3 New Jersey Towns Named the Best for Bringing Back an ‘80s-Style Childhood

• 3,004 parents polled.
• Westfield, Medford + Maplewood included.
• Infographic.

Can kids still grow up like it’s the ‘80s? 

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, According to a new survey of parents, a few places dotted around the country are keeping that dream alive. In a world of screen addiction and helicopter parenting, many families are craving a simpler, slower childhood – complete with scraped knees, tree forts, and being home by sunset.

We Buy Houses In Denver, a local home buyer company, surveyed 3,004 parents asking their opinions on where are the best towns for bringing back an ‘80s-style childhood. Think safe streets, community trust, backyard adventures, and a slower pace of life.

New Jersey parents’ top 3 choices, and as you guessed the Village didn’t make the cut here in the Garden State :

#1 Westfield
Just a short train ride from Manhattan, Westfield is known for its picturesque downtown, top-tier schools, and kid-friendly everything. Kids walk to school, grab ice cream with friends, or head to the local pool without needing a lift. Parents enjoy short commutes to careers in the city – from finance to healthcare, media to education  – but they come home to tree-lined streets and Friday night football games. It’s polished, but deeply rooted in tradition.

#2 Medford
Tucked between farmland and the Pine Barrens, Medford feels like a blend of suburb and summer camp. Kids canoe on lakes, bike to their favourite places, or join nature programs at the local preserves. With easy access to both Philly and the Jersey Shore, parents enjoy flexibility while kids grow up immersed in nature and community life. It’s Jersey – with a lot less rush.

#3 Maplewood
Diverse, artistic, and just a 35-minute train ride from NYC, Maplewood draws creative families who want a progressive, walkable place to raise their kids. The vibe is inclusive, the schools are solid, and there’s a park or playground around every corner. Kids here grow up hopping between backyard theater, soccer games, and treehouse adventures. It’s modern suburbia with heart.

Infographic showing the most wholesome locations in America to raise a family

What Does an “80s-style” Childhood Really Mean?
We Buy Houses In Denver asked parents across the country how they define an 80s-style childhood, and the majority weren’t thinking about total independence.

In fact, 66% said it’s all about “independence with boundaries” – letting kids explore, but with some safety rails still in place.

Meanwhile:

• 18% described it as playing outside unsupervised.
• 10% said it meant minimal screen time.
• Only 6% equated it with walking to school alone.

So while the image of a totally free-roaming child still exists, most modern parents are leaning toward thoughtful freedom, not total hands-off.

When Is It OK to Let Kids Roam?
On the question of age, opinions vary – but most parents feel the sweet spot for unsupervised play is somewhere between 9 and 11.

• 6% believe kids under 6 should be allowed to play outside alone.
• 24% are comfortable starting between the ages of 6–8.
• 38% chose ages 9–11.
• 32% said not until age 12 or older.

This split shows that while parents are warming up to independence, there’s still a cautious line, often tied to neighborhood safety.

Safety, Screens, and What Parents Really Want
A full 76% of parents said they feel their current neighborhood is safe enough to let kids roam. But that leaves 24% who aren’t convinced – and likely wish for a stronger sense of trust and security in their communities. When asked what they wish their child had more of in their day-to-day life, the most common responses were:

• 33% – Less screen exposure.
• 27% – More time in nature.
• 18% – A stronger sense of community.
• 12% -Real-world independence.
• 9% – More unstructured play.

Would You Relocate for a More Wholesome Upbringing?
Two-thirds of parents said they would consider moving to a town known for being kid-friendly and outdoorsy. Only 34% said they’d prefer to stay where they are – a strong signal that lifestyle is trumping location for many young families.

And finally, the generational gap couldn’t be clearer:

• 83% of parents said they had more freedom growing up than kids today.
• Just 17% think the current generation has it better.

“In a world where parenting often feels like managing screen time and scheduling playdates, these towns remind us that childhood doesn’t need to be over-engineered to be magical. Whether it’s riding bikes until sunset, building forts, or simply feeling safe to roam, these communities are bringing back what it means to grow up free,” says Shaun Martin, owner of We Buy Houses In Denver. “Families today aren’t just chasing affordability, they’re chasing a feeling, and these places deliver it.”

 

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