Living in New Jersey: Waterfront Towns, Quiet Suburbs and Everything in Between

New Jersey surprises people who only know it from the highway. Within a short drive you can find skyline views, quiet streets with big lots, small downtowns with great restaurants, and ocean beaches.

Waterfront and skyline living

Towns along the Hudson, such as Edgewater, Hoboken and Jersey City, offer condos with Manhattan views, riverfront walks and quick ferry or train service into the city. They suit buyers who want an urban lifestyle with more space and often a lower price per square foot than Manhattan.

Bergen County: space, schools and village downtowns

Bergen County is a favorite for families. Tenafly, Alpine and Saddle River are known for large lots and quiet streets. Ridgewood and Fair Lawn have walkable downtowns, parks and community events. Many homes have yards, garages and room for a home office. Read our guide to moving from NYC to Bergen County for commute and school tips.

Weekends and the outdoors

The Palisades overlook the Hudson with hiking and river views, and the county parks are good for biking and family days. Farther south, the Jersey Shore gives you beach weekends. Many residents say that having both city access and nature close by is the main reason they stay.

Food and shopping

Northern New Jersey has a deep food scene, including Korean food in Palisades Park and Fort Lee, diners, Italian bakeries and Latin restaurants. Large shopping centers and small main streets sit within minutes of each other.

What to compare

• Property taxes, which vary widely by town
• Commute by bus, train or car at the hour you will actually travel
• School districts, visited in person rather than judged only by rankings

Ready to explore? Call Juan Aracena at +1 (201) 523-3100 or email jr@rubirosarealty.com. Rubirosa International Realty is licensed in New York, New Jersey and Florida, and every listing includes a continuous drone film shot by our own FAA-licensed pilot.