Should I Relocate from NYC to New Jersey? Real Estate Lawyer Weighs In
75,000 New Yorkers relocated to New Jersey in 2024. Individuals, couples, and families from all income levels ditched the Big Apple in favor of the Garden State. With the cost of living rising sharply across the country, it is no wonder folks are looking to exit one of the most expensive cities in the world. The draw of NYC is obvious. Folks around the globe dream about living in this cultural epicenter. But calling NYC home comes with many sacrifices.
Whether you are being priced out of the city or simply looking for a different lifestyle, New Jersey offers a best-of-both-worlds alternative to city living. You are still close enough to the city to enjoy all NYC has to offer while taking advantage of the perks of the suburbs. If you are an NYC resident considering a big move to NJ, here are some things you should consider.
Space
Lack of space is a huge factor motivating NYC residents to pack up and head across the river to NJ. NYC has the densest population of any US city, with about 29,300 people per square mile (and 74,780 per square mile in Manhattan). Because of this, real estate is priced at a premium, and you will pay more money for less space. When you outgrow the space you can afford in NYC, you can find yourself priced out of the city.
In general, NJ real estate offers more space for less money. Growing families, pet owners, or those looking for more space could benefit greatly from moving to New Jersey.
Outdoor Activities
Outside of Central Park and a few other small parks scattered across the city, outdoor spaces in NYC are limited to concrete and the hustle and bustle of city life. One of the most commonly listed reasons for relocating out of the city is more access to the outdoors. Most NJ properties either include their own backyards or have quick access to local parks and recreational areas. Easy access to larger outdoor spaces opens up all kinds of opportunities for new activities, exploration, and relaxation in peace and quiet.
School Systems
Several northern NJ towns have nationally ranked school districts, offering educational opportunities for families with children. These New Jersey schools are well-funded, offer smaller classes, more individualized attention, and a strong sense of community. School systems in the suburbs can offer vigorous academic curricula, strong extracurricular activities, and a wide range of services to support student development.
Cost of Living
New Jersey has the highest property taxes in the country at 2.23%, with an average tax bill of $10,570 per year. While the actual tax bill the average New Yorker pays will vary widely depending on location and type of residence, the property tax rate is 1.64%—significantly lower than in New Jersey. But while you can expect to pay higher property taxes in NJ, the cost of living is generally lower in all other areas. You will typically pay much less in NJ for goods, services, dining out, entertainment, rent, utilities, and many other expenses.
Commuting
If you work in the city, your move to NJ will mean you need to commute farther. Your commute will look very different depending on which part of New Jersey you prefer. While you may be used to public transportation, not all NJ towns have the infrastructure to rely on it alone. In many areas of NJ, you will likely need a car not just for your work commute but also for errands and exploring outside your workweek.
That said, many northern NJ towns and cities are connected to NYC via NJ Transit. A quick 5–10-minute car ride can get you to a train station or bus terminal. While your commute may take longer than walking a few city blocks or hopping on the Subway, NYC is still very accessible from most of the surrounding NJ counties.
Lifestyle
NYC is one of the busiest cities in the world. You have instant access to a wide range of art, entertainment, history, culture, sports, and restaurants within a few blocks of your residence. Giving that up can be difficult. You won’t be able to Uber Eats dim sum at 2 AM in the suburbs. Given that access to NYC's cultural pulse is one of the main aspects of its appeal, this can be a major factor.
Adjusting to life outside of the city can be a huge culture shock. But local amenities and a slower-paced life mean more free time and a more relaxed day-to-day. Sure, you are not swept up in the bustle of city life every day, but you may have more time to relax and enjoy a book in your hammock out back.
Where in New Jersey?
Where you choose to settle in New Jersey will depend entirely on your specific needs and preferences. NJ is a diverse state with small rural communities, walkable towns, and smaller urban cities. Deciding why you are moving to NJ will help you determine what you are looking for in your new home.
If you value quiet and have been wishing for more space and privacy, you may be considering moving a bit farther into a smaller town or rural community. This will come with the trade-off of a longer commute into the city, which can be a major sacrifice if you still work there.
If a long commute isn’t for you or you plan to rely on local transit options instead of driving, you can look for towns or cities along NJ Transit lines. This will give you quick access to public transportation that can get you to the city quicker than driving. Choosing to live in these areas likely means living in a more populated area with a bustling downtown and quieter residential areas.
If you are looking to ditch NYC prices without sacrificing the bustling lifestyle, consider places like Hoboken or Jersey City for quick access to Manhattan, along with bars, restaurants, and nightlife.
Regardless of your preferences, New Jersey has it all. You just need to find the spot that supports the lifestyle you are seeking. Working with experienced NJ real estate professionals is the best way to ensure your move to NJ is a success. A local NJ real estate agent can help you find the perfect place for your relocation based on the unique needs of you and your family. Real estate agents are knowledgeable about local culture, school districts, public transportation, and so much more. They can help you find the perfect home in the perfect spot.
Like any major life change, moving from NYC to NJ will have trade-offs. Understanding what to expect can help you adjust your expectations and be better prepared for the change. Veitengruber Law is an experienced NJ real estate legal team. We have worked with many families moving to NJ from NYC and are well connected with other local NJ real estate professionals. We think New Jersey is a great place to call home, and we would love to call you our neighbor!