Clifton tops U.S. News ranking of 14 N.J. cities for best places to live
Jersey City and Bayonne followed Clifton in the 2026-2027 rankings, which weigh value, quality of life, desirability and job market strength.
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Clifton ranked first among 14 New Jersey cities included in U.S. News & World Report's latest Best Places to Live rankings.
The Passaic County city received an overall score of 5.6 out of 10 in the 2026-2027 rankings. Jersey City came in second with a score of 5.2, followed by Bayonne at 5.1.
Vineland and Union City ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, each with a score of 4.8. Passaic, Elizabeth, East Orange, Paterson and New Brunswick rounded out the top 10.
Newark ranked 11th, followed by Camden, Trenton and Atlantic City.
U.S. News calculated the rankings using four broad categories: value, quality of life, desirability and job market. Value received the greatest weight at 28%, followed by quality of life at 27%, desirability at 24% and job market at 21%.
The measures incorporate factors including housing affordability, cost of living, education, health care, crime, weather, commuting, unemployment and household income. U.S. News said the weights were based on a February 2026 national survey asking people what they considered most important when choosing where to live.
U.S. News' methodology explains how cities are scored but does not specify how cities are selected for inclusion. Its New Jersey ranking includes 14 cities.
