Best Northern New Jersey Towns for NYC Commuters
Northern NJ offers some of the best NYC commuter options in the country — but the right town depends on how you commute, what you're paying, and what kind of life you want outside of work. Here's an honest breakdown.
How to Think About the Commute-Home Tradeoff
Northern New Jersey has more transit options than most parts of the country. PATH trains, NJ Transit rail lines, ferries, and express buses all serve different communities. The right choice isn't just about which town gets you to work fastest — it's about matching your commute style, budget, family needs, and lifestyle to the town's character.
Property taxes vary significantly across these towns. A shorter commute from a Hudson County condo may come with lower taxes but higher HOA fees. A Bergen County single-family home may cost more monthly in taxes but give you more space and stronger schools.
Commute times shown are estimates during typical non-peak conditions. NJ Transit schedules, service frequency, and reliability vary. Always test your actual commute before committing to a home purchase.
Northern NJ Commuter Town Profiles
Hoboken
Hudson CountyPATH, NJ Transit Rail, Ferry
10–20 min to Midtown/WTC
Young professionals, NYC transplants who want the shortest possible commute and urban density
Jersey City
Hudson CountyPATH, NJ Transit Rail, Ferry
15–30 min to Manhattan
Buyers who want Manhattan-adjacent living with more space per dollar than Hoboken
Weehawken
Hudson CountyNY Waterway Ferry, bus, car
Ferry: 10 min to Midtown; car varies
Buyers wanting Hudson waterfront access with slightly lower density than Hoboken
Ridgewood
Bergen CountyNJ Transit Main/Bergen County Line (direct to Penn Station)
50–65 min to Penn Station
Families who want a walkable suburban village with direct rail access and top-tier schools
Glen Rock
Bergen CountyNJ Transit Main/Bergen County Line
45–60 min to Penn Station
Families who want a close-knit suburban town with solid commuter rail and good schools
Montclair
Essex CountyNJ Transit Montclair-Boonton Line (direct to Penn Station / Hoboken)
45–65 min to Penn Station
Buyers who want cultural energy, a walkable town center, and strong NYC rail access
Maplewood
Essex CountyNJ Transit Morris & Essex Line (direct to Penn Station)
40–55 min to Penn Station
Families who want a commuter-convenient town with strong community character and good value
South Orange
Essex CountyNJ Transit Morris & Essex Line (direct to Penn Station)
40–55 min to Penn Station
Buyers who want character, commuter access, and a vibrant downtown village feel
Summit
Union CountyNJ Transit Morris & Essex Line (direct express to Penn Station)
45–60 min to Penn Station
Buyers who want premium suburban living with excellent rail access and top schools
Madison
Morris CountyNJ Transit Morris & Essex Line
55–70 min to Penn Station
Buyers who want a quieter, charming NJ town with solid rail access and a real community feel
Chatham
Morris CountyNJ Transit Morris & Essex Line
50–65 min to Penn Station
Families seeking more space and quieter suburban character while maintaining rail access
Tenafly
Bergen CountyBus to GWB, car to rail stations
30–50 min by bus/car depending on traffic
Families who prioritize schools and space and don't need daily rail commuting
Northern NJ Transit Options Explained
PATH Train
Serves Hudson County communities (Hoboken, Jersey City, Harrison) with direct 24/7 service to lower Manhattan (WTC) and Midtown (33rd St). No transfer required.
Serves: Hoboken, Jersey City, Harrison
NJ Transit Main/Bergen County Line
Serves Bergen County towns including Ridgewood, Glen Rock, Ramsey, and others with direct service to New York Penn Station.
Serves: Ridgewood, Glen Rock, Ramsey, Westwood, Park Ridge, Woodcliff Lake
NJ Transit Morris & Essex Lines
Serves Essex County (Montclair, Maplewood, South Orange, Livingston) and Union/Morris counties (Summit, Madison, Chatham) with direct service to Penn Station.
Serves: Maplewood, South Orange, Montclair, Summit, Madison, Chatham
NY Waterway Ferry
Hudson River ferry service from Weehawken, Hoboken, and Port Imperial to Midtown Manhattan. Typically 10–20 minutes across the river.
Serves: Weehawken, Hoboken, Jersey City
Express Bus
NJ Transit and private carriers operate express bus routes from many Bergen, Hudson, and Passaic County communities through the Lincoln Tunnel or GWB corridors into Midtown.
Serves: Fort Lee, Tenafly, Englewood, Paramus, and many more
What to Ask Before Choosing a Commuter Town
- How many days per week will I actually commute to the city?
- Do I need to drive to the train station, or can I walk?
- What is the full monthly cost including mortgage, taxes, HOA, and insurance?
- How does the school district compare to nearby towns at similar price points?
- What is the town's walkability outside of the commute?
- Is the train line served by express trains, or local only?
- How does the commute change if I miss the direct train and need to transfer?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Northern NJ town has the shortest commute to Manhattan?
Hudson County communities like Hoboken and Jersey City have the shortest commutes — PATH train service puts you in Midtown or the World Trade Center in 10–25 minutes. Weehawken ferry service is 10 minutes across the river. Bergen and Essex County rail towns are typically 45–70 minutes to Penn Station.
Is NJ Transit reliable enough to commute daily from Bergen County?
NJ Transit rail service from Bergen County towns has historically been a mixed experience — trains run regularly but delays occur. Many commuters build in buffer time and supplement with a monthly rail pass. Proximity to the station also matters — towns with downtown stations typically have more reliable access than those requiring a drive to the platform.
How do property taxes compare in commuter-friendly NJ towns?
Property taxes vary significantly even among good commuter towns. Hudson County towns like Hoboken and Jersey City tend to have lower tax rates than Bergen or Essex County suburbs, though condo fees can offset some of that. Bergen County towns like Ridgewood and Glen Rock have strong schools but higher effective tax bills. Always calculate your full monthly payment including taxes before comparing towns.
Do I need a car if I live in a Northern NJ commuter town?
It depends on the town. Hudson County communities like Hoboken and Jersey City are walkable and PATH-accessible — many residents live car-free. Bergen and Essex County towns are more suburban — you may not need a car for the commute, but you'll likely want one for daily life, errands, and weekends.
What's the difference between commuting from Bergen County vs. Essex County?
Bergen County towns typically rely on the NJ Transit Main or Bergen County rail lines, which go to Penn Station. Essex County towns like Montclair, Maplewood, and South Orange use the Morris & Essex Lines, also to Penn Station. Essex County often offers slightly more urban, walkable town centers. Bergen County has a wider range from quiet residential to more suburban character. Transit times are comparable.
Should I prioritize commute time or home price when choosing a town?
Both matter, but don't let a shorter commute justify a home that doesn't fit your budget after taxes. A 10-minute shorter commute isn't worth stretching your monthly payment uncomfortably. Also consider commute frequency — if you're working from home 3 days a week, a slightly longer commute on 2 days may be worth the extra space or school quality in a further-out suburb.
Need Help Narrowing Down Your Commuter Town?
Kathleen Falco has helped buyers from Manhattan, Brooklyn, and other NYC boroughs find the right Northern NJ town for their commute, budget, and lifestyle. No pressure, no obligation — just honest local guidance.
