Living Guides

Relocating to Northern New Jersey is a big decision, and the right preparation makes all the difference. Whether you're coming from Manhattan, another part of New Jersey, or a completely different state, here's what you need to know.

Choosing the Right Town

The 12 towns covered in this guide each offer a distinct lifestyle. Bergen County towns like Fort Lee, Leonia, and Englewood lean suburban with tree-lined streets, larger lots, and a quieter pace. Hudson County towns like Hoboken, Jersey City, and Weehawken are denser, more walkable, and offer direct transit to Manhattan.

Ask yourself: How important is the commute? Do you need top-rated schools? Are you looking for walkability or space? Do you prefer cultural diversity or a tight-knit small-town feel? Your answers will narrow the field quickly.

The Moving Process

New Jersey has specific requirements for new residents. You'll need to register your vehicle at the NJ MVC, update your driver's license within 60 days, and register to vote. Property taxes vary significantly by town, so factor that into your housing budget early.

Working with a local real estate advisor who knows the nuances of each neighborhood can save you months of confusion and help you avoid common pitfalls like buying in a flood zone or missing a great school district boundary.

Timeline Tips

The Northern NJ market moves fast. If you're relocating from out of state, start researching 3-6 months before your target move date. Get pre-approved for a mortgage early, and plan at least one in-person visit to tour neighborhoods before committing.

Getting to Manhattan from Northern New Jersey is one of the region's defining features. Here's every option, broken down by town and mode.

George Washington Bridge

Fort Lee, Leonia, Palisades Park, and Cliffside Park all offer quick access to the GW Bridge. Driving takes 10-20 minutes off-peak but can stretch to 60+ minutes during rush hour. Toll: $14.79 off-peak, $16.79 peak (E-ZPass only, fully cashless). Multiple NJ Transit bus routes cross the bridge to the Port Authority Bus Terminal.

PATH Train

Hudson County's crown jewel for commuters. Hoboken and Jersey City have direct PATH service to the World Trade Center (10 min) and Midtown (20 min). The train runs 24/7, costs $3.25 per ride (as of May 2026), and is the fastest, most reliable option for daily commuters.

NJ Transit Bus

The workhorse of Bergen County commuting. Routes from Fort Lee (156, 158, 159, 166, 167, 171, 175), Englewood (166, 167), and other towns connect to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Monthly passes available. Private jitney services also operate from Fort Lee, often faster and cheaper.

NY Waterway Ferry

Ferry service from Edgewater and Weehawken offers a scenic, stress-free commute to Midtown Manhattan (West 39th Street). The crossing takes about 10 minutes, with shuttle bus connections to Bergen County towns. Note that ferry fares saw a roughly 5.5% increase in May 2026 due to a temporary fuel surcharge. One of the most pleasant commute options available.

Hudson-Bergen Light Rail

Connects North Bergen, Union City, and other Hudson County towns to Jersey City and Hoboken, with PATH and ferry transfers for Manhattan access. Useful for inter-county travel and accessing the waterfront without a car.

NJ Transit Rail

The Pascack Valley Line provides rail service from Englewood and other Bergen County towns to Hoboken, with PATH connections to Manhattan. Less frequent than bus service but a reliable alternative for those near stations.