Finding the right place to raise a family is tough, so rankings that take into account education, safety and more can really help. Niche just released its 2025 list of the Best Places to Live in New Jersey, and the Top 100 towns all scored an impressive A+. That’s a big win for NJ, with rankings based on factors like crime rates, school quality, cost of living, job opportunities, and local amenities—pulled from sources like the U.S. Census, FBI, and CDC.
New Jersey’s No. 1 town, Ho-Ho-Kus, has only about 5,000 residents, but lots of history and charm. It’s easily accessible to NYC, and its K-8 school district is highly ranked, while teens go to Northern Highlands Regional High School in nearby Allendale. Both The Hermitage, a Gothic Revival house/museum, and the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Ho-Ho-Kus ranked 34th on the national list of the best places to live in the U.S.
Princeton, ranked No. 2, is so much more than just its namesake university and its stunning campus grounds and architecture. When you need a break from shopping along Nassau Street (kids will have a field day at JaZams or Labyrinth Books), relax on the green at Palmer Square. Feed the fam at Yankee Doodle Tap Room at The Nassau Inn, Agricola Eatery, Witherspoon Grill or Elements. Kids of all ages will want ice cream from the Bent Spoon or Halo Pub. Or book a stay at Peacock Inn. Outside the downtown, you can visit the former home of Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, at Morven Museum & Garden. Get your mall fix in at MarketFair. Kayak along the D&R Canal, or try out the homemade wines at Terhune Orchards & Winery. Princeton ranked 35th on the national list.
In Ridgewood, families enjoy highly rated public schools plus lots of restaurants, dessert spots and coffee shops – Steel Wheel Tavern, Felina, Roots Steakhouse, The Office and Shumi are all favorites. Tatte is the village’s newest trendy spot for brunch. On the weekends, take the kids to Saddle River County Park, especially the Wild Duck Pond Area; The Schoolhouse Museum; or Graydon Pool in the summer. Family fun activities include the Ridgewood Memorial Day Run, summer concerts at the Kasschau Memorial Shell, and outdoor movies at Van Neste Square. Ridgewood ranked 65th on the national list.
River Edge was an important area during the Revolutionary War. Two hundred and 50 years later, it’s known for its cute neighborhoods and shops along Kinderkamack Road. Dining options include Fuki Sushi, A Taste of Greece, Critchley’s Candies, Prime 259, River Edge Diner, Sanducci’s Trattoria and Kilim Mediterranean. Historical sites include Historic New Bridge Landing, which was a battleground during the American Revolution and has lots of weekend activities based on early colonial life; plus the Campbell-Christie House and Washington Spring. River Edge ranked 71st on the national list.
Princeton Junction is frequently at the top of the best-of list, and placed 5th this year. Though people confuse it with Princeton, it’s actually an outlying town, with the prestige of the name but lower property taxes. It’s technically part of West Windsor, and has lots of parks, a train station stop and highly-rated schools. Kids can sign up for activities at the Princeton Junction branch of the Mercer County Library System. Windsor Plaza has village-like shops throughout the mall. Shanghai Bun and Terakawa Ramen are part of the newly established Asian culture in the area; or if you’re craving pasta, make a resy at Ristorante Capuano. Mercer Oaks is an 18-hole course open to golfers. Princeton Junction ranked 79 on the national list.
Here are the Top 30 places to live in New Jersey, according to Niche:
- Ho-Ho-Kus
- Princeton
- Ridgewood
- River Edge
- Princeton Junction
- Harrington Park
- Haworth
- Summit
- Hoboken
- Mountain Lakes
- Closter
- Metuchen
- Haddonfield
- Bernardsville
- Berkeley Heights
- Glen Ridge
- New Providence
- Upper Montclair
- Fort Lee
- Chatham
- Livingston
- Fair Lawn
- Fanwood
- Montgomery
- Edgewater
- Oradell
- Madison
- Upper Saddle River
- Plainsboro Center
- Westfield
New Jersey towns that are in the Top 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S., according to Niche:
34. Ho-Ho-Kus
35. Princeton
65. Ridgewood
71. River Edge
Get the latest on the best things to do with your family in and around New Jersey by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram!
Read More:
The Best Small Towns to Raise a Family in NJ, According to Stacker
These Are The Best Places in New Jersey to Raise a Family
6 NJ Towns Ranked Among the Best Places to Live in NY Metro Area
Popular Now:
These NJ High Schools Send the Most Grads to Harvard, Princeton & MIT
This NJ Gem Was Just Named One of the Best New Hotels on the Planet
The Country’s Best Boardwalk is in New Jersey, According to USA Today Readers
Yes You Can Tour a 9,000-Square-Foot Chester Estate at Mansion in May
The Best High Schools for Athletes in New Jersey, According to a 2025 Ranking
