Best Places to Live in America Includes Top NJ Town in the Top 15

Editors at a leading student and parenting website, Niche.com, have recently published a list that ranks the best towns in America to live in. One New Jersey town has made it to the Top 15 of the prestigious list. This ranking takes into account various factors, including quality of life, housing options, cost of living, schools, job opportunities, and more. The rankings aim to give a comprehensive understanding of what makes a place ideal for families, retirees, young professionals, and anyone looking for a great community to call home.

According to the ranking, Princeton Junction, located in Mercer County, New Jersey, stands at number 14 on the list of the best places to live in the United States. With its blend of dense suburban living, excellent public schools, and family-friendly environment, Princeton Junction is considered one of the best communities to settle down in. The town is known for its well-kept homes, beautiful parks, and strong sense of community. It’s a place where residents enjoy a quiet suburban lifestyle while being close to major metropolitan areas like Philadelphia and New York City. The median home value in Princeton Junction is estimated at $574,100, reflecting its popularity as a desirable location for homebuyers.

Key Features of Princeton Junction

Princeton Junction offers a unique balance between suburban tranquility and access to urban amenities. The town has a population of just over 2,600 people, making it small enough to retain its charm yet large enough to provide everything residents need. The town is known for its moderate political views, which are mirrored by a community that values inclusivity and diversity. Princeton Junction is a great place for families, as it has a robust educational system with highly rated public schools. The abundance of parks in the area gives children plenty of space to play, while adults can enjoy outdoor activities in a serene and safe environment.

Another major draw to Princeton Junction is its commuting options. The town’s transportation infrastructure allows residents to easily travel to nearby cities like Trenton or New York City for work. With its prime location in Mercer County, it’s no surprise that Princeton Junction has consistently been a desirable place to live. Its proximity to major highways and commuter rail lines gives residents access to a variety of career opportunities while still maintaining the benefits of a suburban lifestyle.

Other Top-Ranked Towns in New Jersey and Beyond

While Princeton Junction has earned its place in the top 15, the list also highlights other towns in New Jersey and surrounding areas that offer excellent living conditions.

In addition to Princeton Junction, New Jersey boasts other great towns for families and individuals. Princeton, the nearby city that is home to Princeton University, ranks 34th on the list, offering a similar suburban feel but with more cultural amenities and historical significance. It’s a place where residents enjoy a mix of academic and professional opportunities, along with access to nature and outdoor recreation.

Further north in New Jersey, Ho-Ho-Kus ranks 47th, while Ridgewood comes in at 69th. Both towns have earned strong reputations for their excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and beautiful homes, making them highly desirable places for families looking for a suburban retreat.

Best Towns Near Philadelphia

While New Jersey holds its own in the rankings, several towns around the Philadelphia area also made it into the top 15. According to Niche.com, the absolute best place to live in America is Chesterbrook, a small suburb of Philadelphia located in Chester County. With a population of just about 5,600 people, Chesterbrook offers an ideal combination of suburban charm, top-notch public schools, and easy access to the city of Philadelphia. This town scored nearly perfect marks in several categories, including housing and public schools, making it an excellent choice for families looking to settle down in a quiet, picturesque area while still being close to a major city.

Other towns around Philadelphia that made the list include:

• Ardmore – Ranked 3rd overall, Ardmore is a suburban area with a lively downtown area, great schools, and proximity to Philadelphia.
• Penn Wynne – Ranked 5th, this area offers a tight-knit community and excellent schools, making it perfect for families.
• Devon – Ranked 9th, Devon is another suburban town that boasts great schools, a rich history, and scenic parks.
• Swarthmore – Ranked 30th, Swarthmore is a college town with a progressive community and strong educational system.

Best Towns Near New York City

For those looking to be closer to the Big Apple, the list also features several towns in the New York City metro area that provide the benefits of suburban living while still being within easy reach of the city’s job market and cultural scene.

The top-ranked town in the New York City area is Great Neck Gardens, which ranks 13th on the list. Located in Nassau County, this community offers residents a sparse suburban feel, with most people owning their homes. Great Neck Gardens is well-known for its excellent schools and close proximity to Manhattan, making it an attractive option for commuters.

Other notable towns in the New York metro area that earned high rankings include:

• Great Neck Plaza – Ranked 13th, this area offers an excellent quality of life with strong public schools, beautiful homes, and great access to New York City.
• Herricks – Ranked 22nd, Herricks is a family-friendly town with top-notch schools and a community-focused atmosphere.
• Syosset – Ranked 25th, Syosset offers a mix of suburban convenience and access to New York City, along with great schools and parks.
• Lake Success – Ranked 55th, this charming community offers quiet suburban living, excellent schools, and easy access to both New York City and the nearby town of Great Neck.

The Broader Ranking System

The Niche.com rankings take a comprehensive approach when determining the best places to live. The website uses a variety of factors to assess each community, including:

• Public Schools – The quality of local schools, with a focus on test scores, academic performance, and extracurricular opportunities.
• Housing – The availability, affordability, and quality of homes in the area.
• Jobs – The local job market, including employment rates, average salaries, and access to major industries.
• Weather – The overall climate and weather conditions in the town.
• Cost of Living – The affordability of living in each town, including home prices, taxes, and general living expenses.
• Commute Times – How easy it is to get around and the length of daily commutes for residents.

The rankings are a helpful resource for anyone looking to move to a new town or city, offering an objective assessment of what life would be like in various communities.

In conclusion, Princeton Junction stands out as one of the best places to live in the United States, offering a strong combination of quality schools, parks, and a welcoming community. For those considering a move to New Jersey or the surrounding areas, Princeton Junction offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy suburban living while remaining close to major cities like New York and Philadelphia.

Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.