Jersey City and Asbury Park Top New Jersey’s Best Places To Live List

Jersey City and Asbury Park ranked as the top two places to live in New Jersey. Travel and Leisure published this finding after consulting real estate experts statewide.

Jersey City grabbed the first spot. Asbury Park, perched in Monmouth County along the shore, snagged second.

This shore town rests about 60 miles south of New York City. Zillow.com showed average home sales hovering around $662,000 in the area. Point2Homes conducted a study that revealed a 58.7% jump in owner-occupied households, which suggests buyers are planting roots rather than renting.

The beachside locale draws crowds with its boardwalk and music venue. Bruce Springsteen named his 1973 album Greetings from Asbury Park.

"Everyone loves to live here with the art and music scene, the food, the balance of being in a peaceful neighborhood within walking distance of a vibrant downtown with tons of thriving small businesses, and obviously the beach," Chin said, according to Asbury Park Press.

Travel and Leisure's report pointed out that New Jersey blends suburban comforts with big-city access. It's one of America's safest states.

The full list of 10 best places includes Montvale, Woodland Park, and Woodcliff Lake. Morristown, Fair Lawn, and Tenafly also appeared. Hamilton and Monroe completed the top 10.

Asbury Park won recognition as America's best small beach town in 2025. Travel and Leisure's latest report spotlighted towns across New Jersey that give residents solid living options when they're hunting for quality of life.