Safest Place to Live in New Jersey (2026): Best Picks

The crime rate in New Jersey is 202.9 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average. The state is the fifth safest place in the US. It boasts a law enforcement presence and a strong commitment to community safety initiatives. Its diverse landscape, from robust highlands to tranquil coastal plains, provides different living environments to suit various preferences.

The state's strategic location within the United States also offers easy access to major states like New York and Delaware. This makes it a convenient base for exploration and travel. If you want to find your dream home in New Jersey, check out reAlpha. Using its AI technology, you can find the right house for you.

Here is our ranking of the safest towns in NJ:

Vernon Township, located in Sussex County is one of the NJ's safest towns. Its crime index is 90, which is considered very safe across the country. It has a 0 violent crime rate and property crimes of 1.95 per 1,000 residents. This makes it a great choice for families and students to move.

Bernards Township is one of the safest towns in NJ. It is charming, with beautiful parks and excellent schools. There are 0 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, but there is a property crime rate of 2.4 per 1,000 people.

Jefferson Township is situated in Morris County and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. You can consider it to be the best place to live in New Jersey, with 0.2 violent crimes per 1,000 residents. However, its property crime rate is less than 2, which is less than most neighboring areas.

Buying a Home? Get up to 1.5% Cash Back at Closing

Get pre-approval first, and start exploring homes knowing you may get part of the home price back at closing.

Find Homes

New Milford, located in Bergen County, is one of the safest and most family-friendly towns in New Jersey. Known for its numerous parks and rich cultural attractions, this town is safer than 64% of areas across the United States. It has an impressively low violent crime rate of 0.28 and a property crime rate of 6.51 per 1,000 residents.

Hillsborough Township is often regarded as one of the best neighborhoods in New Jersey. It features well-maintained infrastructure and offers convenient proximity to major cities. The township has an impressively low violent crime rate of 0.18 and a property crime rate of 3.24 per 1,000 residents.

Here are our rankings of the safest cities in New Jersey:

Princeton is one of the best cities to live in New Jersey. It has a strong police presence with highly educated residents who believe in community well-being. The city has a crime rate of 0.33, with property crimes of 13.63 per 1,000 residents.

Ridgewood is one of the safest cities to live in, placing a strong emphasis on community building. It has a low violent crime rate of 0.31 and a property crime rate of 7.76 per 1,000 residents.

Closter is a popular city known for its suburban charm and well-maintained infrastructure. With a strong sense of community, it has an impressive violent crime rate of 0 and a property crime rate of 7.16 per 1,000 residents.

Hoboken is a densely populated city in New Jersey but has a strong police presence. They have a strong community presence and are great for somebody looking for a peaceful stay. It has a violent crime rate of 1.53, with property crimes of 15.67 per 1,000 residents.

Metuchen stands out as one of the best places to live in New Jersey, offering a perfect blend of community spirit, quality education, and recreational opportunities.

Safety is a key highlight, with Metuchen boasting a low violent crime rate of 0.73 and property crimes at 16.28 per 1,000 residents. Its unique mix of small-town charm and modern amenities makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a secure and fulfilling lifestyle.

Save up to 1.5% at closing when you buy

Save up to 1.5% at closing when you combine real estate and mortgage services with reAlpha.

Unlock your savings

When searching for the safest towns in New Jersey, it’s important to evaluate key factors to ensure you're making an informed decision. Here are the three most important considerations:

• Property Crime Rate: Evaluate the property crime rates in the area, as they provide insight into the prevalence of theft, burglary, and vandalism. Lower property crime rates indicate a safer, more secure environment for residents.

• Violent Crime Statistics: Understanding the violent crime statistics in New Jersey is crucial. Pay attention to the rates of assault, robbery, and other violent offenses to determine how well the town handles public safety.

• Gun Violence in New Jersey’s Cities: Gun violence is an important concern in many urban areas. Look for data on gun-related crimes and trends in the town or city you’re considering to gauge the level of threat and the effectiveness of local law enforcement.

By carefully considering these factors, you can confidently choose a New Jersey town that prioritizes safety, security, and the well-being of its residents.

New Jersey is one of the safest places to live in the USA. It has a vibrant culture with a thriving job market for home seekers. Furthermore, its proximity to major cities and well-developed infrastructure is great for ambitious people.

If you want to find your dream house in the safest place to live in NJ, then reAlpha can help you. The platform charges no commissions, and its AI capabilities will narrow down your house search and get you the best deal.