10 Safest Places to Live in NJ
- Wanaque
- Hasbrouck Heights
- River Vale
- New Providence
- Berkeley Heights
- Sparta
- Chatham Township
- Bernards
- Monroe Township
- Ringwood
1. Wanaque
The safest place to live in NJ is Wanaque. Located in the semi-mountainous part of northern New Jersey, Wanaque offers some great hiking and points of interest. With a population of just 11,317, Wanaque’s crime rate is 97% below the national average. Wanaque has great local hiking spots and great watersport opportunities along the Wanaque Reservoir. Despite having a small-town feel, Wanaque is just a short drive from New York City or other places in upstate New York. The median home price in Wanaque is $416,425.
2. Hasbrouck Heights
Another one of the safest towns in NJ is Hasbrouck Heights. Located just a short drive from Manhattan, Hasbrouck Heights is a suburban haven just outside of the city. With a population of 12,125, Hasbrouck Heights has a crime rate that is 90% lower than the national average. Hasbrouck Heights often tops lists for being both the safest and best places to live in New Jersey. The township is home to many iconic New Jersey diners, such as the Bendix Diner. The current median home price in Hasbrouck Heights is $581,276.
3. River Vale
River Vale is also one of the safest cities in New Jersey. River Vale is located in Bergen County, just a short drive from New York City. River Vale has a population of 9,909 and a crime rate that is 90% below the national average. River Vale offers spacious suburban living while still being within commuting distance of Manhattan. The town is located near the Lake Tappan reservoir, which offers great watersport opportunities. River Vale also offers a golf and country club along the adjacent lake.
4. New Providence
New Providence is another one of the safest NJ towns near NYC. New Providence is a borough in Union County located along the Passaic River. With a population of 13,650, New Providence has a crime rate that is 83% lower than the national average. New Providence has several points of interest, such as the Village Shopping Center, The Salt Box Museum, and the former Bell Telephone Laboratories. The median home price in New Providence is currently $776,940.
5. Berkeley Heights
Berkeley Heights is a safe NJ township located in Union County that offers tranquil small-town living. With a population of 13,285, Berkeley Heights has a crime rate that is 82% below the national average. Berkely Heights is located within the Raritan Valley region of New Jersey, which contains many rivers and scenic rural landscapes. Berkeley Heights offers a mix of housing options, from condos to new apartments and single-family homes. The current median home price in Berkeley Heights is $745,526.
6. Sparta
Sparta is another one of the safest towns in New Jersey. Located in hilly northwestern New Jersey, Sparta is an idyllic picturesque small town. Located directly on Lake Mohawk, Sparta offers rows of charming stores, lakefront estates, hiking, and plenty of water activities. Much of Sparta’s history is built around the Susquehanna and Western Railroad, with many landmarks of this historic railroad. With a population of almost 10,000, Sparta has a crime rate that is 63% lower than the national average. The current median home price in Sparta is $534,527.
7. Chatham Township
Another one of the safest places to live in New Jersey is Chatham Township. This laid-back suburban community located is located in Morris County and is well known for its picturesque streets and many great restaurants. Chatham Township is often ranked as being one of the best towns in New Jersey and one of the safest towns as well. Not only is Chatham Township just a short drive to Manhattan, but the town is also near natural landmarks such as the Great Swamp Natural Wildlife Refuge and the Morristown National Historic Park. The current median home price in Chatham Township is quite high at $1,029,152.
8. Bernards
Bernards is also one of the safest cities in NJ. This small community in Somerset County is known for its tranquil streets and distinct colonial feel. Located within the Raritan Valley, Bernards has many scenic rural drives and historic stone buildings. Many of New Jersey’s most notable artists, actors, athletes, and politicians call or have called Bernards Township home. Local points of interest include the Boudinot-Southard Farmstead, Brick Academy, and the historic Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church.
9. Monroe Township
Monroe Township is another safe NJ town located in Middlesex Count in the central part of the state. The town’s population is 48,594, with a crime rate that is 41% below the national average. Monroe Township is a quiet suburban community surrounded by farmland and large rivers such as the Raritan River. Monroe Township is a historic New Jersey community, with many buildings, such as the Holmes-Tollman House, being on the US National Register of Historic Places. The current median home price in Monroe Township is $503,120.
10. Ringwood
Ringwood is also one of the safest places to live in NJ. Located within the steep hills of northern Jersey, Ringwood is a small town that offers a plethora of outdoor activities. Ringwood is located near several lakes and hiking trails, such as the Monksville Reservoir, Greenwood Lake, Sterling Forest, and the Abram S. Hewett State Forest. Residents enjoy a tranquil lifestyle in this town of 11,735. Due to the town’s many bodies of water and surrounding hilly landscapes, many artists and photographers are attracted to Ringwood. The current median home price in Ringwood is $476,273.