New Jersey has a vibrant arts scene, and a new study shows which towns in the Garden State are the most creative communities.
Brotherly Love Real Estate in Philadelphia surveyed 3,021 people to ask which suburbs in the U.S. are the most creative based on their cultural institutions, creative energy, art scene, innovation and character. The 110 areas that made the list have unique art galleries and music venues, independent boutiques and restaurants that attract artists, entrepreneurs and free thinkers.
The first Jersey city on the list is Asbury Park, placing 50th on the national list. The Stone Pony is synonymous with the music scene of the Shore and has been welcoming indie and popular bands for 50 years, including its most famous, Bruce Springsteen. Every summer Sea.Hear.Now takes over the beach for a weekend of concerts, art showcases and surfing. The boardwalk has its own vibe, from the Grand Arcade to Convention Hall to the Paramount Theatre (currently closed). A free Color & Light Festival is set to welcome spring next month. There are murals, galleries, shops, and music and film festivals that are great examples of Asbury Park’s artsy vibe. House of Independents hosts everything from concerts to throwback parties to musical bingo. Asbury Park Bazaar sets up creative vendor markets throughout the year.
The next Jersey neighborhood is Jersey City Heights in Jersey City, which has increased its number of art galleries, performance spaces and street murals in recent years. No. 56 on the list, it’s home to The Mana Contemporary Art Center, which offers a full slate of artistic programming, such as galleries, book fairs, artists in residence and studio space. Modcup Coffee has a punk/rave vibe. Riverview Farmers Market is open every Sunday from May to November with 150+ vendors selling one-of-a-kind produce and food needs. Beyond The Plate Food Tours takes you around the downtown for culinary and historical info. Pershing Field Park has a beautiful arch that came from the Fourth Regiment Armory from World War II, adding to the aesthetic of the area.
No. 82 on the list is Montclair, often considered the 6th borough of NYC. The Montclair Art Museum has permanent collections, rotating exhibits, a summer camp for kids, weekend drop-ins and special events. Montclair Film hosts a festival in the early months of the year. The Clairidge is a movie theater with a BYOB program: for select movies, you can Bring Your Own Baby and watch a film in a relaxed, comfortable environment with other kids and moms. Montclair Art Center will soon announce the details for its April Art Walk. The Montclair Center BID (business improvement district) has shopping, dining, arts, fitness, wellness, beauty, continuing education and family attractions. Montclair History Center at the Crane House & Historic YWCA is open for tours of its historical exhibits, plus both in-person and virtual programming. Loopwell is a wellness space that offers meditation, yoga, classes and an event space.
The final New Jersey spot is Frenchtown (No. 92), home to shops, art galleries, culinary markets and more along the Delaware River. Buildings here date back to the 19th century and provide creative spaces for artists, writers and musicians who use nature as inspiration. The ArtYard campus has four buildings close to the center of town that offer theater performances, music, film screenings, poetry, storytelling events, and the biennial Hatch and Aqualumina Festival. Studio Route 29 is an art studio for artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities, along with a gallery. Schmidtberger Fine Art showcases the works of older painters through exhibits and pop-up shows.
The Top 10 Most Creative Neighborhoods in New Jersey For 2025, according to Brotherly Love Real Estate:
- 50. Asbury Park
- 56. Jersey City Heights
- 82. Montclair
- 92. Frenchtown
The Top 10 Most Creative Neighborhoods in America For 2025, according to Brotherly Love Real Estate:
- Downtown Arts District, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Hilo, Big Island, Hawaii
- Savannah Historic District, Savannah, Georgia
- Beacon, New York
- Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
- Deep Ellum, Dallas, Texas
- Downcity, Providence, Rhode Island
- Downtown Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee
- Greenville Downtown, Greenville, South Carolina
- Warehouse Arts District, St. Petersburg, Florida
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