These Are The Best Places in New Jersey to Raise a Family

Niche just named the best places in New Jersey to raise a family, and many of our favorite towns made the list. When it comes to choosing where to put down roots, parents look for great schools, safety and an overall sense of community. It’s no surprise that many of the top picks were located in Bergen County, which is known as a great place for young families.

Niche gave each town an overall score, plus ranks for public school systems and qualities that are attractive to families such as safety, crime, housing and jobs.

Princeton Junction, in Mercer County, placed No. 1 on the list. The Bergen County towns include Ho-Ho-Kus, Haworth, Harrington Park, Closter and Ridgewood.

Princeton Junction was also the highest-ranked NJ town on Niche’s Best Places to Live in America for 2023, receiving a grade of A+ and a placement of 14. With a nice suburban feel, the landscape is dotted with parks, and families flock here for the highly rated schools. Although it is technically located within West Windsor, Princeton Junction’s proximity to Princeton gives it a suburban feel close to a downtown.

Mountain Lakes is just under 3 miles and yet has nine manmade lakes. There is a high percentage of families with kids under 18—which means there are always kids around for play dates, BBQs and block parties. It has also been reported that more than 80 percent of the adults who live here hold a college or graduate degree.

Short Hills may be known best for its mall, but there is more than just luxury shopping in the area. It’s part of Millburn Twp. and combines the best of small-town living with proximity to New York. There are Tudor-style buildings located near the train station. And in the colder months, it’s fun to visit the Winter Village for holiday fun.

The top 10 places in NJ to raise a family:

1. Princeton Junction (Mercer County)
2. Mountain Lakes (Morris County)
3. Short Hills (Essex County)
4. Ho-Ho-Kus (Bergen County)
5. Haworth (Bergen County)
6. Harrington Park (Bergen County)
7. Essex Fells (Essex County)
8. Closter (Bergen County)
9. Princeton (Mercer County)
10. Ridgewood (Bergen County)

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