Most Affordable Places to Live in New Jersey: From miles of pristine shoreline and impressive national parks to fascinating museums and historic sites, New Jersey has plenty to boast of. The coastal state is located on the country’s eastern edge and offers easy access to New York and Pennsylvania.
It also has a vibrant entertainment scene with plenty of nightclubs, casinos, restaurants, and amusement parks. Couple that with a robust job market and excellent schools. Although small, the state comes with incredible offerings that make it one of the most desirable places to settle down in the US.
But living here usually also means paying a higher cost of living. Although if you do your research right, you can still find affordable places to call home in New Jersey. Wondering where to begin?
Let’s help you choose the perfect place with our ultimate list of the most affordable places to live in New Jersey
Gloucester City #1
Looking for easy access to Philadelphia? Gloucester City may be a perfect choice for you. Located just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, this charming small town offers a family-friendly atmosphere.
From enjoying a picnic at one of its public parks, and going cafe hopping to sipping on your favourite wine in one of its several wineries, there are plenty of recreational activities on offer here. Couple that with numerous excellent schools. The median home price here is $195K, significantly less than the state average. You can also find affordable rental options with the median rent being $1,000 for a one-bedroom apartment.
Phillipsburg #2
Another affordable gem near the Pennsylvania border, Phillipsburg comes with a host of attractive offerings. It offers many family-friendly activities with attractions such as a seven-acre corn maze, a train museum, and a popular bowling alley.
Love an active lifestyle? With the Delaware River and numerous beautiful parks, there is an array of outdoor recreational activities to enjoy here. Buying a house here won’t break the bank with the median home price at just $250K. The median rent here is also affordable at $1609. Given its budget-friendly housing options, it is a great place for those just starting out.
Clayton #3
With excellent schools and plenty of beautiful parks, Clayton is a developing suburb, perfect to raise a family. It offers a seamless commute to Philadelphia and offers plenty of recreational activities in and around the town.
From golfing and exploring wineries to learning skydiving, there is something here for everyone. It is also home to the Glassboro Wildlife Management area which offers the perfect escape into lush natural surroundings. The median home price here is $274k. You can also find rental options at around $1,540, making it an affordable choice.
Rahway #4
If you’re an artsy person, you’ll love it here. Close to New York, Rahway is a charming small town with a vibrant arts and culture scene. One of the notable attractions here is The Union County Performing Arts Center which hosts various musicals, plays, and concerts.
What’s more? The town is located on the Rahway River which offers plenty of outdoor recreational activities. Its proximity to New York allows easy commutes for those who work in the city. The median home price here is $394.9K, much lower than the state average.
Looking to rent instead? The average rent here is around $1,695. With its incredible offerings, it is well worth every penny.
Absecon City #5
Perched on the western shore of Absecon Bay, this scenic coastal city is another affordable gem in New Jersey. The city has a robust public transportation system and offers easy commutes to Philadelphia.
From fishing and birding in the Absecon Wildlife Management Area and dining at one of its various excellent restaurants to strolling along its stunning waterfront, there is a plethora of activities to enjoy here.
What’s more? Its proximity to Atlantic City allows easy access to the city’s vibrant entertainment scene. The median rent here is between $1,442 and $2,464 for a one-bedroom apartment. Looking to buy a house? The median home price here is $279k, significantly less than most other places in the state.
Somerdale #6
Located in Camden County and around 15 miles from Philadelphia, Somerdale offers affordable housing options and a high median household income.
It is home to Kirkwood Lake which offers plenty of outdoor recreational activities. Although this small town doesn’t have a lively entertainment scene like many metro cities, it is perfect if you’re looking for a serene suburban vibe. You can also find decent schools here. With the median home price being $250K and the average rent being $940, it is one of the most affordable places to live in New Jersey.
Pitman #7
Looking for a vibrant small town with a strong community vibe? Pitman may be a perfect choice. Located in the southern part of the state, Pitman is known for its quaint Downtown (also called Uptown by residents) that is chock full of excellent restaurants, charming cafes, and intriguing shops.
Various local events held throughout the year bring the community together. Couple that with decent schools. What’s more?
You can enjoy all these offerings without splurging too much on housing since the median home price here is $273K. There are also plenty of affordable rental options available with the median rent being $1,585.
Berlin #8
Relocating with family? Berlin is an excellent choice. This small town features numerous restaurants, shops, water parks, and galleries. It is also home to several good schools and features a family-friendly atmosphere.
With Philadelphia only half an hour’s drive away, residents can easily access the big city entertainment scene. The median rent here is $1,600 while buying a home will cost around $259K on average. Its affordable housing draws many families to take up residence here.
Trenton #9
Love being in the middle of all the action? Head to Trenton. The capital of New Jersey has plenty of great offerings. It has a rich history which is depicted in its various impressive museums and historic sites.
You’ll also find plenty of parks here along with numerous natural attractions such as the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail and South Riverwalk Park. Couple that with excellent schools and an efficient public transportation system. Its proximity to both New York and Philadelphia adds to its desirability.
Enjoying all these offerings comes at an affordable cost with the median home price being $175K. You can also find pocket-friendly rental options at around $1,250 for a one-bedroom apartment.
Toms River #10
Have you always dreamt of living in a beach town? Toms River won’t disappoint. Various TV shows have been shot in this scenic town. It also has a lively Downtown area that features many restaurants and shops and hosts various exciting events such as concerts in a riverfront park and street fairs. With the median home price of around $370K and an average rent of around $1,849, it is a great place for the budget-conscious.
So, pick the one that fits your criterion and get ready to call this vibrant state home.
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FAQs:
Q. Where is the cheapest place to live in New Jersey?
Phillipsburg, Rahway, and Toms River are some of the cheapest places to live in New Jersey.
Q. Is New Jersey a cheap state to live in?
New Jersey is considered one of the most expensive states to live in, in the US but you can still find some affordable places in the state.
Q. Is it cheaper to live in New Jersey than in New York?
You can certainly find cheaper housing options in New Jersey than in New York.