7 New Jersey Cities That Are Just as Walkable as Manhattan, But Way Cheaper

Forget Manhattan, These 7 New Jersey Cities Offer Walkability at a Fraction of the Cost

New York City is known for its walkability, but living in Manhattan comes with a steep price tag. The median home list price in July was a whopping $1.6 million!

But don't despair if you're looking for an urban lifestyle without the Manhattan price tag. Just across the Hudson River, several New Jersey cities offer similar walkability, but at much lower costs.

These cities, mostly along New Jersey's Hudson River shoreline, all have walkability scores as high as Manhattan's, but with median home list prices significantly lower.

What Makes These Cities Walkable?

These cities offer a mix of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, proximity to amenities, and a vibrant urban culture. Think of it as the best of both worlds: the walkability and excitement of NYC without the exorbitant costs.

Here's a glimpse at seven of the most walkable New Jersey cities:

1. Union City, NJ

• Median list price: $425,000
• Population: 68,589

Located across the Hudson River from Manhattan, Union City offers stunning views of the city skyline, a diverse culture, and a thriving arts scene.

<figure> <a href="https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/M52675-36089" target="_blank"> <img decoding="async" src="https://na.rdcpix.com/e07b4749c86a0e094a0cc413333b0a8ew-c1669418986rd-w832_h468_r4_q80.jpg" data-src="https://na.rdcpix.com/e07b4749c86a0e094a0cc413333b0a8ew-c1669418986rd-w832_h468_r4_q80.jpg" alt="6-bedroom, 4-bathroom multi-family home for sale in Union City, NJ" width="640" height="360"></a> <figcaption>Six-bedroom, four-bathroom multifamily home for sale in Union City, NJ (Realtor.com)</figcaption> </figure>

2. Hoboken, NJ

• Median list price: $849,000
• Population: 52,677

Hoboken is a popular choice for young professionals, known for its bustling waterfront, proximity to Manhattan (just a short ferry ride away), and lively nightlife.

<figure> <a href="https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/M54246-23562" target="_blank"> <img decoding="async" src="https://na.rdcpix.com/6bcecc2c49d2ff447d850f5e80822b15w-c1211954044rd-w832_q80.jpg" data-src="https://na.rdcpix.com/6bcecc2c49d2ff447d850f5e80822b15w-c1211954044rd-w832_q80.jpg" alt="2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo/townhome/rowhome/coop for sale in Hoboken, NJ" width="640" height="360"></a> <figcaption>Two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo/townhome/row home/co-op for sale in Hoboken, NJ (Realtor.com)</figcaption> </figure>

3. Guttenberg, NJ

• Median list price: $399,900
• Population: 11,460

Guttenberg, one of the most densely populated municipalities in the US, offers a compact and walkable environment. Its location along the Hudson River provides residents with easy access to New York City.

<figure> <a href="https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/M63102-70911" target="_blank"> <img decoding="async" src="https://na.rdcpix.com/af930686ded1d8d2a64c34c19609d7a9w-c346022390rd-w832_q80.jpg" data-src="https://na.rdcpix.com/af930686ded1d8d2a64c34c19609d7a9w-c346022390rd-w832_q80.jpg" alt="1-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo/townhome/rowhome/coop for sale in Guttenberg, NJ" width="640" height="360"></a> <figcaption>One-bedroom, two-bathroom condo/townhome/row home/co-op for sale in Guttenberg, NJ (Realtor.com)</figcaption> </figure>

4. West New York, NJ

• Median list price: $339,000
• Population: 52,723

Perched atop the Palisades, West New York boasts spectacular views of Manhattan. The city is known for its vibrant Latino community, rich cultural heritage, and bustling shopping districts along Bergenline Avenue.

<figure> <a href="https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/M94925-41745" target="_blank"> <img decoding="async" src="https://na.rdcpix.com/3f45d3956db255c22267e38571c3eb17w-c1264366936rd-w832_q80.jpg" data-src="https://na.rdcpix.com/3f45d3956db255c22267e38571c3eb17w-c1264366936rd-w832_q80.jpg" alt="5-bedroom, 2-bathroom multi-family home for sale in West New York, NJ" width="640" height="360"></a> <figcaption>Five-bedroom, two-bathroom multifamily home for sale in West New York, NJ (Realtor.com)</figcaption> </figure>

5. Weehawken, NJ

• Median list price: $686,500
• Population: 15,518

Weehawken is celebrated for its picturesque riverfront and the historic Weehawken Dueling Grounds. The city offers quick access to Manhattan and a peaceful residential atmosphere with stunning parks and recreational facilities.

<figure> <a href="https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/M56071-14730" target="_blank"> <img decoding="async" src="https://na.rdcpix.com/171265900b6eed7e2e3e0b500fdabc00w-c1700144333rd-w832_q80.jpg" data-src="https://na.rdcpix.com/171265900b6eed7e2e3e0b500fdabc00w-c1700144333rd-w832_q80.jpg" alt="3-bedroom, 3-bathroom single family home for sale in Weehawken, NJ" width="640" height="360"></a> <figcaption>Three-bedroom, three-bathroom home for sale in Weehawken, NJ (Realtor.com)</figcaption> </figure>

6. Passaic, NJ

• Median list price: $529,900
• Population: 70,000

Located along the Passaic River, Passaic has a rich industrial history and a diverse population. It offers affordable housing options and a variety of parks and community events.

<figure> <img decoding="async" src="https://na.rdcpix.com/5437c364cad300fe3b8b20f6051d45dcw-c3475243225rd-w832_h468_r4_q80.jpg" data-src="https://na.rdcpix.com/5437c364cad300fe3b8b20f6051d45dcw-c3475243225rd-w832_h468_r4_q80.jpg" alt="2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo/townhome/rowhome/coop for sale in Hoboken, NJ" width="640" height="360"> <figcaption>Two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo/townhome/rowhome/co-op for sale in Hoboken, NJ (Realtor.com)</figcaption> </figure>

7. Cliffside Park, NJ

• Median list price: $799,000
• Population: 24,000

Situated on the Hudson Palisades, Cliffside Park offers residents impressive views of Manhattan. Known for its suburban feel, diverse community, and excellent schools, it's an attractive location for families.

<figure> <a href="https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/M63363-03019" target="_blank"> <img decoding="async" src="https://na.rdcpix.com/8a488e0cef443ecf83a0674227ebd806w-c2163054556rd-w832_q80.jpg" data-src="https://na.rdcpix.com/8a488e0cef443ecf83a0674227ebd806w-c2163054556rd-w832_q80.jpg" alt="3-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo/townhome/rowhome/coop for sale in Cliffside Park, NJ" width="640" height="360"></a> <figcaption>Three-bedroom, two-bathroom condo/townhome/rowhome/co-op for sale in Cliffside Park, NJ (Realtor.com)</figcaption> </figure>

These New Jersey cities are well-connected to Manhattan by public transportation, making them even more attractive to those who want to enjoy the Big Apple's vibrant lifestyle without breaking the bank.

So, if you're looking for a more affordable way to experience urban living, consider these walkable New Jersey cities. You might just find your dream home, and your dream lifestyle, at a price you can actually afford.