Community Corner

Hillsborough Ranks Among Best NJ Towns To Live In 2025: Niche

Niche.com released its annual list of the best places to live in New Jersey for 2025.

Hillsborough Township Municipal Complex
Hillsborough Township Municipal Complex (Alexis Tarrazi/Patch)

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough Township was named as one of the best places to live in New Jersey for 2025, according to Niche.com's latest "report card".

Hillsborough Township was ranked as the 73rd best place to live in New Jersey in 2025 out of 564 towns. Bernardsville took the top spot in the county.

Out of 637 markets in New Jersey, Hillsborough ranks 43rd in "Best Places to Buy a
House in New Jersey," and 65th out of 570 school districts.

Find out what's happening in Hillsboroughfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

"Hillsborough is proud of our diverse community," said Mayor John Ciccarelli at the May 13 Township Committee meeting. "That we continue to receive high marks in quality of life, public schools, and low crime is a testament to our teachers, police department, township staff, business owners, and residents who bring 'pride of ownership,' to new levels."

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. Related: 5 NJ Towns Ranked Among Best Places to Live In America

Find out what's happening in Hillsboroughfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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.

Hillsborough Township received an overall Niche grade of A+ for 2025. Here's how Niche graded Hillsborough in the following categories:

  • Public Schools: A+
  • Crime & Safety: B
  • Housing: B+
  • Nightlife: B
  • Good for Families: A+
  • Diversity: A-
  • Jobs: B+
  • Weather: B-
  • Cost of Living: C+
  • Health & Fitness: A
  • Outdoor Activities: A
  • Commute: B-

The top 10 best places to live in New Jersey are:

  1. Princeton Junction
  2. Mountain Lakes
  3. Ridgewood
  4. Princeton
  5. Princeton Meadows
  6. Upper Montclair
  7. Hawthorne
  8. Monmouth Junction
  9. Glen Rock
  10. Ho-Ho-Kus

See the full list of ranked towns here. Learn about researchers' methodology here.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

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