NJ town rankings, built on real data.
Every ranking uses a single, clearly defined public statistic with its source, so you know exactly what “best” means.
Best places to live scorecard
Set your own weights for taxes, prices, commute and more.
Lowest effective property tax rates
The effective tax rate is the NJ Division of Taxation’s figure for comparing towns.
Lowest average residential tax bills
The average residential tax bill is the total levy on residential property divided by the number of residential line items.
Highest average residential tax bills
High average bills usually reflect high home values, high school levies, or both.
Lowest typical home values
Ranked by Zillow’s Home Value Index, a model of typical home value.
Highest typical home values
Ranked by Zillow’s Home Value Index.
Biggest 5-year home value gains
Change in Zillow’s Home Value Index from Sept.
Highest share commuting by public transportation
The share of workers who commute by public transportation (Census).
Shortest average commutes
Average one-way travel time for workers who don’t work from home (Census)..
Largest share of renter-occupied homes
Towns where the most occupied homes are rented usually have the most apartments and turnover to choose from..
Lowest median gross rent
Census median gross rent includes contract rent plus estimated utilities, averaged over 2020–2024, so current asking rents are usually higher..
Highest median household income
Census median household income, 2020–2024 average, in 2024 dollars..
Highest share with a bachelor’s degree or higher
Share of adults 25 and older with a bachelor’s degree or higher (Census)..
Newest median year built
Median year built of all housing units (Census).
Highest income relative to home values
Median household income divided by Zillow’s typical home value.
Most residential sales
The number of residential sales the NJ Division of Taxation used in its 2026 Average Residential Statistics.
Lowest median age
Census median age of residents.