Key Takeaways

• Here’s what’s happening in South Orange & Maplewood right now: these towns are attracting many first-time buyers from NYC thanks to walkable downtowns, strong community vibes, and fast Midtown Direct train access.
  
  

• If you’re a typical Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Hoboken renter, moving to Northern NJ often means more space, a yard, and a home that fits your lifestyle without increasing your monthly budget.
  
  

• The best towns for first-time buyers balance commute convenience, local culture, and housing options—Maplewood, South Orange, Montclair, Summit, Millburn/Short Hills, Livingston, and West Orange are among the top picks.

When your apartment starts feeling more like a college memory than a place that fits your adult life, it’s usually a sign: you’re ready for more space, more comfort, and a home that reflects who you’ve become. If you’re living in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, or the Jersey City/Hoboken corridor and thinking, “What’s next?” - you’re not alone. Many buyers reach a moment where their career, routine, and priorities have evolved while their square footage hasn’t.

The natural next question becomes:

“Where should I buy my first place in New Jersey once I’m done with city living?”

Below is a clear, friendly, and deeply local guide to help you figure out where to go, what to expect, and how to choose the right town.

Why So Many First-Time Buyers Choose the NJ Suburbs

Northern New Jersey offers actual space, vibrant communities, and quick train access without giving up the lifestyle you love.

Longer answer: City transplants usually want three things: more room, some greenery, and an easy way to stay connected to work and culture. Towns like Maplewood, South Orange, Montclair, Glen Ridge, Bloomfield, Summit, Short Hills, Millburn, Westfield, Chatham, Madison, Livingston, West Orange, and Morristown check all of those boxes.

Here’s what typically motivates the move.

1. Living Space That Fits Your Real Life

NJ homes offer the square footage your current apartment can’t.

Across Essex and Union counties, even entry-level condos and smaller single-family homes give you meaningful breathing room: a real kitchen, a place to work remotely, a second or third bedroom, and if you want it, a yard. Buyers moving from the city often tell us they finally feel like their home supports their lifestyle instead of limiting it.

Common priorities for first-time suburban buyers:

• A dedicated office
  
  

• A guest room or future nursery
  
  

• Space for a dog
  
  

• Storage that actually works
  
  

• A layout where each room has a purpose
  
  

Towns like Maplewood, South Orange, Bloomfield, and West Orange offer especially strong options for starter homes, townhouses, and spacious condos.

If you love Montclair’s vibe but want more affordability, explore: Bloomfield, West Orange & Clifton: Standout Alternatives for Buyers Who Love Montclair’s Vibe

2. Direct Commutes to NYC (Without the Stress)

The train lines are efficient, and many trips are faster than getting across Manhattan.

Northern NJ’s commuter towns were built for convenience. Midtown Direct service makes places like Maplewood, South Orange, Millburn, Short Hills, Summit, Montclair, and Morristown exceptionally attractive for first-time buyers who still need easy access to Penn Station, Hoboken, or the PATH.

If you’re moving from a hyper-walkable neighborhood, focus on town centers such as:

• Maplewood Village
  
  

• South Orange Village Center
  
  

• Downtown Montclair
  
  

• Downtown Summit
  
  

Each offers cafés, stores, fitness studios, and dining just steps from the train.

3. A Balanced Lifestyle With Real Community Energy

You’re not giving up culture - you’re just shifting where it happens.

Most of Essex and Union County’s popular towns have the city energy plus suburban comfort blend that buyers want today. Montclair has a nationally known dining scene and arts culture. Maplewood and South Orange host weekly markets, performances, and family-friendly events. Summit and Westfield offer polished downtowns with boutiques, cafés, and community festivals. 

Expect:

• Outdoor concerts and events
  
  

• Independent bookstores and coffee shops
  
  

• Diverse neighborhoods and established arts communities
  
  

• Trails, parks, and weekend activities
  
  

• Great local restaurants
  
  

You’re not moving to the middle of nowhere. You’re joining hyper-engaged communities full of other former city dwellers.

4. More Value (and a Chance to Build Equity)

Your budget stretches farther, and you gain ownership stability that renting can’t match.

While prices vary by town, most buyers moving from the city feel a dramatic shift: their monthly spending often evens out or drops, while their living space increases. And unlike years of renting, buying in Northern NJ lets you build equity in a region with consistently strong long-term demand.

Towns like Livingston, West Orange, Bloomfield, and parts of Montclair offer strong starter-home opportunities, especially for buyers who want a blend of value, space, and commuting access.

Where First-Time Buyers Usually Land: A Local Breakdown

These NJ towns are the strongest fits for former city residents.

Maplewood and South Orange (SOMA)

Perfect if you want walkability, a creative vibe, diverse neighborhoods, and fast Midtown Direct trains. The area has a large population of former NYC and Jersey City residents and a mix of condos, starter homes, and charming historic houses.

Montclair

Ideal for buyers seeking culture, dining, nightlife, and an urban-suburban blend. Offers everything from vintage condos to renovated single-family homes across neighborhoods like Upper Montclair, Walnut Street, and the South End.

Summit

Excellent for walkability and quick express trains. Summit appeals to buyers who want a lively downtown and polished community amenities.

Short Hills and Millburn

Known for convenience and strong schools. While many homes are large, you’ll also find townhomes and entry-level properties that suit first-time buyers seeking a quiet, refined setting.

Livingston

Livingston offers strong value for buyers seeking more space, larger lots, and a suburban setting with highly rated schools.

Key features:

• Primarily single-family homes
  
  

• Wider streets and a more traditional suburban feel
  
  

• Generally higher price points than West Orange
  
  

• Convenient access to major highways (280, 287, Route 10)
  
  

• Shopping centers, parks, and community amenities
  
  

Livingston is well-suited for buyers who want space and stability but don’t require a train town.

West Orange

West Orange is a more affordable and varied entry point into Essex County, offering strong value and diverse housing stock for first-time buyers.

Key features:

• Condos, townhomes, and smaller single-family homes at approachable price points
  
  

• Easy commuting access via bus to NYC, local jitney services, and nearby train stations
  
  

• Proximity to Eagle Rock Reservation, South Mountain Reservation, and Turtle Back Zoo
  
  

• Highly attractive for buyers seeking more space without stretching their budget
  
  

West Orange appeals to those who want suburban convenience and community energy without the higher price tag of Livingston.

Madison, Chatham, Morristown, and Westfield

Popular for their downtowns, train access, and active community life. Morristown offers nightlife and energy, while Chatham and Madison skew more village-like and residential.

How to Choose the Right NJ Town for Your First Home

Focus on how you live day to day, not just price or commute.

Ask yourself:

• Do I need a walkable downtown?
  If yes, consider Maplewood Village, South Orange, Summit, Montclair, or Morristown.
  
  

• Do I want a yard or outdoor space?
  Look closely at West Orange, Livingston, Chatham, and Madison.
  
  

• How important is a fast commute?
  Prioritize Midtown Direct towns: Maplewood, South Orange, Millburn, Short Hills, Summit, Montclair, Morristown.
  
  

• Do I prefer quiet or buzz?
  Quiet: Short Hills, Chatham, Glen Ridge.
  Buzz: Montclair, Morristown, Maplewood.
  
  

• Am I open to renovation?
  Montclair, South Orange, and Bloomfield have great fixer opportunities.
  Summit, Madison, and Short Hills lean more turnkey.
  
  

Pro tip: Visit towns in person. Get a coffee. Sit in a park. Walk the blocks near the train station. Most buyers “just know” when a town feels right.

Your Next Home Should Fit the Life You’re Building

Feeling squeezed in your apartment isn’t a failure. It’s a sign that you’ve outgrown your old chapter. The New Jersey suburbs offer the next one: space, comfort, community, and a more balanced way of living without giving up the best parts of city life.

If you’re planning to begin your search in 2026, or even just exploring possibilities, our team can guide you through every step. Want personalized town recommendations? Email us anytime at [email protected].

FAQ

Is moving from NYC to New Jersey worth it?

Yes. Most buyers gain significantly more space, better lifestyle balance, and a strong long-term investment.

What towns are best for a fast commute to Manhattan?

Maplewood, South Orange, Short Hills, Millburn, Summit, Montclair, and Morristown all offer direct train options.

Is Montclair a good fit for a first-time buyer?

Absolutely. Montclair offers an ideal mix of energy, culture, and suburban comfort.

Do I need a large budget to live in Essex County?

Not always. Condos, townhouses, and smaller homes in towns like Bloomfield, West Orange, and South Orange provide excellent entry points.