Walkable neighborhoods have grown in popularity in recent years, and for a good reason. They provide their residents with numerous benefits, including an improved lifestyle, greater life expectancy, among others. Now, with its dense population and vibrant suburban communities, it’s only natural that New Jersey would have walkable suburbs worth exploring for those interested in a healthy, active lifestyle. So, if you’re planning to move to one of these suburbs, you may consider checking the moving companies NJ has to offer to make your relocation easy and hassle-free. But first, let’s see where you can move to! That said, in this article, we will discuss the six most walkable New Jersey suburbs, highlighting their features, amenities, and notable destinations. We will also briefly describe the methodology used to evaluate walkability.
Six Walkable New Jersey Suburbs Worth Exploring
Walkability is an increasingly important factor in suburban living. But why is that? Well, because it measures how easily one can get around on foot and access essential amenities, destinations, and services. Suburbs with high walkability scores tend to have well-maintained sidewalks, bike lanes, public transportation, and a mix of residential, commercial, and public spaces. And today, we are discussing the places with the highest scores of all in the Garden State, such as:
- Montclair
- Maplewood
- Collingswood
- Ridgewood
- Morristown
- New Brunswick
Montclair
Montclair is a vibrant suburb located in Essex County, New Jersey, and is considered one of the most walkable suburbs in the state, with a walkability score of 85. But regardless of how simple it is to walk around the area, you can’t move on foot. With that in mind, those planning to move to Montclair should check moving companies Montclair NJ residents recommend to ensure a smooth and hassle-free relocation.
Back to Montclair, it is known for its historic architecture, diverse community, and thriving arts scene. The town has several notable walkable destinations, including the Montclair Art Museum, the Montclair Public Library, and the Montclair Farmers’ Market. It also boasts numerous parks and green spaces, such as Brookdale Park and Eagle Rock Reservation. And for those who enjoy dining out, Montclair offers a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bars, including the famous Cuban restaurant Cuban Pete’s.
Maplewood
Maplewood is a small town that’s also located in Essex County, New Jersey. Its walkability score of 83 is slightly lower than that of Montclair, although not that much to really make a difference. Those that are looking to make this community home should entrust the relocation process to moving companies in Maplewood NJ, as they are the ones that can make a stress-free move a reality.
Now, Maplewood is known for its picturesque tree-lined streets, excellent schools, and tight-knit community. Several reasons contribute to this town’s walkability, and that includes omnipresent sidewalks, an abundance of bike trails, and a commuter rail station. Maplewood is also home to a number of destinations that are easy to travel to on foot, including Maplewood Memorial Park, Maplewood Village Green, and Maplewood Farmers’ Market. The town also boasts numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops, with one of the most popular being Arturo’s Osteria & Pizzeria.
Collingswood
Moving on to Collingswood, it is a small community in Camden County, New Jersey, that’s known for its historic architecture, vibrant arts scene, and community events. Collingswood has a walkability score of 82, making it one of the most walkable New Jersey suburbs. The most popular spots to visit while taking a stroll around the town are Collingswood Farmers’ Market, the Collingswood Scottish Rite Theatre, and the Collingswood Book Festival. And when it comes to places to dine out and go for a drink, there are a number of those, including the famous restaurant, The Pop Shop.
Ridgewood
Ridgewood is a suburban municipality located in Bergen County, New Jersey. It’s notorious for its excellent schools, charming downtown, and wonderful architecture. Ridgewood is also considered one of the most walkable New Jersey suburbs, and the walkability score of 81 definitely proves that true. When it comes to destinations one can visit on foot, those include the Ridgewood Farmers’ Market, the Ridgewood Public Library, and the Graydon Pool. But when you feel like taking a break from all that walking, you may as well pay a visit to one of the otherworldly restaurants or cafes that this suburb boasts of. And if you happen to be a steak lover, remember to check out Roots Steakhouse.
Morristown
Morristown, situated in Morris County, New Jersey, is a town of historical significance. Renowned for its captivating Revolutionary War heritage, delightful downtown area, and thriving arts community, Morristown offers a delightful blend of culture and charm. With an impressive walkability score of 80, it stands out as one of the most pedestrian-friendly suburbs in the state of New Jersey.
In Morristown, you’ll discover a host of noteworthy destinations that are easily accessible on foot. Among these are the Morristown National Historical Park, the picturesque Morristown Green, and the Morris Museum, each with its unique allure. Furthermore, the town boasts an array of dining establishments, cafes, and shops, including the highly acclaimed Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen, which has garnered a loyal following.
New Brunswick
New Brunswick, situated in Middlesex County, New Jersey, stands out as one of the most walkable suburbs in the state, boasting a remarkable walkability score of 79. If you’re considering a move to this vibrant municipality, it’s highly recommended to explore the services of professional movers New Brunswick NJ provides to guarantee a seamless relocation experience. Renowned for its thriving cultural scene, diverse community, and convenient proximity to Rutgers University, New Brunswick has become a sought-after destination.
New Brunswick offers a plethora of remarkable walkable attractions, making it an enticing destination for residents and visitors alike. Among its notable destinations are the enchanting Rutgers Gardens, the captivating Zimmerli Art Museum, and the renowned State Theatre New Jersey. In addition to these cultural gems, the town presents a myriad of places to rest, eat and drink, including the highly acclaimed Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe, which has become a beloved culinary hotspot.
Discovering the Best Walkable Suburbs in New Jersey
As you could have seen, New Jersey is home to several pedestrian-friendly places offering various amenities to explore. The six suburbs we discussed in this article – Montclair, Maplewood, Collingswood, Ridgewood, Morristown, and New Brunswick – stand out for their walkability, accessibility, and quality of life. These places offer numerous benefits to residents, which go beyond improved health outcomes, increased physical activity, and a greater sense of community. But don’t trust us blindly. If we managed to pique your interest in the most walkable New Jersey suburbs, we recommend you venture into these six towns yourself. After all, that way, you’ll discover first-hand what it is that makes them so special.