Want to live close to New York City without paying the absurd NYC rents? Well, so do many people who live in New Jersey and work travel daily. NJ’s appeal for commuters is undeniable: scenic neighborhoods, quality schools, a sense of community, and easy access to NYC whenever you feel like it! Certain suburbs have become top choices for many individuals and families seeking the best of both worlds: a job in the city and a peaceful home life. So, let’s take a closer look at some of the top-rated suburbs in New Jersey for commuters, where convenience meets charm.
#1 Montclair
Montclair is a go-to suburb for those who crave city culture but don’t want to pay the city prices. It’s a great place to live, with plenty of stuff to do and many unique restaurants, theaters, and boutique shops to visit. Moreover, Montclair feels high-energy, which makes it ideal for people who want the best of both worlds.
Commuting to New York City from Montclair is straightforward, thanks to the NJ Transit train stations. The ride takes 45-50 minutes in one direction. That’s quite manageable for those who don’t mind the commute in exchange for all the perks of living in Montclair.
#2 Hoboken
Hoboken is so popular that people who have barely heard of it might mistake it for being in the city. It’s situated across the Hudson River from Manhattan and densely populated. Like Montclair, Hoboken has many bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues, which is a big draw for young professionals and families because they can feel their weekends with excitement without traveling into the city. But if you decide to move to Hoboken and want a taste of the city on a weekend evening, it’s just a short drive away from Jersey City. With the PATH train connecting directly to Manhattan and ferry options, Hoboken is one of the quickest and easiest ways to work in the city.
#3 Maplewood
Unlike the city, Maplewood is a town where neighbors know each other. Moreover, community events are the norm in a small place like this, and families and family activities thrive. Because of its close-knit community, Maplewood offers plenty of great community support programs for those in recovery or simply struggling with their mental health. Moreover, the area strongly focuses on the arts, and its downtown district is packed with local art galleries and crafty, charming small businesses.
If you have to commute every day from Maplewood, fear not! This suburb offers one of the fastest commutes to NYC out of all the NJ suburbs. The Midtown Direct train can get you to Penn Station in 35 minutes!
#4 Top-Rated Suburbs in New Jersey for Commuters: Summit
Another on our list of top-rated suburbs in New Jersey for commuters is Summit. Generally, this suburb is known for its excellent schools, walkable downtown, and wonderful small community. That is the closest thing to real life Stars Hollows you’ll get in real life, in the NJ area. The town center has plenty of high-end shops and restaurants and family-friendly parks, and it’s common to see residents strolling down its clean, bustling streets on weekends.
What makes Summit especially attractive to commuters is its Midtown Direct train line. Like Maplewood, Summit’s NJ Transit line takes about 35 minutes to reach Penn Station, making it one of the quickest routes into Manhattan.
#5 Totowa
Totowa is a small, peaceful suburb with easy access to major highways. It is located near Routes 46, 23, and Interstate 80, making it a great base for anyone who commutes to NYC by car instead of a train.
Beyond its commuter-friendly location, Totowa is a close-knit community with much to offer. This NJ suburb is known for its warm, welcoming neighborhoods, excellent schools, better teachers, and especially strong local pride. Totowa’s parks and green spaces make it easy to enjoy the outdoors and spend as much time as possible in the fresh air.
Totowa is a solid choice for those looking to escape the high costs of living closer to New York City but still want reasonable proximity to the action. Therefore, if you’re considering making this suburb your home, find a reliable moving team in Totowa and make your relocation a breeze. Professional movers in the area can handle all the packing, heavy lifting, and transportation of your items so you can start enjoying your life in this peaceful suburb faster and without the stress of handling your move alone.
#6 Glen Ridge
Glen Ridge may be small, but it’s very charming. This suburb appeals to those prioritizing community and a slower pace of life over fancy restaurants and venues. For instance, the schools in this area consistently receive exceptionally high ratings, making Glen Ridge especially popular among families with school-age children.
Moreover, getting to New York City from Glen Ridge is extremely convenient. A direct NJ Transit line takes around 35 minutes to reach Penn Station.
#7 Ridgewood
Ridgewood is a picturesque town with a truly upscale feel. Like many suburbs on this list, it has plenty to offer on the weekends and evenings, from various restaurants and fashion boutiques to hipster coffee shops. The town’s family-oriented environment is evident, with plenty of charming seasonal events, fun community programs, and excellent school systems that have long been a draw for countless families.
Ridgewood has both express and local trains for commuting. A train ride to NYC usually takes around 50 minutes out of your day, which isn’t much at all.
In Conclusion
Every family and commuter has its unique priorities and needs. However, for those who want the benefits of NYC without the everyday hustle and expense of living there, these suburbs offer a refreshing alternative. Top-rated suburbs in New Jersey for commuters prove that you don’t have to choose between a successful career and a comfortable, enriching place to call home.
