11 Richest Towns in NJ (2024)
- Short Hills
- Alpine
- Ho Ho Kus
- Essex Fells
- Saddle River
- Fair Haven
- Little Silver
- Glen Ridge
- Chatham
- Rumson
- Montgomery
1. Short Hills
The richest town in New Jersey is Short Hills. It is also one of the country’s wealthiest, with a median household income of $250,000. This places it in the top 1% of all cities in the United States when it comes to income, and many allege it’s far wealthier than its $250,000 price tag.
If you live in Short Hills, it’s a bragging right. The public schools are some of the best in the nation, and there are plenty of great amenities for residents, including many high-end restaurants and a luxurious mall.
2. Alpine
Bergen County’s Alpine has a reputation for luxury and privacy. It’s well-earned, though it’s worth noting that this region gained notoriety for attracting music industry professionals. Former residents include Beyonce, Jay-Z, and several A-list celebrities.
Needless to say, Alpine is one of those towns that tend to bring in people who want to hobnob with top dogs in the industry. The median income in Alpine is around $240,000, making it one of the wealthiest towns in NJ. If you have the money, you might be able to buy a home here, although there often aren’t many for sale.
3. Ho Ho Kus
Another one of the richest towns in NJ is Ho Ho Kus, which happens to be one of the last exits on the Garden State Parkway. This gorgeous and petite town also happens to top many lists of the priciest places to live in Bergen County.
The median household income in Ho Ho Kus is approximately $220,000. Combined with a median home price that is just over $1,550,000, Ho Ho Kus is one of the most expensive towns in NJ. It's no wonder why living here has become a bragging right for the people who can afford to do so.
4. Essex Fells
Essex Fells is another one of the richest towns in NJ. Essex Fells is located in Essex County and is known for its tranquil and picturesque landscapes. The town's public school system is also frequently rated as one of the ten best in New Jersey.
The median income in Essex Fells is $215,000. Considering how much of a paycheck you need to live here, it’s clear that there is a lot to brag about living in Essex Fells.
5. Saddle River
Another one of the richest cities in NJ is Saddle River. Located in Bergen County, approximately 30 miles from Midtown Manhattan, Saddle River is famous for stately mansions, country clubs on rolling hills, and excellent schools.
The median income in Saddle River is just over $210,000, and the area attracts many professionals who work in NYC but prefer to raise their children in New Jersey.
6. Fair Haven
Nestled right in between several other towns on this list, Fair Haven is famous for being wealthy and for being a hotspot for “old money.” This town features notable schools, exceptionally safe streets, and plenty of networking opportunities for business owners who dabble in finance and real estate.
Elegant spas, petite boutiques, and picturesque spots are what make this town of approximately 5,800 a great place to live. You (and your kids) will love it. You just need to be able to afford the median home price of $1,097,000.
7. Little Silver
Rumson’s neighbor, Little Silver, has quickly been gaining a reputation for being a small town with a big paycheck. The median income for a household here is $202,000, making it one of the wealthiest towns with a population under 7,000.
Little Silver is noted for having several gourmet grocery stores, including the increasingly-fancy Sickles Farm. Delicious!
8. Glen Ridge
Glen Ridge is also one of the richest towns in New Jersey. And in many way, it feels like the North Jersey version of Little Silver, though it’s slightly above the 7,000 population mark. This town has the same median income and elegant surroundings you’d find in Little Silver. This small town is filled with quaint Victorian homes.
Fans of luxurious yet historical places are going to enjoy Glen Ridge. Just be forewarned—this is a pricey place to live in more ways than one.
9. Chatham
Chatham is another one of the most expensive places in New Jersey. With a median income of $201,000 for a typical home, Chatham makes the grade as one of the richest towns in New Jersey. The town’s top-tier local amenities and low crime rate bring people here.
Chatham also has a charming town center and a stellar food scene. There’s also plenty of high-end luxury shopping at the local malls. If you love upscale living, there’s much to be had here.
10. Rumson
Rumson is one of those towns that people know by reputation more than they do by income. The median annual income in Rumson is $199,000. However, it’s hard to determine the true range because of how many people live completely off investments here.
What is certain, though, is that Rumson is famous for attracting blue bloods and “old money.” Excellent schools in both private and public settings are what make this town a dream come true for families.
11. Montgomery
Montgomery might not have the same high-hat reputation as Rumson or Glen Ridge, but it still ranks surprisingly high for a wealthy town. The median income here is estimated to be between $180,000 to $210,000, making it one of the priciest places to live in Somerset.
You’ll get a very nice lifestyle if you choose to live here. There’s a mall, a lively food scene, and quality schools filled to the brim with extracurriculars.