The 7 Friendliest Little Towns In New Jersey
Small-town life in New Jersey offers a welcoming, strong sense of community, evident in its annual festivals and its activities along the coast, from Cape May's eco-tours for dolphin watching to Sprink Lake's pristine boardwalk. These rural towns can be quieter but still lively, with annual festivals like Ho-Ho-Kus Day and markets like the Allentown Farmers Market. Anchored in a history as one of the United States’ founding 13 states, these towns also offer peaceful strolls past 19th-century structures, as seen in Newton's Spring Street. These towns are family-friendly and walkable, while still offering attractions and sights that make them vibrant.
Spring Lake
This quiet beach town is perfect for those who want to enjoy the beach without the crowds. Along the coast is a boardwalk, which is one of the few on the East Coast without any commercial shops. The focus is on the scenery and relaxation. A small lake called Spring Lake is located in Divine Park, with plenty of opportunities to view wildlife from the various wooden bridges. The downtown is the Third Avenue Shopping District, with independent shops, bars, and restaurants located in the small downtown area. The works of sculptor Seward Johnson can be found throughout the town. Held in the downtown area, the annual Irish Festival takes place in June, with a focus on the town’s Irish roots, while the Labor Day Weekend Art Walk in September is an event along Third Avenue featuring local artists, crafts, and food.
Allentown
This 18th-century town is rich in history and rural nature. In the town center, you will find the Old Mill, a grist mill built in 1706 and rebuilt in 1855, which is now a community hub for local shopping, art, and dining. The 18th-century John Imlay Mansion is also centrally located on Main Street. Considered one of the best examples of Country Georgian architecture on the East Coast, it was built around 1790 by a wealthy Philadelphia merchant, made rich with the West Indies trade. For annual community events, the Spring Stroll in April focuses on businesses, crafts, and art along Main Street. Allentown Farmers Market features local produce, beer, and wine, plus fresh seafood, including live blue crabs and clams. The Fall Festival takes place in October and features food trucks, a beer garden, music, and a kids’ zone.
Cape May
Cape May is a coastal town known for its beach culture, friendly locals, and Victorian architecture. Much of the town’s culture is focused on the coast, including eco-cruises for watching dolphins. History in Cape May includes the Harriet Tubman Museum, with a focus on her abolitionist activism.
The downtown commercial district is centered around the Washington Street Mall, an outdoor pedestrian shopping and dining district. The locally-owned boutiques, cafes, and restaurants are located within a short walking distance from the oceanfront. There is also a trolley available, taking riders through the historical town. A local ongoing activity is the search for Cape May diamonds (actually clear quartz pebbles) on Sunset Beach, where you can also view the Concrete Ship. The SS Atlantus was an experimental freighter made of concrete and built during World War I. It is located 150 feet off the coast of Sunset Beach. A big cultural and community event, the Cape May Exit Zero Jazz Festival fills the entire town with music twice a year, in May and October. The festival features big names in jazz, upcoming talent, and offers a diverse array of cultures and styles.
Ho-Ho-Kus
This town is rich in colonial history. Located in Bergen County, Ho-Ho-Kus is situated along the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook, a rocky stream that flows through the downtown. Downtown Ho-Ho-Kus is a walkable commercial district centered around North Maple Avenue, Sheridan Avenue, and Franklin Turnpike. The downtown features boutiques and higher-end restaurants, while maintaining its small-town charm.
The Hermitage Museum is a Gothic Revival home now housing a museum. A National Historic Landmark, George Washington was a visitor to the house during the Revolutionary War. Aaron Burr, the third Vice President of the United States, was married at The Hermitage, and he also lived there for a brief time. The Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern is a historic inn dating back to the 1790s and is in operation to this day. A key community event is Ho-Ho-Kus Day, taking place every September. The festival features music, food trucks, and a beer garden sponsored by the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern.
Newton
Newton is a historical town that emphasizes community and locally-owned businesses. Downtown Newton is centered around Spring Street and features 19th-century architecture housing independent boutiques and restaurants, and a vibrant local arts scene. The Newton Theatre is a restored historic theater on Spring Street that features live music, comedy, and films. Nearby Kittatinny Valley State Park offers hiking, wildlife viewing, and provides access to Lake Aeroflex. There are many community events and festivals throughout the year. The annual Newton Day Festival takes place in June on Spring Street and Memory Park, with live music, food, and fireworks.
Interlaken
Located near the Jersey Shore, Interlaken is a small and quiet town with historic architecture and proximity to the ocean. The town is set on Deal Lake, giving visitors a nearby spot for fishing and boating. A residential borough, Interlaken has no traditional commercial district. Described as park-like, the residential streets are quiet and suited for leisurely early-evening walks. Built in 1905, the stone gates on Grasmere Avenue are a local landmark welcoming visitors to Interlaken.
Access to the ocean is provided by neighboring villages, just 10 minutes away. Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, and Allenhurst are all gateways to beaches and coastal boardwalks. Asbury Park’s commercial district offers its vibrant core to Interlaken’s residential calm. There you will find locally-owned shops and restaurants along the coast. In Interlaken proper, community events include the Arbor Day Celebration that features a walking tour through the Interlaken Arboretum, demonstrations from master gardeners, plus free seedlings.
Clinton
Clinton is located on the Raritan River, and its history is tied to the river as a mill town. Downtown Clinton is centered on historic Main Street, a walkable district with distinct architecture and views of the river waterfall. There are many independent restaurants along the river, as well as other places for a quick treat.
The Red Mill Museum Village is a former 19th-century woolen mill that is now a museum. The site also features a dynamite shed and a one-room schoolhouse. Hunterdon Art Museum is a contemporary art, craft, and design museum housed in a 19th-century stone mill on the river. Two key spring festivals take place each year: Art in Bloom Festival features artists and makers in downtown Clinton, while Just Jersey Food Truck & Music Fest hosts food trucks, live music, local vendors, and a petting zoo.
New Jersey is known for lots of things, and perhaps its biggest claim to fame is that it is a fast-moving state with big and colorful cities. Of course, this view of the state is what we see on television and in movies, and in reality, New Jersey is diverse. It has big East Coast cities, and it has small, historical towns. It had deeply rural communities and popular coastal villages. Looking for a small-town experience is not a difficult task, with many friendly towns filled with community spirit throughout the state.
