A new ranking put out by U.S. News & World Report names the best places to live in the country. Using their own methodology, U.S. News put together a comprehensive list comparing the top 250 cities in the nation. No New Jersey cities broke the top 250, U.S. News highlighted 14 cities across the state in its state-level breakdown.
Though detailed, the ranking should be taken with a grain of salt, relying heavily on public survey conducted within a one-month period in early 2025, which could imply biases. However, thorough procedure played a role too. Clifton was named the best place to live in New Jersey, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 rankings released May 20.
The publication highlighted New Jersey’s cultural assets, including its music heritage, arts scene, and attractions like the Atlantic City boardwalk.
The Best Places to Live in New Jersey
- Clifton
- Vineland
- Jersey City
- Bayonne
- Elizabeth
- Passaic
- Union City
- New Brunswick
- East Orange
- Paterson
- Newark
- Trenton
- Camden
- Atlantic City
New Jersey is home to a staggering 545 municipalities, including 52 cities.
U.S. News & World Report Methodology
U.S. News & World Report’s Best Places to Live rankings are based on five weighted indexes—quality of life (26%), value (25%), desirability (24%), job market (23%), and net migration (2%)—using data from Applied Geographic Solutions, U.S. government sources, and U.S. News’ own analysis. The rankings reflect public priorities gathered from a national survey in February 2025 and evaluate cities on factors such as education, healthcare, housing affordability, climate, crime rates, employment, and population trends. Data points were standardized, scored, and combined using statistical models to produce an overall rating on a 10-point scale.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.