New Jersey has hundreds of great small towns, an abundance of green spaces, excellent schools, and miles of relaxing beaches. It’s hard to narrow down, but here are the top six communities across the Garden State to call home if you plan to move here.

1. Brielle

Although Brielle isn’t on the beach, much of the town is near plenty of waterfront fun provided by the picturesque Manasquan River. The community population is just under 5,000, and the median home price is $577,500. The most prestigious homes are off Riverside Drive near the Manasquan River Golf Club. Residents spend their leisure time at the Marina District with its waterfront restaurants and bars. Brielle schools rank in the top quarter of all NJ schools. Plenty of jobs are available in customer service, healthcare, and retail. 

2. Haddonfield

With a population of around 11,000 and plenty of historic charm, Haddonfield is one of the best places to live in South Jersey. The community ranks high in walkability and has excellent schools making it popular with young families. The median price of a home is $540,000, and with an easy twenty-minute commute to Philadelphia, the town can support a multitude of careers. The downtown area is lively, with over 200 shops, cafes, and galleries. 

3. Park Ridge

Park Avenue, the main drag in Park Ridge, is a walkable street that links to the historic NJ Train Station, where the Ridge Diner is a favorite spot for the locals to gather. The town has close to 9,000 friendly residents, and the median home price is $542,000. Families appreciate the small, highly-rated high school with a low student-to-teacher ratio. Mill Pond is the town’s main attraction with a quaint pedestrian bridge overlooking a wildlife habitat. Local jobs are available in law enforcement, healthcare, and customer service. 

4. Pennington

Pennington’s Main Street is an eclectic mix of immaculate homes, unique shops, historic churches, and the site of traditional parades and a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony. One of the smallest towns in New Jersey, the population is less than 3,000, and the median home price is $530,075. Families like Pennington for the highly-rated Hopewell Valley Regional School District. Princeton is only eight miles away with access to museums, fine dining, and jobs. Those looking for local employment will find plenty in the food and customer service fields. 

5. Lambertville

Called the antique capital of New Jersey, Lambertville is a pedestrian-friendly small town with a population of 3,824. Residents like to browse the antique emporiums and frequent the cozy cafes and coffee shops. The median price of a home in Lamberton is $417,500. Families like the county’s A-rated schools and jobs are available in several areas, including healthcare, retail, and customer service.

6. Point Pleasant Beach

Called Point Beach by the locals, this seaside town has a population of 4,544 and a median home price of $556,250. The beach is over a mile long, and a boardwalk features plenty of dining options, shops, and arcades. Biking is the primary mode of transportation along with a train commute of two hours to New York City. The schools near Point Pleasant Beach rank in the top quarter of all New Jersey schools. Jobs are available in several sectors, including transportation and retail.