2019 Best Counties for Families in New JerseyAbout this List

Somerset County

• County in New Jersey
• 33 reviews

Current Resident: Somerset County offers a very diverse community with many activities available. There are numerous parks and outdoor facilities that promote exercise. The public school system is mediocre, but there are a number of excellent private institutions available. Somerset County has become increasingly crowded over the years, and this influx of people has led to increased crime. Some areas of Somerset County are not very safe. However, there are many affluent areas in the county. Many opportunities exist for one to find employment. Grocery stores and other small businesses are always eager to hire young adults as part-time employees.
Read 33 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• A+

• 333,316 Population

Morris County

• County in New Jersey
• 15 reviews

Current Resident: I have been living in Morris County for the past 18 years and I absolutely love it. The people living in this county are incredibly family-oriented, very welcoming, and friendly. There are plenty of fun activities and things to do around town and you'll always have the option to keep busy! There are many restaurants and bars open late as well as countless options for brunch and lunch in the mornings and early afternoons. I'm still impressed by the variety of different food options, from Indian and Thai to Mexican and Japanese, the list goes on and on. The movie theaters, although a bit overpriced, do offer a selection of genres for whatever you are in the mood to watch. My favorite thing to do is explore the outdoors with my friends. We love packing up our backpacks with hiking essentials and checking out the local parks. I really enjoy Morris County and I hope that I can continue to live here and enjoy its perks even after I graduate college and begin my career in education.
Read 15 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• A+

• 498,847 Population

Hunterdon County

• County in New Jersey
• 7 reviews

Current Resident: I have always felt so safe and happy here. My neighbors are so friendly, all of the houses always look so nice and neat. I've never felt threatened living here. The schools around here, I loved. I have so many good memories. Everyone that came through the schools with me agreed that we were prepared for the next grade each year. There is so many things to do around here. So many places to eat, play games or hangout with friends. I never feel bored or the need to travel far to have fun. When I started looking for a job, there was so many openings and they were all diverse, so I found a job that fit me. I have never felt overwhelmed with driving, if I need something its close by. All of my daily drives are very short with limited traffic. I love it here and i'll be sad to leave soon!
Read 7 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• A+

• 125,717 Population

Bergen County

• County in New Jersey
• 16 reviews

Current Resident: I enjoyed living in Bergen County because of the close community interaction. The local town events bring people from all over the county. My grammar school offered many actitives. There was Boy Scouts, baseball, basketball,football,summer camp and as a teenager, Bergen County Cadets. My high school set the stage for me to stat thinking about college. My history teach and I enjoyed many conservation regarding current issues and public views. He stirred my passion for political change. One reason I decided to major in Political Science.

I always feel safe, I remember having Sunday dinners with several neighbor families where we left our doors unlock. With the many parks, there were pony rides, jogging, dog parks. As I became a young man I often went into NYC? Where else can you have both country and city live styles? The count consist of many different nationalities, a true melting pot.
I recommend living in north Jersey. The beauty and fun is great but even better are people.
Read 16 Reviews

• A

• A+

• A+

• 937,920 Population

Middlesex County

• County in New Jersey
• 1 review

• A

• A

• A

• 837,288 Population

Monmouth County

• County in New Jersey
• 8 reviews

Current Resident: This is a great place to live, esp with kids. Living anywhere in Monmouth County means it's a fairly quick drive to New York City, Philadelphia, and the Jersey Shore is HERE!
Read 8 Reviews

• A-

• A

• A

• 627,551 Population

Mercer County

• County in New Jersey
• 6 reviews

Current Resident: Small town feel but close to major metropolitan areas. Higher education is accessible to anyone, from county college to Princeton U. Great train access to NYC and Philly. Arts and culture in Princeton, Lawrence, Trenton and more, and supported live music scene. I love it here.
Read 6 Reviews

• A

• A-

• A-

• 373,362 Population

Sussex County

• County in New Jersey
• 10 reviews

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 10 Reviews

• B

• A-

• A-

• 143,570 Population

Burlington County

• County in New Jersey
• 20 reviews

Current Resident: Burlington Country is an amazing place to live. Not only is there great food and fun around here, but it is in perfect location. Around the area there are farms, beaches, cities and everything a person can imagine! It is the perfect place to live for someone of any age.
Read 20 Reviews

• B+

• B+

• A-

• 449,192 Population

Union County

• County in New Jersey
• 35 reviews

Current Resident: I am born and raised in Union, NJ. I love this town and my friends from here too! Where I live is perfect because I live right near so many places. I am just minutes away from two parks, an emergency room, a gas station, two strips of stores, and Union surrounds about five other towns that also have great places to go. I believe my town is also very safe and friendly. The diversity is also very strong.
Read 35 Reviews

• B+

• B

• B+

• 557,320 Population

Gloucester County

• County in New Jersey
• 4 reviews

Current Resident: I like the calm atmosphere and generally friendly people in the area. I would like our roads improved in some areas and more local businesses!
Read 4 Reviews

• B

• B+

• B+

• 291,372 Population

Warren County

• County in New Jersey
• 10 reviews

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 10 Reviews

• B-

• B+

• B

• 107,088 Population

Camden County

• County in New Jersey
• 41 reviews

Current Resident: It's a great community overall, living here for about 10-11 years. It's not bad as people think, when the community all come together, we become one amazing community. With helping, cleaning, and engaging in community service.
Read 41 Reviews

• B

• B

• B

• 510,996 Population

Hudson County

• County in New Jersey
• 7 reviews

Current Resident: County has a lot of diversity, you will find people from all sorts of backgrounds. Along with huge diversity, you will find an infinite amount of restaurants, recreational activities and so much more. Additionally you are only 10-15 min away from the city and you have a different public transportation to chose from.
Read 7 Reviews

• B

• C

• B-

• 679,756 Population

Cape May County

• County in New Jersey
• 6 reviews

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

• B-

• B+

• B-

• 94,549 Population

Atlantic County

• County in New Jersey
• 4 reviews

Current Resident: Atlantic County is a great place to raise a family and is close to shopping. Many of the smaller towns hold events for families throughout the year. The real estate market is below average in comparison to other similar areas in the country. The schools are great. They offer a wide variety of programs to the students, including after school tutoring and sports. I would like to see more diversity in some of the communities. There is a bit of noticeable segregation in some of the towns. Crime rate is very low in most places.
Read 4 Reviews

• C+

• B

• B-

• 272,926 Population

Essex County

• County in New Jersey
• 14 reviews

Current Resident: This nieghborhood is like any other. One must love and care for eachother and thier community for things to truly be the best. I have met some lovely people and I also encountered a few unapologetic rude people as well. In the end life is what you make of it, and personally I make lemons out of lemonade.
Read 14 Reviews

• C+

• B

• B-

• 800,401 Population

Ocean County

• County in New Jersey
• 8 reviews

Current Resident: I currently live in Toms River. It is a family friendly town. I like the school my children go to but wish there was more technology in the classroom. There are many job opportunities nearby. There are many places to shop and eat. It is very convenient in the summer to be near the beach and boardwalk.
Read 8 Reviews

• C+

• B

• B-

• 589,699 Population

Salem County

• County in New Jersey

• C

• B-

• C+

• 63,776 Population

Passaic County

• County in New Jersey
• 21 reviews

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 21 Reviews

• C-

• C

• C

• 510,563 Population

Cumberland County

• County in New Jersey
• 2 reviews

• C-

• C-

• C-

• 154,952 Population