Best Places to Live in New Jersey Close to NYC

When you are picking a place to live, it can be difficult to decide between staying in New York City or moving somewhere a little more affordable. Thankfully, there are plenty of great places to live that are close to NYC.

Giving you the best of both worlds…

Whether you’re looking for a suburban lifestyle or an urban atmosphere, there are a lot of places in New Jersey that will fit your needs. So, let’s take a closer look at some of the best places to live in New Jersey close to NYC.

What is So Special About New Jersey?

New Jersey may be a small state in the United States, but it sure packs a huge punch in terms of attractions!

While most people think of Bruce Springsteen or “The Jersey Shore” when they hear “New Jersey,” NJ has much more to offer than meets the eye.

Such as?

Well, from breathtaking beaches along the shoreline to bustling metropolitan areas, it offers plenty of opportunity for exploration. With over 130 miles of coastline, endless entertainment venues, and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone.

Plus, with top-notch universities like Princeton and Rutgers (plus many more) calling New Jersey home, you’re guaranteed an excellent educational experience as well. From its culture to its cuisine. And outdoor adventures to urban living. New Jersey is full of surprises that are just waiting to be discovered!

The Best Places to Live in New Jersey Close to NYC

Hackensack

If you’re looking for a city-suburban vibe close to New York City, Hackensack, NJ, is the place to be.

Trying to make it in The Big Apple?

No sweat! Commuting takes no time with buses from the Hackensack Bus Terminal, trains from Anderson St. Station, or a 20 min. drive. But it’s more than just convenience that calls people here. This 4-mile city has a population of 43,000 and is known for its wide range of different religions and ethnicities. Making it an eclectic and unique destination.

Looking for some inspiration?

Look no further – the one and only Billy Joel even wrote a song called “Movin’ Out” about Hackensack! Don’t miss out on all this town has to offer!

Weehawken

Located just 15 minutes away from Midtown Manhattan, Weehawken, NJ (aka NoHo) is the perfect place for city-dwellers looking to upgrade their lifestyle. Offering an array of housing options, ranging from contemporary waterfront condos with stunning views of the Hudson River to townhouses and apartments along Park Avenue.

What’s that going to set you back?

Monthly rent starts at around $2,000 and goes up to $4,000. Plus, with its locally owned shops and plenty of parks offering a safe space to exercise and enjoy nature, Weehawken is one of the best places to call home.

Weehawken’s local school district has unbeatable ratings, small class sizes, and a focus on individualized student education. Making it an ideal choice for families who are looking to settle down in New Jersey without compromising on quality.

Teaneck

Teaneck is the answer for those looking for the best of two worlds. Close enough to NYC but far enough away that they can enjoy a more suburban lifestyle.

With prices that won’t break the bank, it offers median rent at $2,304 per month and median home values at $382,000.

Not bad!

Get your nature fix with a visit to the Teaneck Creek Conservancy Park or take the family to Field Station: Dinosaurs in nearby Leonia. Plus, with a travel time to NYC by public transit or car at around 30-40 minutes and 35-45 minutes, respectively, you’ll have plenty of time to explore all the city has to offer. Without missing out on all that suburban life brings.

Edgewater

This is another great option for people looking to enjoy the convenience of living close to New York City. With only 16 miles between them, commuters can easily jump onto NJ Transit and be in the heart of Manhattan in no time.

But that’s not all…

Edgewater is also popular for its safe and beautiful neighborhoods, as well as for being surprisingly affordable. The average monthly rent ranges from $1,800 – $3,000, making it ideal for those looking for an easy commute without breaking the bank. In fact, it might just be the ideal spot for those seeking the perfect balance of big-city lifestyle and suburban serenity.

Union City

Located just a stone’s throw away from New York City, Union City is an ideal spot for those looking to be close to the city while still enjoying quieter living. With its array of Latin-influenced cafes and eateries serving mouthwatering cuisine, you have plenty of places to choose from for an enjoyable dining experience.

Nearby Hoboken and Weehawken also offer a variety of restaurants boasting delicious food as well as gorgeous views of the world-famous New York City skyline.

Perfect for any Instagram post!

Plus, median rent comes in at an incredibly affordable $2,139 in the area. And with a mere 15-30 minutes travel time by transit or car, you are soon living the Big Apple life. With more being offered than initially meets the eye, there has never been a better time to move to this NJ hot spot.

Atlantic Highlands

Have you been looking for the perfect location that balances Jersey Shore living with the metropolitan vibes of New York City?

Look no further than Atlantic Highlands!

Nestled in Monmouth County, this charming Victorian town offers quiet streets, a small school system, and plenty of nature. Ten parks boast mountains, coastlines, and woodlands. Ideal for those seeking an outdoorsy escape.

For big city times, simply make your way to NYC via Sea Streak Ferry Terminal off First Avenue. Discounts available for frequent travelers make this commute affordable too! So, if you’re looking to find yourself a new home that puts urban and nature on equal footing, Atlantic Highlands may just be the place you never knew you needed.

Cherry Hill

With a name that sounds like it has come straight out of a children’s novel, Cherry Hill is an ideal option for individuals and families who want to live close to the hustle and bustle of NYC. Yet, maintain a suburban feel.

A kid-friendly paradise…

Rated highly among schools, it presents great opportunities for children’s education. Plus, a variety of green spaces kept in perfect condition provide plenty of recreational activities. 

Moreover, with the impressive Cherry Hill Mall around the corner, shoppers will never run out of options. This mall offers everything from traditional retail shops to fine dining restaurants. And all sorts of entertainment venues, something that attracts visitors from all around the region.

West New York

West New York is an attractive option for young entrepreneurs looking for a convenient place to live close to New York City. Located in Hudson County, it boasts a vibrant lifestyle with quick access to all the cultural delights the Big Apple has to offer.

What is the cost of living there?

There are plenty of rental options, too, ranging from a wallet-friendly $1,500 right up to the high end at just over $3,000. Factor in how close it is to Manhattan, and you can understand why West New York continues to be one of the most desirable places to live in NJ!

Fort Lee

This is yet another ideal place for those looking to combine a suburban lifestyle with easy access to big-city amenities. Situated right on the Hudson River, this charming little town of three square miles offers residents 35,000 reasons to never want to leave. Including a peak performance school system that earned a Blue Ribbon Award in 2011 and several private schools in the area.

Therefore, ideal for young families…

Additionally, safety and family-friendly activities are plentiful. Making it a pleasant area to explore on foot or spend time with loved ones in one of the many public parks. And when you do need a taste of city buzz, both car and bike/walking routes into NYC make for a 15-minute or 30-60 minute journey – respectively.

Fort Lee truly offers the best of all worlds for families wanting to live near NY!

Secaucus

Secaucus is one of the best places to live in NJ that is close to NY. It’s no wonder after it was recently ranked 19th on the Best Places to Live in New Jersey list!

What earned it that honor?

What made Secaucus stand out for such a high ranking were factors like the low crime rate, favorable property taxes and home prices, and access to amenities.

In fact, the incentives provided by this amazing location have been attracting renters and prospective buyers all over. Those looking to make it their home, and who can blame them? With everything Secaucus has to offer, it’s certainly an area worth considering if you’re searching for your next dream home.

Short Hills

Short Hills, NJ, is the perfect combination of convenience, luxury, and amenities.

Let me explain…

It’s located in Essex County and just 35 minutes away from Midtown Manhattan, which makes it an excellent option for professionals looking to relocate close to the city. But what makes this area so unique is its wealth of attractions.

We’re talking world-class shopping, which awaits you at the Short Hills Mall with designer brands like Chanel, Gucci, and Hermès. While there are also plenty of activities available throughout walkable residential neighborhoods.

Plus, an exciting downtown!

Home to celebrities and finance bigwigs, buying a property in Short Hills ensures that you have your very own slice of paradise here. A place where convenience meets luxury!

Iselin

Iselin, New Jersey, is the place for anyone looking for a close community with easy access to New York City! The area boasts a vibrant Indian American community, as well as endless dining and shopping options to explore.

It’s a little bit more out of the way, but…

You can still enjoy the peace of living in the suburbs without feeling isolated, and highways such as NJ Turnpike and Garden State Parkway are easily accessible. Even better, Woodbridge Center is just a five-minute drive away, and you can hop on the train to Penn Station for a quick thirty-minute journey into NYC!

With all these amenities right at your fingertips, what more could you want?

Paulus Hook

Paulus Hook – an idyllic neighborhood in downtown Jersey City, is a wonderful choice for those seeking a home close to New York.

With its tree-lined streets, charming 19th-century brownstones, and welcoming atmosphere, it provides the best of both city living and suburban life.

On top of that…

Access to NYC couldn’t be more convenient. It’s 25-30 minutes by Path Train from Grove Street or Exchange Place stations to Manhattan’s 33rd Street/Herald Square. And less than 10 minutes from World Trade Center.

For those looking for tranquility while still being close to the hustle and bustle of NYC, nearby parks such as Liberty State Park, Morris Canal Park, and Jersey City Esplanade offer mesmerizing views of the Big Apple’s skyline. However, this area does come with a hefty price tag as one of the most expensive neighborhoods along NJ Gold Coast.

Summit

Summit, NJ, is an ideal location for professionals and families seeking a suburban retreat close to NYC. This picturesque town is brimming with amenities, top-rated schools, and convenient public transportation options.

Enjoy the ease of commuting via the two NJ Transit lines with easy access to Midtown Manhattan. With a refined yet cozy atmosphere and all the convenience of a big city, Summit is another perfect place to call home!

Edison

Of all the best places to live in New Jersey close to NYC, Edison is, literally, a winner. Recently named one of America’s Best Cities to Live in by Money Magazine, this thriving community offers numerous incentives for individuals seeking luxury living close to the Big Apple.

Edison features major employers such as Johnson & Johnson and John F. Kennedy Medical Center. As well as learning opportunities at Middlesex Community College and Rutgers University.

Who lives here?

Boasting an ethnically diverse population with top-rated public schools, a median income of $100,000 per year, and plenty of shopping opportunities, this is a happy community. Shopping spots include the Menlo Park Mall and Little India shopping center. It is an ideal spot for any discerning buyer searching for upscale living in New Jersey. With easy access to all that Manhattan has to offer.

North Bergen

North Bergen, NJ, is an excellent option for those young professionals looking to live affordably within 10 miles of New York.

How come?

Well, you can get a rental home in the area for under $1000/month while enjoying stunning views of the Hudson River! Along with all the amenities from nearby NYC. North Bergen is quickly becoming one of the top places to live near NYC, ideal for folks who want to stay close to the city but don’t have a big budget.

The Benefits of Living in New Jersey

If you’re looking to enjoy the big-city benefits of New York City while also staying close to home, New Jersey is an ideal choice.

Home to Hoboken, Weehawken, and Jersey City, all with direct train access from NJ to NYC, residents can take advantage of a vibrant downtown scene while they live in some of the most affordable towns in the country.

Speaking of affordability…

Taxes are lower in NJ than in NY, with Pompton Lakes being one of the top choices, with a median home value of $302,700 and a typical household income of $102,371. 

Other benefits to living in NJ include diverse neighborhoods, strong schools, low crime rates, and first-rate infrastructure. All promising an excellent quality of life for those who commute daily into NYC.

At 320K commuters each day from NJ to NYC, Newark, and Jersey City are proving less expensive than NYC. And with lower median property prices, the Gold Coast cities along Manhattan’s west bank offer reasonable housing costs.

So You Want to Be Near New York?

Then, if you’re not familiar with NYC yet, there’s a lot more we think you’ll be interested in learning. For example, you’ll need to educate yourself about the Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in NYC to try to avoid when commuting. As well as maybe, How to Get a Work Permit in New York and the Best Sites to Find A Job in New York City. You might even be wondering Why Are There No Walmarts in New York City?

We can answer all of your questions, just use our search box!

However, if you’re still on the fence, how about comparing LA vs. NYC Living or finding out a bit about the 15 Biggest Celebrities Who Live in NYC to get a better feel for the Big Apple?

Or maybe these are all the reasons you’re moving out of NYC!

In that case, when relocating out of the city, please take advantage of our in-depth guides to LinkedIn Cold Messages: How to Reach Out About a Job in New Jersey or consider these Telecommuting Jobs with No Location Requirement. That way, you may not need to commute at all!

Right, back to today’s New York surrounding neighborhood review…

Final Thoughts

No matter where you decide to live along the NJ Gold Coast—be it Summit, Edison, North Bergen, or elsewhere—you are bound to find the perfect balance. We’re talking about convenience, affordability, and luxury all in one.

With excellent public transportation options, top-rated schools, and numerous amenities, these towns are ideal, especially for those who want to enjoy city life while maintaining a suburban lifestyle.

So, if you’re looking for an affordable place to call home that’s just a hop, skip and jump away from Manhattan, the NJ Gold Coast is your best bet.

Happy NJ hopping!