7 New Jersey towns as walkable as Manhattan – but at a lower price

New York City is known for its walkability, with nearly every amenity a short walk or subway ride away.

But living in Manhattan, one of NYC’s most famously walkable areas, comes at a high cost, with average real estate listing prices in July of $1.6 million. At least six neighborhoods in the city require homebuyers to earn seven figures to even consider making an offer on a home, according to a recent Realtor.com® analysis.

However, walkability is not limited to the Big Apple. Across the Hudson River, several New Jersey cities offer comparable levels of walking, but at a fraction of the cost.

Using data from Local Logic, a leading resource for neighborhood analytics, along with Realtor.com housing market data, we’ve identified the most walkable cities in New Jersey. The data includes factors such as proximity to amenities, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and the overall ease of living without cars.

Seven cities, clustered mostly along New Jersey’s Hudson River shoreline, all have walkability scores as high as Manhattan’s but with significantly lower real estate prices.

“New York City’s walkability has kind of a culture to it,” says Realtor.com senior economic analyst Hannah Jones, “but the value of that walkability has spread to these New Jersey towns.”

Each of the seven has a median home list price below—somewhere well below—Manhattan’s median list price. Renters will also see significant savings across the Hudson River.

In Manhattan, the median asking rent for all Realtor.com rental properties is $4,489, while the median asking rent for properties in the state of New Jersey is nearly half that, at $2,765.

And while all of these New Jersey walkable neighborhoods have an urban feel, not unlike New York City, each has its own cultural flavor.

“All of these neighborhoods have an atmosphere, just like you find in Queens or Brooklyn,” says Jill Biggs, a real estate agent and team leader at The Jill Biggs Group Coldwell Banker Realty in Hoboken, NJ.

And no matter where one lives in this cluster of cities, from block to block, high walkability scores mean residents can find almost everything they need within walking distance.

“Depending on the block you live on, you’ll walk to get your produce from one store and your bread from another,” Biggs says. “You’ll find your favorite takeout spot that’s close enough to walk to or stop on your way home.”

These New Jersey cities are also strategically located near major transit routes that make commuting to Manhattan quick and convenient. Hoboken, Jersey City and Weehawken benefit from direct access to the PATH train, which takes commuters to Manhattan’s financial district and midtown areas. And ferry service offers commuters another option to cross the Hudson.

Additionally, these cities are well served by NJ Transit buses and trains, providing connections to the greater New Jersey area and other New York City boroughs. The comprehensive public transportation network ensures that residents can enjoy the benefits of New York City’s bustling lifestyle without the burden of living costs.

Putting aside the slight rivalry that New Yorkers and New Jerseyans often engage in, New Jersey towns that offer exceptional walkability at lower real estate prices than NYC combine urban amenities with residential charm.

For those open to an alternative to New York City and its high home prices, here are New Jersey’s most walkable towns that offer good access to the Big Apple.

Located just across the Hudson River from Manhattan, Union City offers stunning views of the Big Apple skyline, cultural diversity and a vibrant arts scene.

2. Hoboken, NJ

Hoboken is famous for its bustling waterfront and proximity to Manhattan, just a short ferry ride away. With a vibrant nightlife and plenty of dining options, it’s a popular choice for young professionals.