Moving to the Garden State? Check Out The Best Small Towns in New Jersey
New Jersey Small Towns
Moving to the Garden State comes with no shortage of new opportunities — not to mention quality healthcare and education, as well as access to beaches and casinos. People from all over the world are drawn there. And one of its main perks? New Jersey is right across the Hudson River from Manhattan. It’s the perfect place for commuters to settle down because it’s easier to find more affordable housing options.
Big Cities vs. Small Towns in New Jersey
Some of the most populated big cities in New Jersey include Hoboken, Newark, Jersey City, and Paterson, which are known for their rich history, diverse populations, and prominent arts and culture scenes. But while big cities will always offer their fair share of great living perks, you will most likely have to deal with more traffic, a higher cost of living, more noise, and often dense populations. Instead, consider what small towns in New Jersey have to offer.
Pros of living in a small New Jersey town versus a big New Jersey city include:
Small Towns in New Jersey - FAQ
Q: What is the smallest town in New Jersey?
A: With an area of less than one square mile, Seaside Heights is considered one of the smallest towns in New Jersey.
Q: What is the most beautiful town in NJ?
A: With beautiful gardens, homes, and a beach nearby, Ocean Grove is considered one of the most beautiful places in New Jersey.
Q: Are there small towns in New Jersey?
A: Yes, there are certainly small towns in New Jersey! To be exact, the state is divided into 21 counties and contains 254 boroughs, 52 cities, 15 towns, and three villages.
Q: What towns are rural in New Jersey?
A: Rural towns in New Jersey include Ocean Grove, Chester, and Brielle.
Best Small Towns in New Jersey
The small towns in New Jersey pride themselves on maintaining a strong connection with their history while adapting to the present. This is mainly seen in the amenities each town offers, capable of catering to all walks of life. Interested in an active art scene? Close proximity to local beaches? Or just a peaceful way of life? Check out this list of towns in New Jersey — the best towns to live in NJ with small population sizes, that is.
Note: The U.S. Census designates a small town as one with a population under 5,000. We’ve decided to expand that to include towns with a population of up to 15,000.
1. Red Bank, NJ
The town of Red Bank is primarily known for its thriving arts community. One of the town’s most prominent venues is the Count Basie Center for the Arts, which is named after the jazz legend William “Count” Basie. Residents come here to watch a variety of performances and attend seminars and classes throughout the year.
Red Bank's residents also enjoy peaceful strolls along the Navesink River at Riverside Gardens Park. This park features a picnic area and boardwalk, and it hosts regular events throughout the summer season.
2. Maywood, NJ
The quaint town of Maywood doesn't feel like it's just 30 minutes (60 if traffic is bad) away from New York City! Unlike other areas that are close to the city, Maywood is not overly developed. There are plenty of stores and restaurants, and the Bergen Town Center is a great place to go when you're looking for bargains.
One of Maywood's most popular attractions is the Maywood Station Museum, where residents can learn about the town’s history and how the railroad was used.
3. Haddonfield, NJ
Situated near the Pennsylvania border, the town of Haddonfield has many historic sites and activities to keep the whole family entertained all year. One of its most popular attractions is the Indian King Tavern Museum, where the state legislature declared its independence in the 1700s.
Visitors and residents alike can also visit the town’s many unique gift shops, boutiques, and restaurants in its central business district.
The town's summer season is full of events and activities, like the Haddonfield Farmers’ Market and sidewalk sales. There are also plenty of places to grab a bite and people watch during the day!
4. Spring Lake, NJ
Spring Lake is located right on the beach. Situated along a wide stretch of coastline, a fun fact about Spring Lake is that it's quite close to the area where the infamous Jersey Shore shark attacks happened during the 1900s!
If you're not a fan of swimming, but you want to explore the area, you can head over to Allaire Historic Village to learn about the former factory town. If you want to head to the beach to explore the dunes or watch the sunset, Edgar Felix Memorial Bikeway leads right to the waterfront.
5. Lambertville, NJ
Spring Lake is located right on the beach. Situated along a wide stretch of coastline, a fun fact about Spring Lake is that it's quite close to the area where the infamous Jersey Shore shark attacks happened during the 1900s!
If you're not a fan of swimming, but you want to explore the area, you can head over to Allaire Historic Village to learn about the former factory town. If you want to head to the beach to explore the dunes or watch the sunset, Edgar Felix Memorial Bikeway leads right to the waterfront.
6. Chester, NJ
Located in the Skylands region of New Jersey, the town of Chester is known for historic sites and various stores. When exploring the local downtown area, you can stop by one of its many art galleries, gift shops, jewelry stores, or boutiques.
Built in 1826, the Cooper Gristmill is one of the state’s only remaining restored water-powered mills. Residents and visitors can take a 45-minute tour with a master miller, who explains the history and operation of the mill itself and the area once known as Milltown.
If you want something more active, you can head over to Mennen Sports Arena for hockey and figure skating lessons, as well as public skating.
7. Frenchtown, NJ
Frenchtown has transformed from a mill town to a very charming small town in the last hundred years. Many of the original buildings in its downtown area still house various businesses, including art galleries, clothing stores, and general stores.
The town is situated on the Delaware River — a major factor in so many residents’ decisions to move here. Residents here love taking walks along the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail that borders the river, which provides an ideal spot to unwind after a shopping trip or gallery visit.
Some of the town's most popular festivals include Frenchtown Riverfest in September, Bastille Day in July, and the Frenchtown Halloween Zombie Crawl and Scavenger Hunt in October.
8. Collingswood, NJ
Located in Camden County, Collingswood was originally founded by Quakers. Due to their religious beliefs, it was previously regarded as a "dry town," and alcohol has only recently appeared in restaurants. In fact, the town had its first brewery open in 2016.
The town has numerous historic structures, like the Stokes-Lee House. Residents can also stroll through the town, walk around the stores along Haddon Avenue, and head to Knight Park for some entertainment and exploration. During the summer season, various events like concerts and movies are also held in the area.
9. Boonton, NJ
For those looking to live away from the bustle of city life, Boonton is a great place to call home.
The town has plenty of historic sites to discover and parks to explore. Boonton Main Street is great to stroll around, shop, and grab a bite to eat on the weekends. The farmers’ market is held in this area weekly, June through November, and is a great spot for residents to grab local produce.
Boonton is also known for its welcoming and friendly community that helps those in need whenever they need it.
10. Ocean Grove, NJ
Ocean Grove is a laid-back beach town perfect for anyone searching for tranquility. It features a boardwalk and quaint downtown area, which is only a couple of blocks away from the beach. This area is known for its Victorian homes, adorned with intricate gardens, and its selection of local eateries and shops.
During the summer season, the beach is patrolled by lifeguards. This is when you will find various events and activities for families, like movie nights and even a sandcastle contest. If you want to stay on dry, non-sandy land, though, the town’s downtown district has charming shops to explore.
11. Brielle, NJ
Brielle is a great spot for retirees looking for a taste of the state’s shoreline. With many water activities to participate in and historic sites to visit, there never has to be a boring day!
Residents in Brielle tend to visit Osborn Island and the Manasquan River Inlet to relax by the water.
12. Seaside Heights, NJ
The town of Seaside Heights is known as the setting for the popular MTV show Jersey Shore, but don't assume that it’s only for wild parties and drinking on the beach.
Seaside Heights is actually known for its family-friendly atmosphere, with a variety of restaurants and activities ideal for any age group. Beware of tourists during the summer, though.
Garden State Moves Are Done Best With PODS
Once you’ve found your slice of small-town heaven in New Jersey, let PODS help you get there. Have a portable moving and storage container delivered right to your driveway, where you can pack and load at your own pace. When you’re ready, PODS will pick it up and take it to your new home. The best part? One month’s storage is included in every move, so you can unload on your own schedule without feeling rushed.
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