9 Best Places To Call Home In New Jersey In 2025
New Jersey, also known as "the Garden State," boasts a vast reputation for its shore point communities, situated between New York City and Philadelphia, yet occasionally receives mixed reviews from the eponymous reality show, "The Jersey Shore." However, the state is an incredible place to raise a family and call home in 2025. Numerous warm and welcoming communities await discovery and can be affordable for those in the market to purchase a home.
Absecon
Just north of Atlantic City is Absecon, a city with a population of 9,130. Absecon is renowned for its historical and natural attractions, being named one of the safest and most affordable communities in the state. It boasts proximity to Atlantic City, easy access to the waterfront with the nearby Absecon Bay, and features wonderful parks and memorials. The median house price in the community is around $369,000, according to Redfin, which is below the state median.
A natural site to visit, just outside of town, is the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, which encompasses over 48,000 acres of protected land for those who want to explore the wetlands and marshes of Southern New Jersey. There are numerous trails to explore in the refuge, including the Wildlife Drive tour and the Cedar Bonnet Island Trail, as well as opportunities for birdwatching and taking in the views from observation towers.
Looking for some incredible local food to enjoy, the Black Cat Bar and Grill is an excellent place to visit in town. There, people can enjoy local favorites from the menu, enjoy live music from local musicians, and have an on-site liquor store. The atmosphere at Black Cat is cozy and casual, providing an incredible place to stop by before and after visiting Atlantic City. The restaurant is also known for its giant black cat sign on the front of the building, making it a true staple in the southern part of the state.
Just outside of town, located near Atlantic City's city hall, the eponymous Absecon Lighthouse, which was first lit in 1857 and still has its original first-order Fresnel lens in use today, is worth the quick ride over for a visit. The lighthouse was added to the state's National Register of Historic Places in 1971. Guests have been visiting the facility since 1997.
Phillipsburg
Right on the Delaware River is Phillipsburg, a town with a population of 15,328. Phillipsburg is known for its historic charm, its beautiful riverside location, its role as a former transportation manufacturing hub, and its family-friendly atmosphere. The median sale price for homes is around $205,000, which is lower than the state median.
Phillipsburg is also a railroad town and is home to the Delaware River Railroad Excursions, a museum and tourist attraction preserving the history of railroads in the community and the state. The excursion offers train rides to the Susquehanna Mine, the Warren County Winery, which takes passengers to the Villa Milagro Vineyards, the "Polar Express" during the winter months, and a train ride up the Delaware River.
On the northern side of town is the Little Ridge Vineyards, a family-owned farm winery in Warren County, giving its visitors immaculate views of the town and the region. The vineyard allows people to go wine tasting and host events, live music, and photoshoots. The rest of downtown is right on the Delaware River. It is filled with charming local restaurants and bars, shops, and attractions like the Bullman Street Stairway, which was built with cast iron in the early 1900s and was erected by the town in 2002, and has been a staple of the community ever since.
Gloucester City
Just east of Philadelphia is Gloucester City, a city on the Delaware River with a population of 11,507. Gloucester City is known for being one of the earliest European settlements in the state, a close-knit community, and a suburb of Philadelphia. The median home listing price in the city is around $241,000, making homes affordable compared to the rest of the state.
A great place to explore the city's history is the James and Ann Whitall House, a preserved 18th-century home serving as a museum. Visitors can take tours of the house and learn more about the estate and its role during the Revolutionary War. The house was used as a hospital during the War after colonists defeated the Hessians. People can tour the manor from April to October.
Just like Phillipsburg, Gloucester City is also on the Delaware River and has a marina called the Gloucester City Marina for those looking to explore the river via boat. Whether someone is a boater or a fisherman looking to catch a striped bass, the experience is incredible, boating between the city and having Philadelphia across the river. The marina gives boaters a place to park their boats, fuel up, access to maintenance and repairs, and boat rentals are available for those who don't own a boat.
Gloucester City also has a lot of Irish heritage, and the Holy City Publick House is a great Irish pub to visit in the city. Holy City offers patrons excellent local bites, drinks, and breakfast, and does catering for events. Holy City is an incredible spot to visit in town and will leave people wanting to return for seconds.
Somerville
Just west of New Brunswick is Somerville, a borough with a population of 14,428. The median home list price in Somerville is approximately $630,000, which is above the state's average; however, the town's wonderful charm and location make up for it.
A historic place to visit in town is the Wallace House and Old Dutch Parsonage. This manor is a museum dedicated to preserving and restoring the landmark so that future generations can learn and explore it. The Wallace House also served as George Washington's winter headquarters during the Revolutionary War, and the site became a museum in 1897.
Another exciting place to visit in town is the historic Hotel Somerset, which is also the home of McCormick's Pub. The hotel traces its roots back to the Colonial era, before Somerville was founded, and was called Tunison's Tavern. During the Revolutionary War, Washington's troops would stay at the historic tavern. The hotel relocated to its current location in 1906 and remains one of the borough's oldest buildings. McCormick's Pub serves great food and drinks for locals and visitors and remains a local staple in the community.
The rest of downtown is filled with plenty of local shops and restaurants to explore to the heart's desire. Located in the heart of downtown is Underground, affiliated with Village Brewing on Main Street, and serving as an event venue ideal for live music, private parties, and corporate networking functions. It's an excellent place to visit on a night out on the town or when hosting a private event.
Rahway
Just south of Elizabeth is Rahway, a city in Union County with a population of 29,813. Rahway is renowned for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, diverse community, and rich history. The average home list price in the city is around $507,000, which is slightly lower than the state median. A wonderful place to explore the arts scene in town is the Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC), a historic performing arts theater in the city. UCPAC has been in the building that used to be the historic Rahway Theatre since 1985. People can rent out the space for film shoots, live shows, and rehearsals, as well as host events, plays, musical performances, and film series.
Rahway also has lovely parks to visit, such as the Rahway River Park, which is found on the northern side of town, and was designed by the Olmsted Brothers company. Besides exploring the Rahway River, people can play football, basketball, baseball, run some laps on the track, a swimming pool, and play some tennis in an awesome 124-acre park. A calming trail to explore in the park is the Rahway River Perimeter Loop, which is 1.1 miles long and goes around the park and its public facilities.
A fun place to visit in town is the Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum, a museum dedicated to preserving the historic Merchants and Drovers Tavern, which was open from 1795 until 1971, when the Rahway Historical Society purchased the building. The Tavern hosts events, has hosted ghost hunters, and allows its visitors to see what times were like in the times during the 18th and 19th centuries, along with the elegant and preserved furniture from the Colonial era.
Metuchen
Just south of Rahway is Metuchen, a borough with a population of 14,997. Metuchen is known for its vibrant and walkable downtown, which won the Great Main Street Award in 2023. It is also a commuter town to New York City, with easy train access, and a safe and wonderful community. The average home value in Metuchen is around $677,500, which is above the state average but more affordable than other communities in the state.
Since Metuchen won the Great Main Street Award in 2023, downtown has become a very vibrant place to visit. Main Street has plenty of amazing small businesses, restaurants, and shops to enjoy, along with the Metuchen Train Station, which gives commuters the train they need to go into New York. Local events, like the Downtown Rumble, the Sidewalk Sale, and other community-related events, also take place in downtown.
Near downtown is the Ayers-Allen House, one of the original buildings in the community, built in 1740, and it was the home of the Allen House Tavern, where British and Americans met to find common ground over food and drinks in the Colonial Era. Some people have speculated that the house was a stop for the Underground Railroad, and others have speculated that the house is haunted. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
Metuchen also has plenty of parks to visit for a nice, calm day, such as Centennial Park, the Thomas Peterson Park, the Woodwild Park, and the George Olmezer Memorial Park. Each park has its unique features that make it a staple in the community, like playgrounds at the George Olmezer Memorial Park, small yet calming trails, which are found in the Centennial Park, and allow people to enjoy the birds singing on a beautiful sunny day.
Vernon Township
Right on the state line, Vernon Township is a community with a population of 22,711. Vernon Township is known for being an outdoor recreational hub and the home of the Mountain Creek Ski and Water Park, a large waterpark and ski resort. The median house price in the township is around $337,400, which is lower than the state median.
As mentioned earlier, the Mountain Creek Ski and Water Park calls Vernon Township home. The park is open year-round and offers skiing, lodging, and plenty of other winter activities to do in the snow. During the summer months, the Mountain Creek Water Park has 20-plus water-related rides to keep the family entertained for a weekend trip. Mountain Creek also allows weddings, events, and zip tours.
Outside of Mountain Creek, Vernon offers numerous amazing natural trails to explore. One trail in particular, the Appalachian Trail, a 2.7-mile-long trail with a boardwalk and a suspension bridge, offers the people who explore it wonderful views of the forests all around them. Another trail to visit in town is the Stairway to Heaven Trail, which is about 2.8 miles long and starts at the Appalachian Trail Boardwalk entrance, and is a much steeper trail than the Appalachian Trail. The Stairway to Heaven Trail also gives its visitors scenic views of the greenery that the northern part of the state offers throughout most of Sussex County.
Another natural site to visit in town is Wawayanda Beach, located on Wawayanda Lake. This beach attracts boaters, fishermen, and hikers who explore the region. From Memorial Day until Labor Day weekend, a lifeguard is on duty on the beach, and visitors can take a dip in the cool lake waters while enjoying the crisp white sand on the beach.
Pompton Lakes
In the middle of Passaic County is Pompton Lakes, a borough with a population of 11,156. Pompton Lakes is renowned for its scenic waterways and recreational opportunities, its charming downtown area, and its vibrant arts and theater scene. The median home price in Pompton Lakes is around $551,006, making it slightly above the state median, but affordable for families on a budget.
Being a lake town, Pompton Lake is situated within the community and features numerous parks for residents to enjoy a scenic day gazing out at the waterfront. Around the lake are Lakeside Park, the Joe Louis Memorial Park, and Hershfield Park, each offering crisp grass and wonderful scenery of the lake itself on a lovely sunny day. Residents and visitors can rent paddle boats, canoes, or kayaks and explore the lake with ease on a nice summer day.
Escape Room NJ, in the heart of downtown, is a fun place to visit in the community. There, people can solve escape games, solve puzzles, find clues, and crack codes to complete objectives. And like all small communities, Pompton Lakes has its local traditions, like Pompton Day, a community celebration that has people competing in a 5K fun run, a fishing tournament, a street fair with plenty of vendors, a petting zoo for the kids, and a wrestling match. Pompton Day ends with fireworks celebrating life in the community.
Salem
Salem, a city with a population of 5,325, is located at the state's southern end. It is known for its historical architecture, connection to early English settlements, and the Underground Railroad. The median home list price in the city is around $18,000, well below the state average.
The city is full of charm and history, as landmarks like the Salem County Courthouse, originally built in 1735, are still in use today. It is the second-oldest courthouse in the country, and it saw significant use during the Colonial Era around the time of the Revolutionary War. British troops occupied the building, and the building oversaw treason trials against those who sided with the British during the war.
The city sits on the banks of the Salem River, allowing residents and visitors to explore the river through Barber's Basin Inc., a full-service marina and MerCruiser dealer. When on the river, people can go fishing, boating, and birdwatching in certain areas. The Salem Boating Club is also near town and a great place to make new friends and explore the Salem River on nice sunny days.
Another landmark near town is the Hancock House, an 18th-century Quaker-built house that played a significant role during the Revolutionary War. The British launched an intense surprise attack on the local militia stationed at the house and a nearby bridge, and it has since become a museum. The museum displays historical artifacts and showcases what a home was like during the 18th century.
Finding Your Perfect New Jersey Hometown
Each of these communities has its unique charm, local landmarks, and history, making it the state's mainstays. These communities are also wonderful places to call home and raise a family. Another bonus is that they serve as gateways to major cities like New York and Philadelphia, making commuting to these iconic cities straightforward, depending on traffic. Visit these wonderful New Jersey towns before deciding which community is the right one to settle down in.
