 This small city offers safety, spectacular schools, a wide variety of dining options, endless entertainment and so much more. I’m absolutely enamored by its charm, and I’m not the only one who feels this way. Financial website, WalletHub, recently named this Central New Jersey neighborhood “Overall Best” in their ranking of over 1200 smaller-sized cities throughout the United States. Other accolades include being named the “Best College Town To Live In” by SmartAsset and having one of the top-ranked high schools in the nation. So, which city is it? Princeton. Home to the best college in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report, Princeton is located in Mercer county, right in the center of our state. The population is approximately 30,000, and it is both one of the oldest and newest towns in New Jersey. How is that possible? Though Princeton predates the Revolutionary War, it was established in its current state in 2013 when Princeton Township and the Borough of Princeton merged. Here are just a few reasons why everyone should love Princeton. 1. Safety According to neighborhood insights website, City-Data, the crime rate in Princeton is half the national average. Violent crime is very rare, and the crime rate has only been going down over the years. (Photo: A view of Princeton snapped from Fine Hall.)  2. Schools Princeton University students have SAT scores that are about 700 points higher than the national average. Notable alumni include Michelle Obama, Supreme Court Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Samuel Alito, David Duchovny, General David Petraeus and F. Scott Fitzgerald. The university students aren't the only ones with smarts - Princeton High School has an Advanced Placement Test pass rate of 92%, compared to the national average of 12.5% (according to US News). The high school is pictured, above.
3. Shopping Nassau Street, pictured, is one of Princeton's main shopping areas. You'll find several big name brands here including Lululemon and Polo Ralph Lauren, along with smaller boutiques and charming cafes. Palmer Square, located just off Nassau street, is the heart of downtown. You'll find dozens of shops here, each more charming than the next. Check out Bucks County Dry Goods, The Farmhouse Store and The Papery of Princeton to find great gifts and home goods.  4. Art You'll find the famed Princeton University Art Museum, Morven Museum & Gardens, Cranbury Station Gallery, the Arts Council of Princeton, and Lewis Center for the Arts here. Princeton University Art Museum has a collection of over 92,000 works in a variety of mediums dating back hundreds of years. The Arts Council of Princeton offers classes, workshops and a wide range of performances.  5. Architecture Princeton University offers some of the most beautiful buildings you'll ever see, but the entire town is filled with charm. Enthusiasts of Gothic Architecture will not be disappointed.
6. Attractions In addition to the aforementioned attractions, visitors can enjoy tours of Drumthwacket - the governor's mansion. Built in 1835, this is one of three governor's mansions in the country located outside of the state's capital. If outdoor adventure is more your style Princeton is home to Herrontown Woods Arboretum and portions of the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park. Activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, canoeing and kayaking.  7. Dining Whatever you're craving, you'll find it in Princeton. Enjoy a sizable selection of eateries including popular picks like Blue Point Grill, Seasons 52, Agricola Eatery, Witherspoon Grill and The Peacock Inn.  8. History
The Battle of Princeton was fought and won here in 1777. You can still visit the battlefield and monument. More importantly, Princeton's Nassau Hall (pictured) served as the US capitol building for four months in 1783. The Treaty of Paris was signed here, ending the Revolutionary War. There are countless other reasons to love Princeton. If you’re lucky enough to live downtown, you’ll find walkability unmatched by many other cities of the size; the area has an impressive WalkScore of 95/100. Princeton was also named by Money Magazine as one of the top towns to live and work in the United States. It is undoubtedly the best city in America, and it’s right here in New Jersey. Take that, New York. (Kidding. Kind of.) Article by Kristen from "Only in your state"  I’m no stranger to fasting—I find a quarterly juice fast helps hit the reset button if I’ve been indulging a little too much (if you’re going to try a juice cleanse, I love my Breville Juice Fountain Plus), and I’ve even tried a three-day water fast as a way to try and treat a particularly bad skin condition (but that’s another story). While I recognize that fasting isn’t an option for many people, for me, someone who works from home and is relatively healthy, they work well.I happily accepted a 16-hour intermittent fasting assignment—look up anything about intermittent fasting and you’ll find a laundry list of benefits, from mental clarity and concentration to an increase in natural energy.
So, considering how good I feel after a juice fast, I figured next-level intermittent fasting would be a welcomed change of pace from my current carb-heavy quarantine diet—and I was right. Day 1: Wait, does coffee count? My partner and I usually eat dinner quite late in the evening, which means I’ll spend most of my working day without food for fuel. I haven’t eaten since 10 p.m. last night, so I won’t be able to have my first meal until 2 p.m. this afternoon. I usually eat a late lunch anyways, so that’s fine… but… I really, really want a cup of coffee. I end up guzzling water until 2 p.m. and break my fast with a cup of coffee and a scone. It’s strange but I’m not very hungry despite my initial hunger upon waking up. Day 2: What about just a little smoothie? I woke up today feeling a little lighter, I immediately drank three glasses of water, which helped keep my mind off of missing breakfast for a little while. My partner offered me a sip of his smoothie which I was extremely tempted to accept, but I held out. I read that even the smallest nibble of food ruins any benefits of fasting—and makes you even more hungry than before. By 2 p.m. I’m more than ready for my first meal. I don’t even stop for coffee, I went straight for the leftover pasta my partner and I made the night before and probably ate more than my fair share. Day 3: Since when is water so satisfying? I slept a little later than normal today and woke up feeling pretty refreshed, even without my morning coffee. Interestingly, my face felt less puffy and my usual inflammation due to autoimmune issues was noticeably down. I drank two glasses of water and for the first time didn’t feel like I needed a snack to start the day. By 2 p.m., I was feeling hungry, but not famished. I think my body had finally started adjusting to this new eating schedule. I made myself a protein smoothie in my Magic Bullet Blender (which has been a godsend during this pandemic), and had a piece of toast, which was more than enough. Day 4: Wait, it’s already 2 p.m.? My partner woke me up with a cup of coffee in bed, clearly forgetting that I’ve been fasting all week! The smell of dark roast was intoxicating and, I’m not going to lie, I snuck a little sip before putting it in the fridge to make iced coffee with later (sorry, not sorry). I honestly don’t think it had much of an effect though. I drank my usual three glasses of water and actually had lunch at 2:30 p.m. when my partner reminded me to check the time. I was definitely hungry, but for the first time I wasn’t watching the clock waiting to break my fast. I had half a smoothie and some toast. Day 5: Clear skin, clear mind. By the last day, I’ve become hooked on intermittent fasting and will certainly be continuing practicing this ritual for the foreseeable future, even if it means losing out on breakfast food! Not only do I feel lighter and less bogged down when I wake up, I’ve also noticed a big change in my skin and my general inflammation levels. I’ve struggled with psoriasis for about five years now and my skin has never looked as good as it does now. The only lifestyle change I’ve added to my arsenal (I take a lot of vitamins, guzzle celery juice, and try to avoid gluten), was this 16-hour fast. While it might be harder to stick with once daily life continues after COVID-19, I think the health benefits I’m seeing in my body is worth it (and it’s only been a week!).  If you’re thinking about moving to New Jersey, living in the shadow of what many consider the world’s greatest city can prove to be a good thing. With an increased interest in telecommuting and getting more square footage for less money, many city dwellers are now looking for the amenities that come with a suburban setting. With New Jersey, you can get those benefits while still keeping the bustling excitement of the Big Apple or Philadelphia within reach. Good schools are another major draw for families thinking about living in New Jersey. In 2021, New Jersey’s public school system was named the best in the country for its pre-K through high school education by U.S. News and World Report. It doesn’t get any better than that. But if you only know the state by what you see along the turnpike or I-95, it’s hard to figure out where to start looking for the best places to live in New Jersey. Fortunately, the state is only 150 miles long and 50 miles wide, so it’s not unrealistic to plan a weekend driving tour to get a good feel for the Garden State. To help with your planning, we’ve gathered a list of cities and small towns organized by New Jersey’s main regions, and we’ve included median home prices and other basics you need to know.  BEST PLACES TO LIVE IN NORTH JERSEY — ELIZABETH, FRANKLIN, AND JERSEY CITY Home to many New York City commuters, North Jersey’s specific regional boundaries are loosely defined, and the area is greatly influenced by the Big Apple. With its close proximity to the city, people are moving to North Jersey to find the best of city and country life. Some of the most beautiful cityscape views in the country provide a spectacular backdrop for those who call this part of the state home. North Jersey is also a significant cultural hub and is home to the New Jersey State Opera, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, and the New Jersey Ballet Company. The North Jersey swamps Bruce sang about now make a great place for nature lovers to explore. Many organizations have helped clean up the pollution that plagued the area for years, and now it’s a perfect place for excursions and eco cruises.  ELIZABETH Popular for city commuters due to its two train stations and proximity to the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike, Elizabeth is the fourth largest city in the state with a population of 128,000. Residents here are extremely diverse, representing 50 countries and 37 languages. The average age is 34.5 years, and a full 70% of Elizabeth’s residents are renters. The median home value is $356,092, a 13.5% increase between February 2020 and March 2021, according to Zillow. With an exceptionally diverse population representing 50 countries, Elizabeth offers you the opportunity to taste cuisines from just about anywhere around the world. In the mood for Columbian fare? Try Parador Rojo. Looking for a fusion of Asian flavors? Head over to Noodle Fan. You may be tempted to move to Elizabeth just for the food  (Source: @theabrusciteam via Instagram) FRANKLIN If you’re looking for a more rural, outdoorsy feel, plan a home-shopping stop in the borough of Franklin, where there are lots of parks and green areas. With a population of just 5,000, Franklin is known as the “Fluorescent Mineral Capital of the World” for its mining history, as many of its minerals have fluorescent properties. Located about 54 miles northwest of NYC, Franklin is just minutes from thousands of acres of farmland. With a median home price in the $200,000s (Realtor.com), Franklin provides a nice balance for those who prefer a quieter way of living that still gives them access to city life.  (Source: @jerseycity_homes via Instagram) JERSEY CITY Nicknamed “Wall Street West,” Jersey City is home to several additional second offices of companies headquartered in NYC and is one of the top U.S. cities for commuters. The second most populous city in the Garden State after Newark, Jersey City’s population is about 262,000. Many New Yorkers have moved to Jersey City to find a lower cost of living. However, the median home value is $546,406 (a 7% jump from February 2020 and March 2021), which is well above New Jersey’s overall median value of $387,105. But it’s still a good $100K less than NYC’s median home value of $649,490. Jersey City is about as close as you can get to NYC and still remain outside the city limits. With an eastern waterfront that faces the Hudson River, it offers glorious waterfront views. This bustling city is home to Liberty State Park, which is as large as Central Park and provides panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. Named the most ethnically diverse city in the U.S. by Wallethub in 2021, Jersey City prides itself on being every bit as inclusive and culturally fascinating as NYC. A popular culinary destination with tastes from around the world, it’s home to Razza, which makes the best New York pizza according to The New York TImes. You’ll also find the largest planetarium in the Western Hemisphere at Jersey City’s Liberty Science Center.  New Brunswick BEST PLACES TO LIVE IN CENTRAL JERSEY: TRENTON, NEW BRUNSWICK, AND PERTH AMBOY Home to the state capital of Trenton, Central Jersey covers the area from Bridgewater to Toms River. Like North Jersey, it’s a popular place to live because of its close proximity to New York and other cities. Central Jersey is literally the crossroads of the Garden State, where the New Jersey Turnpike and Golden State Parkway meet. If you’re thinking about relocating to Central Jersey, there are a variety of cities and towns here with diverse offerings for housing, dining, entertainment, and recreation. Central Jersey is known for its gorgeous county parks that provide its inhabitants with many locations for outdoor fun and relaxation.  Source: @nextburb via Instagram) TRENTON Located on the Delaware River across from Pennsylvania, Trenton is the capital city of New Jersey. Its metro area’s population is around 400,000, with a median age of 34. An affordable city with a median home price of $213,538 (up 15.5% from February 2020 to March 2021), Trenton is just 28 miles northeast of Philadelphia and 55 miles southwest of NYC. An ethnically diverse and lively city with a rich Revolutionary war history, Trenton also offers access to water sports and wildlife. Home to the Taylor roll (a scrumptious ham, egg, and cheese concoction) and tomato pie, Trenton is also considered to be the “Crossroads of the Revolution.” George Washington and his troops made their famous Delaware River crossing here in 1776.  Source: @tverdovhousing via Instagram) NEW BRUNSWICK With a population of 56,000 and a median home price of $322,275 (an increase of 11.1% from February 2020 to March 2021), New Brunswick is the home of Rutgers University. This medium sized city is located on the banks of the Raritan River. With two train stations and many bus lines, the Big Apple is only an hour from New Brunswick, which is 40 miles southwest of Times Square. Johnson & Johnson is headquartered here, as well as the Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center.  (Source: @perthamboy.waterfront via Instagram) PERTH AMBOY This small city of about 51,000 restored its waterfront to capitalize on spectacular views of Raritan Bay and Staten Island with a promenade, marina, restaurants and historic landmarks. Perth Amboy is one of the more affordable NYC suburbs, just 21 miles away and offering a median home value of $331,269 (an increase of 12.2% from February 2020 to March 2021). Homes range in architectural styles, from Victorian to mid-century Ranch. An increasing number of artists have been relocating here, and developers are hoping to attract more residents with a multimillion-dollar redevelopment of its 1920s train station. Other popular Central Jersey towns include:
 BEST PLACES TO LIVE IN SOUTH JERSEY AND THE JERSEY SHORE: MANALAPAN, BRICK, AND MEDFORD Forget what you’ve seen on MTV. Some would argue the Jersey Shore and South Jersey are the Garden State’s best assets. With over a hundred miles of coastline, the state’s Atlantic coast has long been a popular beach vacation getaway, but more and more people have decided to move to the Jersey Shore to live year round. Its small town access to live music, boardwalks, and amusement parks make the region a fun place to live for people of all ages and backgrounds.  (Source: Melissa DeSantis Real Estate via Facebook) MANALAPAN TOWNSHIP Manalapan Township made it to #4 on Coldwell Banker’s list of top 10 places to live in New Jersey. Now that more people have the flexibility to work from home, buyers from New York City have flocked to the area. Just 15 minutes from the New Jersey beaches and 45 minutes from NYC, Manalapan’s average home sales price leapt from $425,000 to $525,000 between August 2019 and August 2020. Lower interest rates overall and New Jersey’s lower tax rates relative to New York make the township even more attractive for those looking to leave the big city behind.  BRICK With a population consisting of mostly young professionals and retirees, Brick offers a family-friendly environment less than 15 miles from the beach as well as convenient access to NYC, Philadelphia, and Atlantic City. If you’re looking for an area of New Jersey with peaceful streets and a slower-paced feel, then you might want to consider making your home in Brick. The median home value is $331,294, a 16% increase between February 2020 and March 2021. Out of its population of 75,342, 85% are homeowners, while only 15% rent. Residents of Brick love its Mantoloking Bridge County Park, with its 70-foot-long pier, boardwalk, picnic area, and gazebo.  (Source: Bob Meyer Communities via Facebook) MEDFORD
For those thinking of moving to the South Jersey region between the Jersey Shore and Philadelphia, Medford offers a bucolic setting that’s a hub for culture and business. With a population of only 23,033, Medford has managed to avoid overcrowding. There’s even land still available for you to build your dream home in Medford, if you find a suburban setting with an historic Main Street full of quaint shops and restaurants appealing. The median home value is $419,148, a rise of 16.1% between February 2020 and March 2021. Other notable South Jersey options include:
Article by: LB Gabriel is a freelance writer and frequent PODS blog contributor. When she’s not on a deadline, you can find her on a tennis court or golf course. |
Written, Compiled & Edited byThe Bergen Review Media Team Archives
March 2025
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