Best New Jersey Towns for NYC Commuters: Your Guide to Moving from New York City
Making the move from New York City to New Jersey is a decision thousands of professionals make every year. Whether you’re seeking more space, better schools, or simply a break from sky-high rent, New Jersey offers the perfect balance: small-town charm with big-city access. Here’s your comprehensive guide to the best NJ towns for former New Yorkers.
Why NYC Residents Are Moving to New Jersey
Before diving into specific towns, let’s address why this transition makes sense. New Jersey offers lower property taxes compared to NYC, more square footage for your money, excellent public schools, and incredibly convenient commute options via NJ Transit, PATH trains, and ferry services. You’ll maintain your NYC lifestyle while gaining quality of life improvements like yards, parking, and community atmosphere.
Top New Jersey Towns for NYC Commuters
Hoboken: The Gateway City
Commute Time: 10-15 minutes via PATH train to Manhattan
Vibe: Urban energy meets waterfront living
Hoboken remains the top choice for New Yorkers who aren’t quite ready to leave city life behind. Washington Street buzzes with restaurants, bars, and boutiques that rival anything in Brooklyn. The PATH train delivers you to the World Trade Center or 33rd Street in minutes, and weekend ferry service to Manhattan keeps you connected.
Best For: Young professionals, couples, anyone wanting NYC access without the NYC price tag
Jersey City (Downtown, Paulus Hook, Hamilton Park)
Commute Time: 15-20 minutes via PATH train
Vibe: Sophisticated urban living with diverse neighborhoods
Jersey City has exploded in popularity, particularly neighborhoods like Paulus Hook and Hamilton Park. The waterfront offers stunning Manhattan skyline views, while Grove Street and Newark Avenue provide restaurant scenes that rival Manhattan. Liberty State Park gives you green space that’s hard to find in NYC.
Best For: Families seeking urban amenities, professionals working in Lower Manhattan, investors
Rutherford: Small-Town Charm with Big-City Access
Commute Time: 25-30 minutes via NJ Transit to Penn Station
Vibe: Classic Main Street America meets modern convenience
Rutherford offers the perfect blend of affordability and accessibility for NYC commuters. This Bergen County gem features a charming downtown along Park Avenue with local shops, cafes, and restaurants that create genuine community atmosphere. The tree-lined residential streets showcase beautiful historic homes, while the quick train ride to Manhattan keeps you connected to city life.
What sets Rutherford apart is its authentic small-town feel without sacrificing convenience. You’ll find excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and a strong sense of community—all while remaining just across the river from NYC. The town hosts farmers markets, summer concerts, and local events that bring residents together.
Best For: First-time homebuyers, young families, commuters seeking value and community
Montclair: The Brooklyn of New Jersey
Commute Time: 35-45 minutes via NJ Transit to Penn Station
Vibe: Arts, culture, and progressive community
If you loved Park Slope or Fort Greene, you’ll love Montclair. This Essex County town offers a thriving downtown with independent bookstores, art galleries, farm-to-table restaurants, and a genuine arts scene. Excellent public schools make it a family favorite, while the diverse community attracts creative professionals.
Best For: Families prioritizing schools, artists, culture enthusiasts
Maplewood and South Orange: The Twin Towns
Commute Time: 30-40 minutes via NJ Transit to Penn Station
Vibe: Inclusive, family-oriented, walkable downtown areas
These neighboring towns share a reputation for diversity, strong schools, and community engagement. Both feature charming downtown districts with local businesses, easy train access, and a welcoming atmosphere for former city dwellers. The housing stock includes beautiful vintage homes with actual yards.
Best For: Growing families, those seeking community and diversity
Westfield: Union County’s Commuter Haven
Commute Time: 45-50 minutes via NJ Transit to Penn Station
Vibe: Upscale suburban living with vibrant downtown
Westfield represents Union County’s premier destination for NYC commuters seeking suburban sophistication. The downtown district along East Broad Street and Central Avenue features over 100 locally-owned shops, restaurants, and services, creating a bustling Main Street atmosphere. Multiple train options provide direct access to Penn Station, while the town’s highly-rated school system consistently ranks among New Jersey’s best.
The town balances classic suburban amenities—parks, recreational facilities, youth sports—with cultural offerings including the historic Rialto Theatre and year-round community events. Victorian and Colonial homes line tree-shaded streets, offering the space and character that NYC apartments can’t match. Westfield attracts families and professionals willing to extend their commute for superior schools and strong property values.
Best For: Families prioritizing top-tier schools, professionals seeking established suburban community, those wanting downtown walkability with suburban space
Summit: Suburban Sophistication
Commute Time: 40-45 minutes via NJ Transit to Penn Station
Vibe: Upscale, polished, quintessential suburb
Summit delivers classic suburban living without feeling isolated from culture. The downtown area features upscale shopping and dining, while top-rated schools attract families willing to invest in education. Multiple daily express trains make the commute manageable for Manhattan workers.
Best For: Families prioritizing schools, executives, those seeking traditional suburban lifestyle
Weehawken: The Hidden Gem
Commute Time: 20 minutes via bus or ferry to Midtown
Vibe: Quiet residential with unbeatable views
Perched on the Hudson River cliffs, Weehawken offers some of the most spectacular Manhattan views in New Jersey. The NYC commute via ferry or bus is straightforward, and you’ll enjoy a quieter, more residential feel than Hoboken or Jersey City while staying just as close.
Best For: Professionals wanting proximity without the bustle, view seekers
Morristown: The County Seat
Commute Time: 50-60 minutes via NJ Transit to Penn Station
Vibe: Historic downtown, vibrant nightlife, corporate hub
Morristown combines historic charm with modern amenities. The Green is surrounded by restaurants and bars that create an active nightlife scene, while major corporate headquarters provide local job opportunities. It’s farther from NYC but offers a true escape with solid community roots.
Best For: Those with flexible work schedules, couples, corporate professionals
Ridgewood: Picture-Perfect Suburban Living
Commute Time: 45 minutes via NJ Transit to Penn Station
Vibe: Family-first, excellent schools, classic downtown
Ridgewood represents the gold standard of New Jersey suburban living. Multiple elementary schools feed into highly-ranked middle and high schools, while the downtown shopping district maintains small-town character. It’s a longer commute but worth it for families prioritizing education and space.
Best For: Families with school-age children, those ready for full suburban commitment
Making Your NYC to NJ Transition Smooth
Transportation Considerations
Research your specific commute before committing. PATH trains, NJ Transit rail lines, bus routes, and ferry services all offer different experiences. Consider purchasing a monthly pass and factor transportation costs into your housing budget. Peak vs. off-peak schedules matter significantly for work-from-home hybrid arrangements.
Cost Comparison: NYC vs. NJ
While New Jersey property taxes are a reality, calculate your total housing costs. A two-bedroom apartment in Manhattan might cost $4,500-6,000 monthly, while a three-bedroom house in Montclair runs $3,500-4,500 (mortgage, taxes, insurance combined). You’ll gain space, outdoor areas, and often better schools.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Expect changes beyond housing. You’ll likely need a car for errands, though walkable downtown areas minimize this. Restaurant and entertainment options differ from Manhattan’s endless choices, but New Jersey towns offer quality over quantity. Weekend trips back to NYC remain easy when you want that urban fix.
School Districts Matter
For families, New Jersey’s public school systems are a major draw. Research districts carefully using GreatSchools.org and Niche.com. Top-rated districts include Westfield, Millburn, Chatham, Ridgewood, Montclair, and Summit. Many former NYC private school families transition to excellent public schools in these towns.
Finding Your Perfect New Jersey Town
The best town for your NYC-to-NJ move depends on your priorities:
- Shortest commute: Hoboken, Jersey City, Weehawken
- Best schools: Ridgewood, Summit, Westfield, Millburn, Chatham
- Most NYC-like vibe: Hoboken, Jersey City, Montclair
- Family-oriented: Maplewood, South Orange, Ridgewood, Westfield, Summit
- Arts and culture: Montclair, Morristown
- Affordability with access: Rutherford, Union, Bloomfield, Nutley
- Union County options: Westfield, Summit, Cranford
Ready to Make Your Move?
Transitioning from New York City to New Jersey doesn’t mean leaving your lifestyle behind—it means enhancing it. With the right town choice, you’ll maintain convenient access to Manhattan while gaining space, community, and quality of life improvements that make the commute worthwhile.
Whether you’re drawn to the urban energy of Jersey City, the family-friendly atmosphere of Westfield and Ridgewood, the affordability of Rutherford, or the cultural vibrancy of Montclair, New Jersey offers NYC commuters the perfect place to call home.
Start your New Jersey home search today and discover why so many New Yorkers are making this smart move.