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.
1-21 of 21 results
County 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 45 reviews
Population 330,151
#1 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey.
County in New Jersey,
45 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says 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....
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....
Read 45 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Population: 330,151,
Current Resident: Morris County is a great environment for many. Shopping centers, grocery stores, colleges, libraries, and great nightlife opportunities are at what feels like every corner. If you are looking for local job opportunities there are plenty and if you are looking for work in New York City, transportation from Morris County is more than easy and very accessible. This is a great county for families, because of the amazing school systems we have to offer, as well as our safety. You will find many people exercising, enjoying their nightlife, or choosing to walk in the streets of Morris County due to the sense of community we all feel. We also have excellent restaurants of many different cultures, from Latin America to the Mediterranian Sea, all the way to South East Asia.... Read 23 reviews
Population 492,715
#2 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey.
23 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Morris County is a great environment for many. Shopping centers, grocery stores, colleges, libraries, and great nightlife opportunities are at what feels like every corner. If you are looking for....
Morris County is a great environment for many. Shopping centers, grocery stores, colleges, libraries, and great nightlife opportunities are at what feels like every corner. If you are looking for....
Read 23 reviews.
Population: 492,715,
Current Resident: Its a very fun, safe, and diverse place to live! Recommend it! The public school systems are very good, and there is not too much bullying, and the people that live there are diverse.... Read 9 reviews
Population 825,015
#3 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey.
9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Its a very fun, safe, and diverse place to live! Recommend it! The public school systems are very good, and there is not too much bullying, and the people that live there are diverse..
Its a very fun, safe, and diverse place to live! Recommend it! The public school systems are very good, and there is not too much bullying, and the people that live there are diverse..
Read 9 reviews.
Population: 825,015,
New Providence, NJ•
Private School•
PK, K-8
Parent: My children have had an incredible academic and athletic experience while attending AOLP. My oldest graduates this year and will be attending Mount Saint Mary Academy in the fall. She will pursue her education in an environment that will continue to keep her academically supported and challenged like she has experienced at AOLP. They have benefited tremendously from their experience at AOLP. With a focus on educational excellence, strong community bonds and Catholic values- they are poised for great things!... Read 17 reviews
Students 190
Student-teacher ratio 8:1
Blue checkmark.
Private School,
NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ,
PK, K-8,
17 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says My children have had an incredible academic and athletic experience while attending AOLP. My oldest graduates this year and will be attending Mount Saint Mary Academy in the fall. She will pursue...They have benefited tremendously from their experience at AOLP. With a focus on educational excellence, strong community bonds and Catholic values- they are poised for great things!.
My children have had an incredible academic and athletic experience while attending AOLP. My oldest graduates this year and will be attending Mount Saint Mary Academy in the fall. She will pursue...They have benefited tremendously from their experience at AOLP. With a focus on educational excellence, strong community bonds and Catholic values- they are poised for great things!.
Read 17 reviews.
Students: 190,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 8 to 1,
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 23 reviews
Population 931,275
#4 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey.
23 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.
Featured Review: Nearby Resident says 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..
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..
Population: 931,275,
Current Resident: What I like most about this county is that they provide easy access to things that are necessary. For example, if you need something fixed you can easily find someone to help you out. One thing I do believe needs to be fixed is more community service participation as a lot of students and adults seem to forget their community can get dirty. They need to understand that just because their keeping themselves clean but doesn’t mean their keeping they’re surroundings clean too.... Read 11 reviews
Population 368,085
#5 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey.
11 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says What I like most about this county is that they provide easy access to things that are necessary. For example, if you need something fixed you can easily find someone to help you out. One thing I do....
What I like most about this county is that they provide easy access to things that are necessary. For example, if you need something fixed you can easily find someone to help you out. One thing I do....
Read 11 reviews.
Population: 368,085,
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 12 reviews
Population 125,063
#6 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey.
12 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says 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....
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....
Read 12 reviews.
Population: 125,063,
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
Population 620,821
#7 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey.
11 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says 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....
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....
Overall Niche Grade: A,
Population: 620,821,
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 30 reviews
Population 446,301
#8 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey.
30 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says 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.....
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.....
Read 30 reviews.
Population: 446,301,
Current Resident: I have lived in Union County for many years and I have found that are nothing but positive things I can say about it. Starting from the welcoming community, multiple selections of restaurants, the beautiful decorations around the holiday from different cultures and religions, and stores that are closely placed for your convenience. Union County is a community that is welcoming for all ages.... Read 48 reviews
Population 555,208
#9 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey.
48 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says I have lived in Union County for many years and I have found that are nothing but positive things I can say about it. Starting from the welcoming community, multiple selections of restaurants, the....
I have lived in Union County for many years and I have found that are nothing but positive things I can say about it. Starting from the welcoming community, multiple selections of restaurants, the....
Read 48 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A minus,
Population: 555,208,
Current Resident: My overall experience has been pretty good in Gloucester County since I lived in this area. Gloucester County is a genuinely respecting and nice place that has great people. The atmosphere is friendly at times. The area has its flaws at times, but overall the community is pretty caring and safe.... Read 10 reviews
Population 291,745
#10 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey.
10 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says My overall experience has been pretty good in Gloucester County since I lived in this area. Gloucester County is a genuinely respecting and nice place that has great people. The atmosphere is....
My overall experience has been pretty good in Gloucester County since I lived in this area. Gloucester County is a genuinely respecting and nice place that has great people. The atmosphere is....
Read 10 reviews.
Population: 291,745,
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 52 reviews
Population 506,721
#11 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey.
52 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says 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....
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....
Read 52 reviews.
Population: 506,721,
Former Resident: I believe that over the 10 years of living in Hudson County, I have felt safe throughout my town. Not to mention, welcomed by the huge community we have! The community provides several activities throughout holidays and does a great job bringing everyone together. Hudson County also contains a variety of people with different background and has an endless amount of stores. My family and I never had a problem with buying things because you can find anything and everything near you. For instance, convienence stores, gas stations, grocery stores, different types of restaurants, crafts stores, and the list goes on! Moreover, Hudson County has several transportation opportunities. There are several bus and train stations that allow you to travel to several areas, including New York. With that being said, the county contains a beautiful view of New York City and contains many areas to admire the city.... Read 11 reviews
Population 671,923
#12 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey.
11 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.
Featured Review: Former Resident says I believe that over the 10 years of living in Hudson County, I have felt safe throughout my town. Not to mention, welcomed by the huge community we have! The community provides several activities....
I believe that over the 10 years of living in Hudson County, I have felt safe throughout my town. Not to mention, welcomed by the huge community we have! The community provides several activities....
Population: 671,923,
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
Population 264,650
#13 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey.
7 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says 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,....
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,....
Read 7 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B,
Population: 264,650,
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 20 reviews
Population 798,698
#14 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey.
20 Niche users give it an average review of 3.4 stars.
Featured Review: Visitor says 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....
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....
Read 20 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B minus,
Population: 798,698,
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
Population 140,996
#15 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey.
14 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.
Featured Review: Nearby Resident says 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....
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....
Read 14 reviews.
Population: 140,996,
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 27 reviews
Population 502,763
#16 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey.
27 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says 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....
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....
Read 27 reviews.
Population: 502,763,
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
Population 105,730
#17 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey.
12 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.
Featured Review: Nearby Resident says 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....
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....
Population: 105,730,
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
Population 92,701
#18 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey.
6 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says 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,....
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,....
Read 6 reviews.
Population: 92,701,
Current Resident: Ocean county is a great place to live because it has a lot to offer. They have great schools, and ocean county college is a great community college. There is water everywhere, and a lot of diversity.... Read 11 reviews
Population 602,018
#19 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey.
11 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Ocean county is a great place to live because it has a lot to offer. They have great schools, and ocean county college is a great community college. There is water everywhere, and a lot of diversity..
Ocean county is a great place to live because it has a lot to offer. They have great schools, and ocean county college is a great community college. There is water everywhere, and a lot of diversity..
Population: 602,018,
Population 62,754
#20 Best Counties for Families in New Jersey.
4 Niche users give it an average review of 2 stars.
Read 4 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: C+,
Population: 62,754,
Population 150,085
4 Niche users give it an average review of 3.3 stars.
Overall Niche Grade: C,
Population: 150,085,
Bethesda, MD•
PK, K-12
Junior: Rochambeau, French International school is an amazing place to spend your highschool years. Enriched by a multi-cultural student body, Rochambeau has the mix of rigorous academia and a fun social life. The school is primarily taught in French, following the Baccalaureate curriculum. Students are given the option of classes they wish to develop as their "specialties': these include Humanities, Philosophy and French Literature, Social Economic Science, Political Science, Physics, Biology, and Maths. Most teachers are extremely insightful and engaging, and show off an extremely impressive resume from working at international schools around the world. One disadvantage that the school has would maybe be it's limited class size (200 in whole highschool) However, this could be considered a good thing as most students are really close.Overall, the bi-lingual education that is offered with the IB system serves as extremely good preparation to college, while still being a formative experience.... Read 24 reviews
Students 1,149
Student-teacher ratio 9:1
BETHESDA, MD,
PK, K-12,
24 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.
Featured Review: Junior says Rochambeau, French International school is an amazing place to spend your highschool years. Enriched by a multi-cultural student body, Rochambeau has the mix of rigorous academia and a fun social....
Rochambeau, French International school is an amazing place to spend your highschool years. Enriched by a multi-cultural student body, Rochambeau has the mix of rigorous academia and a fun social....
Read 24 reviews.
Students: 1,149,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 9 to 1,
North Brunswick Township School District, NJ•
PK, K-4
Niche User: Parsons Elementary is an awesome place! Teachers are kind and friendly, the academics are very good. There are some extra-curriculars such as chess club. The school has a Gifted and Talented Program too. The area is very nice and people are very friendly. I strongly recommend this school to any parents wondering.... Read 2 reviews
Students 703
Student-teacher ratio 11:1
North Brunswick Township School District, NJ,
PK, K-4,
2 Niche users give it an average review of 3 stars.
Featured Review: Niche User says Parsons Elementary is an awesome place! Teachers are kind and friendly, the academics are very good. There are some extra-curriculars such as chess club. The school has a Gifted and Talented Program....
Parsons Elementary is an awesome place! Teachers are kind and friendly, the academics are very good. There are some extra-curriculars such as chess club. The school has a Gifted and Talented Program....
Read 2 reviews.
Students: 703,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 11 to 1,
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