Are you considering a move to New Jersey while maintaining easy access to the vibrant energy of New York City? You're making a smart choice! Living in New Jersey offers the perfect balance: suburban tranquility with the convenience of being just minutes away from the Big Apple. As experienced NYC movers, we've helped countless families make this transition and have gathered valuable insights about the best places to live in NJ close to NYC.
Why Choose New Jersey Over NYC?
- Affordability: While the average home price in New Jersey recently crossed $500,000, it's still significantly lower than NYC prices, where the average one-bedroom apartment rents for around $3,000 compared to $1,800 in NJ.
- More Space: New Jersey offers larger homes and apartments, plus more green space than typically available in the city.
- Family-Friendly: Many areas in New Jersey close to NYC boast excellent school systems and family-oriented communities.
- Quick Commute: Several New Jersey cities offer commute times to Manhattan of less than 30 minutes!
- Lower Taxes: Compared to NYC residents, New Jerseyans often enjoy lower city taxes.
- Quality of Life: Areas in New Jersey near NYC often provide a better work-life balance with easy access to parks, recreational facilities, and community amenities.
If you're still deciding between NYC and surrounding areas, check out our guide to the best suburbs near NYC for more comparison points.
Top Cities in New Jersey Close to NYC
1. Hoboken
Distance to NYC: 8 minutes by PATH train
Average Rent: $2,800 for a one-bedroom
Average Home Price: Higher end of NJ spectrum
Often called the "sixth borough" of New York City, Hoboken has become increasingly popular for young professionals seeking an urban lifestyle without Manhattan prices.
- Spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline
- Vibrant restaurant and bar scene
- Waterfront parks perfect for outdoor activities
- Extremely walkable city with abundant public transportation options
- Direct ferry service to NYC
Who It's Ideal For: Young professionals, singles, and couples who enjoy an active social life and urban amenities. Many residents work in NYC and appreciate the extremely short commute.
Safety: Hoboken is generally considered very safe, with a well-policed and pedestrian-friendly environment.
Education: The city offers good public and private schools, making it increasingly popular with young families.
2. Jersey City
Distance to NYC: 20 minutes by PATH train
Average Rent: $2,600 for a one-bedroom
Average Home Price: Varies widely by neighborhood
Jersey City has experienced remarkable growth and transformation in recent years, becoming one of the most sought-after areas in New Jersey close to NYC.
- Diverse and multicultural environment
- Burgeoning arts scene
- Thriving culinary landscape with diverse restaurants
- Rapidly developing waterfront with stunning Manhattan views
- Multiple PATH train stops providing easy access to NYC
- Growing tech scene creating local job opportunities
Who It's Ideal For: Professionals seeking an urban lifestyle, those interested in diverse cultural experiences, and people looking for a lively culinary and arts scene.
Neighborhoods to Consider:
- Exchange Place: Waterfront luxury with the fastest commute to NYC
- The Heights: More affordable housing with a neighborhood feel
- Journal Square: Increasingly popular area with improving amenities and good transit options
Jersey City also offers several family-friendly neighborhoods with good schools.
3. Newark
Distance to NYC: 27 minutes by train
Average Rent: $1,550 for a one-bedroom
Average Home Price: $295,000-$460,000
Newark offers some of the most affordable housing options with convenient access to NYC.
- Strong public transportation links to Manhattan
- Revitalized downtown area
- Cultural offerings including the New Jersey Performing Arts Center
- Home to major universities and medical centers
- International airport access
Who It's Ideal For: Budget-conscious commuters, students, and those seeking urban amenities at more affordable prices.
4. Montclair
Distance to NYC: 40 minutes via NJ Transit
Average Rent: $2,100 for a one-bedroom
Average Home Price: $650,000+
This charming suburban town offers a perfect blend of urban amenities and small-town feel.
- Artsy community with rich cultural heritage
- Excellent public schools (highly rated system)
- Beautiful parks and outdoor spaces
- Charming downtown with unique shops and restaurants
- Strong sense of community
Who It's Ideal For: Families seeking excellent schools with a suburban lifestyle, those who appreciate arts and culture, and professionals who don't mind a slightly longer commute for a higher quality of life.
5. Edgewater
Distance to NYC: 25-30 minutes by bus/ferry
Average Rent: $2,400+ for a one-bedroom
Average Home Price: $500,000-$1 million+
Located directly across the Hudson River from Manhattan, Edgewater offers breathtaking views and easy access to NYC.
- Stunning waterfront location with Manhattan skyline views
- Modern housing developments
- Growing restaurant scene
- Multiple transportation options to NYC via bus and ferry
- Shopping centers and amenities
Who It's Ideal For: Professionals seeking a modern and upscale living experience who value waterfront living and easy access to NYC.
6. Fort Lee
Distance to NYC: 30 minutes by bus
Average Rent: $2,300 for a one-bedroom
Average Home Price: $400,000-$800,000
Situated at the foot of the George Washington Bridge, Fort Lee provides direct access to Manhattan.
- Diverse community with strong Asian influence
- Excellent Korean restaurants and shopping
- Mix of housing options from apartments to single-family homes
- Beautiful views of the Hudson River and NYC
- Good public school system
Who It's Ideal For: Those seeking convenient access to NYC, families looking for good schools, and anyone interested in experiencing Asian culture and cuisine.
7. Maplewood / South Orange
Distance to NYC: 35-40 minutes via NJ Transit
Average Rent: $2,000+ for a one-bedroom
Average Home Price: $500,000-$900,000
These adjacent towns share similar qualities, including charming downtowns and strong community ties.
- Picturesque, walkable downtowns with local shops and restaurants
- Tree-lined streets with historic homes
- Strong sense of community
- Excellent public schools
- Active arts scene
- Diverse and progressive community
Who It's Ideal For: Families seeking a strong community with excellent schools, those who appreciate a suburban lifestyle with urban amenities, and professionals who value diversity and inclusion.
8. Clifton
Distance to NYC: 30-45 minutes by train/bus
Average Home Price: $460,000
One of the more affordable options on our list, Clifton offers good value while maintaining proximity to NYC.
- Strong local economy with diverse job opportunities
- Stable housing market with more affordable options
- Cultural diversity
- Good transportation options to NYC
- Mix of urban and suburban environments
Who It's Ideal For: Budget-conscious buyers and renters who still want reasonable access to NYC and appreciate cultural diversity.
9. East Orange
Distance to NYC: 30-35 minutes by train
Average Home Price: $295,000
East Orange offers some of the most affordable housing in the state while still providing good access to NYC.
- Very affordable housing prices
- Ongoing urban development
- Good transportation links to NYC
- Historic architecture
- Diverse community
Who It's Ideal For: First-time homebuyers, investors, and those seeking affordability above all other factors.
10. Ridgewood
Distance to NYC: 40 minutes via train
Average Rent: $2,300 for a one-bedroom
Average Home Price: $700,000+
This upscale suburban town offers exceptional quality of life a bit further from NYC.
- High-quality schools
- Charming downtown with upscale shops and restaurants
- Beautiful residential neighborhoods
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Well-maintained parks and recreational facilities
Who It's Ideal For: Established professionals and families willing to accept a slightly longer commute for premium suburban living.
Understanding Living Costs in New Jersey
- Housing: Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,800 in NJ compared to $3,000 in NYC
- Utilities: Monthly utilities average around $200
- Transportation: Public transportation costs vary but average about $120 for a monthly train pass
- Groceries: Expect to spend around $400-$600 monthly for a household of two
Tips for Moving to New Jersey from NYC
- Research transportation options: Depending on where you settle, you might rely on NJ Transit trains, PATH trains, buses, or ferries. Some locations might require a car.
- Consider your commute carefully: Visit your potential new neighborhood and do a test commute during rush hour before committing.
- Understand the tax implications: New Jersey has different tax structures than New York. Consult with a tax professional about how your move might affect your finances.
- Plan your moving logistics: Moving across state lines, even just across the Hudson, requires planning. Check out our guide to common NYC moving mistakes to avoid pitfalls.
- Protect your belongings: When moving valuable items like electronics, learn the proper techniques. For example, find out if you can transport a TV laying down to prevent damage.
- Explore before you commit: Spend time in your potential new neighborhood at different times of day and week to get a true feel for the area.
- Learn about your new area: If you're new to the NYC metro area altogether, our guide to the boroughs of New York explained can help you understand the broader region.
- Safety research: For families, safety is often a top priority. Check out our guide to safest neighborhoods in NYC for comparison points.
The Bottom Line: Finding Your Perfect NJ Home Near NYC
The best place to live in New Jersey close to NYC ultimately depends on your personal preferences, budget, and priorities. Here's a quick summary to help you narrow down your options:
- For the shortest commute: Hoboken or Jersey City
- For families prioritizing schools: Montclair, Ridgewood, or Maplewood
- For the most affordable options: Newark or East Orange
- For waterfront living: Edgewater or Hoboken
- For cultural diversity: Jersey City or Fort Lee
No matter which area you choose, living in New Jersey while having access to NYC gives you the best of both worlds: suburban comforts with big-city accessibility.
Ready to Make Your Move?
Moving between states requires careful planning and expertise. As the top rated moving company in NYC, ZeroMax Moving specializes in relocations between NYC and New Jersey, understanding the unique challenges and requirements of this transition. From navigating parking regulations to coordinating elevator reservations, our team has the expertise to ensure a smooth move.
For everything you need to know about the moving process, check out our comprehensive guide to moving in NYC in 2025.