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Best Cities To Live In New Jersey

Last updated 02/08/2024 by

Miriam Belen-Rodriguez

Edited by

Fact checked by

Summary:
Exploring the cities of Jersey City, Hoboken, and Princeton in New Jersey reveals a blend of urban energy, historical significance, and academic excellence. These cities offer high walkability, quality healthcare, and robust job markets, making them attractive destinations for residents.
New Jersey, often called the Garden State, offers a unique blend of urban and suburban lifestyles. With its proximity to major cities like New York and Philadelphia, New Jersey provides a diverse living experience, from the bustling streets of Hoboken to the academic and cultural richness of Princeton.

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Jersey City

Jersey City skyline
Jersey City, a prominent city in New Jersey, is known for its rich history and modern urban development. It is a testament to the state’s blend of historical significance and contemporary progress, attracting residents and visitors with its unique charm and dynamic atmosphere.

Jersey City snapshot

AspectDetails
Average Home Price$707,633
Cost of Living113.048 Regional Price Parity (RPP for the US is 100, lower = lower than average, higher = higher than average)
Crime15.47 incidents per 1,000 residents (Average crime rate in the US is 23.48 per 1,000 residents (FBI, US Census))
WeatherJersey City experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters

SuperMoney may receive compensation from some or all of the companies featured, and the order of results are influenced by advertising bids, with exception for mortgage and home lending related products. Learn more

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Jersey City healthcare

Jersey City, New Jersey, has several top-ranked hospitals that provide excellent healthcare services to its community.
CategoryDetails
Jersey City HospitalsJersey City Medical Center is highly rated for various adult procedures and conditions. It serves as a general medical and surgical facility in the area.
Other Notable HospitalsOther hospitals in Jersey City, such as Christ Hospital and Hoboken University Medical Center, also provide high-quality healthcare services to the residents.

Jersey City walkability

Jersey City offers a highly walkable environment, contrasting with Atlanta’s mixed walkability landscape.
CategoryDetails
Overall WalkabilityJersey City has an average Walk Score of 87, indicating it’s a very walkable city where most errands can be accomplished on foot.
Highly Walkable AreasCertain locations in Jersey City, like Historic Downtown, are considered ‘Walker’s Paradises’ with scores as high as 96, meaning daily errands do not require a car.
Neighborhood VariabilityWalkability in Jersey City varies by neighborhood, with areas like The Waterfront having a high walkability score of 88.
City RankingJersey City is ranked as one of the most walkable cities in New Jersey, offering excellent pedestrian-friendly environments.

Jersey City education

Jersey City’s education system is marked by a range of high-performing schools and districts, offering a strong educational environment.
CategoryDetails
Jersey City Area School DistrictsJersey City School District includes highly ranked schools and is known for its diversity and above-average college prep-test scores.
High Schools in Jersey CityU.S. News & World Report lists several of the best high schools in Jersey City, including Dr. Ronald E McNair High School and Infinity Institute.
Public School PerformanceJersey City’s public schools, such as Cornelia F. Bradford School and Dr. Michael Conti School, are known for their high performance and academic excellence.
Top Public Schools in Jersey CityNotable public schools in Jersey City include Phillip’s Academy Charter School and Soaring Heights Charter School, which are highly rated for their educational standards.

Jersey City jobs and economy

Jersey City’s economy is characterized by a dynamic job market and promising future growth, making it an important economic center in New Jersey.
CategoryDetails
Job Market GrowthJersey City has experienced a slight decrease in the job market over the last year, but future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 24.0%.
Average Annual SalaryThe average annual salary in Jersey City is $84,084
Future Job GrowthFuture job growth in Jersey City is expected to be robust, with significant opportunities in various sectors.
Recent TrendsDespite recent fluctuations, Jersey City’s job market remains strong, with ongoing development and new business opportunities.
Attractiveness to New ResidentsThe growing job market and economic opportunities in Jersey City make it an appealing destination for new residents and professionals.
Overall Economic StrengthJersey City’s economy is diverse and dynamic, contributing significantly to the economic growth of the New Jersey region.

Pro Tip

“One advantage of the large urban areas is they offer tons of exciting opportunities for culture and nightlife. If a person works in a specific field where it is essential to network with others, they will benefit from going to a location where that industry is booming. However, it doesn’t help to be in San Francisco if you only work from a desk at home. The nomad needs to participate in co-working spaces and other networking events while they are in the city. Nomads should select a location based on their professional and lifestyle goals. Our focus was on lifestyle goals, so that’s how we selected our destinations”. – Emily Wilson, owner of Pets Around the World

Princeton

The streets of Princeton NJ at a glance
Princeton, New Jersey, renowned for its prestigious university and rich historical background, offers a unique blend of academic excellence and cultural heritage. This distinguished city is a center for education and a place where history and modernity coexist, attracting a diverse population of students, academics, and families.

Princeton snapshot

AspectDetails
Average Home Price$791,583
Cost of Living100.809 Regional Price Parity (RPP for the US is 100, lower = lower than average, higher = higher than average)
Crime14 incidents per 1,000 residents (Average crime rate in the US is 23.48 per 1,000 residents (FBI, US Census))
WeatherPrinceton experiences warm, humid summers, very cold, snowy winters, and partly cloudy skies year-round.

Princeton healthcare

Princeton, New Jersey, is home to several high-ranking hospitals, providing excellent healthcare services to its community.
CategoryDetails
Princeton HospitalsPenn Medicine Princeton Medical Center in Plainsboro is highly rated in various adult specialties and procedures. It is recognized as a leading medical facility in the region.
Other Notable HospitalsOther hospitals near Princeton, such as Capital Health System-Mercer Campus and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, also provide high-quality healthcare services.

Princeton walkability

Princeton, New Jersey, offerss a varied walkability experience, with some areas being highly walkable and others more car-dependent.
CategoryDetails
Overall WalkabilityPrinceton has an average Walk Score of 77, indicating it’s a very walkable city where most errands can be accomplished on foot.
Highly Walkable AreasLocations like Palmer Square and downtown Princeton are considered ‘Walker’s Paradises’ with scores as high as 96 to 97, meaning daily errands do not require a car.
Neighborhood VariabilityWalkability in Princeton varies by neighborhood, with some areas like U.S. Route 1 being more car-dependent.
City RankingPrinceton is known for its pedestrian-friendly environment in certain areas, offering a pleasant walking experience in its downtown and university areas.

Princeton education

Princeton, New Jersey, is renowned for its high-quality education system, featuring top-ranking school districts and exceptional public schools.
CategoryDetails
Princeton Area School DistrictsPrinceton Public Schools is a top-rated district, known for its strong academic performance and diverse educational opportunities.
High Schools in PrincetonPrinceton High School is highly ranked within New Jersey, offering Advanced Placement® coursework and exams to its students.
Public School PerformancePrinceton’s public schools, such as Princeton Charter School and Riverside School, are recognized for their high performance and academic excellence.
Top Public Schools in PrincetonNotable schools in Princeton include Littlebrook School and Community Park School, which are highly rated for their educational standards and achievements.

Princeton jobs and economy

Princeton, New Jersey, exhibits a strong economy with a focus on job growth and a high average annual salary, distinguishing it as a key economic player in the region.
CategoryDetails
Job Market GrowthPrinceton has seen a job market increase by 1.3% over the last year. Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 43.3%, higher than the US average
Average Annual SalaryThe average annual salary in Princeton is $79,354.
Future Job GrowthFuture job growth in Princeton is expected to be robust, with significant opportunities in various sectors
Recent TrendsPrinceton’s job market remains healthy, with ongoing development and new business opportunities.
Attractiveness to New ResidentsThe growing job market and economic opportunities in Princeton make it an appealing destination for new residents and professionals.
Overall Economic StrengthPrinceton’s economy is diverse and dynamic, contributing significantly to the economic growth of the New Jersey region.

Hoboken

Hoboken twisting and turning.
Hoboken, New Jersey, known for its picturesque waterfront and vibrant community, is a city that seamlessly combines its historical roots with a modern urban lifestyle. This dynamic city, located just across the Hudson River from Manhattan, offers a unique living experience with its blend of rich cultural heritage, bustling streets, and scenic views.

Hoboken Snapshot

AspectDetails
Average Home Price$866,667
Cost of Living113.048 Regional Price Parity (RPP for the US is 100, lower = lower than average, higher = higher than average)
Crime17 incidents per 1,000 residents (Average crime rate in the US is 23.48 per 1,000 residents (FBI, US Census))
WeatherHoboken experiences warm, humid summers and very cold, snowy winters, with partly cloudy skies year-round

Hoboken healthcare

Hoboken, New Jersey, offers access to high-quality healthcare facilities, ensuring excellent medical services for its residents.
CategoryDetails
Hoboken HospitalsHoboken University Medical Center is a key healthcare provider in the area, known for its high-performing adult procedures and conditions. It serves as a general medical and surgical facility.
Other Notable HospitalsNearby hospitals such as Christ Hospital and Jersey City Medical Center also offer comprehensive healthcare services to the Hoboken community.

Hoboken walkability

Hoboken, New Jersey, stands out for its exceptional walkability, offering a pedestrian-friendly environment that contrasts sharply with Atlanta’s mixed walkability landscape.
CategoryDetails
Overall WalkabilityHoboken has an average Walk Score of 97, indicating it’s a “Walker’s Paradise” where most errands can be accomplished on foot.
Highly Walkable AreasMany locations in Hoboken, such as Washington Street and the downtown area, have high Walk Scores, making daily errands easily manageable without a car.
Neighborhood VariabilityWalkability in Hoboken is consistently high across various neighborhoods, offering a highly pedestrian-friendly environment throughout the city.
City RankingHoboken is ranked as one of the most walkable cities in the United States, providing an excellent quality of life for residents who prefer walking over driving.

Hoboken jobs and economy

Hoboken, New Jersey, showcases a vibrant economy with a strong job market and competitive salaries, positioning it as a key economic player in the region.
CategoryDetails
Job Market GrowthHoboken has experienced a job market increase by 0.3% over the last year. Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 30.0% (source: [Best Places](https://www.bestplaces.net/economy/city/new_jersey/hoboken)).
Average Annual SalaryThe average annual salary in Hoboken is $84,084.
Future Job GrowthFuture job growth in Hoboken is expected to be strong, indicating a healthy and expanding job market.
Recent TrendsHoboken’s job market shows signs of steady growth, with new business opportunities and developments.
Attractiveness to New ResidentsThe robust job market and economic opportunities in Hoboken make it an appealing destination for new residents and professionals.
Overall Economic StrengthHoboken’s economy is dynamic, with a focus on sustainable growth and development, contributing significantly to the economic strength of the New Jersey region.

Our methodology

In our methodology for identifying the best places to live in a state, we adopt a comprehensive and data-driven approach, relying on a variety of trusted and authoritative sources to compile our rankings. This process is outlined in the following steps:
Economic Data Analysis: We gather robust economic statistics from esteemed sources such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Bureau of Economic Analysis. These agencies provide us with critical data on employment rates, income levels, job growth, and other economic indicators that contribute significantly to the quality of life in an area.
Employment Opportunities: In addition to general economic data, we specifically examine employment statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This includes examining trends in job growth, the diversity of industries present, and the stability of employment in different regions, which are vital factors in determining a place's economic health and attractiveness.
Crime Rate Assessment: For understanding the safety and security of a place, we utilize data from the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer. This tool offers detailed insights into various types of crime rates, including both property and violent crimes, allowing us to assess the safety of a community comprehensively.
Housing Market Evaluation: Housing affordability and market trends are key components of our analysis. We primarily use Zillow.com for up-to-date and detailed information on house prices, trends in the housing market, and the overall affordability of living in different areas. When necessary, we also consult other reliable sources to validate and enrich our data.
Additional Quality of Life Factors: Recognizing that quality of life is influenced by a variety of factors, we also incorporate data from other official and reputable sources. This includes information on education quality, healthcare accessibility, environmental quality, transportation infrastructure, and recreational opportunities, among others.
Data Integration and Analysis: Upon gathering data from these diverse sources, we integrate and analyze it to provide a holistic view of each location. Our analysis involves not only looking at the raw numbers but also understanding the context and relative significance of each data point.

FAQ

What makes Princeton a desirable place to live in New Jersey?

Princeton is renowned for its prestigious university, vibrant cultural scene, and historical significance, making it an ideal location for those seeking a blend of intellectual stimulation and suburban tranquility.

How does living in Hoboken compare to other New Jersey cities?

Hoboken stands out with its exceptional walkability, vibrant nightlife, and proximity to Manhattan, offering a dynamic urban experience while maintaining a close-knit community feel.

What are the best outdoor activities to enjoy in New Jersey?

New Jersey offers a variety of outdoor activities, including exploring the Jersey Shore beaches, hiking in the numerous state parks, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the Delaware Water Gap.

Is New Jersey a good place for families?

Absolutely! New Jersey is known for its excellent schools, family-friendly communities, and a wide range of recreational activities, making it a great place for raising a family.

What are the job opportunities like in New Jersey?

New Jersey boasts a diverse economy with opportunities in pharmaceuticals, finance, technology, and education, particularly in thriving cities like Hoboken and other suburban areas.

Key Takeaways

  • Jersey City, Hoboken, and Princeton each offer unique living experiences, from urban vibrancy to academic richness and historical charm.
  • These cities demonstrate high walkability scores, especially Hoboken, enhancing the quality of urban life and reducing reliance on cars.
  • Each city is equipped with top-ranked healthcare facilities, ensuring access to quality medical care for residents.
  • The job markets in these areas are dynamic, with promising future growth, competitive salaries, and diverse opportunities across various sectors.

SuperMoney may receive compensation from some or all of the companies featured, and the order of results are influenced by advertising bids, with exception for mortgage and home lending related products. Learn more

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