Top Counties in New Jersey for a New Home
If you're ready to take the plunge and buy a brand-new home, consider these top counties in New Jersey. Check out our top picks for the best places to raise a family in the Garden State. With countless job opportunities and stunning new-home communities, these five counties are the cream of the crop. So grab a cup of coffee and get ready to fall in love with these dream home spots.
Essex County
Nestled in Essex County lies a stunning mosaic of diversity, where the bustling city of Newark and the concrete jungle of the Big Apple are its neighbors. With Fortune 500 companies in finance, healthcare, and IT calling the area home, the unemployment rate is impressively low.
Newark's new housing options are perfect for families looking to settle down and grow. If you're interested in exploring the area, Livingston and North Caldwell are a hop, skip, and jump away from the bustling city life of New York City.
With a highly-rated school district and plenty of after-school activities, there's no better place to raise kids. Take advantage of the park and museum scene, as well as the shopping, dining, and entertainment options. And if you're feeling adventurous, head over to nearby Newark for even more fun things to do.
Bergen County
Bergen County, located just across the river from Yonkers and the Bronx, is a bustling part of the New York City Metro area with Hackensack serving as its county seat. The area prides itself in low unemployment rates and it's no wonder why with convenient access to commuter trains making it easy to work in the city. For those who prefer to drive, it's just a quick hop over the George Washington Bridge.
The charming towns of Woodcliff and Fair Lawn in Bergen County come highly recommended for considering your next home purchase. These hidden gems boast a plethora of newly built homes that are perfect for starting fresh and making your own. Plus, with the convenience of being just a quick drive from the bustling city of Hackensack, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: a peaceful suburban retreat with easy access to the excitement of the city.
Schools in this area are excellent, ranking way above the average for the state. If you're a parent, you'll be happy to hear that there are plenty of options for work in nearby cities or even in New York itself. And, if you're considering higher education, students can choose between Fairleigh Dickinson or Rutgers University, both of which are located in the area.
Morris County
Discover the hidden gem of Morris County. This charming area is nestled just west of bustling Newark and boasts some of the most luxurious neighborhoods in the New York metro area. But Morris County is more than just a pretty face; it's a hub for top-notch employers like AT&T, ExxonMobil, Verizon, and Colgate-Palmolive. And the opportunities don't stop there. The real estate, insurance, finance, and research and development industry are also thriving.
Discover the charming towns of Randolph and Mountain Lakes, where you can plant your roots in a peaceful community. And don't worry about the daily commute; nearby train stations make a trip to the Big Apple easily achievable.
In the quaint towns surrounding Parsippany-Troy Hills, education is a top priority, and the school district's music program has been recognized with awards. Mountain Lakes even earned the prestigious "Blue Ribbon School" title from the U.S. Department of Education.
Mercer County
Mercer County is a hot spot for promising job opportunities. With a low jobless rate and a wealth of employment options, the healthcare, insurance, and publishing industries are thriving in the area. Plus, higher education jobs at esteemed institutions like Princeton University offer a unique career path for those looking to work in education.
Nestled just a stone's throw away from Princeton, North Brunswick offers a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere that's hard to resist. With schools that consistently rank in the top tier nationally, this town is a haven for education lovers.
Experience the best of both worlds with a new home in North Brunswick, a coveted destination for parents who work in Princeton or New York City. This vibrant location boasts convenience and accessibility, making it a top choice for Princeton home builders like Pulte Homes. Don't miss out on the opportunity to call this desirable area your new home.
Hunterdon County
Hunterdon County is the go-to destination for people who seek a life of luxury. A stone's throw away from the vibrant cities of Allentown and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, this quaint region is home to a vast array of high-paying jobs in technology, finance, and insurance. Cream-of-the-crop corporations like ExxonMobil, 3M, and Georgia Pacific have set up shop here, making it the ultimate working paradise.
If you’re looking for a place to settle down with your growing family while keeping Mom and Dad nearby, look no further than Raritan Township's fantastic 55+ community. Known as one of the "best places to live," Raritan boasts a low crime rate and a median income twice the national average. Not to mention, the Hunterdon County school district is highly regarded for its top-notch music program and academic performance. Families big and small will thrive in this charming and welcoming community.
Raritan is located just 45 miles away from the bright lights of New York City. Imagine giving your children the idyllic upbringing they deserve, while also being able to assist your aging parents. Plus, you can take full advantage of the easy drive to the city that never sleeps whenever you need a quick dose of excitement. Discover the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city convenience in Raritan.
If you want a new home that's family-friendly and close to the beach, check out New Jersey, where you'll never be too far from the gorgeous Jersey Shore. Spend your weekends relaxing on the sandy beaches of Stone Harbor or Sea Girt, or channel your inner thrill-seeker with a trip to Ocean City or Wildwood Boardwalk. With any of Pulte's fantastic new homes in Newark, you can have the perfect balance of work, family, and fun in the sun. Discover stunning floor plans and check out Pulte's new home communities in New Jersey today!
For more design tips, local attraction guides, and homeowner lifestyle articles, check out the Pulte Homes blog for inspiration.
Contributed by Carol Youmans