There are towns in New Jersey that harken back to simpler times where neighbors know each other by name, kids ride their bikes through the community, and families gather at favorite local restaurants.
There’s still lots of that old-school charm throughout the Garden State, and Best US Moving channeled a lot of that when making its list of Top 10 Family-Friendly Towns in New Jersey for 2025.
The list cites good schools, safe and quiet neighborhoods, a mix of suburban living with city access, clean parks, and active community centers – with walkable streets, weekend farmers markets and strong youth programs that appeal to all types of families.
No. 1 on the list, Glen Gardner, has just 2,000 residents, for a real get-to-know-your-neighbor feel. There are some scenic trails and parks in the Hunterdon County town, and it’s located between the mountains and the Spruce Run stream.
No. 2 Clinton is home to The Red Mill Museum Village, occupying 10 acres of land with a mill, a quarry, a schoolhouse, a log cabin and an operational blacksmith shop. There are craft fairs, art shows, music festivals, and historical reenactments scheduled throughout the year. Clinton also has the Hunterdon Art Museum.
Another town in Hunterdon County, Clinton pulls on its natural roots at the Spruce Run Recreation Area; as well as the south branch of the Raritan River, which has good conditions for canoeing. A very unique area is the Lowthorp Truss Bridge, known as the Main Street bridge, which is made of cast and wrought iron, and carried the former New Jersey Turnpike across the river.
Phillipsburg is located on the Delaware River in the bucolic Warren County, with a mix of rolling hills, woodlands and streams. It’s listed at No. 3 thanks to its quaint downtown waterfront shopping district. It’s halfway between NYC and Philly, just 30 minutes from the Poconos, and it’s close to Easton, Pennsylvania – via access along Routes 22 and 78.
The Railroad Festival is among the fairs and parades planned year-round. And the best way to see the town is along the tracks of the Delaware River Railroad, which offers a variety of excursions throughout the year.
No. 4 Flemington, again in Hunterdon County, is attractive for school-aged families because of its Flemington-Raritan school district and Hunterdon Central High School. Downtown Flemington has an eclectic mix of shops; plus a farmers market, street fairs, live music events.
Other popular sites include Schaefer Farms (farm by day, Farm of Horrors by October night), the mini train museum Northlandz, Deer Path Park and local orchards.
The Black River & Western Railroad takes you back and forth from Flemington to Ringoes for a scenic ride.
Hackettstown in Warren County placed 5th, a quiet area outside of NYC, with Alumni Park and Riverfont Park offering a natural escape. With the town located on the banks of the Musconetcong River, the Charles O. Hayford State Fish Hatchery raises and distributes 15 types of fish to NJ’s waterways.
The public library is a popular spit for kids. But it’s probably most well known as the home of M&Ms – Mars Wrigley has a production facility in town.
Town events include Oktoberfest, a St. Patrick’s Day parade and NYE celebrations.
Somerville in Somerset County is No. 6 in the ranks, known throughout the state for its walkable downtown with restaurants, bakeries, boutiques and green spaces.
There are street fairs, art walks, summer movie nights and other activities on the schedule, with America’s longest running bicycle ride, Tour of Somerville, taking to the streets every Memorial Day weekend.
Bridgewater is recognizable for its namesake mall – Bridgewater Commons – plus the home stadium for the Somerset Patriots Minor League baseball team.
Yet people also come to town No. 7 for Duke Island Park‘s playgrounds, picnic spots and walking trails.
And the KidStreet Playground at Slattery Park has giant, one-of-a-kind climbing structures like big wooden cars, planes and ships—all built by local volunteers out of wood and tires.
No. 8, Morristown in Morris County, is a big attraction for its downtown area, especially The Green, which is a historical park and former military base.
Families flock to the Smithsonian-affiliated Morris Museum, Morristown National Historical Park, Historic Speedwell (the birthplace of the telegraph, the Schuyler-Hamilton house (where Hamilton fans know Alexander first met Eliza), the Mayo Performing Arts Center, and Seaton Hackney Stables.
Two of the biggest events are the Morristown Festival of Books, and the Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival.
Hillsborough in Somerset County ranks 9th on the list. Aside from an explosion of new housing developments in recent years, it was the site of a very cool Beetlejuice-themed Airbnb last year.
Duke Farms offers 2,700 acres of restored habitats, trails, woodlands, lakes and meadows – including an orchid range, geocaching site, waterfalls and meditation garden – plus an eagle cam where you can watch baby Bald Eagles hatch in the spring. There’s another 6,300 acres within the Sourland Mountain Preserve where families can hike, mountain bike, birdwatch and ride horses. Neshanic Mills is a 5-acre historic district along the Raritan River that dates back to the 18th century.
Big events include the Memorial Day parade, the Rotary Fair, summer movie nights, food truck festivals, farmers markets, Arts in the Park and Hillsborough Restaurant Week.
Rounding out the list at No. 10, Westfield in Union County is a destination for its vibrant downtown that has a little bit of everything. Stop by the Reeve History & Cultural Resource Center or visit the Miller-Cory House Museum to learn about the town’s 300-year history. The houses-turned-museums are owned and operated by the Westfield Historical Society and offer tours all year.
Westfield is home to nine parks—from Brightwood’s 44 acres of outdoor recreation including a dam, pond, picnic area and nature trails; to the downtown 12-acre Mindowaskin Park that has a pond, fountain and gazebo.
Seasonal events include Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival, Girls Night Out and sidewalk sale shopping events, and Shakespeare in (Foundation) Park.
And, Westfield is the childhood home of Charles Addams, creator of the Addams Family, so October brings a host of Halloween-themed events.
Best US Moving evaluated budget, lifestyle and long-term goals via visits to the area, talking to locals and researching school ratings. These are the Top 10 Family-Friendly Towns in New Jersey for 2025, according to Best US Moving:
- Glen Gardner
- Clinton
- Phillipsburg
- Flemington
- Hackettstown
- Somerville
- Bridgewater
- Morristown
- Hillsborough
- Westfield
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