Best suburbs to live in New Jersey

Written by:
April 3, 2024
Canetti // Shutterstock

Best suburbs to live in New Jersey

Cities may have the nightlife, but the convenience and affordability of the suburbs are becoming hot as the millennial generation moves into its homebuying phase. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic shook up workplace norms and superheated the housing market, folks have been flocking away from major urban centers.

In Colorado, for instance, lesser-known suburbs outside of Denver such as Boulder have become magnets for young parents, ranking among the biggest destinations for out-of-state millennials who chose to move in 2023. And companies are taking note of the trend as well: Many are establishing satellite offices and new headquarters in less urban areas.

Stacker compiled a list of the best suburbs to live in New Jersey using data from Niche's 2024 Best Places to Live. Niche ranks places to live based on an array of factors, including the cost of living, educational level of residents, housing costs, and quality of schools.

You may also like: Fastest-growing jobs in New Jersey
1 / 30
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#30. Old Tappan, New Jersey

- Overall Rank: 353
- Population: 5,863
- Median household income: $195,833
- Median home value: $923,400 (86% own)
- Median rent: $3,095 (14% rent)
- Top public schools: Northern Valley Regional High School - Old Tappan (grade A+), Tappan Zee High School (grade A), Applied Technology High School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Primoris Academy (grade A+), Bergen Catholic High School (grade A+), Saddle River Day School (grade A+)
2 / 30
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock

#29. Short Hills, New Jersey

- Overall Rank: 344
- Population: 14,448
- Median household income: $250,001
- Median home value: $1,563,100 (86% own)
- Median rent: $3,501 (14% rent)
- Top public schools: Millburn High School (grade A+), Wyoming Elementary School (grade A+), Deerfield Elementary School (grade A+)
- Top private schools: The Pingry School (grade A+), Newark Academy (grade A+), Delbarton School (grade A+)
3 / 30
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock

#28. Glen Rock, New Jersey

- Overall Rank: 342
- Population: 12,086
- Median household income: $202,586
- Median home value: $786,300 (90% own)
- Median rent: $1,909 (10% rent)
- Top public schools: Bergen County Academies (grade A+), Bergen County Technical High School - Teterboro (grade A+), Diana C. Lobosco STEM Academy (grade A+)
- Top private schools: Dwight-Englewood School (grade A+), Primoris Academy (grade A+), Bergen Catholic High School (grade A+)
4 / 30
Stuart Monk // Shutterstock

#27. Fair Haven, New Jersey

- Overall Rank: 339
- Population: 6,221
- Median household income: $229,643
- Median home value: $898,200 (93% own)
- Median rent: $3,501 (7% rent)
- Top public schools: High Technology High School (grade A+), Marine Academy of Science & Technology (grade A+), Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School (grade A+)
- Top private schools: Ranney School (grade A+), Red Bank Catholic High School (grade A), Voyagers' Community School (grade A)
5 / 30
Jacek Chabraszewski // Shutterstock

#26. Chatham, New Jersey

- Overall Rank: 324
- Population: 9,199
- Median household income: $250,001
- Median home value: $944,600 (84% own)
- Median rent: $2,201 (16% rent)
- Top public schools: The Academy for Mathematics, Science & Engineering (grade A+), Washington School (grade A+), Chatham High School (grade A+)
- Top private schools: The Pingry School (grade A+), Newark Academy (grade A+), Delbarton School (grade A+)
You may also like: Best public colleges in New Jersey
6 / 30
imtmphoto // Shutterstock

#25. Fair Lawn, New Jersey

- Overall Rank: 318
- Population: 34,948
- Median household income: $141,540
- Median home value: $488,300 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,836 (21% rent)
- Top public schools: Bergen County Academies (grade A+), Bergen County Technical High School - Teterboro (grade A+), Diana C. Lobosco STEM Academy (grade A+)
- Top private schools: Dwight-Englewood School (grade A+), Primoris Academy (grade A+), Pioneer Academy (grade A+)
7 / 30
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#24. Westfield, New Jersey

- Overall Rank: 309
- Population: 30,839
- Median household income: $203,235
- Median home value: $890,000 (80% own)
- Median rent: $2,179 (20% rent)
- Top public schools: Union County Magnet High School (grade A+), Academy for Information Technology (grade A+), Academy for Allied Health Science (grade A+)
- Top private schools: The Pingry School (grade A+), The Wardlaw + Hartridge School (grade A+), Kent Place School (grade A+)
8 / 30
Josep Suria // Shutterstock

#23. Highland Park, New Jersey

- Overall Rank: 305
- Population: 14,996
- Median household income: $93,927
- Median home value: $420,900 (38% own)
- Median rent: $1,755 (62% rent)
- Top public schools: Middlesex County Academy for Science, Mathematics, & Engineering Technologies (grade A+), Hatikvah International Charter School (grade A+), Middlesex County Academy for Allied Health & Biomedical Sciences (grade A)
- Top private schools: Rutgers Preparatory School (grade A+), Overlake Preparatory Academy (grade A+), Darul Arqam School (grade A+)
9 / 30
BAZA Production // Shutterstock

#22. Fort Lee, New Jersey

- Overall Rank: 302
- Population: 39,799
- Median household income: $101,573
- Median home value: $393,200 (58% own)
- Median rent: $2,159 (42% rent)
- Top public schools: Bergen County Academies (grade A+), Bergen County Technical High School - Teterboro (grade A+), High Tech High School (grade A+)
- Top private schools: Riverdale Country School (grade A+), Horace Mann School (grade A+), Trinity School (grade A+)
10 / 30
RossHelen // Shutterstock

#21. Bedminster Township, New Jersey

- Overall Rank: 293
- Population: 8,245
- Median household income: $126,190
- Median home value: $432,100 (79% own)
- Median rent: $2,168 (21% rent)
- Top public schools: Unity Charter School (grade A+), Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School (grade A), Hamilton Primary School (grade A)
- Top private schools: The Pingry School (grade A+), Delbarton School (grade A+), Rutgers Preparatory School (grade A+)
You may also like: Counties with the highest rates of high blood pressure in New Jersey
11 / 30
NDAB Creativity // Shutterstock

#20. Edgewater, New Jersey

- Overall Rank: 283
- Population: 14,394
- Median household income: $136,806
- Median home value: $750,200 (42% own)
- Median rent: $2,580 (58% rent)
- Top public schools: Bergen County Academies (grade A+), Bergen County Technical High School - Teterboro (grade A+), Elysian Charter School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Riverdale Country School (grade A+), Horace Mann School (grade A+), Trinity School (grade A+)
12 / 30
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#19. Livingston Township, New Jersey

- Overall Rank: 282
- Population: 31,091
- Median household income: $202,619
- Median home value: $709,800 (87% own)
- Median rent: $2,818 (13% rent)
- Top public schools: The Academy for Mathematics, Science & Engineering (grade A+), Deerfield Elementary School (grade A+), Millburn Middle School (grade A+)
- Top private schools: Newark Academy (grade A+), Kent Place School (grade A+), Morristown Beard School (grade A+)
13 / 30
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#18. Moorestown Township, New Jersey

- Overall Rank: 277
- Population: 21,337
- Median household income: $164,796
- Median home value: $605,200 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,400 (14% rent)
- Top public schools: Moorestown High School (grade A+), George C. Baker Elementary School (grade A), Moorestown Upper Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Friends Select School (grade A+), Moorestown Friends School (grade A+), Doane Academy (grade A+)
14 / 30
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#17. Fanwood, New Jersey

- Overall Rank: 269
- Population: 7,723
- Median household income: $177,727
- Median home value: $588,100 (87% own)
- Median rent: $2,254 (13% rent)
- Top public schools: Union County Magnet High School (grade A+), Academy for Information Technology (grade A+), Academy for Allied Health Science (grade A+)
- Top private schools: The Pingry School (grade A+), The Wardlaw + Hartridge School (grade A+), Kent Place School (grade A+)
15 / 30
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#16. Berkeley Heights Township, New Jersey

- Overall Rank: 251
- Population: 13,120
- Median household income: $196,389
- Median home value: $695,000 (95% own)
- Median rent: $2,444 (5% rent)
- Top public schools: Union County Magnet High School (grade A+), Academy for Information Technology (grade A+), Academy for Allied Health Science (grade A+)
- Top private schools: The Pingry School (grade A+), Newark Academy (grade A+), Kent Place School (grade A+)
You may also like: Best lookout points in New Jersey
16 / 30
oneinchpunch // Shutterstock

#15. Glen Ridge, New Jersey

- Overall Rank: 245
- Population: 7,797
- Median household income: $246,429
- Median home value: $696,700 (95% own)
- Median rent: $2,012 (5% rent)
- Top public schools: Bergen County Technical High School - Teterboro (grade A+), Ridgewood Avenue School (grade A), Glen Ridge High School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Pioneer Academy (grade A+), Golda Och Academy (grade A+), Montclair Kimberley Academy (grade A+)
17 / 30
Akarawut // Shutterstock

#14. Madison, New Jersey

- Overall Rank: 233
- Population: 16,521
- Median household income: $163,567
- Median home value: $844,700 (64% own)
- Median rent: $2,168 (36% rent)
- Top public schools: The Academy for Mathematics, Science & Engineering (grade A+), Washington School (grade A+), Morris County School of Technology (grade A+)
- Top private schools: The Pingry School (grade A+), Newark Academy (grade A+), Delbarton School (grade A+)
18 / 30
YAKOBCHUK VIACHESLAV // Shutterstock

#13. Haddonfield, New Jersey

- Overall Rank: 207
- Population: 12,456
- Median household income: $178,362
- Median home value: $623,900 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,711 (16% rent)
- Top public schools: Haddonfield Memorial High School (grade A+), Elizabeth Haddon Elementary School (grade A), Central Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Friends Select School (grade A+), Moorestown Friends School (grade A+), St. Joseph's Preparatory School (grade A+)
19 / 30
Ground Picture // Shutterstock

#12. Haworth, New Jersey

- Overall Rank: 195
- Population: 3,342
- Median household income: $215,972
- Median home value: $777,400 (93% own)
- Median rent: $3,501 (7% rent)
- Top public schools: Bergen County Academies (grade A+), Northern Valley Regional High School Demarest (grade A+), Haworth Public School (grade A+)
- Top private schools: Dwight-Englewood School (grade A+), Primoris Academy (grade A+), Bergen Catholic High School (grade A+)
20 / 30
Stuart Monk // Shutterstock

#11. Summit, New Jersey

- Overall Rank: 185
- Population: 22,555
- Median household income: $176,702
- Median home value: $907,900 (71% own)
- Median rent: $2,222 (29% rent)
- Top public schools: Union County Magnet High School (grade A+), Academy for Information Technology (grade A+), Academy for Allied Health Science (grade A+)
- Top private schools: The Pingry School (grade A+), Newark Academy (grade A+), Delbarton School (grade A+)
You may also like: Best scenic drives in New Jersey
21 / 30
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock

#10. New Providence, New Jersey

- Overall Rank: 178
- Population: 13,595
- Median household income: $167,188
- Median home value: $700,700 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,896 (23% rent)
- Top public schools: Union County Magnet High School (grade A+), Academy for Information Technology (grade A+), Academy for Allied Health Science (grade A+)
- Top private schools: The Pingry School (grade A+), Newark Academy (grade A+), Kent Place School (grade A+)
22 / 30
Laura Beach // Shutterstock

#9. Metuchen, New Jersey

- Overall Rank: 164
- Population: 14,958
- Median household income: $154,339
- Median home value: $537,000 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,933 (25% rent)
- Top public schools: Union County Magnet High School (grade A+), Academy for Information Technology (grade A+), Academy for Allied Health Science (grade A+)
- Top private schools: Rutgers Preparatory School (grade A+), The Wardlaw + Hartridge School (grade A+), Overlake Preparatory Academy (grade A+)
23 / 30
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#8. Upper Montclair, New Jersey

- Overall Rank: 148
- Population: 12,441
- Median household income: $234,620
- Median home value: $900,100 (84% own)
- Median rent: $2,302 (16% rent)
- Top public schools: Bergen County Technical High School - Teterboro (grade A+), Montclair High School (grade A), Applied Technology High School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Pioneer Academy (grade A+), Golda Och Academy (grade A+), Montclair Kimberley Academy (grade A+)
24 / 30
PeopleImages.com - Yuri A // Shutterstock

#7. Hoboken, New Jersey

- Overall Rank: 127
- Population: 58,754
- Median household income: $168,137
- Median home value: $859,300 (34% own)
- Median rent: $2,648 (66% rent)
- Top public schools: Bergen County Technical High School - Teterboro (grade A+), High Tech High School (grade A+), MS 915 - Bridges: A school for Exploration and Equity (grade A+)
- Top private schools: Trinity School (grade A+), Collegiate School (grade A+), Avenues The World School (grade A+)
25 / 30
Robert Kneschke // Shutterstock

#6. Mountain Lakes, New Jersey

- Overall Rank: 124
- Population: 4,499
- Median household income: $250,001
- Median home value: $869,800 (96% own)
- Median rent: $3,501 (4% rent)
- Top public schools: The Academy for Mathematics, Science & Engineering (grade A+), Wildwood Elementary School (grade A+), Mountain Lakes High School (grade A+)
- Top private schools: Newark Academy (grade A+), Pioneer Academy (grade A+), Morristown Beard School (grade A+)
You may also like: Counties where children have the best opportunity for economic mobility in New Jersey
26 / 30
Mila Supinskaya Glashchenko // Shutterstock

#5. Closter, New Jersey

- Overall Rank: 115
- Population: 8,555
- Median household income: $181,652
- Median home value: $774,100 (81% own)
- Median rent: $2,558 (19% rent)
- Top public schools: Bergen County Academies (grade A+), Northern Valley Regional High School Demarest (grade A+), Northern Valley Regional High School - Old Tappan (grade A+)
- Top private schools: Dwight-Englewood School (grade A+), Primoris Academy (grade A+), Bergen Catholic High School (grade A+)
27 / 30
Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock

#4. River Edge, New Jersey

- Overall Rank: 98
- Population: 12,022
- Median household income: $150,073
- Median home value: $625,000 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,789 (22% rent)
- Top public schools: Bergen County Academies (grade A+), Bergen County Technical High School - Teterboro (grade A+), Cherry Hill School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Collegiate School (grade A+), Dwight-Englewood School (grade A+), Primoris Academy (grade A+)
28 / 30
F8 studio // Shutterstock

#3. Harrington Park, New Jersey

- Overall Rank: 85
- Population: 4,826
- Median household income: $183,138
- Median home value: $689,900 (98% own)
- Median rent: $3,501 (2% rent)
- Top public schools: Northern Valley Regional High School - Old Tappan (grade A+), Harrington Park School District (grade A+), Applied Technology High School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Primoris Academy (grade A+), Bergen Catholic High School (grade A+), Saddle River Day School (grade A+)
29 / 30
FamVeld // Shutterstock

#2. Ridgewood, New Jersey

- Overall Rank: 63
- Population: 26,043
- Median household income: $211,224
- Median home value: $858,900 (83% own)
- Median rent: $2,349 (17% rent)
- Top public schools: Bergen County Academies (grade A+), Bergen County Technical High School - Teterboro (grade A+), Ridgewood High School (grade A+)
- Top private schools: Dwight-Englewood School (grade A+), Primoris Academy (grade A+), Bergen Catholic High School (grade A+)
30 / 30
PeopleImages.com - Yuri A // Shutterstock

#1. Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey

- Overall Rank: 30
- Population: 4,234
- Median household income: $250,001
- Median home value: $949,800 (92% own)
- Median rent: $1,914 (8% rent)
- Top public schools: Bergen County Academies (grade A+), Bergen County Technical High School - Teterboro (grade A+), Ho-Ho-Kus Public School (grade A+)
- Top private schools: Primoris Academy (grade A+), Bergen Catholic High School (grade A+), Saddle River Day School (grade A+)

This story features data reporting and writing by Elena Cox and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 40 states.

You may also like: Metros in New Jersey that are best for nurses

Trending Now