Best places to raise a family in New Jersey
Written by:
April 20, 2021
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Best places to raise a family in New Jersey
Choosing a place to raise children can be a daunting task for any family. If it takes a village to raise a child, that may just extend all the way to your next-door neighbor, fifth-grade teacher, or volunteer soccer coach. While all parents are looking for a great place to raise their kids, oftentimes this decision means balancing—and prioritizing—certain community resources and costs.
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to raise a family in New Jersey using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Keep reading to see if where you grew up or currently live made the list.
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#25. Dayton
- Population: 7,576
- Median home value: $372,100 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,725 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $120,647
- Top public schools: South Brunswick High School (A+), Brooks Crossing Elementary School (A), Crossroads Middle School - North (A)
- Top private schools: Montessori Connections Preschool (unavailable)
- Pictured: 19 Kingston Ln, South Brunswick ($689,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $372,100 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,725 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $120,647
- Top public schools: South Brunswick High School (A+), Brooks Crossing Elementary School (A), Crossroads Middle School - North (A)
- Top private schools: Montessori Connections Preschool (unavailable)
- Pictured: 19 Kingston Ln, South Brunswick ($689,000, 3 bedrooms)
#24. Bernards Township
- Population: 27,082
- Median home value: $673,000 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,938 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $151,871
- Top public schools: Ridge High School (A+), Mount Prospect Elementary School (A+), Hamilton Primary School (A+)
- Top private schools: The Pingry School (A+), Saint James School (unavailable), Mendham Country Day School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 236 County Road 517, Tewksbury Township ($349,900, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $673,000 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,938 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $151,871
- Top public schools: Ridge High School (A+), Mount Prospect Elementary School (A+), Hamilton Primary School (A+)
- Top private schools: The Pingry School (A+), Saint James School (unavailable), Mendham Country Day School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 236 County Road 517, Tewksbury Township ($349,900, 3 bedrooms)
#23. Heathcote
- Population: 6,507
- Median home value: $430,800 (85% own)
- Median rent: $2,087 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $106,007
- Top public schools: South Brunswick High School (A+), Monmouth Junction Elementary School (A+), Cambridge Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Noor-Ul-Iman School (A+), KinderCare at South Brunswick (unavailable), Lightbridge Academy of South Brunswick (unavailable)
- Pictured: 49 Andover Dr, Kendall Park ($660,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $430,800 (85% own)
- Median rent: $2,087 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $106,007
- Top public schools: South Brunswick High School (A+), Monmouth Junction Elementary School (A+), Cambridge Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Noor-Ul-Iman School (A+), KinderCare at South Brunswick (unavailable), Lightbridge Academy of South Brunswick (unavailable)
- Pictured: 49 Andover Dr, Kendall Park ($660,000, 4 bedrooms)
#22. Harrington Park
- Population: 4,753
- Median home value: $601,200 (93% own)
- Median rent: $2,514 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $134,688
- Top public schools: Northern Valley Regional High School - Old Tappan (A+)
- Pictured: 87 Lincoln Ter, Harrington Park ($878,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $601,200 (93% own)
- Median rent: $2,514 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $134,688
- Top public schools: Northern Valley Regional High School - Old Tappan (A+)
- Pictured: 87 Lincoln Ter, Harrington Park ($878,000, 5 bedrooms)
#21. Essex Fells
- Population: 2,110
- Median home value: $849,000 (94% own)
- Median rent: $2,250 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $213,088
- Top public schools: Essex Fells School (A+), West Essex High School (A), West Essex Regional Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 117 Forest Way, Essex Fells ($1.8 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $849,000 (94% own)
- Median rent: $2,250 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $213,088
- Top public schools: Essex Fells School (A+), West Essex High School (A), West Essex Regional Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 117 Forest Way, Essex Fells ($1.8 million, 7 bedrooms)
#20. Chatham
- Population: 8,816
- Median home value: $746,300 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,845 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $192,321
- Top public schools: Chatham High School (A+), Lafayette Avenus School (A+), Milton Avenue School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Patrick School (A), The Montessori Children's Academy of Chatham (unavailable), Sprout House (unavailable)
- Pictured: 265 Washington Ave, Chatham ($2.2 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $746,300 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,845 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $192,321
- Top public schools: Chatham High School (A+), Lafayette Avenus School (A+), Milton Avenue School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Patrick School (A), The Montessori Children's Academy of Chatham (unavailable), Sprout House (unavailable)
- Pictured: 265 Washington Ave, Chatham ($2.2 million, 6 bedrooms)
#19. Westfield
- Population: 29,877
- Median home value: $743,400 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,608 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $170,798
- Top public schools: Westfield Senior High School (A+), Washington Elementary School (A+), Tamaques Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Holy Trinity School (unavailable), Presbyterian Nursery School & Kindergarten (unavailable), Temple Emanu-El Early Childhood Education Program (unavailable)
- Pictured: 251 E Dudley Ave, Westfield ($3.2 million, 8 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $743,400 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,608 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $170,798
- Top public schools: Westfield Senior High School (A+), Washington Elementary School (A+), Tamaques Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Holy Trinity School (unavailable), Presbyterian Nursery School & Kindergarten (unavailable), Temple Emanu-El Early Childhood Education Program (unavailable)
- Pictured: 251 E Dudley Ave, Westfield ($3.2 million, 8 bedrooms)
#18. Livingston Township
- Population: 29,846
- Median home value: $627,000 (87% own)
- Median rent: $2,811 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $166,629
- Top public schools: Livingston Senior High School (A+), Deerfield Elementary School (A+), Millburn Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Newark Academy (A+), Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy/Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School (A+), Aquinas Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9 Devonshire Rd, Livingston ($3.1 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $627,000 (87% own)
- Median rent: $2,811 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $166,629
- Top public schools: Livingston Senior High School (A+), Deerfield Elementary School (A+), Millburn Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Newark Academy (A+), Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy/Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School (A+), Aquinas Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9 Devonshire Rd, Livingston ($3.1 million, 6 bedrooms)
#17. Closter
- Population: 8,565
- Median home value: $674,000 (82% own)
- Median rent: $2,188 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $140,357
- Top public schools: Northern Valley Regional High School Demarest (A+), Northern Valley Regional High School - Old Tappan (A+), Tenakill Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Palisades Country Day School (unavailable), International Academy of Arts & Sciences (unavailable), Everbrook Academy of Closter (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8 Sherman Ave, Closter ($2.2 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $674,000 (82% own)
- Median rent: $2,188 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $140,357
- Top public schools: Northern Valley Regional High School Demarest (A+), Northern Valley Regional High School - Old Tappan (A+), Tenakill Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Palisades Country Day School (unavailable), International Academy of Arts & Sciences (unavailable), Everbrook Academy of Closter (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8 Sherman Ave, Closter ($2.2 million, 6 bedrooms)
#16. Plainsboro Center
- Population: 2,771
- Median home value: $423,200 (33% own)
- Median rent: $1,636 (67% rent)
- Median household income: $102,833
- Top public schools: West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North (A+), Community Middle School (A+), Village Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Lightbridge Academy of Plainsboro (unavailable)
- Pictured: 21 Riverwalk, Plainsboro ($589,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $423,200 (33% own)
- Median rent: $1,636 (67% rent)
- Median household income: $102,833
- Top public schools: West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North (A+), Community Middle School (A+), Village Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Lightbridge Academy of Plainsboro (unavailable)
- Pictured: 21 Riverwalk, Plainsboro ($589,000, 3 bedrooms)
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#15. Glen Rock
- Population: 11,780
- Median home value: $646,600 (95% own)
- Median rent: $1,840 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $187,000
- Top public schools: Glen Rock High School (A+), Glen Rock Middle School (A), Alexander Hamilton School (A)
- Top private schools: Academy of Our Lady (unavailable)
- Pictured: 77 Andover Ter, Glen Rock ($1.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $646,600 (95% own)
- Median rent: $1,840 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $187,000
- Top public schools: Glen Rock High School (A+), Glen Rock Middle School (A), Alexander Hamilton School (A)
- Top private schools: Academy of Our Lady (unavailable)
- Pictured: 77 Andover Ter, Glen Rock ($1.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
#14. Summit
- Population: 21,913
- Median home value: $890,100 (70% own)
- Median rent: $1,880 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $157,835
- Top public schools: Summit Senior High School (A+), Millburn Middle School (A+), Hartshorn Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Kent Place School (A+), Oratory Preparatory School (A+), Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child - Upper School (A+)
- Pictured: 73 Edgewood Rd, Summit ($4.3 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $890,100 (70% own)
- Median rent: $1,880 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $157,835
- Top public schools: Summit Senior High School (A+), Millburn Middle School (A+), Hartshorn Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Kent Place School (A+), Oratory Preparatory School (A+), Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child - Upper School (A+)
- Pictured: 73 Edgewood Rd, Summit ($4.3 million, 7 bedrooms)
#13. Chatham Township
- Population: 10,299
- Median home value: $901,000 (87% own)
- Median rent: $2,204 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $189,297
- Top public schools: Chatham High School (A+), Lafayette Avenus School (A+), Chatham Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Chatham Day School (A)
- Pictured: 7 Overlook Rd, Chatham Township ($3.2 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $901,000 (87% own)
- Median rent: $2,204 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $189,297
- Top public schools: Chatham High School (A+), Lafayette Avenus School (A+), Chatham Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Chatham Day School (A)
- Pictured: 7 Overlook Rd, Chatham Township ($3.2 million, 7 bedrooms)
#12. New Providence
- Population: 13,049
- Median home value: $607,100 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,733 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $143,672
- Top public schools: New Providence High School (A+), Salt Brook Elementary School (A), New Providence Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Academy of Our Lady of Peace (A+), St. Andrew's Nursery School & Kindergarten (unavailable), Santa Fe Centers (unavailable)
- Pictured: 25 Green Way, New Providence ($1.1 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $607,100 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,733 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $143,672
- Top public schools: New Providence High School (A+), Salt Brook Elementary School (A), New Providence Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Academy of Our Lady of Peace (A+), St. Andrew's Nursery School & Kindergarten (unavailable), Santa Fe Centers (unavailable)
- Pictured: 25 Green Way, New Providence ($1.1 million, 3 bedrooms)
#11. Princeton Meadows
- Population: 13,717
- Median home value: $392,800 (38% own)
- Median rent: $1,653 (62% rent)
- Median household income: $104,245
- Top public schools: West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South (A+), West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North (A+), The Cranbury School (A+)
- Pictured: 15 Dickenson Ct, Plainsboro ($750,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $392,800 (38% own)
- Median rent: $1,653 (62% rent)
- Median household income: $104,245
- Top public schools: West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South (A+), West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North (A+), The Cranbury School (A+)
- Pictured: 15 Dickenson Ct, Plainsboro ($750,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#10. Ho-Ho-Kus
- Population: 4,094
- Median home value: $756,800 (92% own)
- Median rent: $2,453 (8% rent)
- Median household income: $216,875
- Top public schools: Ho-Ho-Kus Public School (A+)
- Pictured: 9 Brookview Ct, Ho Ho Kus ($2.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $756,800 (92% own)
- Median rent: $2,453 (8% rent)
- Median household income: $216,875
- Top public schools: Ho-Ho-Kus Public School (A+)
- Pictured: 9 Brookview Ct, Ho Ho Kus ($2.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
#9. Allendale
- Population: 6,765
- Median home value: $757,000 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,919 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $170,968
- Top public schools: Northern Highlands Regional High School (A+), Brookside School (A), Hillside School (A)
- Pictured: 109 Forest Rd, Allendale ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $757,000 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,919 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $170,968
- Top public schools: Northern Highlands Regional High School (A+), Brookside School (A), Hillside School (A)
- Pictured: 109 Forest Rd, Allendale ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
#8. Ridgewood
- Population: 25,179
- Median home value: $763,300 (78% own)
- Median rent: $2,026 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $184,355
- Top public schools: Ridgewood High School (A+), Hawes Elementary School (A+), Ridge Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Holmstead School (unavailable), Windsor Bergen Academy (unavailable), Little Crane Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 550 Knollwood Rd, Ridgewood ($3.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $763,300 (78% own)
- Median rent: $2,026 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $184,355
- Top public schools: Ridgewood High School (A+), Hawes Elementary School (A+), Ridge Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Holmstead School (unavailable), Windsor Bergen Academy (unavailable), Little Crane Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 550 Knollwood Rd, Ridgewood ($3.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
#7. Princeton
- Population: 31,000
- Median home value: $866,200 (60% own)
- Median rent: $1,532 (40% rent)
- Median household income: $137,672
- Top public schools: Princeton High School (A+), West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South (A+), Princeton Charter School (A+)
- Top private schools: Princeton International School of Math and Science (A+), Princeton Day School (A+), Stuart Country Day School (A+)
- Pictured: 272 Carter Rd, Princeton ($5.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $866,200 (60% own)
- Median rent: $1,532 (40% rent)
- Median household income: $137,672
- Top public schools: Princeton High School (A+), West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South (A+), Princeton Charter School (A+)
- Top private schools: Princeton International School of Math and Science (A+), Princeton Day School (A+), Stuart Country Day School (A+)
- Pictured: 272 Carter Rd, Princeton ($5.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
#6. Haworth
- Population: 3,418
- Median home value: $691,500 (95% own)
- Median rent: $3,501 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $178,450
- Top public schools: Northern Valley Regional High School Demarest (A+), Haworth Public School (A+), County Road School (B+)
- Pictured: 191 Whitman St, Haworth ($1.6 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $691,500 (95% own)
- Median rent: $3,501 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $178,450
- Top public schools: Northern Valley Regional High School Demarest (A+), Haworth Public School (A+), County Road School (B+)
- Pictured: 191 Whitman St, Haworth ($1.6 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#5. Upper Montclair
- Population: 11,589
- Median home value: $766,100 (83% own)
- Median rent: $2,008 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $211,221
- Top public schools: Montclair High School (A+), Watchung School (A), Charles H. Bullock School (A)
- Top private schools: Lacordaire Academy Upper School (A), St. Cassian Elementary School (unavailable), Lacordaire Academy Lower/Middle School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 330 Upper Mountain Ave, Montclair ($2.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $766,100 (83% own)
- Median rent: $2,008 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $211,221
- Top public schools: Montclair High School (A+), Watchung School (A), Charles H. Bullock School (A)
- Top private schools: Lacordaire Academy Upper School (A), St. Cassian Elementary School (unavailable), Lacordaire Academy Lower/Middle School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 330 Upper Mountain Ave, Montclair ($2.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
#4. Princeton Junction
- Population: 2,336
- Median home value: $548,400 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,048 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $231,094
- Top public schools: West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South (A+), West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North (A+), Community Middle School (A+)
- Pictured: 50 Danville Dr, Princeton Junction ($1.2 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $548,400 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,048 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $231,094
- Top public schools: West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South (A+), West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North (A+), Community Middle School (A+)
- Pictured: 50 Danville Dr, Princeton Junction ($1.2 million, 7 bedrooms)
#3. Monmouth Junction
- Population: 2,906
- Median home value: $433,800 (93% own)
- Median rent: $2,356 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $150,500
- Top public schools: South Brunswick High School (A+), Monmouth Junction Elementary School (A+), Brooks Crossing Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 13 Jennifer Way, South Brunswick ($739,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $433,800 (93% own)
- Median rent: $2,356 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $150,500
- Top public schools: South Brunswick High School (A+), Monmouth Junction Elementary School (A+), Brooks Crossing Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 13 Jennifer Way, South Brunswick ($739,900, 4 bedrooms)
#2. Short Hills
- Population: 13,428
- Median home value: $1,386,600 (90% own)
- Median rent: $2,798 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Top public schools: Millburn Senior High School (A+), Glenwood Elementary School (A+), Deerfield Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Far Brook School (A+), The Montessori Children's Academy (unavailable), The Winston School of Short Hills (unavailable)
- Pictured: 101 Old Short Hills Rd, Millburn ($5.9 million, 8 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,386,600 (90% own)
- Median rent: $2,798 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Top public schools: Millburn Senior High School (A+), Glenwood Elementary School (A+), Deerfield Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Far Brook School (A+), The Montessori Children's Academy (unavailable), The Winston School of Short Hills (unavailable)
- Pictured: 101 Old Short Hills Rd, Millburn ($5.9 million, 8 bedrooms)
#1. Mountain Lakes
- Population: 4,270
- Median home value: $867,200 (95% own)
- Median rent: $1,454 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $241,667
- Top public schools: Mountain Lakes High School (A+), Briarcliff Middle School (A+), Wildwood Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: The Craig School (unavailable), The Academy for Children (unavailable), Lightbridge Academy of Mountain Lakes (unavailable)
- Pictured: 117 Lake Dr, Mountain Lakes ($2.3 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $867,200 (95% own)
- Median rent: $1,454 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $241,667
- Top public schools: Mountain Lakes High School (A+), Briarcliff Middle School (A+), Wildwood Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: The Craig School (unavailable), The Academy for Children (unavailable), Lightbridge Academy of Mountain Lakes (unavailable)
- Pictured: 117 Lake Dr, Mountain Lakes ($2.3 million, 7 bedrooms)
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