#1Oradell
Bergen County · 8,293 peopleStrongest: health A+, jobs & income A+·lowest: cost of living D
DCostA+SafetyASchoolsA+HealthA+JobsA+WalkBHazards
Oradell, #1 on this list · Photo: Alansohn · CC BY-SA 4.0New Jersey rankings · 2026
Best small towns in New Jersey
Oradell ranks first of New Jersey’s 215 graded small towns (2,500–9,999 residents), with an A+: health (A+) and jobs & income (A+) are its strongest grades; cost of living (D) is its lowest. 87 of the 215 (40%) grade A− or better nationally, against 25% of U.S. towns.
The overall grade, sorted: cost of living, safety, schools, health, jobs & income, walkability and hazard risk, from Census, FBI, state, CDC, EPA and FEMA data. How grades work
#1A+
#2Fair Haven
Monmouth County · 6,096 peopleStrongest: health A+, walkability A+·lowest: cost of living D
DCostA+SafetyA+SchoolsA+HealthAJobsA+WalkC+Hazards
#3Allendale
Bergen County · 7,116 peopleStrongest: health A+, schools A+·lowest: cost of living D−
D−CostASafetyA+SchoolsA+HealthA+JobsA+WalkB+Hazards
Where they are: Four of the top 10 are in Bergen County.
All 215 small towns
Overall score, highest first. The score (0–100) blends the seven livability grades and sets the order; the letter places that score among every U.S. town of 2,500+, and A+ is the top 5%, so neighbors on the list often share a letter. Each town links to its page, where the grade sheet shows every subject. The rank is the town’s place among all 466 New Jersey towns.
215 towns ranked. Not here? See why a town may be missing.
#TownScoreGradeWhat drives it
1OradellBergen County · 8,293 people78.4top 0.4%A+Strongest: health A+, jobs & income A+·lowest: cost of living D
2Fair HavenMonmouth County · 6,096 people76.7top 0.7%A+Strongest: health A+, walkability A+·lowest: cost of living D
3AllendaleBergen County · 7,116 people76.5top 0.8%A+Strongest: health A+, schools A+·lowest: cost of living D−
4Harrington ParkBergen County · 5,052 people76.3top 0.9%A+Strongest: health A+, safety A+·lowest: cost of living D
5MountainsideUnion County · 7,346 people76.0top 0.9%A+Strongest: health A+, jobs & income A+·lowest: cost of living D−
7Old TappanBergen County · 6,686 people75.4top 1.1%A+Strongest: health A+, jobs & income A+·lowest: cost of living D−
9PenningtonMercer County · 2,889 people75.2top 1.3%A+Strongest: health A+, jobs & income A+·lowest: cost of living C
10Harding TownshipMorris County · 3,949 people75.1top 1.3%A+Strongest: jobs & income A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D
11Mountain LakesMorris County · 4,649 people75.0top 1.4%A+Strongest: health A+, jobs & income A+·lowest: cost of living C−
13Delaware TownshipHunterdon County · 4,597 people74.3top 1.8%A+Strongest: jobs & income A+, safety A+·lowest: hazard risk C
18Park RidgeBergen County · 9,571 people73.9top 2.3%A+Strongest: jobs & income A+, safety A+·lowest: cost of living D−
19EmersonBergen County · 7,371 people73.8top 2.3%A+Strongest: safety A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D
20Little SilverMonmouth County · 6,124 people73.8top 2.3%A+Strongest: health A+, jobs & income A+·lowest: cost of living D
23HaworthBergen County · 3,422 people73.0top 2.9%A+Strongest: jobs & income A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D
24Woodcliff LakeBergen County · 6,193 people73.0top 2.9%A+Strongest: health A+, hazard risk A·lowest: cost of living D
25Cranbury TownshipMiddlesex County · 4,240 people73.0top 2.9%A+Strongest: schools A+, jobs & income A·lowest: hazard risk C
28FanwoodUnion County · 8,035 people72.4top 3.6%A+Strongest: jobs & income A+, health A+·lowest: hazard risk D
30BrielleMonmouth County · 4,959 people72.1top 4.0%A+Strongest: health A+, schools A·lowest: cost of living D−
31Ho-Ho-KusBergen County · 4,313 people72.1top 4.0%A+Strongest: health A+, jobs & income A+·lowest: cost of living D
34Monmouth BeachMonmouth County · 3,226 people71.8top 4.2%A+Strongest: health A+, safety A+·lowest: cost of living D
36Chesterfield TownshipBurlington County · 9,046 people71.8top 4.3%A+Strongest: safety A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D
37Midland ParkBergen County · 7,039 people71.6top 4.4%A+Strongest: health A+, walkability A·lowest: cost of living D
41BernardsvilleSomerset County · 7,966 people71.3top 4.8%A+Strongest: health A+, jobs & income A+·lowest: cost of living D
44RumsonMonmouth County · 7,157 people71.1top 5.2%AStrongest: health A+, schools A+·lowest: cost of living D
45Haddon HeightsCamden County · 7,609 people71.0top 5.2%AStrongest: hazard risk A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living C
47Tewksbury TownshipHunterdon County · 5,925 people70.8top 5.5%AStrongest: health A+, safety A+·lowest: cost of living D
49NorthvaleBergen County · 4,978 people70.7top 5.8%AStrongest: health A, walkability A·lowest: cost of living D
53Englewood CliffsBergen County · 5,384 people70.3top 6.3%AStrongest: schools A+, walkability A+·lowest: cost of living D−
54CaldwellEssex County · 9,375 people70.2top 6.5%AStrongest: walkability A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D−
56Spring Lake HeightsMonmouth County · 4,868 people70.0top 6.8%AStrongest: safety A+, walkability A+·lowest: cost of living D−
58ClosterBergen County · 8,663 people69.8top 7.0%AStrongest: health A+, walkability A·lowest: cost of living D−
59MendhamMorris County · 4,985 people69.8top 7.1%AStrongest: health A+, jobs & income A+·lowest: cost of living D−
61Spring LakeMonmouth County · 2,769 people69.6top 7.3%AStrongest: schools A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D−
62Chester TownshipMorris County · 7,795 people69.6top 7.4%AStrongest: health A+, safety A+·lowest: cost of living D
64NorwoodBergen County · 5,817 people69.4top 7.7%AStrongest: jobs & income A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D−
65Franklin TownshipHunterdon County · 3,288 people69.4top 7.7%AStrongest: jobs & income A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D
70Glen RidgeEssex County · 8,259 people69.2top 8.2%AStrongest: health A+, walkability A+·lowest: cost of living D
73Boonton TownshipMorris County · 4,432 people69.0top 8.4%AStrongest: health A+, safety A+·lowest: hazard risk D
76Bedminster TownshipSomerset County · 8,285 people68.6top 9.1%AStrongest: health A+, safety A·lowest: cost of living D
79Upper Saddle RiverBergen County · 8,650 people68.3top 9.5%AStrongest: health A+, schools A+·lowest: cost of living D−
80Morris PlainsMorris County · 6,586 people68.3top 9.6%AStrongest: health A+, walkability A·lowest: cost of living D−
82Washington TownshipBergen County · 9,392 people68.3top 9.6%AStrongest: health A+, jobs & income A+·lowest: cost of living D
84Mendham TownshipMorris County · 6,075 people68.2top 9.8%AStrongest: health A+, jobs & income A+·lowest: cost of living D−
86CresskillBergen County · 9,257 people68.1top 10.0%AStrongest: health A+, walkability A+·lowest: cost of living D−
91OceanportMonmouth County · 6,540 people67.8top 10.5%AStrongest: health A+, walkability A·lowest: cost of living D
95Mount ArlingtonMorris County · 5,985 people67.8top 10.7%AStrongest: safety A+, hazard risk A·lowest: cost of living D−
96RoselandEssex County · 6,417 people67.7top 10.7%AStrongest: health A+, jobs & income A·lowest: cost of living D
99LeoniaBergen County · 9,441 people67.6top 10.9%AStrongest: walkability A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D−
102RockawayMorris County · 6,631 people67.5top 11.2%AStrongest: safety A+, walkability A·lowest: hazard risk C−
107Andover TownshipSussex County · 5,721 people67.2top 12.1%AStrongest: safety A+, jobs & income A·lowest: cost of living C−
108North CaldwellEssex County · 6,815 people67.2top 12.1%AStrongest: health A+, jobs & income A·lowest: cost of living D−
110ButlerMorris County · 8,184 people67.0top 12.2%AStrongest: walkability A+, health A·lowest: hazard risk C−
111PitmanGloucester County · 8,961 people66.8top 12.8%AStrongest: hazard risk A, safety A·lowest: cost of living C−
120Colts Neck TownshipMonmouth County · 9,989 people66.5top 13.3%AStrongest: health A+, jobs & income A·lowest: cost of living D−
122Medford LakesBurlington County · 4,403 people66.3top 13.8%AStrongest: jobs & income A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D
123DemarestBergen County · 4,893 people66.3top 13.9%AStrongest: health A+, schools A·lowest: cost of living D−
124StanhopeSussex County · 3,614 people66.3top 13.9%AStrongest: jobs & income A, safety A·lowest: cost of living C−
128Peapack and GladstoneSomerset County · 2,587 people66.1top 14.4%AStrongest: health A+, jobs & income A+·lowest: cost of living C−
130Woodbury HeightsGloucester County · 3,162 people66.0top 14.4%AStrongest: jobs & income A+, hazard risk A·lowest: schools C+
134South Harrison TownshipGloucester County · 3,479 people65.6top 15.4%A−Strongest: safety A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D
135GarwoodUnion County · 5,390 people65.6top 15.5%A−Strongest: walkability A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D
136Independence TownshipWarren County · 5,666 people65.5top 15.5%A−Strongest: safety A+, jobs & income A·lowest: cost of living D−
137High BridgeHunterdon County · 3,603 people65.5top 15.7%A−Strongest: health A, walkability A−·lowest: hazard risk C−
139Margate CityAtlantic County · 5,194 people65.4top 15.9%A−Strongest: walkability A+, schools A·lowest: hazard risk D
141Lebanon TownshipHunterdon County · 6,229 people65.0top 16.8%A−Strongest: safety A, health A·lowest: cost of living C
142LinwoodAtlantic County · 7,051 people64.9top 17.0%A−Strongest: health A, jobs & income A−·lowest: cost of living C−
143ManasquanMonmouth County · 5,954 people64.8top 17.3%A−Strongest: health A+, jobs & income A+·lowest: cost of living D−
145Saddle RiverBergen County · 3,430 people64.7top 17.4%A−Strongest: health A+, schools A+·lowest: cost of living D−
146MilltownMiddlesex County · 7,103 people64.6top 17.6%A−Strongest: jobs & income A+, walkability A·lowest: hazard risk D
147Green TownshipSussex County · 3,715 people64.6top 17.7%A−Strongest: health A, jobs & income A−·lowest: cost of living C+
148RivertonBurlington County · 2,842 people64.5top 18.0%A−Strongest: jobs & income A+, health A·lowest: hazard risk D−
152Union TownshipHunterdon County · 6,649 people64.1top 18.9%A−Strongest: health A, hazard risk A−·lowest: cost of living C−
154BordentownBurlington County · 4,108 people63.9top 19.3%A−Strongest: walkability A, health A·lowest: cost of living C−
158Pilesgrove TownshipSalem County · 4,280 people63.4top 20.4%A−Strongest: jobs & income A+, health A·lowest: cost of living C+
159Upper Freehold TownshipMonmouth County · 7,251 people63.3top 20.8%A−Strongest: health A, jobs & income A·lowest: hazard risk C
161ClintonHunterdon County · 2,794 people63.0top 21.3%A−Strongest: jobs & income A+, health A+·lowest: hazard risk D
165BarringtonCamden County · 7,155 people62.9top 21.7%A−Strongest: hazard risk A, health A·lowest: cost of living C
166Fredon TownshipSussex County · 3,332 people62.9top 21.7%A−Strongest: jobs & income A−, health A−·lowest: cost of living B−
167Mansfield TownshipBurlington County · 9,199 people62.7top 22.1%A−Strongest: jobs & income A+, health A−·lowest: cost of living D
168East Amwell TownshipHunterdon County · 3,952 people62.5top 22.7%A−Strongest: jobs & income A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living C−
170MoonachieBergen County · 3,153 people62.4top 22.9%A−Strongest: walkability A+, jobs & income A−·lowest: hazard risk D−
172Mine Hill TownshipMorris County · 4,160 people62.1top 23.7%A−Strongest: health A, jobs & income A·lowest: cost of living D
173BerlinCamden County · 7,628 people62.0top 23.9%A−Strongest: hazard risk A+, jobs & income A·lowest: cost of living C−
174Green Brook TownshipSomerset County · 7,410 people62.0top 23.9%A−Strongest: walkability A, jobs & income A·lowest: cost of living D
176WoodstownSalem County · 3,784 people62.0top 24.1%A−Strongest: walkability A, health A·lowest: cost of living C
178NorthfieldAtlantic County · 8,496 people61.8top 24.6%A−Strongest: health A, jobs & income A−·lowest: cost of living C−
179Greenwich TownshipGloucester County · 5,026 people61.7top 25.0%A−Strongest: jobs & income A, walkability A−·lowest: hazard risk D−
182Hainesport TownshipBurlington County · 6,197 people61.2top 26.3%B+Strongest: jobs & income A+, walkability A+·lowest: cost of living C−
183NetcongMorris County · 3,924 people61.2top 26.4%B+Strongest: hazard risk A, health A·lowest: cost of living C−
184OaklynCamden County · 3,985 people61.1top 26.5%B+Strongest: walkability A+, health A·lowest: cost of living C
185ShrewsburyMonmouth County · 4,178 people61.1top 26.5%B+Strongest: walkability A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D
187Long Hill TownshipMorris County · 8,684 people61.0top 26.9%B+Strongest: health A+, jobs & income A−·lowest: cost of living D
193West Long BranchMonmouth County · 8,625 people60.5top 28.2%B+Strongest: walkability A, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
194Elk TownshipGloucester County · 4,520 people60.4top 28.3%B+Strongest: hazard risk A+, jobs & income A−·lowest: schools C
199JamesburgMiddlesex County · 5,819 people60.2top 29.0%B+Strongest: jobs & income A, walkability A·lowest: cost of living D
202SwedesboroGloucester County · 2,766 people59.9top 29.6%B+Strongest: safety A, hazard risk A·lowest: cost of living C−
203HightstownMercer County · 6,007 people59.8top 29.8%B+Strongest: health A, jobs & income A·lowest: hazard risk D
205Hardyston TownshipSussex County · 8,541 people59.4top 30.9%B+Strongest: safety A, health A−·lowest: cost of living D
206RaritanSomerset County · 8,516 people59.4top 31.0%B+Strongest: health A, jobs & income A·lowest: cost of living D−
207Bethlehem TownshipHunterdon County · 3,774 people59.3top 31.3%B+Strongest: jobs & income A+, health A·lowest: cost of living C−
209StratfordCamden County · 7,200 people59.0top 32.0%B+Strongest: walkability A, hazard risk A·lowest: cost of living C
212BogotaBergen County · 9,816 people58.7top 32.6%B+Strongest: walkability A+, health A−·lowest: cost of living D−
213West Amwell TownshipHunterdon County · 3,037 people58.7top 32.6%B+Strongest: jobs & income A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D
215Upper Pittsgrove TownshipSalem County · 3,545 people58.6top 33.0%B+Strongest: hazard risk A, walkability A−·lowest: cost of living C−
216Fairfield TownshipEssex County · 8,346 people58.4top 33.6%B+Strongest: health A+, walkability A·lowest: cost of living D−
220LambertvilleHunterdon County · 4,198 people58.2top 34.0%B+Strongest: health A, walkability A·lowest: hazard risk D−
221Byram TownshipSussex County · 8,249 people58.0top 34.6%B+Strongest: health A, jobs & income A·lowest: walkability C−
230BloomingdalePassaic County · 7,853 people57.0top 37.2%BStrongest: safety A, jobs & income A−·lowest: hazard risk D
232Kingwood TownshipHunterdon County · 3,864 people57.0top 37.3%BStrongest: health A, jobs & income A·lowest: cost of living D
233SpotswoodMiddlesex County · 8,236 people56.8top 37.8%BStrongest: walkability A, health A−·lowest: hazard risk C
234BoontonMorris County · 8,920 people56.7top 38.1%BStrongest: health A, safety B+·lowest: cost of living D
235KenilworthUnion County · 8,602 people56.7top 38.1%BStrongest: walkability A, jobs & income A−·lowest: cost of living D−
240North HaledonPassaic County · 9,089 people56.5top 38.5%BStrongest: jobs & income A, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
242HighlandsMonmouth County · 4,350 people56.3top 39.3%BStrongest: walkability A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D
245Ocean TownshipOcean County · 9,314 people55.9top 40.5%BStrongest: safety A+, health A−·lowest: cost of living C−
247MatawanMonmouth County · 9,768 people55.7top 40.9%BStrongest: walkability A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D
249Blairstown TownshipWarren County · 5,815 people55.4top 41.7%BStrongest: safety A, health A−·lowest: cost of living D
251AudubonCamden County · 8,825 people55.2top 42.0%BStrongest: walkability A+, hazard risk A+·lowest: safety D
255ClaytonGloucester County · 9,041 people54.6top 43.7%BStrongest: hazard risk A, walkability A−·lowest: schools C−
257Lopatcong TownshipWarren County · 9,537 people54.2top 44.6%BStrongest: safety A−, walkability B+·lowest: cost of living D
260FranklinSussex County · 5,083 people54.2top 44.8%BStrongest: safety A, walkability B·lowest: cost of living C
261Point Pleasant BeachOcean County · 4,993 people54.2top 44.9%BStrongest: walkability A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
262HamburgSussex County · 3,345 people54.1top 44.9%BStrongest: health A, jobs & income A−·lowest: cost of living C−
265RiverdaleMorris County · 4,144 people54.0top 45.5%B−Strongest: jobs & income A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D
266Alloway TownshipSalem County · 3,338 people54.0top 45.5%B−Strongest: jobs & income A, hazard risk B+·lowest: schools C
267Rochelle Park TownshipBergen County · 5,972 people53.9top 45.7%B−Strongest: walkability A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
269Logan TownshipGloucester County · 6,126 people53.7top 46.1%B−Strongest: health A−, walkability A−·lowest: cost of living C−
271Franklin TownshipWarren County · 3,049 people53.6top 46.4%B−Strongest: health A, jobs & income A·lowest: schools C
272WatchungSomerset County · 6,583 people53.5top 46.7%B−Strongest: health A+, jobs & income A·lowest: cost of living D−
276BelvidereWarren County · 2,551 people53.2top 47.5%B−Strongest: walkability A, jobs & income B+·lowest: hazard risk D
280Mullica TownshipAtlantic County · 5,853 people53.1top 48.0%B−Strongest: jobs & income B+, walkability B+·lowest: schools C
283Liberty TownshipWarren County · 2,701 people52.9top 48.5%B−Strongest: health A−, jobs & income A−·lowest: cost of living D
284WhartonMorris County · 7,618 people52.9top 48.7%B−Strongest: walkability A, hazard risk B+·lowest: cost of living D
285Bradley BeachMonmouth County · 4,163 people52.8top 48.9%B−Strongest: walkability A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
286Greenwich TownshipWarren County · 5,726 people52.7top 49.0%B−Strongest: health A, jobs & income A·lowest: cost of living D
291CarlstadtBergen County · 6,410 people52.2bottom 49.5%B−Strongest: walkability A+, health A−·lowest: hazard risk D−
292Stillwater TownshipSussex County · 4,072 people52.2bottom 49.4%B−Strongest: health A−, jobs & income B+·lowest: walkability C−
298RunnemedeCamden County · 8,443 people51.8bottom 48.3%B−Strongest: walkability A, hazard risk A·lowest: schools C−
299Tabernacle TownshipBurlington County · 7,014 people51.8bottom 48.3%B−Strongest: jobs & income A+, health A−·lowest: cost of living D
301Springfield TownshipBurlington County · 3,315 people51.7bottom 48.1%B−Strongest: jobs & income A−, health A−·lowest: cost of living D
302Shamong TownshipBurlington County · 6,659 people51.6bottom 47.9%B−Strongest: jobs & income A+, hazard risk A−·lowest: cost of living D
303BelmarMonmouth County · 5,853 people51.5bottom 47.5%B−Strongest: walkability A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
304WashingtonWarren County · 7,326 people51.4bottom 47.4%B−Strongest: walkability A, safety A−·lowest: cost of living C−
307ClementonCamden County · 5,744 people51.1bottom 46.6%B−Strongest: walkability A+, hazard risk B+·lowest: cost of living C
309Hampton TownshipSussex County · 4,989 people51.0bottom 46.2%B−Strongest: health A−, hazard risk B·lowest: cost of living C−
312Westampton TownshipBurlington County · 9,436 people50.6bottom 45.3%B−Strongest: jobs & income A, health A−·lowest: safety C−
314White TownshipWarren County · 4,706 people50.3bottom 44.3%C+Strongest: jobs & income B+, health B+·lowest: hazard risk D
316Union BeachMonmouth County · 5,708 people50.2bottom 44.1%C+Strongest: walkability A, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
318BeverlyBurlington County · 2,564 people49.8bottom 43.1%C+Strongest: walkability A, jobs & income B+·lowest: hazard risk D
319Frankford TownshipSussex County · 5,368 people49.6bottom 42.6%C+Strongest: health A−, jobs & income B+·lowest: cost of living C−
320BrigantineAtlantic County · 7,658 people49.2bottom 41.5%C+Strongest: walkability A, health A−·lowest: cost of living D−
321FlemingtonHunterdon County · 4,856 people49.0bottom 40.9%C+Strongest: walkability A+, hazard risk A−·lowest: cost of living D
324Holland TownshipHunterdon County · 5,239 people48.8bottom 40.3%C+Strongest: health A, jobs & income A−·lowest: walkability D
325MerchantvilleCamden County · 4,241 people48.8bottom 40.2%C+Strongest: hazard risk A, walkability A−·lowest: cost of living C−
326South Toms RiverOcean County · 3,895 people48.8bottom 40.1%C+Strongest: walkability B, health B·lowest: cost of living C−
327Mansfield TownshipWarren County · 7,996 people48.7bottom 39.9%C+Strongest: health A−, jobs & income B+·lowest: cost of living D
328Eastampton TownshipBurlington County · 6,603 people48.6bottom 39.8%C+Strongest: health A−, jobs & income A−·lowest: cost of living D−
331Alexandria TownshipHunterdon County · 4,811 people48.3bottom 38.8%C+Strongest: health A, jobs & income B·lowest: walkability D
332KeyportMonmouth County · 7,235 people48.2bottom 38.7%C+Strongest: walkability A+, health A−·lowest: cost of living D
336Long Beach TownshipOcean County · 3,148 people47.7bottom 37.1%C+Strongest: walkability A, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
345MagnoliaCamden County · 4,415 people46.8bottom 34.9%CStrongest: hazard risk A, walkability A·lowest: safety C−
347Wildwood CrestCape May County · 3,000 people46.8bottom 34.7%CStrongest: walkability A, health A−·lowest: cost of living D
348National ParkGloucester County · 3,088 people46.7bottom 34.6%CStrongest: walkability A+, jobs & income B·lowest: hazard risk D
349Plumsted TownshipOcean County · 9,991 people46.6bottom 34.4%CStrongest: health A−, jobs & income B+·lowest: cost of living C−
350Allamuchy TownshipWarren County · 5,484 people46.6bottom 34.3%CStrongest: health A, hazard risk B+·lowest: cost of living D
351North Hanover TownshipBurlington County · 8,189 people46.4bottom 33.9%CStrongest: schools B, hazard risk B·lowest: cost of living D−
352Montague TownshipSussex County · 3,896 people46.3bottom 33.8%CStrongest: health A−, jobs & income B−·lowest: hazard risk C−
356Dennis TownshipCape May County · 6,100 people45.4bottom 31.3%CStrongest: jobs & income A−, health B·lowest: walkability C
358Mount EphraimCamden County · 4,716 people45.3bottom 31.0%CStrongest: walkability A, health B·lowest: safety D
359PalmyraBurlington County · 7,664 people44.9bottom 30.0%CStrongest: walkability A+, health B+·lowest: hazard risk D−
361Delanco TownshipBurlington County · 5,010 people44.5bottom 28.9%CStrongest: jobs & income A−, walkability B+·lowest: schools D−
362NewtonSussex County · 8,486 people44.3bottom 28.5%CStrongest: hazard risk B+, safety B·lowest: cost of living C−
365South Bound BrookSomerset County · 4,926 people44.1bottom 28.0%CStrongest: walkability A, jobs & income B·lowest: cost of living D
366Berlin TownshipCamden County · 6,060 people43.9bottom 27.5%CStrongest: hazard risk A+, walkability A·lowest: cost of living C−
370Knowlton TownshipWarren County · 2,947 people43.2bottom 26.0%CStrongest: health A−, jobs & income B+·lowest: cost of living D
377South Hackensack TownshipBergen County · 2,755 people42.4bottom 24.0%C−Strongest: walkability A+, schools B+·lowest: cost of living D−
379Pohatcong TownshipWarren County · 3,578 people42.2bottom 23.6%C−Strongest: jobs & income A−, walkability B+·lowest: safety C−
381Pittsgrove TownshipSalem County · 9,039 people41.8bottom 22.9%C−Strongest: hazard risk A−, jobs & income B+·lowest: walkability D
384WestvilleGloucester County · 4,357 people41.1bottom 21.2%C−Strongest: walkability A+, jobs & income C+·lowest: schools C
386Riverside TownshipBurlington County · 8,231 people40.6bottom 20.3%C−Strongest: walkability A, health B+·lowest: hazard risk D
388Weymouth TownshipAtlantic County · 2,751 people40.4bottom 19.9%C−Strongest: health B+, schools C+·lowest: walkability D
395SomerdaleCamden County · 5,823 people39.4bottom 18.1%C−Strongest: walkability A, hazard risk A−·lowest: safety D
398KeansburgMonmouth County · 9,818 people39.4bottom 18.0%C−Strongest: walkability A+, jobs & income B·lowest: schools D
401Edgewater Park TownshipBurlington County · 9,617 people39.3bottom 17.8%C−Strongest: walkability A, jobs & income B·lowest: schools D
402Quinton TownshipSalem County · 2,675 people39.2bottom 17.5%C−Strongest: hazard risk B, jobs & income B·lowest: health C−
403Ventnor CityAtlantic County · 9,345 people38.9bottom 16.8%C−Strongest: walkability A+, health B+·lowest: cost of living D
404Carneys Point TownshipSalem County · 8,766 people38.8bottom 16.6%C−Strongest: walkability B+, safety B·lowest: hazard risk C−
406HaledonPassaic County · 9,125 people38.3bottom 15.7%C−Strongest: walkability A, jobs & income B+·lowest: cost of living D
407BuenaAtlantic County · 4,529 people38.2bottom 15.5%C−Strongest: health B+, hazard risk B+·lowest: schools D
408Harmony TownshipWarren County · 2,542 people38.2bottom 15.4%C−Strongest: jobs & income B+, health B·lowest: walkability D
409AbseconAtlantic County · 9,209 people37.8bottom 14.9%DStrongest: walkability A−, health A−·lowest: cost of living D
411Hopewell TownshipCumberland County · 4,517 people37.6bottom 14.7%DStrongest: hazard risk A, jobs & income B+·lowest: health D
414LakehurstOcean County · 2,735 people37.1bottom 13.6%DStrongest: walkability B+, hazard risk B·lowest: schools D−
415Buena Vista TownshipAtlantic County · 7,175 people37.0bottom 13.6%DStrongest: jobs & income B, health B−·lowest: schools D
416TuckertonOcean County · 3,734 people36.9bottom 13.4%DStrongest: health A−, walkability B+·lowest: hazard risk D
417North WildwoodCape May County · 3,518 people36.7bottom 13.1%DStrongest: walkability A+, health B·lowest: hazard risk D
418Egg Harbor CityAtlantic County · 4,426 people36.4bottom 12.6%DStrongest: walkability A+, hazard risk B·lowest: schools D
421DunellenMiddlesex County · 8,337 people36.0bottom 11.9%DStrongest: walkability A, jobs & income B−·lowest: cost of living D
422WoodlynneCamden County · 2,942 people35.2bottom 10.8%DStrongest: walkability A+, jobs & income C+·lowest: schools D
425Cape MayCape May County · 2,716 people34.5bottom 10.0%DStrongest: walkability A, health B+·lowest: schools D
429Neptune CityMonmouth County · 4,591 people33.5bottom 8.7%DStrongest: walkability A−, health B·lowest: schools D
433East NewarkHudson County · 2,574 people32.6bottom 7.6%DStrongest: walkability A+, safety B−·lowest: cost of living D−
434PaulsboroGloucester County · 6,329 people31.5bottom 6.3%DStrongest: walkability A−, cost of living C+·lowest: schools D
438Prospect ParkPassaic County · 6,450 people29.8bottom 4.7%D−Strongest: walkability A, safety B·lowest: schools D
441LawnsideCamden County · 3,340 people29.2bottom 4.1%D−Strongest: walkability A+, hazard risk A·lowest: safety D−
443Upper Deerfield TownshipCumberland County · 8,111 people28.6bottom 3.8%D−Strongest: hazard risk A, walkability B+·lowest: cost of living D
445Penns GroveSalem County · 4,934 people27.9bottom 3.3%D−Strongest: walkability A−, cost of living C+·lowest: health D−
446Lawrence TownshipCumberland County · 3,167 people26.5bottom 2.3%D−Strongest: jobs & income B−, health C+·lowest: cost of living D
452SalemSalem County · 5,389 people24.7bottom 1.5%D−Strongest: walkability A, cost of living B·lowest: safety D−
456WildwoodCape May County · 5,068 people24.0bottom 1.3%D−Strongest: walkability A+, jobs & income C·lowest: schools D−
459Seaside HeightsOcean County · 2,549 people22.2bottom 0.8%D−Strongest: walkability A, schools C·lowest: safety D−
461Deerfield TownshipCumberland County · 3,251 people21.5bottom 0.7%D−Strongest: hazard risk A, jobs & income C+·lowest: cost of living D
462Maurice River TownshipCumberland County · 4,780 people20.7bottom 0.5%D−Strongest: health C+, hazard risk C·lowest: walkability D−
464Fairfield TownshipCumberland County · 5,440 people19.2bottom 0.4%D−Strongest: hazard risk B+, walkability C+·lowest: schools D
466Commercial TownshipCumberland County · 4,767 people13.5bottom 0.1%D−Strongest: cost of living C−, jobs & income C−·lowest: schools D−
Method
How this list is made
Each town’s overall grade blends seven livability grades: cost of living (weight 18), safety (18), schools (16), health (14), jobs & income (12), walkability (8) and hazard risk (4). A town needs 2,500+ residents and three of the first four. Letters are national, so an A here means the same as an A in any state; the list is the same towns in the same order, ranked within New Jersey. Towns without their own FBI figures are graded on the rest and their page says why.
Data years: crime 2023–2025 (FBI), Census ACS 2020–2024, CDC PLACES 2025, state school tests. How grades work
Quick answers
Questions people ask
What is the best small town in New Jersey?
Among 215 graded towns of 2,500 to 9,999 residents, Oradell (Bergen County) ranks first, with an A+; health (A+) and jobs & income (A+) are its strongest grades; cost of living (D) is its lowest. Fair Haven and Allendale follow.
How are these towns ranked?
By the overall grade, which blends seven livability grades from public data. The letter is national; the rank is within New Jersey. The full method is on How grades work.
Why isn’t my town on this list?
The list covers towns of 2,500 to 9,999 residents with an overall grade (215 in New Jersey). 62 smaller places have subject grades only; 2 towns of 2,500+ lack enough data for a grade; Larger towns are on the best places to live list. Every town is on the New Jersey page.
Go deeper
All New Jersey rankings →More New Jersey lists
Every list ranks the same 2,500+ towns, so a town’s rank means the same thing on each.
Best places to live466 towns · #1 OradellMost affordable towns468 towns · #1 CamdenSafest towns342 towns · #1 EmersonTowns with the best schools465 towns · #1 Englewood CliffsHealthiest towns468 towns · #1 Mountain LakesBest towns for jobs & income468 towns · #1 Ho-Ho-KusMost walkable towns468 towns · #1 EdgewaterTowns with the lowest natural-hazard risk468 towns · #1 Berlin TownshipBest towns for the outdoors468 towns · #1 MountainsideMost historic towns468 towns · #1 BordentownTowns with the most civic life466 towns · #1 HaddonfieldTowns with the least snow451 towns · #1 Barnegat TownshipDescribed, no lettersSnowiest towns451 towns · #1 Pohatcong TownshipDescribed, no lettersTowns with the mildest winters367 towns · #1 Cape MayDescribed, no lettersTowns with the hottest summers367 towns · #1 Greenwich Township and 3 moreDescribed, no lettersTowns with the coolest summers367 towns · #1 Vernon TownshipDescribed, no lettersTowns with the highest incomes468 towns · #1 Fair Haven and 7 moreDescribed, no lettersTowns with the lowest property taxes246 towns · #1 CamdenDescribed, no lettersFastest-growing towns465 towns · #1 Plumsted TownshipDescribed, no lettersTowns with the most-used libraries234 towns · #1 PrincetonDescribed, no letters
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