One of the things that makes New Jersey so special is our diverse, vibrant mix of cities and towns. Even our small cute towns have so much to offer!  We have dozens of incredible neighborhoods and it was nearly impossible to narrow this list, but we tried our best. Here are 12 of the most beautiful quaint towns in New Jersey with populations of under 15,000 people.

1. Lambertville, Population: 3,863
Lambertville, NJ 08530, USA
Wikipedia/Smallbones
This quaint riverfront town has a lively arts scene, unique shops and historic buildings. While you're in Lambertville, check out the quirky Boat House bar and soulful Hamiton's Grill Room. Make a day out of exploring the town and walk across the river to visit the neighboring Pennsylvania town of New Hope, too!
2. Spring Lake, Population: 3,001
Spring Lake, NJ 07762, USA
Flickr/Partick McConahay
This beautiful beach town has a thriving commercial district and is home to the Scone Pony Bakery, one of the best little cafes by the shore! Spring Lake is high on any list of places to visit in New Jersey.
3. Glen Rock, Population: 11,838
Glen Rock, NJ 07452, USA
Flickr/Beatrice Murch
Did you know that Glen Rock was named for a 570-ton boulder, believed to have been deposited by a glacier? I didn't until now. What I did know is that the town is fairly walkable, has a wide variety of public transportation options and offers one of the most unique Starbucks in the state. (Hint: It has a tower.)
4. Clinton, Population: 2,696
Clinton, NJ 08809, USA
Wikimedia/JohnBohnel
Home of the Red Mill, one of the most photographed buildings in America, Clinton also holds the honor of boasting New Jersey's most compact Main Street. Highly walkable, it features great shops and restaurants like Ye Old Sub Base and JJ Scoops. No wonder many consider Clinton to be one of the most charming towns in New Jersey!
5. Collingswood, Population: 13,850
Collingswood, NJ, USA
Wikimedia/Saucemaster
The charming neighborhood of Collingswood features a sizable downtown and diverse dining options. Try El Sitio for Ecuadorian cuisine or Kitchen Consigliere for Italian fare. Fun fact: Kitchen Consigliere is owned by former mob associate, Angelo Lutz. I guess that's how you know it's authentic southern Italian food.
6. Brigantine, Population: 9,406
Brigantine, NJ 08203, USA
Flickr/Chris Potako
Located on the beach, just minutes from Atlantic City, Brigantine is one of the most beautiful small towns in NJ. It's also home to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, which rescues stranded dolphins, seals and sea turtles. When you visit, take the time to explore and you'll find a selection of boutique shops and fine dining options!

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7. Maywood, Population: 9,687
Maywood, NJ, USA
Flickr/Adam Moss
This small town is located right in the heart of North Jersey. Nearby major shopping centers and offering an easy commute to NYC, the town has its own charming downtown and great restaurants like Seafood Gourmet and the Maywood Pancake House.
8. Newton, Population: 7,942
Newton, NJ 07860, USA
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Spring Street is the heart of the charming town of Newton. Check out Newton Fire Museum or Spring Street Art Center, along with a selection of dining and shopping options. You'll want to visit again and again to get to know this lively downtown district.
9. Chester, Population: 7,838
Chester, NJ 07930, USA
Flickr/Doug Kerr
This small town is home to one of the only two gourmet cotton candy shops in the nation. It offers a wide range of dining options and charming shops like imagiNATIONS and Taylor's Ice Cream Parlor.
10. Allentown, Population: 1,815
Allentown, NJ 08501, USA
Wikipedia/Mr. Matte
This historic town has hundreds of early 19th century homes and buildings, only adding to its charm. It also offers scenic parks and an eclectic mix of shops, and it's easy to get to from anywhere in the Garden State.
11. Haddonfield, Population: 11,507
Haddonfield, NJ, USA
Flickr/golfnride
Family-friendly with a bustling downtown, Haddonfield offers frequent fairs and festivals, fine dining and loads of history. Check out the Hadrosaurus Monument, Indian King Tavern Museum, English Gardener Gift Shop and the Picket Fence.
12. West Cape May, Population: 1,020
West Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
Wikipedia/Smallbones
Though not as popular as neighboring Cape May, this tiny town has a lot to offer. Enjoy historic homes, the Willow Creek Winery and the Nature Conservancy's weekly guided bird walks.

If you had to make a list of the most beautiful small towns in New Jersey, would you include any towns that we missed? Add your favorite small towns in the comments and let us know what makes them so special. If you want us to take a look at an underrated destination here in the Garden State, consider nominating it.

If you’re on the hunt for more fun things to do in New Jersey, take a look at this list of exciting New Jersey road trips. There’s an adventure for every type of traveler!

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most beautiful small towns in New Jersey

Kim Magaraci | May 27, 2020

What is New Jersey known for?

  • If you haven't spent much time here, you might initially scoff at the nickname "The Garden State". The truth is, New Jersey is packed from the coast to the Delaware River, and from the Delaware Bay to our northern border, with rolling farmlands, sprawling estates, and gorgeous forests. While our cities and most of our towns are densely populated and we have an enormous population for being so small in area, New Jersey is best known for being a state with a little bit of everything all within a short drive. Whether you want scenery, cities, mountains, or the beach, you can find it all here.

 

What is the most scenic town in New Jersey?

 

Naming one town the most scenic town in New Jersey is sure to cause an uproar, because scenery and beauty is so subjective! If you love the ocean, it's hard to beat the scenic shores of Cape May. If small town charm is most pleasing to your eye, visit Haddonfield or Lambertville. If you love getting lost in the mountains of the New Jersey highlands, then you might feel right at home in Hope Township.

What are the most unique towns in New Jersey?

 

When it comes to quirky, it's hard to top Asbury Park! After all, the boardwalk and beach are full of history and charm, the music scene is one-of-a-kind, and it always feels like Tilly is watching you. Another stand out among our state's other unique towns is Mount Holly, where you'll find a cool occult store at Marble Moon Studio/The 8th House Tarot on High Street, and the famously artsy collection of shops in Mill Race Village.

 

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