Top 10 Safest Places to Live in New Jersey (2023)

New Jersey is a small state that offers access to two great cities, beaches, and mountains. Despite the negative reputation that NJ sometimes receives regarding crime, there are still many safe cities and towns to reside in. This article will provide you with a list of the top ten safest places to call your home in New Jersey.

10 Safest Places to Live in New Jersey

1. Wanaque

Wanaque, a small town in the semi-mountainous part of northern New Jersey, is considered the safest place to live in NJ. This peaceful town offers some excellent hiking trails and other points of interest, making it an ideal place for nature enthusiasts. With a population of just 11,317, Wanaque has a crime rate of 97% below the national average, making it a haven for residents.

The Wanaque Reservoir is a popular spot for watersports, adding to the town’s charm. Despite its small-town feel, Wanaque is just a short drive from New York City and other places in upstate New York, making it a convenient location for city commuters. The median home price in Wanaque is $416,425, making it an affordable place to settle down.

2. Hasbrouck Heights 

Hasbrouck Heights is a suburban oasis just a short drive from Manhattan, making it one of the safest towns in NJ. With a population of 12,125, this town boasts a crime rate that is 90% lower than the national average, making it a great place to live. Unsurprisingly, Hasbrouck Heights often tops the list of the safest and best places to live in New Jersey. In addition to its safety, this township is famous for its iconic New Jersey diners, such as the Bendix Diner. The median home price in Hasbrouck Heights is $581,276, making it an excellent investment for those looking to settle down.

3. River Vale

Located in Bergen County, just a short drive from New York City, River Vale is a peaceful and secure city in New Jersey. With a population of 9,909, the town boasts a crime rate that is 90% below the national average. This makes River Vale one of the safest cities in New Jersey, providing a perfect place for families to settle down and enjoy spacious suburban living. Additionally, the city’s proximity to Manhattan makes it a convenient location for those who work but prefer to live in a peaceful environment. River Vale is also situated near the beautiful Lake Tappan reservoir, offering residents great watersport opportunities. The city also features a golf and country club along the adjacent lake, providing an excellent way for residents to relax and unwind.

4. New Providence

Located along the Passaic River, New Providence is a borough in Union County that offers a safe and secure living environment. With a population of 13,650, this beautiful town boasts a crime rate that is 83% lower than the national average. New Providence has several points of interest, including the Village Shopping Center, The Salt Box Museum, and the former Bell Telephone Laboratories. Besides, the median home price in New Providence is currently $776,940, making it an ideal place to settle down and call home.

5. Berkeley Heights

Berkeley Heights, located in Union County, NJ, is a peaceful township with a serene small-town lifestyle. This charming township has a population of 13,285 and boasts a crime rate 82% lower than the national average, making it a safe place to reside. In the beautiful Raritan Valley region of New Jersey, Berkeley Heights is surrounded by scenic rural landscapes and rivers. This township offers diverse housing options, ranging from condos to brand-new apartments and single-family homes. The median home price in Berkeley Heights is $745,526, making it an ideal location for those seeking a comfortable yet affordable living experience.

6. Sparta

Sparta, a charming small town in the hilly northwestern part of New Jersey, is known for its picturesque views and tranquil atmosphere. The city is situated directly on Lake Mohawk and offers a range of water activities, hiking trails, and charming stores. Sparta has a rich history closely tied to the Susquehanna and Western Railroad, and many of its landmarks are associated with this historic railroad system. With a population of nearly 10,000 residents, Sparta boasts a significantly lower crime rate, 63%, than the national average. Currently, the median home price in Sparta is $534,527.

7. Chatham Township

Chatham Township is a serene suburban community located in Morris County, considered one of the safest places to live in New Jersey. The town boasts of its beautiful streets and an array of excellent restaurants, making it a popular choice among locals. It is often recognized as one of the best cities in the state. It is renowned for its safety. Chatham Township is conveniently located just a short drive from Manhattan and surrounded by natural landmarks such as the Great Swamp Natural Wildlife Refuge and the Morristown National Historical Park. The median home price in Chatham Township is currently at a premium, standing at $1,029,152.

8. Bernards Township

Bernards Township is widely recognized as one of the safest cities in NJ. This serene community in Somerset County boasts peaceful streets and a striking colonial ambience. Situated within the picturesque Raritan Valley, Bernards Township offers a plethora of scenic rural drives and historic stone buildings. Many renowned artists, actors, athletes, and politicians have lived or currently reside in Bernards Township. Visitors can explore local points of interest, such as the Boudinot-Southard Farmstead, Brick Academy, and the iconic Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church.

9. Monroe Township

Located in the central part of New Jersey’s Middlesex County, Monroe Township is a peaceful suburban community with a population of 48,594. With a crime rate that is 41% below the national average, it’s a safe place to call home. The town is surrounded by farmland and large rivers, including the Raritan River, which adds to its serene atmosphere. Monroe Township is a historic New Jersey community with many buildings, such as the Holmes-Tollman House, listed on the US National Register of Historic Places. The median home price in Monroe Township is currently at $503,120.

10. Ringwood

Nestled in the midst of the rugged hills of northern New Jersey, Ringwood is a small town that offers a wide range of outdoor activities and is considered one of the safest places to live in the state. This town of 11,735 is near several lakes and hiking trails, including the Monksville Reservoir, Greenwood Lake, Sterling Forest, and the Abram S. Hewett State Forest.

Residents of Ringwood relish the peaceful lifestyle this area provides, with its many bodies of water and scenic landscapes. The town’s natural beauty has also attracted numerous artists and photographers. At present, the median home price in Ringwood is $476,273.

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