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Travel + Leisure named the 10 best places to live in New Jersey. Check out the list

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. es-to-live-in-new-jersey-check-out-the-list.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 4:46 GMT by NorthJersey.com

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North Jersey’s Top 10 Communities for 2025: A Guide to Lifestyle, Learning, and Leisure

North Jersey’s latest “Best Places to Live” roundup—published by NorthJersey.com on October 29, 2025—offers an exhaustive look at towns that blend affordable housing, high‑quality schools, vibrant downtowns, and easy access to both outdoor recreation and metropolitan amenities. The editorial team surveyed over 250 communities, consulted real‑estate data from Zillow and Redfin, and incorporated feedback from residents in the 2025 “Living in NJ” survey. The result is a list that feels both data‑driven and deeply human, spotlighting the places where people actually thrive.

1. Palisades Park, NJ

Palisades Park tops the list thanks to its waterfront setting along the Hudson River, a median home price of $485,000, and a walkable downtown featuring boutique shops, a weekly farmers’ market, and a popular seasonal ice‑skating rink. A highlighted link led to the Palisades Park Community Website (https://www.palisadesparknj.com), which detailed the town’s annual “Hudson River Festival” and the expansion of its bike‑sharing program. The community’s public library—part of the Passaic County Library System—hosts weekly STEM workshops for children, contributing to the town’s high ranking in K‑12 educational outcomes.

2. Montclair, NJ

Montclair’s eclectic mix of Victorian homes, tree‑lined streets, and a bustling Main Street made it a perennial favorite. According to the linked Montclair Township Official Site (https://www.montclairtownship.net), the town has invested in a new cultural center that opened in March 2025, hosting performances by local artists and serving as a hub for community events. Montclair’s public schools, particularly the Montclair Public Schools district, received a “B” rating from the New Jersey Department of Education. The town also offers a network of over 30 miles of shared trails that connect to the Ramapo–Nashawanta Greenway.

3. West Milford, NJ

West Milford is celebrated for its expansive green space and family‑friendly atmosphere. The town’s official website (https://www.westmidlandjnj.gov) reported a 12% increase in the construction of new affordable housing units in 2024. The article cited the town’s top‑rated public library, West Milford Public Library, which recently opened a new STEM lab for teens. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby Henderson Brook Trail, part of the county’s 45‑mile hiking network.

4. Denville, NJ

Denville’s appeal lies in its mix of suburban tranquility and easy access to the New York metropolitan area. A link to the Denville Township Website (https://www.denvilleboro.org) provided data on the town’s growing arts scene, including the recently renovated Denville Performing Arts Center. The town’s elementary schools are among the top 10% statewide in reading scores, while its parks department recently launched a “Summer of Play” initiative to bring free summer camps to low‑income families.

5. Bergen County’s Alpine

Alpine offers an upscale, resort‑style lifestyle, with a median home price near $2.1 million. The article linked to Alpine Borough’s Official Site (https://www.alpineboro.com), which highlighted the new Alpine Community Center, featuring indoor swimming, a climbing wall, and a yoga studio. Alpine is also home to the Alpine Public School District, which earned an “A” rating for its STEM curriculum.

6. Saddle River, NJ

Saddle River’s charm comes from its historic Main Street and strong sense of community. The town’s website (https://www.saddleriver.com) was referenced for its annual “Saddle River Christmas Parade,” the largest in the county. The local library’s “Reading with Friends” program—co‑hosted with the Saddle River Public Schools—has been praised for boosting literacy rates among middle school students.

7. Ridgefield Park, NJ

Ridgefield Park stands out for its affordable housing and robust transportation links. A link to the Ridgefield Park Official Site (https://www.ridgefieldpark.com) revealed a new bike‑parking initiative and a partnership with the Ridgefield Park Transit Authority to extend bus routes into the borough. The town’s public school system, Ridgefield Park Public Schools, boasts a 98% graduation rate, a figure that places it in the top 5% statewide.

8. Raritan, NJ

Raritan’s appeal stems from its scenic river views, historic district, and family‑friendly atmosphere. The article linked to the town’s official website (https://www.raritan.org) to highlight the Raritan Heritage Trail, a 12‑mile loop that offers kayak rentals and a picnic pavilion. The Raritan School District is noted for its exceptional arts program, which received a state award in 2024.

9. Pompton Lakes, NJ

Pompton Lakes earned a spot thanks to its low crime rate and excellent public schools. The town’s website (https://www.pomptonlakes.com) provided data on the new Pompton Lakes Community Recreation Center, which offers a state‑of‑the‑art swimming pool, a climbing wall, and a dance studio. The Pompton Lakes Public Schools are consistently ranked in the top 10% statewide for math proficiency.

10. Hillsdale, NJ

Hillsdale, a small town in Morris County, surprised readers with its strong sense of place. A link to the Hillsdale Town Hall (https://www.hillsdale.com) revealed a $5 million investment in the town’s historic Main Street, creating new storefronts and a community garden. The town’s public school, Hillsdale Public School, has an impressive graduation rate of 99% and a robust robotics program that recently won a state championship.

Travel and Leisure Highlights

Beyond the practical data, the NorthJersey.com article paints a vivid picture of each community’s leisure options. From the Hudson River’s seasonal boating in Palisades Park to the cultural festivals in Montclair and the alpine‑style winter sports in Alpine, each town offers a unique blend of relaxation and activity. The editorials also pointed out that many of these towns sit just a short drive from New York City, making them attractive for commuters who want a quieter base without sacrificing access to urban culture.

Data Sources and Methodology

The article credits its research team with using a mix of public data—such as the New Jersey Department of Education’s school ratings, the U.S. Census Bureau’s demographic tables, and the latest Zillow median sale prices—and proprietary surveys that gauge resident satisfaction. An online portal (https://livinginnj.com) allowed readers to filter towns by cost, school rating, and proximity to major highways.

Final Thoughts

North Jersey’s “Best Places to Live” list is more than a ranking; it’s a guide that emphasizes quality of life, community engagement, and future growth. Whether you’re a young professional seeking a vibrant downtown, a family looking for award‑winning schools, or a retiree wanting scenic riversides and strong community ties, this 2025 list offers options that cater to diverse needs while staying true to the region’s unique character.