There are many reasons why one would want to move to New Jersey. Some people move because of all the business opportunities, some move to enjoy that small town living but big city access, some move because of all the cheaper real estate options, etc. Moreover, there are also people who move here because of all the eco-friendly opportunities – a lot of homes with solar panels, the so-called ‘green streets’, local farmers markets, free recycling and composting bins, and many more things. So, if you too are somebody who wants to enjoy a greener life, you will love it here. We will share with you the 7 greenest neighborhoods of New Jersey that we are sure you will like. Thus, before you start packing your bags, and before you start organizing your (hopefully) eco-friendly move to New Jersey, be sure to check these neighborhoods out.
- Downtown Maplewood
When you think of downtown neighborhoods of any city, your first thought is usually a ton of cars, crowds, too many cafes and restaurants, etc. But, what if we told you that Downtown Maplewood is something completely different. Namely, this neighborhood one of the top 7 greenest neighborhoods of New Jersey is the fact that there are almost no cars. The city owns 5 jitney buses that are fast, punctual, and cheap. And, that can take you to and from the city center all day and night. Moreover, the residents of Downtown Maplewood understand the importance of being eco-friendly and they are doing everything to reduce pollution. They reduced all the incandescent lightbulbs with LED ones, they are buying eclectic cars, they are planting trees and flowers all over the neighborhood, etc.
- Centennial Park
The next on our list of the top 7 greenest neighborhoods of New Jersey just has to be Centennial Park – a neighborhood in Highland Park. Besides being very green because of all the grass, flowers, bushes, and trees, the neighborhood is also a rain garden. Namely, this neighborhood had a problem with water that collected on the streets (and sometimes even flooded the sewers) after heavy rains. To fix that, the authorities of Centennial Park build the previously mentioned green gardens – underground areas that are hidden beneath layers of gravel and flowers used for collecting water. These help preserve the water which is used for watering the entire greenery of the city. This is why you see all those healthy and beautiful flora pieces everywhere you look.
- Mountain Lakes
After just one visit to the neighborhood of Mountain Lakes (Borris County, NJ), you will wish to find some movers to help you relocate overnight. Well, if that happens, no worries – you can find your movers on sites such as verifiedmovers.com. But, what makes this place so beautiful? To sum things up (because it is impossible to mention everything), what makes Mountain Lakes beautiful are all the well-preserved forests, lakes, parks, and all other green areas in and around the neighborhood. Its residents are working really hard to keep it ‘green’, so, they are planting new pieces of flora all the time.
- Belmar
Belmar has forever been loved by both locals and tourists alike. This is because this neighborhood is located very close to New York and Philadelphia, so, people who don’t want to spend their fortune on living in these metropolitan cities, decided to move to Belmar and commute instead. But, because of soo many people driving their cars, the authorities of Belmar started encouraging people to carpool or buy electric vehicles. And, people listened! Moreover, some people even replaced their cars with zero-emission GEM electric cars.
- Ridgewood
We cannot talk about exploring the top 7 greenest neighborhoods in New Jersey without mentioning Ridgewood. Okay, yes, this is not a neighborhood, per se, but it is a village. But, we will count it as it is not very big and as most residents call it a suburb. And, they call it a perfect place for buying homes made of eco-friendly materials such as steel, wood, stone, etc. Moreover, as most residents own their homes in Ridgewood, they are doing everything in their power to make them more green. Some are, for example, adding solar panels and water boilers on their roofs, some are planting mini forests in their back yards, and some are composting. So, if this is the kind of lifestyle you want to live, don’t even think twice about moving to Ridgewood.
- Haven Avenue
The neighborhood of Haven Avenue is located in Ocean City, NJ. And, did you know that Ocean City was proclaimed to be the greenest city in the entire NY (maybe even in the entire world)? Well, if you didn’t, now you know! Everything started on Haven Avenue. First, the authorities have built a huge bike lane that goes through the whole neighborhood. Then, they offered free bikes! And, now, they are building more sustainable homes! On top of all this, the neighborhood itself is very peaceful, safe, and close-knit! So, if you plan on moving to some neighborhood with these features, now is the time. More and more people are moving in, and thus, the inventory of free homes is lowering. Thus, engage the right people to help you organize your long-distance move to Haven Avenue.
- Upper Montclair
One of the last but certainly not the least top 7 greenest neighborhoods of New Jersey that you have to explore is Upper Montclair. We know – this neighborhood came as a surprise as it doesn’t seem very green. That is true, Upper Montclair is famous for having great schools, top-notch properties, yards with extensive cars in it, five-start restaurants, expensive boutiques, etc. But, that is not all this neighborhood is famous for. Namely, here is where you can also find some of the greatest eco-friendly properties! They are built from sustainable materials and have many eco-friendly amenities on them. However, be warned – the price of these eco-friendly homes can be quite expensive, so, before you start packing your bags and moving here, be sure to check whether you can actually afford it.
As you have seen New Jersey has some very green neighborhoods and cities. We mentioned just the top 7 greenest neighborhoods of New Jersey, but there are many more of them. So, keep on exploring, especially if you plan on moving and starting a green life.
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It’s definitely not the village of Ridgewood.
People really want to move to NJ? Who are these people and what are they thinking moving to a state with overdevelopment, congestion and high taxes?
Be grateful that the realtors continue to push the myth of towns like Ridgewood, as you will probably need to sell your house one day and the suckers keep lining up.
Ridgewood is dead.
Died about 25 years ago.
Been rotting ever since.