6 Best Starter Towns In New Jersey For First-Time Homeowners

Buying your first home in New Jersey can feel overwhelming, especially with the statewide median home value hovering around $560,000 (Zillow, February 2026); no wonder affordability jumps to the top of the list. The good news is that there are still towns where median home values fall below the state average without sacrificing the everyday essentials that make settling in easier, from local parks and shops to community events and convenient main streets. Whether you’re after a commuter-friendly suburb, a walkable downtown, or a quieter community with a little more space, places like Millville and Hammonton offer realistic entry points into homeownership. Here are six of the best towns in New Jersey for first-time buyers to put down roots.

Belvidere

The Warren County town of Belvidere sits along the Delaware River and is home to just over 2,500 people. It is close to many cities, including the Pennsylvania towns of Easton (14 miles away) and Allentown (30 miles away). Belvidere is just 60 miles from Newark and 70 miles from New York City. According to the Economic Research Institute (ERI), the cost of living in Belvidere is 16% lower than the average in New Jersey. The median home value in Belvidere is $380,680. Combined with its proximity to major cities, this makes the town a practical option for first-time homeowners.

Although Belvidere is small, it maintains a tight-knit community, with its annual Victorian Day festival in September celebrating the town's heritage and Victorian-style architecture. The Belvidere School District boasts small class sizes and strong community support. For entertainment, check out Country Gate Players, Belvidere's live community theater that puts on performances year-round.

Millville

Located in Cumberland County, Millville is just 50 minutes from Philadelphia and about 30 miles from the Jersey Shore. Millville got its name in the 1790s from the numerous mills and factories. The ERI notes that the cost of living in Millville is 12% lower than the average in other New Jersey cities. First-time homeowners in this town of just over 27,000 residents will be drawn to Millville's affordability, including its median home value of $248,522.

Millville is an arts-centered town. The Glasstown Arts District features art exhibits by over 100 local artists and craftspeople along the Maurice River. This waterfront area of town celebrates Third Fridays, a year-round community gathering of arts and entertainment for residents and visitors. Millville is also home to New Jersey Motorsports Park, a 500-acre-plus motorsports complex that attracts visitors from across the region. Downtown Millville offers a variety of eateries suitable for the entire family, such as Full Potatoes on High Street.

Bridgeton

The county seat of Cumberland County, Bridgeton, is a small town of just over 27,000 residents on the Cohansey River about 50 miles from Philadelphia. It features the largest historical district in New Jersey, with approximately 2,200 Victorian, Federal, and Colonial-style homes. The ERI reports that the cost of living in Bridgeton is 14% less than in other New Jersey towns. The median home value here is $248,168, making it an accessible option for buyers seeking a smaller historic community.

Outdoor recreation plays a central role in Bridgeton, especially at Bridgeton City Park, which comprises over 1,000 acres of walking trails, lakes, and the Cohanzick Zoo, the state's first zoo. Beyond the park, community life continues at the Alms Center, which offers programs for all ages, including after-school activities and fitness classes. The Bridgeton Public Library also serves as a gathering place, hosting art classes, special readings, and public events throughout the year.

Mays Landing

The suburban Mays Landing is the county seat of Atlantic County, about 30 minutes from Atlantic City and an hour from Philadelphia. Mays Landing has a small-town atmosphere, with just over 5,600 residents. Its cost of living is 9% less than that of other New Jersey towns, and first-time homebuyers will appreciate Mays Landing’s median home value of $301,783.

This former shipbuilding town sits on the Great Egg Harbor River, where paddleboarding, boating, and fishing are common activities. Gaskill Park sits at the river's bulkhead and has areas for walking, picnicking, and photography. A strong sense of community exists in Mays Landing, evidenced by the regular First Fridays held by downtown merchants. Pleasant Valley Farm sells locally grown produce and is a gathering place for residents. Atlantic Cape Community College also has a campus in Mays Landing, offering 47 undergraduate degree programs and 32 certificate/professional programs.

Pennsauken

Pennsauken, in Camden County, is across the Delaware River from Philadelphia and just five miles from Camden. Its population of 37,000 still classifies it as a small town, and, despite its proximity to these major cities, the cost of living in Pennsauken, per ERI, is 11% less than that of other New Jersey cities. With median home values of $302,862, Pennsauken remains a practical choice for first-time homebuyers seeking a suburban setting.

Cooper River Park, at just under 350 acres, is one of Pennsauken's most popular outdoor attractions. It includes hiking trails, bike paths, softball fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, and more. The new Pennsauken Community Center is projected to be completed by early 2027 and will be a welcoming place for residents, with basketball and pickleball courts, fitness classes, and a track. Pennsauken's annual community events, such as its Fall Festival in October and Holiday Parade in November, also draw townspeople and visitors together.

Hammonton

The "Blueberry Capital of the World," Hammonton, in Atlantic County, is a town of about 15,000 residents just 30 miles from Atlantic City. The ERI notes that the cost of living in Hammonton is 7% less than in other towns in New Jersey. Hammonton's median home value of $363,200, combined with its small-town, suburban atmosphere, has attracted many first-time homebuyers.

Hammonton High School is ranked highly among New Jersey high schools, with a low dropout rate and a high four-year graduation rate. The downtown Hammonton Art District features galleries and wellness centers, which pair nicely with shops at the Emporium on Central. Hammonton hosts the Red, White, & Blueberry Festival each June, celebrating its blueberry heritage.

Where First-Time Buyers Can Put Down Roots

These six towns show that entering the New Jersey housing market does not always require paying the state’s highest prices. Each offers a mix of accessibility, local amenities, and established neighborhoods that appeal to first-time buyers. For those ready to move from renting to owning, these communities provide practical places to begin.