New Jersey is packed with charming towns, vibrant cities and green-filled burbs. But there’s something about small-town living we love. Quaint downtowns, mom-and-pop shops, parks and green spaces are just a few of the reasons why. Travel + Leisure asked its real estate experts to determine the 10 Best Small Towns to Live in the U.S., and one of our favorite spots in New Jersey made the national list!
Over the past few years, Lambertville has garnered many accolades thanks to its quaint residential and business districts, Victorian homes and charming B&Bs, an old-time train depot from the 19th century, eclectic restaurants, beautiful views of the Delaware River, nature trails, and myriad treasures at its antique shops. Here’s a list of best of lists showcasing the best of Lambertville:
- Charming small town (twice!), according to HGTV
- Best-kept secret, according to WorldAtlas
- Most pristine streets, according to Freshly Ground Media
- Best small town in the Northeast, according to USA Today readers
- Best place to visit in New Jersey, according to Travel + Leisure
- Best winter destination in NJ, according to Reader’s Digest
- New Jersey towns worthy of a Hallmark movie, according to Country Living
- New Jersey vacation spot for a honeymoon, according to Honeymoon Always
Lambertville embodies much of what we love about Hunterdon County’s natural beauty and rich history. The Holcombe-Jimison Farmstead Museum preserves the agricultural heritage of Hunterdon County from the 18th to the 20th centuries, while nearby Howell Living History Farm in Hopewell takes families back to the year 1900 through its living history farm activities. There’s a West Coast influence at the James Wilson Marshall House, the childhood home of a member of the Gold Rush in California. And there’s also a European feel, mostly because of the town’s Irish roots.
There are tons of art galleries here, too, including Highlands Art Gallery, Heart of the Home and A Mano Galleries.
“The Antique Capital of New Jersey” is home to countless treasures at Bridge Street Antiques, Antique Haven Lambertville, the Golden Nugget Antique & Flea Market and the Antiques Center at the People’s Store.
Outdoorsy types stop at Big Bear Gear, which is nearby in Kingwood, to pick up a tube or kayak to spend a leisurely afternoon on the Delaware. You can also walk back and forth over the footbridge to New Hope, PA.
A super popular spot is the Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn, because of its gorgeous views of the Delaware River and top-notch menu. Locals love Liv and Charlie’s …Real Food for breakfast or lunch and D’Floret for its farm-to-table menu. The ice cream at Owowcow is made with local roasted fruits and veggies, organic extracts, and hand-baked ingredients.
The 10 Best Small Towns to Live in the U.S., according to Travel + Leisure:
- Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
- West Richland, Washington
- Belmont, North Carolina
- Lambertville, New Jersey
- Frisco, Colorado
- Penngrove, California
- Maplewood, Missouri
- Lewes, Delaware
- Campton Hills, Illinois
- Dunedin, Florida
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