North Jersey’s Towns With the Highest Property Taxes

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, for many New Jersey residents, discussing property taxes is as much a part of life . While New Jersey consistently ranks as one of the highest-taxed states in the nation, certain municipalities stand out for their especially high property tax bills.

North Jersey: Home to Some of the State’s Most Expensive Taxes

According to 2023 data from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, North Jersey dominates the list of municipalities with the largest average property tax bills. The top 20 includes seven towns from Bergen County, five from Essex, and two from Morris County, making these areas some of the most expensive places to live in the Garden State.

Tavistock Leads the Way

The borough of Tavistock, located in Camden County, has the highest average property tax bill in the state—by far. With just nine residents counted in the 2020 census, Tavistock’s $38,206 average annual tax bill surpasses second-place Millburn in Essex County by over $13,000.

For context, Millburn homeowners pay an average of $24,947 annually, while taxes in other North Jersey municipalities, such as Ridgewood and Montclair, hover around $20,000 per year.

Passaic and Sussex Counties Offer Some Relief

For North Jersey residents seeking slightly lower taxes, Passaic and Sussex Counties provide some respite. Wayne, Passaic County’s highest-taxed municipality, ranks 91st statewide with an average bill of $13,139, while Sparta leads Sussex County at $12,980, landing at 96th on the state list.

North Jersey’s Most Expensive Towns in 2023

Here’s a breakdown of the North Jersey municipalities with the highest average property tax bills:

1. Millburn (Essex): $24,947
2. Demarest (Bergen): $23,475
3. Tenafly (Bergen): $23,031
4. Glen Ridge (Essex): $22,605
5. Mountain Lakes (Morris): $22,441
6. Alpine (Bergen): $21,699
7. Montclair (Essex): $21,415
8. South Orange (Essex): $21,287
9. Essex Fells (Essex): $20,335
10. Mendham Township (Morris): $20,325
11. Ridgewood (Bergen): $19,837
12. Haworth (Bergen): $19,515
13. Saddle River (Bergen): $19,405
14. Upper Saddle River (Bergen): $19,015
15. Franklin Lakes (Bergen): $18,565

The Cost of Living in North Jersey

While these tax rates may seem high, they reflect the region’s desirable amenities, including top-rated schools, beautiful neighborhoods, and close proximity to New York City. However, for residents feeling the weight of their property tax bills, these rankings may prompt comparisons and conversations about local policies and expenditures.

Conclusion

Whether you’re considering a move or simply want to understand how your municipality compares, knowing where your town stands on the property tax spectrum can provide valuable insights. As North Jersey continues to offer some of the most coveted places to live in New Jersey, the cost of these desirable locations remains a hot topic among residents.