From expansive shorelines to nationally acclaimed schools, there are so many reasons to love the Garden State. Given so many great options, deciding where to live in New Jersey can be a challenge. Not to worry—the moving pros at Shleppers have compiled a list of some of the best places to settle down in the state. Presented in no particular order, here are some of Jersey’s choicest cities, towns, and neighborhoods.
Princeton Meadows
A safe, family-friendly town known for its high-quality public schools and atmospheric beauty, Princeton Meadows was named 2017’s #1 best place to live in New Jersey by real estate ranking website Niche. Princeton Meadows is an ideal choice for individuals and families looking for a neighborhood with an urban vibe without the worries of big-city crime. Located just south of the New Jersey Audubon’s Plainsboro Preserve, residents of Princeton Meadows enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities around the preserve’s beautiful lake.
Short Hills
A popular commuter town for those who work in New York City, Short Hills is a small, affluent community known for its natural beauty, safety, great schools, and family-friendly atmosphere. In 2014, Short Hills earned the distinction of being named the richest town in America by Time magazine. The tranquil neighborhood features a bird sanctuary and several parks and gardens, as well as one of the state’s largest high-end shopping centers—The Mall at Short Hills—featuring major label stores like Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and Neiman Marcus.
Hoboken
Ideal for those who love the culture and excitement of modern urban living, Hoboken is a bustling, hip city featuring an abundance of entertainment, dining, and shopping opportunities. The city is a popular choice among young professionals with disposable income, in part due to its proximity to New York City (less than 10 minutes by train). Packed into a highly walkable single square mile, residents of Hoboken enjoy a thriving social scene along Washington Avenue and a breathtaking skyline of Manhattan across the Hudson River.
Clinton
Situated at the center of scenic Hunterdon County is the picturesque township of Clinton, NJ. The town’s natural beauty and classic small-town feel are major draws for those who love the outdoors and want to raise a family in a quiet, rural location. The Clinton school district consistently receives exceptional rankings, making the town an ideal choice for families raising school-age children. Annual holiday parades, harvest festivals, live music, and other local events help maintain this tight-knit community.
Plainsboro Center
Just west of Princeton Meadows is the small town of Plainsboro Center, a rural community strongly centered around its agricultural roots. Its low crime rate and excellent schools make Plainsboro Center an ideal place to raise a family. The New Jersey Audubon’s Plainsboro Preserve offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for residents, and an expansive modern library is a popular community gathering space.
Morristown
Just off Highway 287 sits Morrison, a picturesque little town rich with American history. Once home to General George Washington’s headquarters during the Revolutionary War, Morristown is home to a number of historic attractions, including the Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, and the MacCulloch Hall Museum and Gardens. Families with children love Morristown’s high-rated public schools and the many boutique shops and dining establishments downtown. Residents can commute easily to New York City for work or pleasure.
Ridgewood
With a population of just over 25,000, Ridgewood, NJ is a quiet suburban town ideal for raising a family. Ranked as the #7 best place to live in New Jersey by real estate website Niche, Ridgewood’s school system received an A+ rating, and the town gets high marks for safety and low crime. Residents enjoy Ridgewood’s close proximity to New York City—less than an hour away by public transit.
Chatham
First settled as an English Colonial Village at the start of the 18th century, Chatham Borough maintains its village-like feel to this day. With beautiful wooded lots, six highly rated public schools (some of the best in the state), incredibly low crime rates, and a family-friendly atmosphere, Chatham is ideal for families with children. Chatham residents enjoy a number of annual events and entertainment, including the Fourth of July parade, Fishing Derby, Fishawack Festival, the Farmer’s Market, and much more. Residents easily commute to New York City by car or public transport.
Montclair
A quirky university town in a suburban setting, Montclair features independent theaters, live music venues, yoga studios, eclectic stores, and thriving pub-style establishments. Ideal for families with kids, Montclair has 11 highly rated public schools and an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities—the town features several parks and nature areas, including the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens, and Edgemont Memorial Park. The heart of New York City is about 20 miles away by car.
Mountain Lakes
A scenic borough with a fitting name, several beautiful lakes (Wildwood Lake, Mountain Lake, Birchwood Lake, Crystal Lake, and Sunset Lake) dot the peaceful landscape of Montclair. A relaxing, small-town community with almost no crime and high-performing schools, Mountain Lakes is ideal for families. Residents enjoy close proximity to New York City and the Jersey Shore.
Ready to Move to Your Dream Neighborhood? Let Shleppers NYC Movers Make It Easy!
At Shleppers Moving & Storage, we know moving can be stressful and overwhelming. Our job is to relieve some of that stress by ensuring that your belongings are moved with exceptional care and efficiency. Whether you’re moving your business a few miles down the road or moving to New York from the West Coast, our experienced, professional movers are equipped to handle any move—large or small.
If you’re downsizing and need to put some things into storage in NYC for a while, we also provide personal and business storage units at competitive rates.
For more than 30 years, Shleppers NYC storage and moving company has been helping residents in New York and New Jersey move and store items of every variety, from household items and furniture to business equipment, to priceless art, to grand pianos. We’ve grown and expanded over the years and, today, we have locations in California and Florida as well.
Moving companies in NYC are required to be fully licensed and credentialed, and we’re no exception—your property is in good hands with Shleppers Moving & Storage.
Ready to make your big move? Request a quote online or give us a call at (800) 847-4537.