9 Most Beautiful College Towns In New Jersey

College is an exciting time for someone taking the next step toward their education, how they see the world, and the memories they'll make along the way. With more than 60 colleges and universities, New Jersey offers plenty of charming college towns to call a home away from home. Known as the Garden State, it features everything from historic boroughs like Princeton to scenic coastal spots like West Long Branch and lively downtowns like Montclair and South Orange. Whether someone is visiting friends or exploring their future campus, these nine towns showcase the beauty, spirit, and diversity of New Jersey in all the best ways. Each one is ready to welcome the next generation of students and their stories.

Glassboro

Glassboro is a borough in Gloucester County with a population of 24,000 and is the home of Rowan University. Rowan has a unique history, as it hosted a summit with U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson and Soviet Premier Alexi Kosygin in 1967. Rowan University has an Art Gallery, which serves as a cultural destination for South Jersey and the region around Glassboro. Exhibits at the Rowan University Art Gallery include the Sister Chapel, which highlights women artists and their works, and the Artist as Activist, which showcases artistic responses to themes such as environmentalism, immigration, health and wellness, and political engagement.

Another appealing museum to visit in Glassboro is the Heritage Glass Museum, which preserves the state's glassmaking history with free, family-friendly exhibits showcasing historic glass bottles from the 1700s to the 1970s, glass art, and much more. Another place to explore in Glassboro is the Bonesaw Brewing Company, which serves incredible local South Jersey beer for all to enjoy right on U.S. Route 322.

Princeton

Princeton is a borough in Mercer County with a population of around 30,000 and is the home of Princeton University, the fourth oldest college in America. Princeton's campus is historic and breathtaking for all to explore, thanks to its roots in colonial times. A building to visit on the campus is the Princeton University Art Museum, where visitors and students can explore various breathtaking art from different periods, sign up for art classes, attend events, and much more, even though the museum is temporarily closed and will re-open on October 31, 2025.

Another charming site to see in Princeton is Carnegie Lake, which is right next to Princeton's campus. There is a trail for those looking to escape suburbia and be one with nature, enjoy birds chirping, and have a great place for a calm and quiet run. One other museum to explore in town is the Morven Museum and Garden, which used to be the former Governor's mansion and was turned into a museum showcasing the history of "the Garden State." Overall, Princeton is a charming college town filled with history, immaculate architecture, fantastic attractions, and much more.

Hackettstown

Hackettstown is a town in Warren County with a population of 10,000 and is the home of Centenary University, an old and historic private university. A landmark to visit on Centenary University's campus is the Edward W. Seay Administration Building, a magnificent administrative building on the campus itself. Another building to visit on campus is the David and Carol Lackland Center, which is a more modern building and the home of the performing arts center, classrooms, a dance studio, a dining hall, theaters, and a TV and radio studio.

Outside Centenary University, Hackettstown offers visitors and residents a relaxed, small-town charm with local shops and restaurants. One of these restaurants, Toscana Trattoria Ristorante, is a casual Italian eatery serving wonderful meals that figuratively transport diners to an authentic Italian experience. Another place to visit in town is the Hackettstown Center for the Arts, where visitors can enjoy local plays and learn about its history and significance to the town. The Center also features a cinema for independent film premieres.

Mahwah

Mahwah is a township in Bergen County, right along the New Jersey and New York state line, with a population of 25,000, and it is home to Ramapo College of New Jersey. Ramapo opened its doors in 1969 and has a rich history, as the college preserves the Birch Mansion and the Havemeyer Arch, a significant part of the college's identity, where new students enter and graduating students exit. A wonderful place to visit on Ramapo's campus is the Berrie Center, which houses the Sharp Theater, the Myron and Elaine Adler Theater, and the Kresge and Pascal Art Galleries. Students and campus visitors can enjoy local plays and musical performances, and explore the wonderful art throughout the center.

Just near Ramapo's campus is the Ramapo Valley County Reservation, a 4,000-acre park with endless trails, ponds, rivers, diverse wildlife within the reservation, and immaculate views of northern New Jersey from Hawk Rock. Another great place to explore off Ramapo's campus is the restaurant called Booyah! There, patrons are treated to incredible food, live music, comedy shows, and much more.

Montclair

Montclair is a township in Essex County with a population of 41,000 and is the home of Montclair State University. The university has the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center, honoring the career of the late Yogi Berra, with his World Series rings on display, as well as his catcher's mitt he used to catch Don Larson's perfect game in game five of the 1956 World Series. One other landmark on campus is the Alexander Kasser Theater, where students, locals, alumni, and visitors can enjoy a nice classical play and musical performances on an incredible college campus.

Montclair's downtown offers a diverse array of shops, restaurants, and bars to explore along Bloomfield Avenue. A hidden gem on Church Street is Fresco da Franco Italian Restaurant, where patrons enjoy incredible homemade Italian meals at any time of day. The restaurant also features a bar, providing a fun local nightlife alternative to taking the train from Montclair to New York City. Wellmont also hosts the Montclair Film Festival, which occurs in mid- to late October and showcases new films from prominent filmmakers around the globe.

Madison

Madison is a borough in Morris County with a population of just over 16,000. It is home to two private universities: Drew University and Fairleigh Dickinson University, Florham Campus. Both universities have their history and charm, which attract students. A landmark to visit on Drew University's campus is Mead Hall, which is an original building built in the 1830s on the campus itself and has been used as student housing, classrooms, and administrative offices. A famous landmark to visit on Fairleigh Dickinson's campus is Hennessey Hall, the centerpiece of the campus, which was built in the 1890s, has luxurious Italian marble and an ivory fireplace in the interior, and is currently used to host events and weddings.

When exploring downtown Madison, people are treated to the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts, which takes people back to the 18th and 19th centuries with craftsmen and artisans, what homes looked like in the 1800s, how people in New Jersey lived in the colonial era, and much more. Right across from the museum is the Shanghai Jazz Restaurant and Bar, where locals and visitors can enjoy American and Chinese cuisine and live music from local musicians.

South Orange

South Orange is a village in Essex County with a population of approximately 19,000 and is the home of Seton Hall University. On Seton Hall's campus is the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, one of the oldest buildings and the spiritual center. Another iconic site at Seton Hall is the University Green, a wonderful outdoor spot at the heart of the campus, perfect for studying and enjoying a nice sunny day on a weekday or weekend.

South Orange's downtown is a much smaller version of Montclair's, with its own train station that takes people in and out of New York City, but also has its hidden gems for all to enjoy. One place to visit in downtown South Orange is the Gaslight Brewery and Restaurant, where patrons can enjoy local beers, local hot sauce, and exquisite bites in a quaint downtown. Another excellent spot to see in town is Bunny's Sports Bar, which is right next to the train station, where patrons can enjoy drinks and a thin crust pizza and get together to watch the big game in a great local spot.

West Long Branch

West Long Branch is a borough in Monmouth County, right next to the Jersey Shore, with a population of 8,500, and is the home of Monmouth University. A landmark to visit on Monmouth's campus is the Murray Guggenheim Mansion, which was completed in 1905 to enjoy the summer down the Jersey Shore. It was transferred to Monmouth University in 1960, where it has become the university's library to this day. Another excellent place to see on Monmouth's campus is Shadow Hall, which was built in 1929 and was acquired by the university in 1955, and is currently being used for academic and administrative purposes.

Outside of Monmouth's campus, people can enjoy the Jersey Shore at Long Branch Beach, just east of town, and soak up some glorious sun rays. The boardwalk adjacent to the beach has shops and restaurants for all to enjoy. A relaxing place to see outside of West Long Branch is Wolf Hill Recreation Area, where people can play disc golf and enjoy a nice, relaxing day with their dogs in the off-leash part of the park.

Ewing

Ewing is a township in Mercer County, just outside of Trenton, with a population of 35,000, and is the home of The College of New Jersey, which was the fifth college founded in the state. A wonderful landmark to visit at TCNJ is the Green Hall Clock Tower, which was built in 1931 before Green Hall officially opened and has been a staple for life on campus. Another historic landmark to visit on TCNJ's campus is the William Green House, which dates back to 1720 and the Revolutionary War. The house is preserved on campus to this day and can be visited by students, alumni, and visitors.

Just outside of Ewing is Cadwalader Park in Trenton, where people can explore the greens, rolling meadows, and looping carriage drive and visit the Ellarslie Mansion. Another park to visit in Ewing is John S. Watson Park, which is great for picnics, strolling around the grounds, and enjoying swing sets with families.

Concluding Thoughts

Regardless of where someone goes to college, the experience will always be incredible. However, one of the best parts of the college experience is traveling to different colleges to visit friends or family, and exploring all of the different college towns and the amenities they offer to locals and visitors. "The Garden State" has wonderful college towns worth visiting and truly showcases the beauty of the state in a positive light.