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With its modest housing prices, diverse population, and access to employment, Pennsauken Township tops this list of most affordable places to live in New Jersey. Its transit center allows residents to navigate the surrounding areas with ease. In addition, they can enjoy boating in Cooper River Lake, golfing at the Pennsauken Country Club, and touring the Griffith Morgan House historical museum. The town’s budget-friendly home price-to-income ratio can be attractive to first-time homebuyers and seasoned homebuyers alike. Ready to hit the open houses? Completing the mortgage preapproval process can help you get on the path to buying a home.

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Gloucester Township is another of the top affordable places to live in New Jersey. Although it’s home to almost 70,000 people, it’s full of tight-knit neighborhoods with moderately priced housing. The city focuses on community support and businesses to help its residents thrive, and access to the Black Horse Turnpike and well-preserved municipal roads make transportation a snap. In fact, Philadelphia is just 10 minutes away, though there’s plenty to do in Gloucester Township, from visiting Royal Mile Coffee Roasters to spending an afternoon in Proprietors Park. If you’re planning on buying a home, it can be wise to read up on tips about qualifying for a mortgage first.

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From museums to an outdoor sculpture park and fine dining, Trenton, the state capital, offers an endless amount to do. The city is bursting with culture and amenities while maintaining a realistic price tag. In early 2025, the average home value here was around $335,000. And Trenton is less than an hour from Philadelphia, making for an easy commute for those who work there.

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Chock full of lakes, parks, and nature preserves, Rockaway is a quiet suburb. Residents often mention the school system as an asset that makes the town a good place for families. Tucked further inland, Rockaway requires a longer commute to New York City than some other suburbs. Family households make up 69.31% of its residents, and 31.57% of households have children. When its housing costs are combined with the strong median household income of $139,383, these figures indicate a relatively affordable cost of living.

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Another top spot to raise a family in New Jersey is Toms River. It’s a large suburban enclave along the coast of New Jersey, named for the river that serves as one of its borders. Residents praise this outdoorsy location with plenty of trails to hike and bike, the school system, and the proximity, come summer, to the beach and its boardwalks. Whether your idea of a fun Friday night is having a great meal in a local restaurant, watching a high-school ball game, or both, you’ll probably enjoy life in Toms River. Purchasing a property likely wouldn’t necessitate a jumbo mortgage loan for most homebuyers.

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Located about 45 minutes from New York City, Mountainside is a small town that many families find both affordable and welcoming. They praise the school system and outdoor spaces, like the Trailside Nature and Science Center and Watchung Reservation. There are also many options in terms of shopping and dining out. The relatively short commute to New York City is another benefit and helps contribute to the area’s high household incomes.

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Jersey City has an enviably short commute to New York City. In some cases, a bus or train can whisk you there in 20 minutes or less, and ferry service is an option too. Plus, businesses are increasingly calling Jersey City home, making for an even easier trip to the office. These features, plus beautiful parks, are just a few perks that make Jersey City a desirable place for young professionals. Its diverse, young population can mean there’s always a new experience around the corner. Residents between the ages of 20 and 39 account for 39% of the city’s population. The overall cost of living here is comparable to nearby Manhattan, but those who choose this side of the Hudson River enjoy more space for less money and can still spend a weekend roaming the bigger city.

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Highland Park is conveniently located about an hour away from both New York City and Philadelphia, but young professionals might find it hard to tear themselves away from the town. It offers an engaging and affordable mix of activities, from diverse restaurants to sample to farmer’s market to visit to spacious parks to explore. Thirty-six percent of its population is aged 20-39.

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Less expensive than either Hoboken (which didn’t make our list) or Jersey City, both popular with young adults, Secaucus is a bustling suburb just a 15-minute train ride from New York City. In terms of budget-friendliness, Secaucus boasts low property taxes and ample outdoor recreation opportunities. The town is an economic powerhouse, and 31% of the population is ages 20-39. For those who are thinking of purchasing, it can be a good move to check out programs for first-time homebuyers in New Jersey to help you get the most affordable deal.

Mountainside pops up on this list again, this time as a best place for retirees to live in New Jersey. It’s a small town with 25% of its population aged over 65 years. Opportunities for adventure-seeking retirees include cross-country skiing in Watchung Reservation, accessible train rides to Manhattan, and a selection of high-quality restaurants.

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Berkeley Heights’ population consists of 20% of residents age 65+. Located on the western side of Watchung Reservation, the town offers outdoor activities, senior programming, and a vibrant retiree community. The town government makes a weekly phone call to seniors updating them about community news and events, and schedules periodic outings as well. The county government organizes a “Social 60+” meal voucher program that helps seniors gather periodically in an area restaurant for a healthy meal and social connections.

Nestled in the middle of the state, Bedminster is a quiet suburb that may suit many retirees. It features multiple parks, golf courses, and free weekly transportation to a nearby shopping center for seniors. Twenty-seven percent of residents are 65 or older.

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Asbury Park’s beach is lined with attractions (besides the Atlantic Ocean of course), such as mini golf, a splash park, a playground, vibrant murals, and various restaurants. There’s a dynamic music scene, anchored by the famed Stone Pony made famous by Springsteen. The downtown is enjoying a renaissance, with lots of hip eateries and boutiques opening.

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Just a stone’s throw from Asbury Park is the charming, historic town of Ocean Grove, noted for its Victorian architecture. In addition to beach access and its charming main street, it’s known for its Great Auditorium by the water, an amazing old-fashioned wooden structure that hosts events and can be a great place to hear music.

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If you’re dreaming of a classic beach town with loads of architectural interest, Cape May could be right for you. It sits on New Jersey’s southernmost point and is known for its beautiful beaches, a whale watching center, the famous open-air Washington Street mall, and a salt marsh safari.

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Located in the northern reaches of New York State, about four hours from New York City, Syracuse is a vibrant town that’s home to 22,000-plus Syracuse University students. But it’s not just a college town: There are over 120,000 other residents living in a variety of bustling downtown neighborhoods, such as Hanover, Clinton, and Armory Squares, all with well-preserved historic buildings. And there’s a wealth of outdoor activities in the area’s parks, lakes, and ponds. You can refuel at the famous Dinosaur Bar-B-Que after. Home prices are moderate here and the rental market is cool, so you are likely to have some choice.

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A college town in the Finger Lakes region of New York, Cortland can be an affordable and welcoming place to call home. It stretches along the Tioughnioga River and can be a terrific spot for those who love the outdoors and sports (there are three places to ski within a 15-mile drive). It has a wine trail, and the downtown has been undergoing a revitalization program leading up to the city’s 125th anniversary in 2025. Those features and the fact that you can snag a house in the range of $200,000 can make it an affordable place to live in New York. First-time homebuyer programs in New York might make the cost of purchasing a property even more attainable.

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Located along the Hudson River, the state capital of Albany is another best affordable place to live in New York. It has great historic and modern architecture; it’s a college town and entertainment hub; and you’ll find a variety of residential neighborhoods. Downtown’s Center Square, for instance, has an old-fashioned urban feel, with row houses and cobblestone streets, as well as museums (don’t miss the New York State Museum at Empire State Plaza), galleries, bookstores, cafes, and wine bars. Many Albany residents choose to live in the nearby suburbs, and wherever you might settle, there are parks and lakes for nature lovers to explore. Although Albany’s cost of living is slightly above the U.S. average, it is 18% below the average for New York State. And homeownership can be affordable, too, with the average home value sitting at around $297,440.

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There are plenty of kid-centric activities to cater to families here. There’s the Saratoga Children’s Museum, programs at the local library, and all kinds of dining options available. You can hike around the Saratoga National Historic Park (a Revolutionary War battlefield) or watch the horse races in summer at the celebrated local track. Residents say they appreciate the public school system and the clubs and extracurriculars offered. While the cost of living is above the U.S. average, it is 10% below the New York state average. If you dream of moving to this quaint town, it could be wise to start the mortgage preapproval process before hitting the open houses.

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Williamsville is a welcoming suburb of Buffalo, a city in northern New York State. The town is a short drive to the heart of the city, but it has plenty of historic charm, with 18th-century buildings, a waterfront area on the creek, farmers’ markets, and locally owned boutiques and breweries. Families praise the local public schools and the community activities that bond the town.

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Home to Ithaca College and Cornell University, this town may be full of college students, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t families, too. Residents here say they are pleased with the school system’s academic and extracurricular programs. Other assets are the stunning scenery, an eco-conscious lifestyle, and a surprisingly varied selection of eateries and stores. Whether your idea of a perfect day revolves around an interactive museum like the Sciencenter or paddling on Cayuga Lake, Ithaca has you covered. For those thinking about buying a home, it helps to take time to consider the different types of mortgages available before beginning your search in earnest.

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Wondering what job opportunities there are for young professionals in Albany? Since it’s both the state capital and the home of the University at Albany, government, health care, and education are key sectors. After work, residents have an array of dining, cultural, and entertainment choices. For instance, the North Albany Warehouse District is known for having cool bars and beer gardens, as well as the MVP Arena, where live music can be heard. Thinking about purchasing your own place? The median listing price of around $292,000 can be affordable for many first-time homebuyers.

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Located in the northwestern reaches of New York on Lake Ontario, Rochester is a city that is known for affordability, its historic downtown, and diverse neighborhoods. Young professionals will find solid job growth as compared to elsewhere in the state, with education and health services sectors expanding, and there are thousands of acres of parks to be explored when not at work. In addition, there’s a restaurant scene (Strangebird and Avvino earn raves), as well as festivals and entertainment to enjoy. Buying a home here can be affordable. If you’re ready to do so, a good first step can be to read up on tips for qualifying for a mortgage.

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Making another appearance on this list, Syracuse can provide a solid home base for young professionals. They may find job opportunities at Syracuse University and in the health care sector, among other realms. The city’s affordability is a big plus. Rents are 30% below the national median, and home prices can be reasonable. The city offers a mix of cultural activities, like shows at the Landmark Theater, and plenty of outdoor activities, such as rock climbing, nearby.

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Yes, it’s Syracuse, on this list again. Here’s why it can be among the best places in New York for retirees: It’s a college town, with its own special breed of energy and coffee shop culture. There’s plenty of natural beauty to explore on walking trails; charming old-fashioned streets; and affordable real estate. It seems as if word may be out about Syracuse: While people aged 65 and older make up less than 20% of the population, the number of older adults rose by 43% over the last decade. In other words, retirees will be in good company.

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The Hudson Valley, north of New York City, is known for its quaint towns and its gorgeous landscapes, which have inspired artists for generations. Rhinebeck is one of its central towns, and people 65 or older account for approximately 30% of the population. In addition to the beautiful setting, the town is a foodie paradise; nearby Bard College brings performances to the area; and there are scenic trails, such as those at Poets’ Walk Park and Wilderstein Historic Park.

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One can quickly get into Buffalo for hockey games and other events, but Williamsville itself is full of charm, with residents saying it’s a wonderful place to stroll past its historic buildings and stop into a local pub, cafe, or restaurant. They also appreciate the availability of good medical care, the parks, golf, and other amenities.

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With expansive views of Lake Erie, Dunkirk can offer prospective homebuyers a wallet-friendly opportunity to enjoy waterfront living. Boating is a big pastime, as is spending time at the pier. The community is a diverse one, with two colleges within 10 minutes. The town also has historic areas to explore, or an afternoon could be spent visiting the Chautauqua and Lake Erie wine trails.

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If you’re the sort of person who imagines sandy beaches when you think about living by the water, Islip could be the right spot for you. It’s on Long Island, which is often very pricey, but relatively affordable homes are available in this large suburban area. There’s a town beach and shore-side Heckscher State Park, as well as ferry service to the Fire Island National Seashore. A home loan help center can help you calculate what your monthly costs would look like in Islip.

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Bordering Lake Otsego, Cooperstown is a charming village in central New York. You may recognize the name since it’s the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. It’s a popular vacation destination for that reason, but the community can be an excellent year-round home too. Residents can enjoy the lake, whether swimming, boating, fishing, or sunbathing. When not living the life aquatic, they can check out the noteworthy museums and many popular restaurants.