These towns offer the perfect balance
When you’re making a move from urban to suburban, it can be tough to decide exactly what works for you and your family. Are you ready to give up city amenities with an eye on the great outdoors? Or do you still want to maintain some urban perks like walkability, A+ dining, and nightlife?
The good news? In these New Jersey suburbs, you don’t have to choose. These communities are go-to’s for our clients because they strike a perfect balance – walkable downtowns you can pop into for coffee, errands, or a Pilates class, but with enough nature and plenty of green spaces to explore. Start here – and remember, your Suburban Jungle Strategist is here to help you explore these and other top spots on your list.
Montclair
Montclair’s bustling downtowns—yes, plural—are packed with foodie hotspots, indie bookstores, vintage shops, yoga studios, and artisan coffee. But drive five minutes and you’re at Eagle Rock Reservation, Mills Reservation, or Brookdale Park, each offering miles of trails, dog parks, and picnic spaces. On a typical Sunday morning, you’ll find locals sipping cortados in the morning and climbing wooded trails by afternoon—Montclair makes it easy to toggle between city buzz and natural calm.
Ridgewood
Another favorite for NYC transplants, Ridgewood’s downtown is lined with restaurants, boutiques, and cafes, attracting locals and visitors from neighboring communities. But head just a few blocks out and you’re in Saddle River County Park, complete with bike paths, duck ponds, and plenty of sports fields. Even the residential streets feel park-like, with sidewalks, trees, and lots of front-yard hangouts.
Chatham
Chatham blends historic charm with a tight-knit community feel, all anchored by a bustling downtown and local train station that ensures a quick, easy commute. It’s also minutes from the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and the Loantaka Brook Reservation, so you can quickly pivot from destination restaurants, cafes, shopping and biking, hiking, and soaking in the great outdoors.
Princeton
It’s impossible to talk about balance without mentioning Princeton. With its walkable downtown, world-class university culture, and access to the Delaware and Raritan Canal towpath, plus sprawling parks like Marquand and Herrontown Woods, it’s a gold standard for urban-suburban living.
Maplewood
Maplewood is another suburb that nails the hybrid vibe. The downtown centers around Maplewood Avenue, where you’ll find jazz nights, art walks, and bustling brunch spots like The Able Baker. Just a short stroll from town? Memorial Park, designed by the same firm behind Central Park, and South Mountain Reservation, complete with hiking trails, waterfalls, and skyline views. With its expressive, creative energy and quick train ride into NYC, Maplewood offers up just enough city spillover without losing its leafy, laid-back charm.
Westfield
Charming and super walkable, Westfield hits the sweet spot for many NYC families. You can grab a latte at Boxwood Coffee, browse high-end shops on Elm Street, and be on a wooded trail 10 minutes later. Nearby Tamaques Park has a new dog park, tennis courts, playgrounds, and walking paths that weave through the trees. This balance is what draws so many families in—Westfield has lots to do for all ages, and is still an easy commute to the city.
Thinking about making your move?
If you’re craving a place that lets you roam a bustling downtown and the forest all in one weekend, these New Jersey suburbs could be your match. And with the right strategy, it’s easier than you think to land in a community that checks all your boxes.
Let’s explore together. Book your FREE initial strategy call and start narrowing in on the New Jersey suburb that fits your lifestyle—coffee shops, trails, duck ponds, and all.
