Many New Jersey cities are known for their prime locations: proximity to beaches, museums, theme parks, nightlife and more. And perhaps the most notable benefit of living in New Jersey is the wealth of cities within easy reach of New York City.
People have been fleeing the city for years in search of more space, but they don't necessarily want to quit their jobs.
Well, with some truly wonderful cities to choose from, you don't have to choose between your work and your lifestyle. No matter what you're looking for, there are plenty of New Jersey cities with direct trains to New York City, and there's one for you!
What it's like to live in a suburban town in New Jersey
The best part about traveling from New Jersey to New York is that you have several options for the type of transport you use. This means you can choose the option that best fits your lifestyle.
The choice varies between train, bus and of course the popular ferry. If you haven't taken the ferry into town yet and you're a boater, I'd recommend it. The views are breathtaking no matter how many times you see them.
new jersey transit(train and bus) and theFora(train only) Both provide access to New York City, depending on your departure location. For example, if you live in Hoboken, Jersey City, Newark or Harrison, you have the option of taking the trail.
For all other NJ cities you will most likely use NJ Transit or the ferry. The ferry is provided byNew Jersey Channeland is accessible from Belford, Hoboken, Weehawken and Jersey City.
Highlands provides another ferry acrosssea crack🇧🇷 Use the links provided to plan your trip to see the cost and length of the trip you will be taking.
The cost of displacement varies according to the type, location and frequency. If you travel every day, it's worth buying a monthly pass, which can save you some money.
Train and ferry are the preferred methods of most travelers from NJ to NYC. There are also different time options. Whether you travel early, stay in the office late, or have a varied schedule, you're sure to find plenty of options to travel at times that work best for you.
Here's a quick rundown of what you can expect from these different methods of transportation when traveling from NJ to NYC.
Path | Time of travel | Attention Ten | parking lots | Availability |
new jersey transit | ~30 - 1 hour + | ~ $ 10 - 15 | ~ 25 $ | fast pattern 24 |
Fora | ~ 20 minutes | ~ $ 6 - 12 | ~ $ 5 - 15 | 6h-23h |
transport | ~ 15 or 1 hour | ~ $ 9 - 16 | ~ $ 16 | not too late |
Many NJ residents enjoy their time on the road because it offers so many opportunities, whether it's to check email, listen to a podcast, read the paper, or maybe even take a nap.
Whatever your personality, the train and ferry allow you time between home and work to do as you please.
How the NJ Transit System Works

NJ Transit can be a little overwhelming at first, but once you use the tools provided and get some real-world experience, you'll be a pro in no time!
Perhaps the most useful tool is yourcardsThey provide a great visual representation of the NJ to NYC shortcut areas they cover.
Each NJ Transit line follows an intuitive route. For example, the North Jersey coastline runs through Bay Head along the coastal towns of North Jersey. Especially for newcomers, it should be noted that some cities are not directly on the line.
For example, if you see a North Jersey Shore Line stop highlighted in bold, you'll need to transfer to another train to get there. NJ Transit makes their systems easy to use.
You can download the app or use the website to buy tickets, check the status of a line or plan future trips. You also have the option to pay at the station or on the train if you are running late and need to rush to the platform.
Remember, however, that if you pay on the train, you will pay a premium. Seniors, disabled, groups and students have reduced rates.
You should also check each of these sites for regular travel discounts, there's always a place to save money. And always allow extra time, as it is common for the train to leave earlier or later.
As they like to say on the train:
"Trains don't wait for people, people wait for trains!"
One-way Cities from NJ to NYC
You may not even need to own a car in these cities for a quick and easy trip to New York City. With access to several bus and train stations, or even within walking distance, the total journey time to the city will be less than 25 minutes.
Hoboken
From a previously unknown area, Hoboken has become one of the most popular places to live within driving distance of New York City. You'll find people of all ages and walks of life in this bustling city with so much to do.
Your journey into town takes just 15 minutes.
Weehawken
Weehawken climbed the rankings for places to live within easy reach of New York. For travelers who can't afford Hoboken rates, this might be a slightly cheaper option.
It takes about 20 minutes to reach the city from here.
jersey city
Another fan favorite shorter route to New York is Jersey City. This city has always attracted longtime residents and newcomers looking for a thriving city close to New York.
There is a lot of history and diversity here. Even if you don't live here, it should definitely be on your list of places to visit in NJ.
All 3 of these cities offer recreation and parks, cultural attractions, countless authentic restaurants and vibrant nightlife. You will be happy here if you like city life, want to do a lot of things and also like to spend some quiet time enjoying the beautiful parks.
Best Suburbs for Families Traveling from NJ to NYC
There are so many cities in NJ with direct trains to NYC that are among the best suburbs in NJ. These are just some of the fan favorites.
I also chose to list some from different municipalities in the state, as each situation is unique. So choosing the right one for you requires a little more research.
Middletown, Condado: Monmouth
Being a native of this community, I can try not to be biased, but who am I kidding? Middletown is home to some of the highest commuter traffic to New York City in the state.
People who love Monmouth County (because of our beautiful beaches, of course) choose this town to have a little more space indoors and out than its comparable North Jersey suburbs. You'll also find award-winning schools here.
Glen Rock, county: Bergen
With a 45-minute drive, Glen Rock is among the top cities in the state for suburban travel to New York City. The city really comes together as a community to help each other.
This town was voted one of the best family towns in NJ. So if you're looking for a great community feel with a kid-friendly environment, this might be a good option for you.
Chatham, County: Morris
Chatham is a large suburban community with some of the best schools in the state. You'll spend just under an hour traveling and find that taxes here are lower than neighboring towns, but we all know that NJ isn't known for low taxes.
The bustling, beautiful downtown area and quaint neighborhoods are just some of the reasons why you'll find that people here are often "live people" in the community. This is definitely one of the best cities in New Jersey with a direct train to New York.
Summit, County: Union
A top choice for travelers, Summit offers the best of many worlds, including a vibrant downtown area, friendly community, good schools and an easy 40-50 minute drive to New York City.
You'll find a good mix of old and new in this city, so be sure to add it to your list of cities to look at when deciding where to live outside New York.
Montclair, Condado: Essex
If you are looking for a beautiful city with a high quality of life, you should definitely consider this one. It's a friendly town with great schools and low crime rates, and you might even meet your roommate, Stephen Colbert.
You may find property prices a little higher in this attractive city, but you'll benefit from the added expense. Your commute to work takes just over 30 minutes, not bad!
Cranford, County: Union
This picturesque riverside town offers excellent schools, fantastic restaurants, many parks and a rich history. You can't beat this location - your commute is only 45 minutes direct to New York City.
This city is a good choice for those who also want to get to other areas relatively quickly; you too can be on the Jersey Shore in less than an hour.
Madison, County: Morris
Here's a college town for you: Fairleigh Dickinson University is located in this small town. In this area you will find many young professionals and families. It's close to Chatham and also has great schools and low crime rates.
They travel directly to New York City in just under an hour. You are sure to enjoy this small town and its amenities.
The Best Beach Town in New Jersey for Traveling to New York
If you're a beach bum and need a slightly longer trip to live by the sea, this is a city to be in.riverside¡amar!

Long Branch, Condado: Monmouth
With tons of things to do and plenty of variety, this NJ town offers a journey time of just over an hour (about an hour and 15 minutes). You would be among many other New York beach travelers.
Pier Village, along with all the newer apartment buildings being built, will make you feel like you're in Miami (sort of!).
Which NJ Commuter City with Direct Rail Is Right for You?
Choosing the best direct train from NJ to New York cities to live in is like choosing a favorite flavor of ice cream, it's really hard! A little bit of your own research is certainly a good place to start, but most importantly, choose an agent who can help you identify your needs and wants in a city and home so they can help you make the best decision. decision to serve you.
If you're looking for more guidance, fill out this form and we'll work together to find your dream city, home and trail.

Make contact!
FAQs
Where in NJ is it an easy commute to NYC? ›
Downtown Newark
An NJ Transit train trip from Newark Penn Station takes only 20-25 minutes, or you can take the Path Train, which offers service to downtown and midtown Manhattan. That's what makes it one of the best commuter towns in NJ to New York City. Newark also offers a lot in terms of nightlife and amenities.
Jersey City, Hoboken, and Weehawken are the closest New Jersey cities to New York City and offer residents a short commute, wonderful views, and attractive real estate prices.
Can you take a train from New Jersey to New York? ›Getting to New York by Train
Five NJ TRANSIT rail lines serve Penn Station New York. Or, connect at Newark Penn Station or Secaucus Junction to trains bound for New York. It's easy to plan your trip online.
- Hastings-On-Hudson. Located in Westchester County and perched near the Hudson River, you might consider Hastings-On-Hudson. ...
- Greenwich. ...
- Stamford. ...
- Norwalk. ...
- Bedford Hills. ...
- Bronxville. ...
- Rye Neck.
Lower Cost of Living
One of the biggest reasons why people choose to move to New Jersey while still working in NYC is because it's cheaper. Sure, cities like Hoboken and Jersey City might see comparable prices, but you're probably getting more indoor and, in some cases, outdoor space.
If you choose to live in New Jersey and work in New York, you would file your taxes as a New Jersey resident. However, because you earn income in New York, you will also need to file taxes in that state as a non-resident. This can be done by filing a non-resident return with the state of New York.
Where to live in Jersey City to commute to NYC? ›The best places to live in NJ if you're commuting to NYC are Fort Lee, a 30-minute drive over the GWB, and Weehawken, where you go via car or a ferry across the Hudson. Other commuter towns include Atlantic Highlands, Hoboken, Princeton, Jersey City, Summit, and Hackensack.
Is Jersey City more affordable than NYC? ›Jersey City does have a high average rent price, at $3,821 for a 2-bedroom apartment, but it's cheaper than New York City's overall average of $4,927. Furthermore, the money stretches further along the west side of the Hudson River.
Is it cheaper to live in New York or NJ? ›The cost of living in Newark, NJ is -35.6% lower than in New York, NY. You would have to earn a salary of $38,635 to maintain your current standard of living. Employers in Newark, NJ typically pay -5.1% less than employers in New York, NY.
How do I get from NJ to NYC by train? ›The cheapest and most efficient way is to use the PATH subway. The PATH subway will take you from Newark to Manhattan in about 30 minutes. The cost is $2.75. Trains also depart from Newark's Penn Station and commute to NYC's Penn Station, however the train is often more expensive and slower.
How long is a train ride from NJ to NYC? ›
Trains from Newark, NJ to New York City cover the 9 miles (14 km) long trip taking on average 18 min with our travel partners like Amtrak or Amtrak.
How long does it take to get from NJ to NYC by train? ›There are 28 daily trains from Newark to New York. Traveling by train from Newark to New York usually takes around 20 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Acela train can make the trip in 16 minutes.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in NYC? ›Living in NYC will require an annual salary of anywhere between 40K-100K after taxes. Of course, these figures vary depending on your living expenses, children (if any), and other monthly bills related to entertainment, health insurance, or transportation.
How many NJ residents commute to NYC? ›Over 1.6 million people commute into the city daily, with 320,000 coming from New Jersey, the report found.
Where do I live if I can't afford NYC? ›- New Rochelle. Coming in at number one on our list of cheapest places to live near New York City is New Rochelle. ...
- Stamford. ...
- Maplewood. ...
- Yonkers. ...
- Port Washington. ...
- Larchmont. ...
- Greenwich.
Here's how she often sums up the differences: Hoboken has a beautiful historic waterfront and is easy to navigate, plus you have lots of transportation options. Jersey City also has lots of public transit options—Downtown has four ferry stations—and while it is large it is still very walkable.
What happens if I live in NJ but work in NY? ›In short, you'll have to file your taxes in both states if you live in NJ and work in NY. Like most US States, both New York and New Jersey require that you pay State income taxes. Some states have reciprocal tax agreements, allowing you only to pay taxes in your home state.
Where are New Yorkers moving to in NJ? ›JERSEY CITY, NJ — Hudson County is among the most popular places for New Yorkers looking to relocate, a newly-released survey found. While 90% of those who moved out of the Big Apple stayed in New York, the majority of those who opted to leave the state altogether set their sights nearby — just across the Hudson River.
What is a livable wage in New Jersey? ›1 ADULT | 2 ADULTS (BOTH WORKING) | |
---|---|---|
0 Children | 2 Children | |
Living Wage | $20.57 | $29.60 |
Poverty Wage | $6.19 | $6.37 |
Minimum Wage | $13.00 | $13.00 |
With prices constantly skyrocketing, it's no wonder why so many people have moved into New Jersey and are commuting into the Big Apple. Commuting to NYC can seem overwhelming, but depending on the town you move to, your commute could actually be as short as 20 minutes!
Where is the cheapest and safest place to live in New Jersey? ›
- Hightstown.
- New Brunswick.
- Phillipsburg.
- Pompton Lakes.
- Rahway.
- Toms River.
Newark and Jersey City are both generally cheaper than New York City's outer boroughs — with the exception of Hoboken, which rivals Manhattan in costliness — despite New Jersey boasting the highest property tax rate in the country.
What towns are easy to commute to NYC? ›- 1.) Tarrytown.
- 2.) Bronxville.
- 3.) Port Washington.
- 1.) Hoboken.
- 2.) Maplewood.
- 3.) Weehawken.
- 1.) Stamford.
- 2.) Greenwich.
- LIST BY COUNTY.
- Bergen: ...
- Essex: ...
- Hudson: ...
- Passaic: ...
- Union:
JERSEY CITY, NJ — Hudson County is among the most popular places for New Yorkers looking to relocate, a newly-released survey found. While 90% of those who moved out of the Big Apple stayed in New York, the majority of those who opted to leave the state altogether set their sights nearby — just across the Hudson River.
What is the nicest most affordable area in New York City? ›Share: The most affordable neighborhoods in NYC for 2022 are the Bronx's Parkchester, Bedford Park, and Fieldston as well as Lindenwood and Briarwood in Queens. Median sales prices are under $300,000 in each of these NYC neighborhoods.
Is it cheaper to live in NJ than NY? ›The cost of living in Newark, NJ is -35.6% lower than in New York, NY. You would have to earn a salary of $38,635 to maintain your current standard of living. Employers in Newark, NJ typically pay -5.1% less than employers in New York, NY.
Can you live in Newark and work in NYC? ›Living in New Jersey while working in New York City has its advantages. Among them are affordable housing, reliable transportation options into Manhattan, and easier access to parking for car owners. Read below to learn more about the reasons why commuters might want to settle in New Jersey.
What NJ city borders New York? ›What city in NJ is across from NYC? Union City is located in Hudson County, New Jersey, immediately across the Hudson River from Hell's Kitchen in New York and around the Lincoln Tunnel.
What is the best part of New Jersey to live in? ›Ridgewood. In the northeast part of New Jersey and across the river from midtown Manhattan, Ridgewood is the highest-rated city in New Jersey. With an extremely high median home value of around $899k, this is considered the most expensive area to live in the state by far, but you get what you are paying for.
What train do you take from NJ to NYC? ›
The Northeast Corridor offers frequent service from Trenton north to Penn Station New York. Connections from RiverLINE, Amtrak and SEPTA service can be made at Trenton Transit Center. The North Jersey Coast Line provides direct service from Long Branch to Penn Station New York at all times.