Are you on the hunt for a safe and affordable place to call home in New Jersey but looking to escape the usual suspects like Princeton or Hoboken? Looking for safe, affordable New Jersey towns beyond the usual hotspots? This blog highlights several underrated options, including Edgewater Park, Highland Park, Upper Saddle River, Clifton, and Morris Plains. These offer lower crime rates and more affordable housing than neighboring areas, making them ideal for first-time buyers, investors, and families seeking lesser-known safe places in New Jersey.
Why Focus on Safety and Affordability?
Safety is one of the top criteria when people choose a place to live, but finding a location that is both safe and affordable can feel like uncovering a needle in a haystack—especially in a high-cost state like New Jersey! Yet, there’s great news: many safe and tranquil places in the Garden State remain surprisingly affordable for homebuyers and renters.
And for investors? Neighborhoods in these hidden gems provide stable rental income and long-term equity growth thanks to increasing demand for secure living environments.
So, where are these magical locations? Let’s break it down.
1. Edgewater Park Township
-
- Overview: Nestled in Burlington County, this often-overlooked township provides peaceful suburban living with proximity to essential amenities and quick access to Philadelphia.
- Median Home Price: $265,000 (lower than New Jersey’s $450,000 median!)
- Crime Rate: Edgewater Park enjoys crime rates 40% below the national average, making it safer than neighboring towns.
- Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Affordable single-family homes with plenty of parks, family-oriented activities, and friendly neighbors.
Fun Fact: First-time buyers love Edgewater Park for its down-to-earth vibe and proximity to workplaces in South Jersey and Pennsylvania without the sky-high prices of nearby hotspots like Cherry Hill.
2. Highland Park
-
- Overview: Sandwiched between Edison and New Brunswick, Highland Park is a walkable, tight-knit community with low crime rates and cosmopolitan charm.
- Median Home Price: $399,000 (a steal compared to neighboring Princeton at $850,000!)
- Crime Rate: Consistently ranked among the safest towns in Middlesex County, making it attractive for families and retirees.
- Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Highland Park is ideal for buyers seeking good schools, nearby shopping, and cultural diversity—without Princeton’s hefty price tag.
Pro Tip for Investors: This town is adjacent to Rutgers University, so rental properties targeting students or university staff could yield steady income.
3. Upper Saddle River
-
- Overview: Located in Bergen County, Upper Saddle River is an upscale township that remains surprisingly underrated compared to its neighbors like Ridgewood.
- Median Home Price: $750,000 (pricey but reasonable for Bergen County’s luxurious standards!)
- Crime Rate: Ranked among the top safest places in NJ, with extremely low violent and property crime rates.
- Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Wealthy but quiet, this enclave offers large lots, modern homes, and excellent schools—all without Ridgewood’s level of hustle or higher home prices.
Pro Tip: Upper Saddle River appeals to both luxury investors and families seeking spacious, safe living away from the city buzz.
4. Clifton
-
- Overview: Clifton is a walkable, diverse community in Passaic County that combines suburban safety with easy access to New York City via public transportation.
- Median Home Price: $429,000 (just below NJ’s average!)
- Crime Rate: Safer than over 70% of US cities, making it a surprising standout for urban convenience.
- Why It’s a Hidden Gem: With eclectic dining spots, family-friendly amenities, and affordable housing, Clifton delivers suburban value near an urban center.
- Bonus for NYC Commuters: Clifton’s train stations make it an excellent choice for professionals who want a safe, suburban retreat after their 9-to-5 grind.
5. Morris Plains
-
- Overview: Known as “The Community of Caring,” Morris Plains in Morris County is a small-town treasure that packs a big punch when it comes to livability.
- Median Home Price: $540,000 (with a range of condos and single-family homes available).
- Crime Rate: Consistently low crime rates and a sense of community pride make Morris Plains a top pick for families.
- Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Features parks, farmer’s markets, and proximity to NYC—without Morristown’s higher property prices.
- Investor Tip: The demand for rentals in Morris County remains high, allowing landlords to capitalize on young professionals and growing families wanting affordability and safety.
Comparing Costs and Safety
To simplify your decision-making process, here’s how these hidden gems stack up:
Town |
Median Price |
Crime Rate vs National Avg |
Best For |
| Edgewater Park | $265,000 | 40% below | First-time buyers, families |
| Highland Park | $399,000 | 30% below | Students, investors |
| Upper Saddle River | $750,000 | 50% below | Luxury buyers, families |
| Clifton | $429,000 | 30% below | Commuters, retirees |
| Morris Plains | $540,000 | 45% below | Suburban families, investors |
Practical Tips for Buyers and Investors
Whether you’re looking to settle down or boost your investment portfolio, here are a few ways to maximize your venture into New Jersey’s underrated towns:
✅ For First-Time Homebuyers
1. Leverage first-time home buyer programs like New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA).
2. Use online mortgage affordability calculators to assess what fits your budget.
✅ For Seasoned Investors
1. Look into multi-family properties in Highland Park or Clifton for rental income streams.
2. Research property taxes (which vary greatly in NJ) to ensure they don’t affect ROI.
✅ For Real Estate Professionals
1. Highlight safety statistics and affordability comparisons during client consultations.
2. Guide buyers to “lesser-known safe places in New Jersey” to stand out as a resourceful expert.
Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect safe and affordable spot to live or invest in New Jersey doesn’t have to feel daunting. By exploring these underrated locations—Edgewater Park, Highland Park, Upper Saddle River, Clifton, and Morris Plains—you can enjoy the best of both worlds: peace of mind and financial stability.
Ready to take the next step Bookmark this article, use our recommended calculators, or contact your local real estate agent to dive deeper into these neighborhoods. The hidden gems of New Jersey are calling—how will you answer?
