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Secaucus
New Jersey's Best Towns For Families 2017 Hudson County
Population: 16,809
Average Home Price: $403,687
Many New Jerseyans know Secaucus as a major junction stop on NJ transit train lines, but this Hudson County gem has so much more to offer than its convenient location.
Lisamarie Powers-Tusa grew up in Secaucus and returned years later to raise her two kids, a 10-year-old girl, Kaitlyn, and a 19-year-old boy, Colin, who attends Rutgers University at the Newark campus.
“We live in a two-family; my brother’s family lives upstairs and I’m downstairs. My mother lives around the corner,” she explains. “It’s the whole reason I moved back.”
Secaucus is packed with activities for all ages, too. With tons of sports, rec programs, parades and festivals, there’s always something to do. It’s easy to grab drinks with friends or squeeze in a date night on Parent’s Night Out. You can drop your kids off at the recreational center for movies and snacks at $5 a head while you go out for a night on the town.
Powers-Tusa’s daughter’s favorite spot is the Craft Clique, founded by a local mom, where kids go to make unique arts and crafts projects. Her son prefers heading to Kane Stadium with friends to throw a baseball around and watch little leaguers play.
There are lots of great dining options, too, but Natoli’s Deli is a can’t-miss. “He’s got the best pizza and Italian sandwiches ever,” raves Powers-Tusa.Thanks to local events that bring the community together, Secaucus is undeniably tight-knit. “Your neighbors become aunts and uncles to your kids,” explains Powers-Tusa. “[They’re] always hanging outside, the kids are always playing. It’s that kind of neighborhood.” – by Taryn Pire
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