Everybody in the Northeast (who isn’t from Jersey) thinks of the state as the armpit of the region; a land mainly comprised of highways, landfills, and factory fumes. Also, as the state that raised the cast of Jersey Shore.
But aside from being the region’s favorite running joke, New Jersey has plenty of lovely places to live. Just not the places you’ll be seeing on this list.
We’ve looked at the numbers to finally determine which cities in New Jersey contribute the most to the state’s bad name (which, incidentally, may be the best places to visit if you want to see why so many in the Northeast ride on the NJ hate-train).
The following cities are the bottom of the barrel in New Jersey:
Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Methodology | Summary | Table
The 10 Worst Places To Live In New Jersey For 2024
Where are these places, you wonder? And before you get all riled up and say we’re picking on small towns in New Jersey, that’s not the case.
We understand there’s a lot of good in every place. For example, the best place to live in New Jersey is Hillsdale.
However, according to data (which doesn’t measure things like beauty and ‘friendly people’), the state has far better options for making a place home. And the worst place to live in New Jersey? The worst place to live in New Jersey is Newark.
Read below to see how we crunched the numbers and how your city fared in 2024.
If you’re looking for something more national, check out the worst cities in America or the worst states in America.
For more New Jersey reading, check out:
- Best Places To Live In New Jersey
- Cheapest Places To Live In New Jersey
- Most Dangerous Cities In New Jersey
The 10 Worst Places To Live In New Jersey For 2024
/10
Population: 307,355
Average Home Price: $432,693
Median Income: $46,460
Unemployment Rate: 10.7%
Crime Per Capita: 0.0232
More on Newark: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
As the largest city in New Jersey, Newark proves that old adage that bigger isn’t always better (in this case, it’s the worst im New Jersey).
The median household income in Newark is the 5th lowest on this list at $46,460.
Add that to a crime index in the worst 5% of all places in New Jersey and an unemployment rate that’s nearly double the national average, and it’s not a stretch to say Newark truly is part of the armpit of America.
/10
Population: 26,895
Average Home Price: $221,011
Median Income: $44,440
Unemployment Rate: 6.0%
Crime Per Capita: 0.0384
More on Bridgeton: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Bridgeton ranks as the 2nd worst place to live in New Jersey for 2024, let’s take a look at why.
Built along the Cohansey River in the southern part of the state, Bridgeton once prospered as a manufacturing center. Those jobs started to flee during the 1980s and now the town’s economic base has eroded away.
As a result of this deindustrialization, the unemployment rate now stands at 6.0% and the median income equals $44,440. These conditions leave 32.7% of the town’s 26,895 residents below the poverty line.
There are bright spots in town. The river provides excellent views and the town features loads of parks, including the Cohanzick Zoo. You can also check out the region’s past at educational attractions like the Nail House Museum.
/10
Salem, a city in Salem County, New Jersey, is unfortunately known as one of the worst places to live in the state. With a high crime rate and safety concerns, it ranks as the number 2 worst place to live in New Jersey for 2023. The city has experienced a significant number of violent crimes, including murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. The property crime rate is also alarming. These crime statistics contribute to the overall danger and poor quality of life in Salem. However, with dedicated efforts and community work, there is potential for improvement and making Salem a safer place to live. Located along the Salem River, the city’s historical significance and rural surroundings offer opportunities for growth and positive change.
/10
Population: 71,799
Average Home Price: $112,692
Median Income: $36,258
Unemployment Rate: 14.6%
Crime Per Capita: 0.1061
More on Camden: Data | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Camden sits along the Delaware River, across the water from Philadelphia. As a major urban center, the city offers significant attractions, such as an aquarium and a decommissioned battleship called the USS New Jersey.
However, Camden also suffers from significant urban blight. More than a third of the city’s 71,799 residents struggle below the poverty line. This comes as a result of a $36,258 median income and a 14.6% unemployment rate.
Housing and education are serious problems as well. Meanwhile, the crime rate runs nearly 90% above the U.S. norm.
/10
Population: 60,796
Average Home Price: $270,058
Median Income: $63,468
Unemployment Rate: 8.3%
Crime Per Capita: 0.0304
More on Vineland: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Vineland has an attraction known as the Palace of Depression. No, really. The location was first built in the 1930s by a wealthy local ruined by the Great Depression. The house made of junk, known as the “strangest house in the world,” was torn down in 1969 but a recent effort has been made to restore the strange landmark.
So what’s wrong with a town that would build a place called “the Palace of Depression” more than once? The economy, of course. The median income hovers at the relatively healthy figure of $63,468, but the unemployment rate runs 8.3%. Also, the cost of living tops the U.S. standard by 10% and crime comes in above the national average.
/10
Population: 27,523
Average Home Price: $218,665
Median Income: $65,279
Unemployment Rate: 8.8%
Crime Per Capita: 0.0437
More on Millville: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Millville, located in Cumberland County, New Jersey, ranks as the fifth worst place to live in the state in 2023. While it may offer some potential for improvement, there are several factors that contribute to its negative reputation. One of the main concerns is the high crime rate, with a notable number of violent crimes reported annually. The city’s safety is compromised, with statistics showing a significant number of incidents such as murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. These crime rates make Millville one of the most dangerous places to reside in New Jersey. However, it’s important to note that with dedicated efforts and community involvement, there is potential for change and improvement in the future. Additionally, Millville’s location within the Vineland-Bridgeton metropolitan statistical area and its proximity to the larger Delaware Valley or Philadelphia metropolitan area offer opportunities for development and growth in various sectors.
/10
Population: 54,358
Average Home Price: $443,546
Median Income: $70,712
Unemployment Rate: 10.3%
Crime Per Capita: 0.0181
More on Plainfield: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Plainfield sits on the edge of a massive urban landscape that includes both Newark and New York City. This gives the area easy access to city amenities, with a 45-minute drive taking you into the heart of Manhattan. Meanwhile, a quick trip in the other direction will land you in the middle of the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.
This might seem like the best of both worlds: cityscapes and natural beauty. But Plainfield comes with a troubling economic situation. The town suffers with high unemployment and a poverty rate over 20%.
At the same time, the proximity of larger metropolitan areas drives up real estate values. Locals have trouble affording the $443,546 median home price on a median income of $70,712.
/10
Population: 43,478
Average Home Price: $488,730
Median Income: $86,801
Unemployment Rate: 7.9%
Crime Per Capita: 0.0333
More on Linden: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
You can see Linden from Statin Island, just across the water in New York. That kind of sums it up: within sight of NYC, but only an outer borough. Manhattan still requires a trip up the New Jersey Turnpike.
Linden actually supports a respectable local economy, unlike most of the other places on this list. It also benefits from a strong housing market and a diverse population. Still, being part of a major metropolitan area comes with drawbacks. The cost of living is well above the national average. At the same time, crime in the area is elevated and the local schools miss expectations.
/10
Population: 5,164
Average Home Price: $549,726
Median Income: $49,131
Unemployment Rate: 9.2%
Crime Per Capita: 0.0763
More on Wildwood: Real Estate
With a name like “Wildwood,” you might picture an enchanted forest, filled with nymphs and endless acres of trees. Nope. Wildwood sits at the southern tip of New Jersey, along the Atlantic Shore.
But while the town doesn’t offer much in the way of literal wild woods, it does have excellent beach access and plenty of oceanside fun. That’s the good part. The bad part? Well, a double-digit unemployment rate, poverty nearing 20%, and a crime rate that nearly triples the national average.
On top of this, living in Wildwood is expensive. The cost of living tops the U.S. norm by 10% and the median home price equals $549,726.
/10
Population: 9,833
Average Home Price: $241,128
Median Income: $69,351
Unemployment Rate: 9.7%
Crime Per Capita: 0.0204
More on Burlington: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Methodology: How we determined the worst places to live in New Jersey for 2024
To figure out the worst places to live in New Jersey, we used Saturday Night Science to idenift what kinds of things people like and then decide what cities have the least amount of those things.
We don’t think it’s a stretch to assume that people like the following things:
- Good education
- Lots of jobs
- Low crime
- Low poverty
- Nice homes
- High incomes
- High population density (Lots of things to do)
- Short work commutes
- Health insurance
The data comes from the Census’s most recent American Community Survey and the FBI Uniform Crime Report.
We broke crime down into violent crime and property crime to give violent crime a more significant weight. If you did a simple calculation of all crimes per capita, property crimes are typically 7x more common and bias that ranking.
Furthermore, only cities with at least 5,000 people were considered — leaving 177 cities.
We then ranked each city from 1 to 177 for all the criteria, with a #1 ranking being the worst for the particular criteria.
Next, we averaged the rankings into one “Worst Place To Live Score.”
Finally, we ranked every city on the “Worst Place To Live Score,” with the lowest score being the worst city in New Jersey — Newark. Read on for a detailed look at the ten worst cities in New Jersey. This article is an opinion based on facts meant as infotainment. We updated this article for 2024. This list is our tenth time ranking the worst places to live in New Jersey.
Summary: Wrapping Up The Worst In New Jersey
If you’re looking at areas in New Jersey with the worst economic situations, where there’s higher than average crime and little to do, this is an accurate list.
And in the end, Newark ranks as the worst city to live in New Jersey for 2024.
The worst cities in New Jersey are .
If you’re curious enough, here are the best cities to live in New Jersey:
- Waldwick (Pop. 10,068)
- Park Ridge (Pop. 9,098)
- Hillsdale (Pop. 10,125)
For more New Jersey reading, check out:
Worst Places To Live In New Jersey
| Rank | City | Population | Unemployment Rate | Home Price | Median Income | Crime Per Capita |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newark | 307,355 | 10.7% | $432,693 | $46,460 | 0.0232 |
| 2 | Bridgeton | 26,895 | 6.0% | $221,011 | $44,440 | 0.0384 |
| 3 | Salem | 5,285 | 12.5% | $190,963 | $35,143 | 0.0322 |
| 4 | Camden | 71,799 | 14.6% | $112,692 | $36,258 | 0.1061 |
| 5 | Vineland | 60,796 | 8.3% | $270,058 | $63,468 | 0.0304 |
| 6 | Millville | 27,523 | 8.8% | $218,665 | $65,279 | 0.0437 |
| 7 | Plainfield | 54,358 | 10.3% | $443,546 | $70,712 | 0.0181 |
| 8 | Linden | 43,478 | 7.9% | $488,730 | $86,801 | 0.0333 |
| 9 | Wildwood | 5,164 | 9.2% | $549,726 | $49,131 | 0.0763 |
| 10 | Burlington | 9,833 | 9.7% | $241,128 | $69,351 | 0.0204 |
| 11 | East Orange | 68,879 | 11.6% | $411,261 | $58,659 | 0.0160 |
| 12 | Passaic | 70,048 | 11.8% | $466,216 | $57,832 | 0.0251 |
| 13 | Trenton | 90,055 | 10.2% | $304,449 | $44,444 | 0.0294 |
| 14 | Somers Point | 10,482 | 9.2% | $360,383 | $68,262 | 0.0230 |
| 15 | North Plainfield | 22,695 | 9.6% | $432,136 | $81,219 | 0.0154 |
| 16 | Freehold | 12,498 | 8.2% | $525,108 | $71,205 | 0.0558 |
| 17 | West New York | 52,438 | 7.5% | $423,448 | $70,141 | 0.0140 |
| 18 | Perth Amboy | 55,226 | 11.3% | $409,914 | $56,239 | 0.0179 |
| 19 | Asbury Park | 15,245 | 8.3% | $558,920 | $63,461 | 0.0469 |
| 20 | Harrison | 19,217 | 5.0% | $555,075 | $72,773 | 0.0235 |
| 21 | Absecon | 9,086 | 8.7% | $295,803 | $73,141 | 0.0365 |
| 22 | New Brunswick | 55,718 | 6.5% | $373,463 | $57,138 | 0.0303 |
| 23 | Pleasantville | 20,562 | 9.3% | $198,435 | $48,704 | 0.0123 |
| 24 | Long Branch | 31,932 | 7.1% | $693,373 | $72,234 | 0.0151 |
| 25 | Paterson | 157,864 | 10.5% | $433,327 | $52,092 | 0.0228 |
| 26 | Woodbury | 9,981 | 8.0% | $289,967 | $75,425 | 0.0391 |
| 27 | Paulsboro | 6,195 | 13.4% | $198,943 | $58,271 | 0.0210 |
| 28 | Elizabeth | 135,665 | 5.9% | $485,755 | $59,939 | 0.0300 |
| 29 | Kearny | 41,157 | 5.6% | $493,393 | $81,307 | 0.0222 |
| 30 | Phillipsburg | 15,206 | 8.4% | $287,518 | $64,130 | 0.0204 |
| 31 | Pine Hill | 10,698 | 8.3% | $237,936 | $69,176 | 0.0186 |
| 32 | Hammonton | 14,732 | 7.4% | $328,819 | $79,747 | 0.0100 |
| 33 | Carteret | 25,161 | 7.3% | $462,130 | $79,049 | 0.0120 |
| 34 | Lindenwold | 21,337 | 3.5% | $227,531 | $53,645 | 0.0230 |
| 35 | Hackensack | 45,758 | 6.9% | $401,854 | $79,133 | 0.0260 |
| 36 | Guttenberg | 11,765 | 8.2% | $391,216 | $76,187 | 0.0079 |
| 37 | Clementon | 5,312 | 4.3% | $270,554 | $62,917 | 0.0262 |
| 38 | Roselle | 22,500 | 8.0% | $433,224 | $75,264 | 0.0125 |
| 39 | Glassboro | 23,014 | 7.9% | $318,867 | $78,518 | 0.0159 |
| 40 | South River | 16,081 | 10.3% | $450,211 | $95,981 | 0.0069 |
| 41 | Clayton | 8,801 | 8.2% | $269,019 | $91,711 | 0.0059 |
| 42 | Englewood | 29,109 | 8.1% | $543,826 | $93,134 | 0.0152 |
| 43 | Fairview | 14,935 | 6.5% | $568,200 | $59,359 | 0.0108 |
| 44 | Somerdale | 5,524 | 8.5% | $307,227 | $83,778 | 0.0581 |
| 45 | East Rutherford | 10,020 | 4.2% | $553,445 | $92,536 | 0.0175 |
| 46 | Bellmawr | 11,677 | 5.5% | $270,837 | $71,935 | 0.0198 |
| 47 | Rahway | 29,664 | 8.3% | $456,383 | $86,557 | 0.0113 |
| 48 | Bayonne | 70,497 | 6.0% | $516,708 | $80,044 | 0.0153 |
| 49 | Secaucus | 21,470 | 6.5% | $594,469 | $129,348 | 0.0302 |
| 50 | Dover | 18,426 | 6.2% | $443,950 | $67,987 | 0.0068 |
| 51 | Middlesex | 14,525 | 5.6% | $440,094 | $101,868 | 0.0303 |
| 52 | Washington | 7,240 | 5.4% | $256,199 | $67,761 | 0.0065 |
| 53 | South Amboy | 9,336 | 5.7% | $438,770 | $94,776 | 0.0134 |
| 54 | Palmyra | 7,437 | 7.6% | $266,511 | $84,866 | 0.0200 |
| 55 | Lodi | 25,969 | 6.4% | $519,457 | $80,044 | 0.0142 |
| 56 | Ridgefield Park | 13,161 | 10.3% | $511,683 | $94,047 | 0.0146 |
| 57 | Runnemede | 8,307 | 7.7% | $275,560 | $85,700 | 0.0203 |
| 58 | Sayreville | 45,136 | 5.4% | $459,172 | $95,250 | 0.0104 |
| 59 | Garfield | 32,472 | 4.7% | $492,610 | $72,026 | 0.0165 |
| 60 | Spotswood | 8,136 | 9.5% | $457,158 | $100,781 | 0.0044 |
| 61 | Bound Brook | 11,906 | 6.6% | $429,343 | $78,776 | 0.0114 |
| 62 | Lincoln Park | 10,884 | 10.8% | $465,030 | $112,056 | 0.0072 |
| 63 | Prospect Park | 6,299 | 9.0% | $444,922 | $54,271 | 0.0127 |
| 64 | Keyport | 7,188 | 10.4% | $420,902 | $75,709 | 0.0121 |
| 65 | Clifton | 89,451 | 6.4% | $510,186 | $94,179 | 0.0202 |
| 66 | Elmwood Park | 21,261 | 6.6% | $520,373 | $84,578 | 0.0152 |
| 67 | Belmar | 5,877 | 6.8% | $853,550 | $89,736 | 0.0208 |
| 68 | Wallington | 11,838 | 7.6% | $550,008 | $79,270 | 0.0133 |
| 69 | Wharton | 7,217 | 3.8% | $427,591 | $91,557 | 0.0109 |
| 70 | Stratford | 6,962 | 5.2% | $297,326 | $89,200 | 0.0135 |
| 71 | Keansburg | 9,761 | 3.5% | $323,954 | $80,144 | 0.0170 |
| 72 | Carlstadt | 6,341 | 4.8% | $578,158 | $89,669 | 0.0207 |
| 73 | Barrington | 7,022 | 6.8% | $324,789 | $82,070 | 0.0157 |
| 74 | Collingswood | 14,135 | 8.1% | $389,070 | $78,909 | 0.0324 |
| 75 | Paramus | 26,582 | 7.6% | $866,706 | $136,824 | 0.0416 |
| 76 | Brigantine | 7,784 | 4.9% | $625,871 | $91,307 | 0.0103 |
| 77 | West Long Branch | 8,547 | 7.5% | $856,215 | $114,036 | 0.0119 |
| 78 | Totowa | 10,975 | 5.4% | $558,674 | $112,097 | 0.0213 |
| 79 | Little Ferry | 10,954 | 8.3% | $496,208 | $72,722 | 0.0054 |
| 80 | Newton | 8,370 | 7.6% | $393,001 | $72,240 | 0.0061 |
| 81 | Watchung | 6,417 | 6.8% | $905,582 | $157,065 | 0.0457 |
| 82 | South Plainfield | 24,273 | 7.2% | $495,585 | $123,417 | 0.0163 |
| 83 | Fort Lee | 39,799 | 4.8% | $537,880 | $101,573 | 0.0151 |
| 84 | Palisades Park | 20,231 | 5.8% | $844,948 | $93,250 | 0.0079 |
| 85 | Ridgefield | 11,465 | 6.9% | $677,879 | $105,609 | 0.0075 |
| 86 | Woodland Park | 13,291 | 6.1% | $546,965 | $90,323 | 0.0113 |
| 87 | Red Bank | 12,868 | 3.2% | $594,880 | $89,500 | 0.0111 |
| 88 | Haledon | 8,945 | 5.8% | $462,758 | $98,462 | 0.0188 |
| 89 | Berlin | 7,489 | 1.8% | $342,726 | $98,706 | 0.0178 |
| 90 | Kenilworth | 8,345 | 8.4% | $532,095 | $97,600 | 0.0116 |
| 91 | Dunellen | 7,598 | 4.3% | $449,110 | $86,532 | 0.0086 |
| 92 | Englewood Cliffs | 5,347 | 6.8% | $1,437,753 | $213,261 | 0.0161 |
| 93 | Oceanport | 6,119 | 7.5% | $795,055 | $132,723 | 0.0075 |
| 94 | North Arlington | 16,352 | 5.8% | $531,251 | $96,869 | 0.0069 |
| 95 | Woodcliff Lake | 6,096 | 10.7% | $1,021,125 | $227,500 | 0.0087 |
| 96 | Raritan | 8,301 | 5.5% | $469,041 | $99,928 | 0.0099 |
| 97 | Summit | 22,555 | 5.7% | $1,115,201 | $176,702 | 0.0092 |
| 98 | North Haledon | 8,801 | 6.4% | $617,950 | $128,472 | 0.0044 |
| 99 | Beachwood | 10,933 | 4.2% | $402,754 | $99,099 | 0.0102 |
| 100 | Bloomingdale | 7,726 | 4.3% | $459,891 | $125,865 | 0.0036 |
I might throw Union city under the bus but Wny and guttenberg are pretty decent places especially considering how dense they are, have you been to Irvington? Vineland? Camden? Bayonne?
West New York:
http://hudsoncountytv.com/two-arrested-for-assaulting-victim-at-711-in-west-new-york/
http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2015/06/killed_over_5_robbers_needed_money_beat_west_new_y.html
http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2015/07/west_new_york_teenager_was_shot_in_the_back_of_the.html
http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2015/06/what_we_know_about_the_west_new_york_mayors_indict.html
Stay classy!
What happened to Camden ? They are right up there with Newark
Yeah – how did Camden go from #5 last year to #29?
Having lived in West New York for thirty years and having worked in Union City for many of those, I certainly can’t argue with this assessment. Overpopulation is one of many problems plaguing the area. There is also so much corruption. I left many years ago and was so happy to do so.
Itotally adisagree with your statement regarding Union City. It’s completely the opposite!!! Come to the city and you will see. God bless Union City!!
Union City is a dump.
You’re stupid. You don’t know shit at all.
I am not even sure where to begin with this list …. Clearly you haven’t been to the towns you’ve list and haven’t done any actual research but simply going off someone else “statistics”… If anything you sound like someone who calls himself a Chef, voicing his amazing culinary skill but has never tasted his own food… In other words …Ridiculous and an unreliable source…. Hopefully in the near future you can take the time to do some actual investigation work on the topic your writing about ….
This article is satire and the person who wrote the article has no idea what the hell he is talking about. The fact that he used “stuff to do” as a static, plus the fact that Camden is not on the list AT ALL proves my point. Unbiased my ass.
I have to strongly disagree with your list. No way WNY, Guttenberg and UC are worse places to live in than JC, Paterson, Camden, Atlantic City, and many other cities in NJ. Their educational districts are much better than whatever stats you came up with. You have many foreigners taking tests, and the tests are not reflective of the successful integration of so many nationalities.
Union city , gutternberg and west New York way better than jersey city ,Paterson ….
Educational districts , low crime
This is no report. It’s totally ludicrous, rediculous and ambiguous. Look at that beautiful picture of WNY. And the meltingpot of all kinds of people that actually say, “Good morning”, “Thank you”, etc.
How condescending to compare a tv show to the Real People of New Jersey who never to a NY minute to rush to the aide of the many victims of 9/11, Sandy or anything else coming their way!
How dare you! You should be ashamed of yourself!
And that’s all I have to say about that!
Paterson NJ anyone?!
Well said, he has not visited Paterson NJ. I wondered how much that corrupted city paid to leave them off the list. They needed to be on the list and take Camden off. I’m from neither of those town.
Who’s wrote this stupid article. FYI college educated, work in the city and I live in Orange for 5 years.This is a bias article foh!
I do not believe that about Madison park . It is a devopment not a town and the picture is Sayreville. Maybe who ever wrote this should know what they are talking about. All facts wrong, the writer that wrote this is sadly mistaken and a letter of apology should be posted on facebook
My thoughts exactly. Madison Park is a great place. It is a housing development (neighborhood) in Old Bridge Township. I have lived there for over 50 years and have never experienced any problems.
When I read your article it bothered me so much. I grew up in WNY and I could tell you we had everything you wanted and needed to prepare you for the world. Not to many places you can go and have New York City as your backdrop as you played basketball in the park or I can never remember not having a friend to hang out with, still today many of my friends are my childhood friends. We had everything we needed nearby, from movie theaters, Bergenline Ave with over 100 blocks of stores, we also had every sport you can imagine, plus the Meadowlands and we did not only watch them, we played them as well and of course we had the greatest city in the world in our door step, we did not only stay in WNY we were near everything. By the way all of New Jersey weather is crappy, so that puts the entire state on the list and as far as income we had again New York City to tap into if we wanted. No town is perfect, but WNY made me who I am today a father of 4 kids, Married 27 years to my WNY High School sweatheart, graduate from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and a successful entrepreneur. I will always carry WNY in my heart !
I would drive into and walk around parts of Newark. I wouldn’t set foot in Patterson without a strong guy with me. The cops wait am hour to go to a crime scene to make sure the idiots are done shooting. They send a three cop cars..1 to respond, 2 for backup, 3 to watch the cop cars so they aren’t stolen. Camden as well. I won’t go without my body guard. I am not being racist. . it’s just a mess and unsafe.
Jersey City is in the middle of Iraq including BAYONNE. If i had the money to buy these 2 cities including newark i will sell them to iraq.they’re really bad to raised kid’s really not safe for anyone.
this guy is a total idot! my thought is newJersey is ok! if you don’t like it here than don’t come here!
F#@!ing spot on. Just face it North Jersey is a joke.
You’re a joke
I agree being a Jersey girl, Jersey city, East Orange not Orange, Camden and some parts of Trenton are pretty rough. Cause he didn’t go by crime rate.
This is opinionated not factual. Yes cities like Newark, Irvington, and Orange are high crime areas! Why! When the necessities needed for basic survival are denied, chaos happens. I lived in two of these cities and know first hand the difficulty of finding employment there. The majority of jobs are doled out to outsiders, inside and outside the state solely because the residents there aren’t provided with services and resources that would provide productivity. There are plenty here qualified to perform the same tasks as the outsiders but are denied solely because they are residents of the cities in question, deemed the same as the rest. It doesn’t matter the skin color, just saying you are from these places raises brows and cast a shadow
of doubt not just for employment but residency, visitation and everything-else. Most places has their problem sector but these mentioned as the worst for high crime (on and off the list) are prejudged. Many may say no to this but those saying no aren’t from there. Given the chance to improve surely would give us the opportunity to seek better but this too is not wanted by most. Nay sayers may be disagreeing with this list but many don’t and won’t let them out no matter their qualifications, standards and desire for
change.
I agree that our towns were sht sometimes sht holes, but the claim that they are ranked by a criteria shows that you know nothing about New Jersey. Union City, West New York and Newark have great commuting. Newark has a Pen Station for goodness sake. They put the Red Bulls and Devils in Newark because of the ease of transportation. Union City and West New York have pretty good education systems considering the dense population. And if we are ranking by crime, poverty, and high unemployment, where the hell is Camden, Atlantic City, and Trenton?
As a Jersey girl, I must say that only 2 of the people of the TV show “Jersey Shore” are from NJ. Most of them are from
Staten Island! 😀
Madison Park is not a town, it is a subset of north/northwest Old Bridge Township…and the picture shown for it is approximately 1 mile north into the next town (sayreville).
Seriously dude how can you leave out Camden this list is a joke I’m guessing you don’t even live in new jersey
This list is absolutely right on.. My parents bought a house in WNY in 1982 .. I graduated from memorial in ’85 it was an incredibly lovely town where everyone knew each other shopping and restaurants were amazing . There was a sense of safety . After 33 years I’m sad to say it’s definitely time to go .. There isn’t a restaurant worth going to ,every store is a .99 cent , if u get home past 7:30 good luck finding a parking . When u actually see the decline of what was once a beautiful suburban town its a damn shame and I don’t appreciate people trying to paint it any better than the dispicable overpopulated mess it is now
Sorry, you’re wrong. The town turned to absolute shit in the mid-60’s. I couldn’t wait to get out of there.
Where’s Jersey City? Bayonne? Camden? Paterson? The author of this article is obviously not from New Jersey if he thinks these are the worst places.
This list is ridiculous. West New York, Union City and Guttenberg made the list but not Jersey City, Camden, Patterson, or Atlantic City?!?!? AND you said the cast of the Jersey shore came from New Jersey when most of them were born in New York? I know internet articles generally have low standards but this is horrific.
You’re obviously not from Jersey and you obviously don’t know how to research very well Mr. Zane.
I think Colts Neck is a disgusting town. You need a car to buy a loaf of bread…
You were obviously driving through there too fast to not notice the horses, clean living, awesome schools, and high property taxes. Were Rumson, Monmouth Beach, and Elberon equally reprehensible?
Only those who cannot afford Colts Neck would make such an idiotic and inaccurate statement. Colts Neck is stunning!
TRENTON, NEW JERSEY was left off the list. Someone didn’t do their research did they?
Madison Park is a development not a city. The picture shown isn’t Madison Park. Madison Park is a part of Old Bridge. I’ve lived here mist of my life. I don’t hear about all this crime. Again check your info. Madison Park isn’t a city.
I live in West New York, and I have to say this list is pretty damn accurate.
There are a lot of variables that Matt has taken into account so do yourself a favor and check the lengthy data he compiled. If he had added a “corruption” metric, West New York would be #1.
But we can’t be first in anything, alas, save maybe illegal immigrants.
BAYONNE should be TOP of this list… it’s become a horrible joke!!
So true Roger.
Bridgeton is the county seat of the poorest county in the state,it is taking it’s neighbors Millville and Vineland down with it.Unemployment is up and Social Services are overwhelmed.
it is funny i am moving to bridgeton to retire near the water parts of the county are stunnunnning and others are the pits
Camden(also known as Condemned)is a victim of the de-industrialization of the nation.It looks and acts disgusting.Its suburbs are old, worn out and not very attractive anymore.
There are few things that will convince me that the area of West New York, Union City, and Guttenberg aren’t a giant lump of excrement that I’d never live in again. Seriously, it’s all one area, really. Bad driving, high crime, cockroaches, and just a terrible place. the area gets better when you start going through North Bergen and is gone by the time you get to Cliffside Park. We can also agree that Newark and Irvington are a cesspool of corruption, crime, and drugs. Those are the obvious choices and the author is not wrong in bringing these aboard to his article.
HOWEVER, he missed a whole bunch that are truly horrific cities. Has the writer ever been to Wildwood, Atlantic City, Seaside, Lakewood, Neptune, or Fairview? Those are terrible places, too. Or how about Camden? It’s like a war zone. Drive through Lakewood on your way down to LBI on Route 9 and you’ll find a city that is dying of neglect. Lakewood is growing, but if you put cancer in a healthy body, it will grow, too.
No, there are bad places to live in New Jersey. The author found some of the more obvious ones and neglected some of the worst. After all Camden has been on the book of lists as one of the worst places to live in the country since they started writing them.
lovely video
Bergen County is a bad place to live and so is Camden County not just Camden. A so-called famous woman who said whe was abused in Camden when she was 10 moved with her family to nearby Cherry Hill said it was “like being abducted by aliens and taken to a penal colony” and I’d agree. Bergen County is about as bad and a lot of the local and County governments there are even worse. Lots of ‘worst in the world’ things there from no buying on Sunday to crime and corruption to being treated as poorly and dangerous as Camden County and if you say anything they’ll get mean and may try to hurt you and your kids. Fbi even talked to high school kids in Bergen County because ISIS was sending video messages to the children there – what a terrible place. Lookup “FBI forums focus on ISIS recruitment threat in N.J. ” in May 2016 and “FBI Speaks To Bergen County High School Students About ISIS Recruitment Threat”. Bergen County government is so bad and a lot of people there so mean and harmful to their own children ISIS targets their kids! Lots of racism and even disgraceful eugenics from all races to the the others there and it is supported and encouraged by the criminal justice system and police, not the way to handle a diverse and crowded population. Gets my vote for worst place to live and place to be most avoided in the US.
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This list is so inaccurate…Guttenberg & WNY are densely populated & not the best choice of a place to live…but I know many people who love it there. So many great restaurants in the area, easy & close access to the city & I never experienced any danger or crime of any kind.
There are parks, dog runs & so much to do. What about the tons of desolate, depressing, awful towns in South Jersey… There’s plenty he could’ve added to the list. I don’t think this person really knows anything about New Jersey because he left out so many worse towns…Camden, Paterson, East Orange, etc…
The author of this article is out of touch with reality. Union City is a great area!!! The mayor has taken great strides to beautify the neighborhood and that has given a new sense of pride for the people that live here. People say hello to you on the street. Everything is at your finger tips as far as shopping, restaurants, etc. Let’s also not forget that the commute to Manhattan is only 15 minutes. We have lived here for a year now and stand by the fact that it was a great investment. People are rapidly buying into this area because they see the upward trend of the area. YES it’s Jersey, but get over it! LOVE Union City!!!
SOME of the worst streets are in Paterson, comparable to Camden & Newark (1990s). Those 2 towns are greatly improving, Trenton & (even) Irvington are worse than Newark overall, though, Irvington may not be rated as high as Newark on a crime list. Jersey City is barely better than Newark but may be getting worse again crime-wise. This, basically, applies to what means the ‘worst’ towns given various factors for N.J. cities.
Hello
Matt
I would like to invite to visit Paulsboro, NJ. I do not agree with your data, since i also serve on the governing body of the borough of Paulsboro.
I would like to do a conference call with our administrative team to review your data. Paulsboro is a safe and clean town, a classic American blue collar town with a rich tradition going back to the early days of our country.
Looking forward to talk with you soon.
Thanks
John Giovannitti
Phillipsburg at 17? Boosha
You may state that this is based on numbers and not other things that make a city. But most people are not going to read that they just look at you list and take it at face value. You do know Bridgeton is the largest historic area in the state, that it has a free public zoo, lush parks, and lakes. Why don’t you check out the Bridgeton Main Street Association Website. In fact instead of looking at numbers I would suggest you attend our Cinco De Mayo celebration, as far as I know in 2017 no arrests or crime at the event, or the Crab Fest in September. How bout the Holiday House Tour, that one you all should really see in person before making list like this and publishing them on the internet. I really think you should tour a place before you go and throw even more negative light on a community that has good people in it trying to bring it back to the glory it was before all the industry left. Also very interesting how most of the cities on the list are in South Jersey and have been dying slowly because of the high taxes in the state that are a result of the Northern population and heavily leaning Democratic voting.
I’ve lived in Union City most of my life and yes, the area has deteriorated somewhat due to lower incomes and the economic downfall of NJ but I still love it here. It has a low crime rate, NYC is around the corner, Hoboken is down the street, everything you need is close. The Meadowlands, theatres, malls and it’s a hard working community for those who can find jobs. There are much, much worse cities you wouldn’t set foot in not mentioned here. So, yes, more research needs to be ✔.
Bergen County with Hackensack, Englewood, Tenafly, Cresskill, Bergenfield, Teaneck and many others is the worst place to live in the US with corruption stealing children, torturing kids in schools (Also Camden County), attacking anyone complaining about the Apartheid schools hurting children, they literally come to your home, attack wife and children while away, break in and steal kids and make them sick with horrible drugs and if you fight they use the Political Abuse of Psychiatry to destroy the best people in town – Look it up. Nowhere is the world-leading corruption, terror and torture worse than in Bergen County New Jersey and now that corruption moved from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office as the most corrupt and dangerous and killer in the world to running the State of New Jersey Attorney General’s Office the only way to make the worst most hated corrupt state in the country and world even worse. Working with federal complaints to stop the domestic terror and horrific child trafficking terror of the State of New Jersey – Join the Fight! No child or person or family is safe in Bergen County New Jersey and it isn’t the only one.
Hey I’ve lived in N.J. my whole life and I work in law enforcement (federal) with that said N.J. is an interesting state with a lot of variables that dertermine “bad” or “worst.” If you live or your moving to Essex county from out of state, east orange, newark, Orange, and Irvington ARE NOT friendly and will be considered dangerous. The public transit in these places are A1. Places like Bloomfield, belleview, maple wood, west orange, are nicer/ not so nice/ less affordable/ but slightly expensive alternatives. Places like Millburn, Caldwell, west Caldwell, Verona, glen ridge, Montclair, are more ideal/most expensive/ better schools and recommendable places to live, leave your doors open and have a great N.J. experience however the homes are 350k+ and the taxes on those homes are over 10k a year. You will pay for the comforts these towns provide. Hudson county is the same. places like Jersey City are not friendly places to live but the transit is A1, it’s dirty, the crime rate is high but Jersey City is special because there are pockets within the city that are safe for the local residents if they exude common sense (ex: exchange place, the heights) union city is over populated, Guttenberg is the same.. but there is no MAJOR crime in these areas that compares to Jersey City. Union county has Elizabeth and Plainfield but the crime in Plainfield does not compare to the crime in Elizabeth or Newark. The residents may feel other wise but these same ppl would NeVER live on Bergen and Clinton Ave in Newark. There are still nice & quiet areas in Plainfield that any person would love to live in. You will pay to live in these communities such as sleepy hollow. All that said, I wouldn’t recommend that you move to Plainfield if you’re new to the State. The transit there sucks! The taxes are high. The school system sucks! The same is true for Bergen county and Paterson. Paterson is the worst city in that county by a landslide. It has as many problems as Newark and they are on a roll with corruption, crime, drugs, etc. So please remember N.J. is a melting pot. The worst places are definitely Newark, Camden, Trenton, east Orange, Irvington, Orange, Bridgeton, Paterson, Jersey City, Elizabeth, Passaic, Atlantic City.
Considering Union City Moving into a Condo with a Garage. Am I crazy? Like the Idea the city and Hoboken are so close. Am I risking my family’s life?
Will be moving out to paterson due to factory space that opened up. Any advice on keeping cars out there? Currently carless, but had planned to pick up a new toyota rav4/highlander. Now wondering if that should be downscaled to a base model honda fit. Will any car be fleeced for parts if not stolen? Will the insurance be sky-high? Should I just buy a clunker and keep the new car in another city’s parking lot and drive the clunker to it? Advice?
Pretty accurate depiction.
It’s hard to fit all the “worst” of NJ in just 10… might have to start a worst 25 list! Too many lazy, uneducated, Democrats in the whole state. There hand is always out to get, and never to give. The dirty politicians always raising taxes strangles out any chance of growth. Can’t wait to escape! Can’t afford the tolls to leave because if you make a dollar the dirty Democrats charge you two!!! You can’t talk sense into these morons heads here. They only think but the dems give us stuff, but don’t consider the chains they’re placing around their necks for the handouts. Get WOKE to reality morons! We’re free to rule over the politicians not take their scraps. But on a high note, NY, PA, MD and DE around us are just as stupid!