5 NJ Towns Ranked Among Best Places to Live In America

NEW JERSEY — Five New Jersey communities are among the Best Places to Live in America in 2025, according to a new ranking from Niche released Monday.

Now in its 11th year, the ranking from the data-driven platform Niche helps everyone from young people just starting their careers or families to retirees decide where they want to live. The report analyzes places of various sizes, including cities with populations of 100,000 or more, suburbs and neighborhoods.

In the Garden State, the following towns were among the top 100 on the list. Here's what Niche highlighted:

34. Ho-Ho-Kus, with an overall Niche grade of A+. This Bergen County community got high marks for its public schools and for being good for families, offering a rural feel while still being close to New York City.

35. Princeton, with an overall Niche grade of A+. The review noted an abundance of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks in Princeton, and that it is a good place for both young professionals and families. It also got top marks for public schools and being a good place to raise a family.

65. Ridgewood, with an overall Niche grade of A+. The village, which is just south of Ho-Ho-Kus, also got top marks for public schools and being a good place to raise a family. Reviewers highlighted the number of parks and local businesses.

71. River Edge, with an overall Niche grade of A+. The third Bergen County entrant on this list, River Edge was noted for its "small town" vibe and good local restaurants, public school system, and safety.

79. Princeton Junction, with an overall Niche grade of A+. Reviewers highlighted the local parks, public transportation, and ample job opportunities. It also got top marks for public schools and being a good place to raise a family.

The rankings are based on a wide range of public data sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, combined with millions of resident reviews.

Niche said it analyzed thousands of communities to compile this year’s ranking. Community attributes considered in developing the list included the health of the local housing market, neighborhood diversity, area public schools and walkability, among others. (More on methodology.)

According to the ranking, the five best places to live in the United States are: Colonial Village, VA; Atlantic Station, GA; Chesterbrook, PA; Harbour Island, FL; City Center, CA.