2021 Best Counties for Families in New JerseyAbout this List

Explore the best counties to raise a family based on public schools, cost of living, and family-friendly amenities. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, BLS, CDC, and other data sources. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Best for Families

21 results

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Somerset County
County in New Jersey
Rating 4.35 out of 5 43 reviews
#1 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey
Current Resident: Somerset County is one of the the safest and highly diverse counties in New Jersey. It allows people to feel attached to places primarily because of qualities like beauty and social openness, rather than more hard-edged economic factors. Walking distance to stores, restaurants. Easy neighborhood for bicycling. There are a lot of job opportunities as well. Unlike the other townships, Somerset feels like home.
Read 43 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A+
Good for Families
329,838 Population
View Nearby Homes
Bergen County
County in New Jersey
Rating 3.67 out of 5 21 reviews
#2 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey
Nearby Resident: Bergen County is a great place to work and live. I lived here for over 3 years and I

live nearby. The traffic is never too long, its close to the highway and there are

a lot of healthy choices for food. There are a few local schools with big play

grounds for students. There are parks, lots of trees and nature around. The

neighborhoods are dog/ pet friendly. I am not too familiar with nightlife but I

have seen a good amount of bars around. There is a large real estate market has

a variety of large homes and apartments are all close to the highway and or are

about 5 - 10 minutes away from transportation. Transportation consists of

buses, trains and we are also about 20 - 30 minutes from New York city. There

are no tolls until you actually get to NYC, the ride there is pretty smooth. There

roads are paved pretty nicely. All you need is some good music and you're on

your way. There is also quite a bit of diversity, you can also find a few good local clubs to join.
Read 21 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A+
Good for Families
930,390 Population
View Nearby Homes
Morris County
County in New Jersey
Rating 4.47 out of 5 19 reviews
#3 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey
Current Resident: It has been a wonderful experience growing up in Morris County. Although I am not original from this county, it was very easy to adapt to and to become a “townie”. The parks are beautiful, there are always wild animals (which are always amazing to see), and many restaurants and shops (especially on route 10 and on route 46). It is a very family- friendly place. You will always see kids riding bikes, people walking their dogs, children playing outside, and people just walking around in general. It is a very safe area and for that reason, children and residents have the advantage of more freedom to roam. However, I hope to see a diversity change. This county is predominantly white and republican, which creates some tension between people. Most people here are privileged and have a hard time seeing that. Since it’s such a small town, everyone knows everyone and they all talk - which is sad because the adults are the ones who are the most guilty of this.
Read 19 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A+
Good for Families
493,379 Population
View Nearby Homes
Middlesex County
County in New Jersey
Rating 4.17 out of 5 6 reviews
#4 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey
Current Resident: This county has a very good school system as well as it has a lot of jobs around. While nightlife is a problem with there being deer around, the residence and people in charge come together to keep accidents to a minimum and keep everyone safe.
Read 6 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A+
Good for Families
825,920 Population
View Nearby Homes
Mercer County
County in New Jersey
Rating 4.38 out of 5 8 reviews
#5 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey
Current Resident: Mercer County is full of great shops, restaurants, and schools. Also, has a great number of beautiful parks and neighboring towns.
Read 8 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A+
Good for Families
367,922 Population
View Nearby Homes
Hunterdon County
County in New Jersey
Rating 4.44 out of 5 9 reviews
#6 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey
Current Resident: Very nice and "homey" town! The only thing is that it's very divided by views on the world. Typically the younger generations of this county are more left-leaning, whereas the older generations are more conservative. There is a very clear divide between these two groups, as it is often showed through their community engagement.
Read 9 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A+
Good for Families
124,823 Population
View Nearby Homes
Monmouth County
County in New Jersey
Rating 4.09 out of 5 11 reviews
#7 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey
Current Resident: Monmouth County is able to fit anyone's needs. The diversity allows for anyone to blend into the community. The beautiful beaches provide an amazing place to spend the summers, and the many parks and hiking trails are perfect for those who lead an active lifestyle. Monmouth County will truly satisfy any, and all, needs!
Read 11 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
grade A
Public Schools
grade A+
Good for Families
621,659 Population
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Union County
County in New Jersey
Rating 4.4 out of 5 47 reviews
#8 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey
Current Resident: There's a very big difference between the different towns/cities in Union County. Cities like Elizabeth and Rahway have more diversity, but also frequently face economic and crime struggles. Then there's the wealthy towns such as Westfield/Summit/Berkeley Heights. It's like a completely different area compared to Elizabeth and Rahway. The majority of their population is white and makes $100,000+. I have been lucky enough to explore many of the towns that I was not familiar with growing up in UC, and there's always more to discover.
Read 47 Reviews
grade A minus
Overall Niche Grade
grade B+
Public Schools
grade A
Good for Families
554,033 Population
View Nearby Homes
Burlington County
County in New Jersey
Rating 3.97 out of 5 29 reviews
#9 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey
Current Resident: A very safe overall county compared to others, with a nice vibe. I’ve lived here all my life and hardly ever felt unsafe. Everyone seems friendly and work ethic is very strong amongst residents here. The farms are beautiful to see, I hope they stay around for generations to come!
Read 29 Reviews
grade A minus
Overall Niche Grade
grade A minus
Public Schools
grade A
Good for Families
445,702 Population
View Nearby Homes
Camden County
County in New Jersey
Rating 3.55 out of 5 51 reviews
#10 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey
Current Resident: I have been a resident of Camden County for 30 years, my children attend school here, and my husband and I both work in Camden. We have seen our neighborhood change for the better. Roads repaired new businesses, shopping, and family activities are all within walking distance or a 5-10 min drive. I plan to retire here and hope my children move to area once they finish college.
Read 51 Reviews
grade B+
Overall Niche Grade
grade B
Public Schools
grade A minus
Good for Families
506,738 Population
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Gloucester County
County in New Jersey
Rating 4.43 out of 5 7 reviews
#11 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey
Current Resident: Gloucester county is a lively place to live in with job opportunities, good education for students, and a diverse community. Everyone in this county is friendly, it is safe and affordable.
Read 7 Reviews
grade B+
Overall Niche Grade
grade B+
Public Schools
grade A minus
Good for Families
291,165 Population
View Nearby Homes
Hudson County
County in New Jersey
Rating 4.2 out of 5 10 reviews
#12 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey
Current Resident: NJCU provides a lot of online and physical resources for the students. I get positive feedback on my work all the time to get it enhanced. The professors encourage readings and searching for more theories and ideas. In general, students have a lot to work on with the assistance. The professors are always available to provide help through emails, personal meetings, and during classes. NJCU connects what the students study to their careers. So, you find some materials to address your experiences in work and how to link that to your study to improve or come up with new methods or strategies.
Read 10 Reviews
grade B+
Overall Niche Grade
grade B minus
Public Schools
grade A minus
Good for Families
670,046 Population
View Nearby Homes
Atlantic County
County in New Jersey
Rating 4.14 out of 5 7 reviews
#13 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey
Current Resident: The community is very tight-knit and dedicated to each other. The reality is that the area is dependent entirely on very fragile economic opportunities, and this has led the area to be strong, steady, and caring.
Read 7 Reviews
grade B
Overall Niche Grade
grade B+
Public Schools
grade B+
Good for Families
266,105 Population
View Nearby Homes
Sussex County
County in New Jersey
Rating 4.57 out of 5 14 reviews
#14 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey
Nearby Resident: Sussex is a gorgeous rural town. I personally fell in love with the atmosphere and landscape from the mountain views to the lake communities. My personal favorite spot is High Point which is relatively close to Sussex. High Point's monument is a staple in its entirety however, at sunset its a photographers dream or in my case a form of serenity for a stressed out nursing student. The spacious land is never dull in any season of the year from the spring and its sprouting wild flowers, to the summer with lakes filled with splashing memories and the hint of sunscreen lingering in the air, to the fall and its leaves robust colors, and to the winter and its mounds of snow. Furthermore, the sunsets you can always rely on for their beauty with the sun clinging onto the horizon of the mountains spreading its last few moment of light are nothing short of glorious. Sussex is the reason why New Jersey is known as the Garden State!
Read 14 Reviews
grade B
Overall Niche Grade
grade B+
Public Schools
grade B+
Good for Families
141,483 Population
View Nearby Homes
Warren County
County in New Jersey
Rating 3.5 out of 5 12 reviews
#15 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey
Nearby Resident: Warren has a great array of school systems and public facilities in conjunction with a dedicated and educated community. There are many job opportunities ranging from Real Estate markets to Doctor Offices. The Center of Warren is primarily known for a multitude of fine restaurants, shopping malls, and sporting venues. Watchung Hills Regional High School is a top-ranked public school in New Jersey and although coupled with a high cost of living, the opportunity cost of Warren is worth the great lifestyle of raising a family or settling for retirement.
Read 12 Reviews
grade B minus
Overall Niche Grade
grade B+
Public Schools
grade B
Good for Families
105,862 Population
View Nearby Homes
Essex County
County in New Jersey
Rating 3.33 out of 5 18 reviews
#16 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey
Visitor: Very warm, the people are very nice. The great learning environment, teachers and counselors are very resourceful and helpful. A variety of cultures and backgrounds to learn from. Will definitely recommend going to this school
Read 18 Reviews
grade B minus
Overall Niche Grade
grade C+
Public Schools
grade B
Good for Families
795,404 Population
View Nearby Homes
Passaic County
County in New Jersey
Rating 3.85 out of 5 26 reviews
#17 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey
Current Resident: I have lived in Passaic County my entire life and I have nothing to say but good thinks about this area. Many of our cities have the NY feel to them but without the huge crowds. Public transportation is not the greatest but it will get you to wherever it is that you need to get. From great local restaurants to beautiful state parks, there are many things to do here in Passaic County.
Read 26 Reviews
grade C+
Overall Niche Grade
grade B minus
Public Schools
grade B
Good for Families
503,637 Population
View Nearby Homes
Cape May County
County in New Jersey
Rating 4.17 out of 5 6 reviews
#18 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey
Current Resident: Growing up in Cape May County then coming back to the area as an adult gave me the oppurtunity to view Cape May County from different angles. There are countless amazing thins about the area however, there is plenty of room for the county to grow. It is primarily a summer- tourist driven economy for the three summer months, which leaves the county very desolate for the other 9 months of the year. There are so many positive activities to engage families and community members in of all ages throughout the year however and I hope to see this utilized in the coming years for a stronger year-round community.
Read 6 Reviews
grade B
Overall Niche Grade
grade B
Public Schools
grade B
Good for Families
93,086 Population
View Nearby Homes
Ocean County
County in New Jersey
Rating 3.7 out of 5 10 reviews
#19 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey
Current Resident: I've lived here my entire life and I wouldn't want it any other way. We're close to the beach, everything is relatively close, little to no crime or harm to anyone. Living here is definitely a huge part of who I am today and will hold a special place in my heart as I go off to college and start a life for myself.
Read 10 Reviews
grade B minus
Overall Niche Grade
grade B
Public Schools
grade B
Good for Families
596,415 Population
View Nearby Homes
Salem County
County in New Jersey
Rating 2 out of 5 3 reviews
#20 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey
grade C+
Overall Niche Grade
grade B
Public Schools
grade B
Good for Families
62,990 Population
View Nearby Homes
Cumberland County
County in New Jersey
Rating 3.25 out of 5 4 reviews
grade C
Overall Niche Grade
grade C
Public Schools
grade B minus
Good for Families
151,906 Population
View Nearby Homes
Sponsored
Burgundy Farm Country Day School
Private School
Alexandria, VA
PK, K-8
Rating 5 out of 5 10 reviews
Parent: My husband and I wanted an inclusive school that would be an extension of our family, and we found that in the Burgundy Community. We made the decision to send my son to Burgundy in JK and looking back now as he is in the midst of 2nd grade, choosing Burgundy was the best decision. Burgundy is a nurturing community that fosters the whole child, ensuring life long learners. Burgundy leans into a child's individual character and ensures every child is heard and has a voice. My son loves Burgundy and is thriving. I know without a doubt that Burgundy will lay the foundation for my son's continued success, not only in his future academic pursuits, but in life as a whole!
Read 10 Reviews
262 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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