jersey.
The boardwalk is great for a nice afternoon stroll. The downtown area is reminiscent of a quieter Asbury Park, in my opinion. Spring Lake is safe, and the schools are highly rated. Homes can be expensive, but this is common in areas closer to the shore.
All in all, Spring Lake is a great community that residents are proud to call home, and one of the best beach towns in New Jersey.
Phillipsburg
The perfect town for relaxed living by the Delaware River.
🏠 Population: 15,291 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Phillipsburg on Booking
Philipsburg in Warren County is quickly gaining popularity as a great place to live. One of its most attractive points is the fact that it sits along the Delaware River. If you’re anything like me, waterfront views are beyond fascinating. Living where you can get a glimpse of a beautiful waterfront whenever you want is definitely a plus.
Phillipsburg is also a safe, friendly community. Suburbia at its best.
Monroe
This Middlesex County suburb is one of the safest places in New Jersey.
🏠 Population: 39,132 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Monroe on Booking
Monroe, located in Middlesex County, is another one of the nicest areas in New Jersey. It’s a friendly town that doesn’t have much of a downtown. In fact, while visiting, the closest I came to a downtown area was the Concordia Shopping Center. It was really nice with some shops and a few dining options.
You feel safe here, and it’s actually one of the top-rated safest places in New Jersey, right up there with Sparta.
Hoboken
A vibrant and bustling city across the Hudson River from New York City.
🏠 Population: 58,690 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Hoboken on Booking
Hoboken is one of the most popular cities in New Jersey. It’s most desired because of its proximity to New York and is a popular place to live and visit in New Jersey. It’s also close to Jersey City, which is also popular with commuters. This busy suburb tends to attract young professionals in particular.
It’s filled with great restaurants and a wide variety of lively nightlife activities in Hoboken. Go any Friday or Saturday night, particularly in the summer, and you’ll see what I mean. Lines can get long, so go early if you plan to take them in.
Because of its proximity to New York, however, housing is rather expensive in Hoboken.
👉 Pro Tip: Finding parking in Hoboken is particularly difficult If you can walk to your destination, that’s your best bet. Rideshare services are also a good option. If you must drive, be prepared to circle the block several times or have to walk a distance from your parking spot.
Secaucus
A suburban town that’s popular with NYC commuters.
🏠 Population: 21,295 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Secaucus on Booking
You’ll find Secaucus in Hudson County. It’s best known for its popular rail station, Secaucus Junction, which is the main hub where all NJ Transit Rail Lines pass through.
While it may not be as big as New York Penn Station, I can personally attest that Secaucus Junction is massive. It’s great for commuters as there are even some spots to grab a bite before getting on the train.
The suburbs of Secaucus are also impressive. They’re well-kept with beautiful parks. It’s a great place to visit for younger as well as more mature visitors.
Weehawken
An urban community with spectacular waterfront views.
🏠 Population: 14,864 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Weehawken on Booking
Weehawken is well-known for its diversity and proximity to New York City. Residents here often opt for the ferry as opposed to the train to commute to NYC. This small town is quite diverse.
It’s a large urban community but with some suburban aspects. Rent and home prices here can be high, mainly due to how close it is to NYC. Still, it’s a nice place to live, and since it can be very busy, tends to be popular with younger crowds. I come here for the great views of the Hudson from atop some beautiful hills.
Upper Montclair
A high-class suburb with beautiful homes.
🏠 Population: 11,439 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Upper Montclair on Booking
Upper Montclair is easily one of the nicest places to stay in New Jersey. It’s essentially the more upscale section of Montclair and has a quieter, more suburban feel than the rest of Montclair.
A few friends and I loved driving around the hills of Upper Montclair. We would admire all the many beautiful and uniquely designed mansions. Living in Upper Montclair can be quite expensive, but most people agree that the peaceful atmosphere and level of safety are well worth it.
Millburn
A charming town with something for everyone.
🏠 Population: 20,171 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Millburn on Expedia
Millburn neighbors the town that I live in, so I’m here very often. My daughter even studies digital art at One River Art School in Millburn.
My favorite part of this place is downtown Millburn. They have a wide variety of great restaurants such as the popular lunch spot, Millburn Deli. Locals and visitors alike love visiting the Papermill Playhouse where you can catch a variety of great shows.
Millburn has something for everyone, young or more mature. The train station ensures a quick ride to NYC for those who have to commute.
Maplewood
A charming small town with a slowed-down pace and diverse community.
🏠 Population: 25,232 | 📍 Google Maps | Maplewood Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Maplewood on VRBO
Maplewood is a small, friendly, and diverse town that I used to call home. It’s located in Northern New Jersey right by Millburn. People of all ages will like Maplewood, but mature individuals and families will especially appreciate the slow pace and strong sense of community.
The atmosphere is pleasant and peaceful, especially in Maplewood Village. “The Village” as most call it, is essentially the town square. It’s home to the Maplewood Train Station. People flock here especially in the summer to enjoy a stroll. There are also a variety of great eateries such as The Able Baker, and the seasonal Village Ice Cream Parlour.
For a more city-like feel in Maplewood, visit Springfield Avenue. Here, you’ll find popular chain stores as well as cute boutique flower shops.
Chester
A cute town perfect for those wanting classic and quaint living.
🏠 Population: 7,777 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Chester on Expedia
Chester is one of New Jersey’s many small, safe, and homey towns. I first visited this cute town when getting one of my birds from their World of Birds. It was a pleasant town to visit, with friendly locals and a good police presence.
There are shopping centers and beautiful parks. The calm pace is great for families, as well as retirees.
Paramus
Paramus is home to great schools and is an easy commuter town.
🏠 Population: 26,416 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Paramus on Booking
Paramus is a great family-friendly area that has a little something for everyone. There are many days I spent perusing the shops in the Garden State Plaza Mall when my daughter was a toddler.
Paramus is one of those areas that adhere to old ‘Blue Laws’. Meaning, on Sundays, you’ll find that most businesses are closed due to an old law that prohibits work. Houses are pretty expensive here, but that’s common in Bergen County. All in all, Paramus is a great place to visit and live.
Teaneck
A small suburban town near the George Washington Bridge.
🏠 Population: 40,619 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Teaneck on Booking
Teaneck is a small town in Bergen County, close to the George Washington Bridge. This makes Teaneck an attractive place to live for those who have to commute to New York City.
Teaneck is also home to Fairleigh Dickinson University, a highly-rated private college. Most families that live here have proudly lived here almost all their lives. It’s one of those places where once people move here, they stay.
Morristown
A vibrant and historic town home to a scenic park and Revolutionary War sites.
🏠 Population: 20,276 | 📍 Google Maps | Morristown Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Morristown on Booking
Morristown is a vibrant and diverse town that gives you a nice mix of city and suburban living. It’s ideal for those who commute, as there are a variety of transit options. Morristown is a great place for all ages, but it’s especially popular with families because of its safety ratings.
The Green is a popular spot in Morristown. It’s a central green space where many outdoor events are held. Many great shops and amazing restaurants surround The Green.
Morristown also has a rich history. George Washington slept here during the Revolutionary War. You can visit Revolutionary War sites such as Fort Nonsense (yes, that’s the real name!) to learn more about the town’s history.
Bridgewater
A peaceful suburban town with beautiful parks and trails.
🏠 Population: 46,318 | 📍 Google Maps | Bridgewater Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Bridgewater on Booking
Bridgewater is a suburban town located about an hour southwest of Newark. If you love a peaceful town with lots of natural beauty, you’ll love Bridgewater.
Bridgewater isn’t known for having a downtown area. The closest you get to downtown is the Bridgewater Commons Mall. However, Bridgewater is home to beautiful parks such as North Branch Park. Washington Valley Park is another great park that features scenic trails for nature lovers.
Visiting Bridgewater has always been a pleasant stop for me and I enjoy exploring it more with each visit. It’s a peaceful town without a lot of fanfare, which I personally consider a good thing.
Springfield
A town known for its luscious green parks and great restaurants.
🏠 Population: 16,872 | 📍 Google Maps | Springfield Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Springfield on VRBO
I work in Springfield and have always enjoyed visiting it over the years. Springfield is a decently wealthy town. It’s popular with families because of its safety ratings and good school system.
You’ll find some great restaurants in Springfield. Halo Roasters and TD Pizza along Mountain Avenue are a couple of fan favorites. I especially recommend visiting in the summer to enjoy outdoor patio dining.
Parks like Briant Park, which I pass daily on my way to work, are another reason to love Springfield. It runs through Springfield and the town of Summit and has a nice path to walk through. It even features a small waterfall.
Belvidere
This quaint rural town boasts rustic charm and a serene atmosphere.
🏠 Population: 2,521 | 📍 Google Maps | Belvidere Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Belvidere on VRBO
Belvidere is a rare gem in Warren County. It’s a small, rural town that’s sparsely populated, but it’s not one to be missed! The appeal of Belvidere lies in the fact that it’s so quiet and calm. In fact, the name “Belvidere” is Latin for “beautiful to see.”
Retirees especially love Belvidere because of its laid-back pace. Vintage shops abound with unique boutique finds. Many of these are handmade goods that you won’t find anywhere else.
Large, luscious parks are the only thing missing from Belvidere. However, small parks like Riverside Park make up for this with a pleasant atmosphere.
Denville
This peaceful town has a great small business scene and is popular with families and commuters.
🏠 Population: 17,127 | 📍 Google Maps | Denville Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Denville on VRBO
Denville is another town that’s great for families and those looking for peace and quiet. It’s not a particularly large town, but it’s big enough to be considered the hub of Morris County. A couple of New Jersey Transit train routes run through Denville, making it a great choice for commuters.
Denville’s downtown area is unique. It’s a non-profit district funded by local businesses. The township encourages visitors and residents to support small businesses by shopping here. Downtown Denville is located mainly along Broadway. It’s a cute area to visit, and they often host live events. It’s definitely worth checking out!
FAQs About New Jersey Towns
What are the best small towns in New Jersey?
Some of the best small towns in New Jersey include Cape May, Princeton, Sparta, and Spring Lake.
How many towns does New Jersey have?
New Jersey has 15 official, incorporated towns.
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Thanks for reading my list of the best towns in New Jersey! Of course, this list isn’t all-inclusive, as there are many beautiful towns to visit and live in the Garden State.
For more, check out my guide to the top things to do in New Jersey.
(Featured Image Credit: JW Cohen / Shutterstock)
I would add Ridgewood, Clinton, High Bridge, Frenchtown, Lambertville and Mountain Lakes
Hi. Is Wall any good?
Very good! Good schools, great beaches but, rather pricy.
Yes … Wall is very nice. It borders Spring Lake, Belmar & Brielle.
Yes wall spring lake manasquan and SEA GIRT which I grew up in are all great..although I did choose Lauderdale by the Sea Florida small town sandwiched between Boca and Ft.lauderdale strip working on my 26th year and no regrets but I’ll always love my home town🤗
I would delete Phillipsburg. If you want Delaware River views pick Frenchtown which is much more quaint, according to a person who grew up in Clinton.
I agree
Definitely agree!
I would add Cranford for the restaurants, parks, friendly atmosphere, and events such as the scarecrow walk or Porchfest.
Yesss!
I second that.
The only two towns that have won the American downtown prize are Montclair and Westfield. Metuchen is in the running this year. Half credit for Upper Montclair.
It appears author, looked the whole picture rather than downtown only. Although, Montclair is beautiful but the school system not up there. However, RIDGEWOOD is missing.
Most of the kids from Montclair Upper Montclair and Essex Fells go to MKA , Montclair Kimberly Academy . The best school in New Jersey. Rather pricy, but worth the money. If you can afford 250k for just four years of high school and graduate from MKA. You on your way to living a lavish lifestyle .
Surprised not to see Westfield, Haddonfield, Lambertville, Collingswood, and Ocean City on the list. Great destinations for visitors.
Im not. Unfortunately, South Jersey area is mostly overlooked. This article is the follows the other ines of its kind: when they mention “NJ” or”New Jersey”, they really mean North Jersey. to put the 1 token town in South Jersey, and shocked!- Its a shore town! It annoys me to no end to see a headline that says (for example), “15 Best Italian Restaurants in NJ”. And not 1 restaurant listed is south of Trenton. The population boom in SJ is trending restaurants of every kind are exploding into existence and the old hidden gems have new life in then. But, it’s ok NJ journalists, keep reporting as North Jersey being the whole of NJ. We in SJ are used to decades of being ignored. But you’re missing out on some amazing eateries south if Trenton and west of the shore
I agree.
YES! THANK YOU. And all are very expensive. Southern NJ (and for me that means south of Cherry Hill!!) has many nice, AFFORDABLE, small towns with great shops and restaurants etc. that these articles never pay attention to. In one respect that is ok, we don’t need/want any tourists here! However, it is unfair to our towns and businesses who never get any recognition in these articles. South Jersey isn’t even on the map for these writers, except as you say for Cape May, which always makes the list. The few articles that mention anything “south of Trenton” always say Cherry Hill and/or Collingwood. Which again are largely unaffordable for most of us. Take a look south of Collingswood for a change people and don’t stop until you’ve explored every southern county!
Cape May, Tom’s River🙏
i have not found a really good italian restaurant or even a good pizza in south new jersey.
Agree. Port Republic. New Gretna. All safe places to raise children. Some listed are questionable.
East bay grilling Barnegat, is not bad.
I think Denville definitely beats a lot of the towns that are on list. Even Morristown, with the history of George Washington And other people that are responsible for making America what it is.
I agree 100% – being from South Jersey I’ve always felt disconnected from Central and North Jersey- why haven’t we ever separated? Many states have! It’s high time!
I don’t agree left out clifton and Roseland also Clark
I agree with you Clifton should be on the list….
How about Florham Park, Madison, Morristown?
Oh of course, all amazing towns in Morris County! Madison is actually my town’s neighbor, so Florham Park and Morristown are nearby as well. Morristown actually has an amazing hospital and great restaurants! I’m planning to do some updates in the near future where I’ll include more of our awesome towns 🙂
These are all beautiful locales, I agree! It’s hard to get around to everywhere in New Jersey, but I do cover some of these in other articles, and in the future others as well!
And Morrestown.
You left out what I think is a great town and a wonderful place to live.
Ocean Grove…..
And Asbury Park 💙
Those places are beautiful but most people can’t afford to live there. Because it’s too much money. I am from south Plainfield and you can live here. But you can’t list them all. But great job.
You should try heading south of 195 at some point. Some nice places down there, too.
Is South Plainfield nice? How about diversity there? It’s a slight possibility that I may be moving there.
South Plainfield is really nice actually! I’ve been there a few times and found it to be one of the nicest of the Plainfields – nicer than Plainfield. Personally, I felt the diversity was good. To the point that anyone would feel comfortable visiting or living there. The schools are also highly rated, I know a few people whose children go to school in South Plainfield. If you do move there, I’m sure you’ll love it!
I loved your post! As you said, “It isn’t all inclusive.” Places to live will definitely depend on a person’s preferences. However, I appreciate the diversity. I like it when a writer writes so well, that I feel as if I’m there! Great job!✍🏽✅
Thank you so much!
What about Edison? It’s nice to be there with good neighbourhood.
Nice article, but how about posting most affordable places to live near water.
There’s nothing to do in Toms River, except going to the beach 2 month a year, because the water is too cold in June, I lived there for a few years. Now I live in Cherry Hill, it’s the way much better, this is the town with plenty of shopping and restaurants, great public schools and a lot of attractions, because it’s close to Philadelphia. Nearby Moorestown and Haddonfield are even better, because they have historical downtowns as well, making you feel like you are traveling somewhere in Europe.
Cape May is South Jersey. The towns listed here is a preference of the writer of this article. A lot of these towns are too expensive to live. I been to most of the one mentions here. It is nice that our state is being promoted to the outsiders……
Bridgewater area people.
Morristown is awesome….has ” the green” that hosts assorted events as well as many restaurants .. affordable housing. We are currently receiving a makeover …..
What about Lincoln Park NJ and Elmwood Park NJ
What about montville township?.
Love Holland Township in Hunterdon county but a lot of tickborne illnesses caused by ticks there.
Otherwise great place
Haddonfield and Moorestown two of the best! Good schools
Ocean City, Hands Down
How about Crosswicks and Allentown New Jersey 🤔
Fredon nj Sussex county nj nice town
I would add west new york great place and north bergen also good food places to shop convient
No Wayne, NJ ? What happened ? 😂
Wildwood?
Hi all,
Is Hamilton NJ any good?
Hamilton is actually really nice! It’s big, has plenty to do, and is safe. I do, however, suggest visiting areas that aren’t too close to Trenton, as some areas around there aren’t the safest. But in general, Hamilton is an awesome place to visit and live 🙂