Are You Job Hunting? These Are the Best Places to Live in New Jersey

The state of New Jersey is one of the most densely populated states, but it also has many small towns and villages. If you’re looking to settle down here, you have plenty of options. Some of the best places to live in New Jersey are larger cities where you can find a great variety of jobs, as well as key historical and cultural sites. But if you’re looking for safe communities with highly rated school districts, New Jersey also has smaller towns in the suburbs that are great for families.

New Jersey is nicknamed the Garden State because of its large agricultural sector, but the nickname has been controversial, and many New Jersey residents don’t necessarily agree with it. NJ is also home to lots of densely populated cities, crowded beaches and boardwalks, and legalized gambling in popular tourist spot Atlantic City.

New Jersey also is a place for foodies of all kinds, with an eclectic food scene. The state is known for its many food trucks, ham rolls and cheesesteak sandwiches, pizza, hot dogs, Amish markets, international food, and over 600 diners. If you prefer cooking your own food, you can also buy fresh produce at one of the many roadside farm stands or freshly caught fish at a seafood co-op market.

These are some of the best things about living and working in New Jersey:

• New Jersey is a great place for shopping, with no sales tax on most clothes and shoes and the second-largest mall in United States, which is also an entertainment complex.
• New Jersey is home to the country’s longest-running weekly rodeo, the Cowtown Rodeo.
• You can enjoy varied weather in New Jersey, with cold winters and warm summers.
• Although the state is infamous for its notorious mafia families, overall it's a safe place to live.
• New Jersey is close to major metropolitan areas that have a ton of jobs, like New York City and Philadelphia.
• New Jersey has been home to many famous musicians, including Bruce Springsteen, Frank Sinatra, and Queen Latifah. The band Jon Bon Jovi was also formed in New Jersey.
• The state hosts several large community events, such as the Warren County Farmer’s Market Fair and Balloon Festival, the Middlesex County Fair, and the New Jersey State Fair.
• New Jersey is one of the wealthiest states in the U.S.
• The state has the best public schools in the nation, according to Education Week.
• If you’re looking for a tranquil place to enjoy the water, you can take a day trip to the Delaware Water Gap Recreational Area, Long Beach Island, or the Pinelands National Reserve.

What Are the Best Companies to Work for in New Jersey?

New Jersey has a diverse economy. Common industry sectors include life science, information technology, finance, tourism, logistics, service, and agriculture. Several companies that are headquartered in New Jersey have also been called some of the best companies to work for in the U.S. For example, New Jersey is home to Merck & Co, Johnson & Johnson, and Rutgers University. It’s also home to the U.S. headquarters of BMW, another company rated highly by its employees.

What Are the Best Places to Live in NJ Close to NYC?

So, what are the best places to live in New Jersey? It depends on whether you’re looking for a large metropolitan area or a smaller city. The best places to live in NJ close to NYC are Jersey City, Newark, or Elizabeth. If you want to get further away from the Big Apple, consider Lakewood, known for its history as a tranquil winter and spa resort.

The best affordable places to live in NJ close to NYC include Newark and Elizabeth. If you’re looking to buy a house or condo in one of these locations, include Jersey City and Lakewood, where average property tax bills are under $12,000 a year.

Jersey City

Residents of Jersey City can enjoy proximity to New York City, but with cheaper housing costs. View the NY skyline from the waterfront walkway by Hudson River or visit the Statue of Liberty, which is actually located in Jersey City. Jersey City also offers its own cultural flavor in its seven unique neighborhoods.

In Jersey City, you can enjoy several art museums, an art district, live theater, concerts, and an ice-skating rink. New Jersey is also home to the largest planetarium in the Western hemisphere—the Liberty Science Center, where you also can find several other exhibits and a nearby park.

What jobs should you look for in Jersey City? Start your job search in insurance, finance, life science, and engineering.

Discover Jersey City jobs on Monster.

Lakewood

Lakewood is a picturesque town full of parks, lakes, and Victorian architecture. If you’re looking for a slower pace of life, this is one of the best places to live in New Jersey. It’s also one of the best places to live in NJ for families due to its low crime rates and its recreational activities.

Relax by renting a canoe or kayak on Lake Carasaljo, visiting the historic gardens at the Sister Mary Grace Burns Arboretum, or biking at the Lake Shenandoah County Park.

Retail and education are two of the biggest sectors in Lakewood. Lakewood also has many office jobs in administration and management.

Discover Lakewood jobs on Monster.

Newark

Newark played a significant role in New Jersey’s history, as well as the history of United States. Here you can find the historic Grand Central terminal, old mansions, federal landmarks, and the Military Park, famous for being an encampment during George Washington’s retreat from the British forces.

Newark is one of the best places to live in New Jersey if you want an NYC atmosphere on a smaller scale. In fact, Newark’s Branch Brook Park was designed by the same architect who designed Central Park. The city also has a thriving cultural scene with large performance at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and the Newark Symphony Hall. You can also enjoy trendy shopping at Halsey Street and Portuguese, Spanish, and Brazilian restaurants in the Ironbound district.

Newark is close to major highways, ports, and an international airport. Its convenient location has created many jobs in transportation, logistics, and manufacturing. There are also many life science jobs here.

Discover Newark jobs on Monster.

Elizabeth

Elizabeth is one of the best places to live in New Jersey if you’re a history buff. The city is full of monuments dedicated to the American Revolution. Elizabeth played a key role during the Battle of Springfield, where American forces stopped the British from taking over New Jersey. It’s also where George Washington left by boat to sail to his inauguration in Manhattan.

The nearby Port Newark-Elizabeth and Newark Liberty International Airport are some of the busiest in the world. Elizabeth also has a well-developed rail system. These factors have made it a key location for the logistics sector, manufacturing companies, and the retail sector. You can also find many jobs in healthcare in Elizabeth.

Discover Elizabeth jobs on Monster.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is known for legalized gambling, an iconic boardwalk, engaging entertainment, and wide beaches. Summer activities include surfing, kayaking, windsurfing, and boating, but the many casinos and the boardwalk amusement park provide entertainment options for the winters as well. Away from the busyness of central Atlantic City, you can find a zoo, a lighthouse, and other popular sights.

Millions of tourists visit Atlantic City each year, sustaining many jobs in entertainment, retail, restaurants, and other service sectors. Atlantic City is also known for its fishing industry.

Find jobs in Atlantic City on Monster.

Revolutionize Your Job Search With Monster

Whether driving America’s independence from Britain or its Industrial Revolution, New Jersey has been a frontrunner for technological and commercial advancements. Stay a frontrunner in your industry by updating your job search with Monster. By creating a profile on Monster, you can streamline your job search by getting free job notifications in your inbox and making your resume visible to recruiters in all the best places to live in New Jersey.