The average American can expect to move an estimated 11.7 times in a lifetime – that’s a lot! WalletHub named one city in New Jersey where you may want to put down roots.
Jersey City made the Top 100 Best Places to Raise a Family in the U.S. for 2025. WalletHub compared 182 cities based on 45 key metrics that consider the cost of housing, the quality of local schools, healthcare systems, family fun, affordability, and socio-economics. Getting down to specifics, towns got points for factors such as the number of playgrounds, ice rinks and skate parks; its walkability; ideal weather; sports fanatics; the number of families with young kids; the number of pediatricians who work in town; the high school graduation rate; childcare services; and the rate of separation and divorce.
Jersey City came in at No. 61. With an NYC feel on this side of the Hudson River, the total score for Jersey City is 55.25 – its family fun rank is 165; health and safety is 11; education and child care is 20; affordability is 100; and socio-economic rank is 82.
One of our favorite places to take the kids is Liberty Science Center, with its infinity climber, science exhibits, planetarium and after-hours parties. Inside of Liberty State Park is 1,200 acres of green space, recreational areas, walking and biking paths, a Nature Center, a 250-slip marina, historical sites, access to the Statue of Liberty via boat, plus Maddy Rose Restaurant at Liberty House.
Take the kids shopping at Newport Centre mall, which has a new free, indoor playspace for them to burn off their energy. They can also play outside in the pedestrian area of Newark Avenue, off of Grove Street, which has plenty of restaurants, cookie shops and ice cream parlors.
Popular sections of town include Jersey City Heights, the waterfront at Exchange Place, Journal Square and Little India. Anywhere you go, you’ll see people walking, pushing strollers, with their dogs – or chasing the UberEats robots.
Outside of the downtown, plan a family challenge night at RPM Raceway where you can race in go-karts against each other and the pros (via simulation). And there are always events, festivals, and farmers markets taking place year-round.
When it’s too busy to cook, take the kids for a world-famous slice at Razza Pizza Artigianale, brunch at Mathews Food & Drink, or a croissant sandwich at Daily Provisions – and grab extra napkins at Torico Ice Cream. Meximodo will be opening its Guinness Book of World Records-holding tequila bar this summer, but in the meantime, hold off your appetite with warm and garlicky focaccia at Lokal Eatery & Bar.
Enroll your teens at St. Peter’s Prep, which is one of the best schools in the state for student athletes; its football field can be seen from various apartment buildings. And in the unfortunate (yet unavoidable) chance your kid gets sick, a brand-new concept from Amazon One Medical will open an office in town.
Top 10 Places to Raise a Family in 2025, according to WalletHub:
- Fremont, California
- Overland Park, Kansas
- Plano, Texas
- Irvine, California
- South Burlington, Vermont
- Seattle, Washington
- Boise, Idaho
- Gilbert, Arizona
- Bismarck, North Dakota
- San Diego, California
Get the latest on the best things to do with your family in and around New Jersey by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram!
Read More:
Plan a Day Trip to Jersey City
The Best Events & Attractions in Jersey City
These Charming New Jersey Towns Will Make You Feel Like You’re Traveling Abroad
These Are the Most Creative Neighborhoods + Towns in New Jersey, Study Shows
Popular Now:
This is New Jersey’s Most Underrated Town, Travel Site Says
These 30 Towns Are the Top Places to Live in New Jersey, According to Niche
The Best High Schools for Athletes in New Jersey, According to a 2025 Ranking
These NJ High Schools Send the Most Grads to Harvard, Princeton & MIT
This NJ Gem Was Just Named One of the Best New Hotels on the Planet
The Country’s Best Boardwalk is in New Jersey, According to USA Today Readers
