2022 Best Places to Raise a Family in Monmouth County

• Suburb in New Jersey

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  Rating 4.83 out of 5  6 reviews

Current Resident: Great family environment and absolutely great for kids. Kids can ride their bikes to school and into town and there are dozens of parks and baseball fields and basketball courts.... Read 6 reviews

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• Population 6,235

• Suburb in New Jersey

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  Rating 4 out of 5  15 reviews

Current Resident: Close to the perfect small town with great residents, an ideal location, top schools and high marks for safety. Extremely family friendly! Easily one of the best towns in Central Jersey.... Read 15 reviews

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• Population 6,103

• Suburb in New Jersey

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  Rating 4.26 out of 5  19 reviews

Current Resident: Growing up in Rumson has been an amazing experience... It had its pros- My life long friendships that I have built because of how small the community is. The memories I have made while on class trips, especially overnight ones. And how close it is to Sea bright. It is nice to be able to go there when I need a breath/break to myself. But the cons are- it is not very diverse and for somethings close minded. Also, people tend to be in others business sometimes, also for how small the town is. But that is really the only problems I have ever had. I am sooo grateful to live here. It is a safe, loving, close knitted, family friendly, pet friendly, quaint town that is full of bright and amazing people. I don't think you can find anything better than that!... Read 19 reviews

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• Population 7,292

• Suburb in New Jersey

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  Rating 3.84 out of 5  62 reviews

Current Resident: It is pronounced Home-del for a reason; it is more than just a place to live. Families share a common goal of maintaining a safe, engaged community and a top-rated school system. It is a welcoming town appreciative of different cultures, too. Residents here can take advantage of Holmdel Park, a beautiful spot for people of all ages. Because PNC Arts Center is in our backyard, we have access to great entertainment and diverse, fun festivals. With the recent addition of Bell Works as a community hub, Holmdel now has an unofficial town center. A place where people can gather, play, dine, shop, and work, the space allows for the best of the town to come together. Given its quick access to New York City, Holmdel offers it all.... Read 62 reviews

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• Population 17,317

• Suburb in New Jersey

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  Rating 3.85 out of 5  13 reviews

Niche User: We encounter normal, mostly non violent crimes here.... Read 13 reviews

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• Population 12,365

• Suburb in New Jersey

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  Rating 4.45 out of 5  20 reviews

Current Resident: Extremely safe. I spent my childhood into early adulthood here. It is pretty quiet and not a lot to do, but my friendships and education while living here will definitely last me a lifetime. I would like to see a better downtown area maybe, the closest areas like that are red bank or freehold, but I could see myself raising my kids here. Great public schools! Taxes are extremely expensive.... Read 20 reviews

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• Population 5,061

• Suburb in New Jersey

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  Rating 4.21 out of 5  38 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived and grown up in Brielle my entire life. It's a cute little beach town that has close connections to all of the other areas. As much as being small has its pros, sometimes the town feels suffocating because everyone and their parent, and grandparent has grown up here. It's a bit cliquey. Otherwise, the town is great (always celebrates Brielle Day) and has a community feel.... Read 38 reviews

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• Population 4,955

• Suburb in New Jersey

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  Rating 4.18 out of 5  17 reviews

Current Resident: An incredible place to raise a family. I didn’t want to move here from Princeton (also five stars). We wanted to go back to the city but made a stop here. So glad we did. It has the feeling of a Hallmark movie that doesn’t really leave. Sensible and helpful community, with amenities and great schools. People here aren’t political and tend to be down to earth and level headed. I must be getting old if this is something so value. Property taxes are very high but you get what you pay for here.... Read 17 reviews

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• Population 6,812

• Suburb in New Jersey

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  Rating 3.38 out of 5  24 reviews

Niche User: I always see the police when I am out and about. They'll drive through neighborhoods regularly and be there when you need them. Hardly is there any crime, I'd believe if anything that the police of my area would be bored with all the inactivity of crime!... Read 24 reviews

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• Population 7,119

• Suburb in New Jersey

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  Rating 4.74 out of 5  23 reviews

Current Resident: It is a lovely small beach town, with everything you need within a 10 minute bike ride. Manasquan is the perfect place to grow up and succeed. There is always something to do as well! Festivals, flea markets, the fairs, and the beach days are wonderful things to attended through out the year. Everyone is so kind and welcoming, and the school spirit and pride is out of this world. Don't forget to watch the beautiful sunset over the Manasquan Inlet!... Read 23 reviews

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• Population 5,930

• Suburb in New Jersey

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  Rating 4.21 out of 5  19 reviews

Current Resident: Shrewsbury is a wonderful small town. Everyone knows each other. Most residents have grown up here and chose to stay and start their families. Our Boro may be small, but we have many community activites such as sports, food truck "Shrewsbury Day" and Santa on the fire truck events. Great town to grow up.... Read 19 reviews

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• Population 4,129

• Suburb in New Jersey

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  Rating 3.75 out of 5  48 reviews

Current Resident: My husband+I are young professionals who moved from Manhattan and bought a house in downtown Matawan 5+ years ago. The area is still "up and coming" meaning Main Street is undergoing a long-awaited transformation of housing+new business. There's a general expectation the area will explode in the next few years. A few things we really like about living here: -Home prices are relatively affordable compared to other shore towns and surrounding areas like Red Bank, Middletown, Holmdel, etc. -Close to everything! We're both NYC commuters and love being walking distance from the train and a short drive to the ferry. Bell Works is 15 mins, the shore is 20 mins, and all the amenities of Monmouth County are nearby. Rts 36, 35, 34 and the parkway are a few minutes away. -Great community feel and super walkable downtown. We walk to the pub, library, post office, train, lake, etc. We know our neighbors and council people. Really active historical society and tons of local historic attractions.... Read 48 reviews

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• Population 9,486

Visitor: The town was very cute and had stores and great food options. The food was so good. Even the ice cream place was delicious. They had cute shops, and a lot of handmade stores where small businesses could sell their stuff they have made which I thought was a cute idea. The people were also really nice.... Read 19 reviews

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• Population 1,899

• Suburb in New Jersey

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  Rating 4.44 out of 5  16 reviews

Current Resident: Very safe town to raise children “Mayberry” is the term often used. The school is very good, and the residents are very friendly. Summer on the beach and at the town beach club is fantastic!... Read 16 reviews

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• Population 3,197

• Suburb in New Jersey

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  Rating 4.27 out of 5  11 reviews

Current Resident: I LOVE THIS TOWN. One of the best places to live on the jersey shore. It is a quiet town with very friendly people and a beautiful scenery. During the winters there is nothing to do, but in the summer it is very fun and lively. Would definitely recommend it to anyone who comes down to the shore.... Read 11 reviews

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• Population 2,814

• Suburb in New Jersey

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  Rating 4 out of 5  2 reviews

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• Population 1,945

Niche User: This area may be far from a lot of places, but it is still one that has many amenities in the general vicinity. The privacy here is unbeatable and is something residents and visitors alike would enjoy.... Read 15 reviews

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• Population 7,232

• Suburb in New Jersey

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  Rating 4.24 out of 5  29 reviews

Current Resident: Colts Neck is beautiful, peaceful, and affluent located in desirable Monmouth County, this town has so much to offer! Breathtaking scenery of the open space and lovely horse farms. Colts Neck has a fantastic school system with amazing teachers. Friendly neighbors and gorgeous sprawling homes. Within minutes to Jersey shore finest beaches. Also, an easy commute into the city. Within close driving distance to great shopping, restaurants, nightlife, recreational parks, and upscale golf courses. A truly amazing one of a kind place to live and raise a family in. Highly recommend moving here.... Read 29 reviews

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• Population 9,975

• Suburb in New Jersey

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  Rating 4.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Current Resident: Walk to great restaurants and bars. The Ocean and river are only steps away from any point in town. Living here is like being on vacation.... Read 3 reviews

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• Population 1,532

• Suburb in New Jersey

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  Rating 4.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Current Resident: Oakhurst is overall a great community as it really focuses on the unity of its people and the safety of its environment. As a resident, the school district is academically excelling and a great location for families to live. The community is very tight knit and accepting of others, and the people implement kindness and being courteous to others all around.... Read 3 reviews

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• Population 3,810

• Suburb in New Jersey

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  Rating 4 out of 5  7 reviews

Niche User: This area is very safe. Many police live in this neighborhood, and they park their cruisers in their driveways. It helps me and my family feel safe to see the presence of the very friendly police frequently. There is very little crime and we have a great sense of safety.... Read 7 reviews

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• Population 14,565

• Suburb in New Jersey

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  Rating 4 out of 5  7 reviews

Niche User: I would love to live in this area for a majority of my life. I do plan to move out west for the warm weather during the winter, but with out a doubt I will have a summer home here!... Read 7 reviews

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• Population 1,760

• Suburb in New Jersey

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  Rating 4.38 out of 5  8 reviews

Former Resident: I live in Belford for many years. Great place to grow up, live & raise a family. Very convenient to NY train, ferry and bus. It has great parks and a amazing bike trail called Henry Hudson Bike trail . There is Belford seafood co op, where you can buy fresh seafood. And afterwards a grab a beer at the Belford Brewer! Check out this little gem tucked away in Middletown Twsp.... Read 8 reviews

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• Population 2,027

• Suburb in New Jersey

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  Rating 3.75 out of 5  4 reviews

Current Resident: near the beach and nice shore towns. many bars and restaurants that make a nice nightlife. Schooling is not as good, but the vocational schools in the district (for highschool) are very good.... Read 4 reviews

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• Population 1,746

• Suburb in New Jersey

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  Rating 4 out of 5  2 reviews

Niche User: After living in the same town my whole life, I couldn't fully appreciate it until I left home for college. Living minutes from the Shore and the beautiful beaches, with amazing views of New York City a reasonable drive away, with Philly just a little farther in the opposite direction. Nothing can compare to the food, the atmosphere and the people where I grew up and will forever call home.... Read 2 reviews

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• Population 3,775