Andriy Nezdropa

But since we can’t all live in a utopian society, most of us have to make do with a home that fits our budget and other considerations. This then brings us to the East Coast, specifically New Jersey and its nearest neighbor, Pennsylvania. These two enclaves are fast becoming prime spots for real estate, and more than a few communities are sprouting up that rival the best communities in the most lavish real estate markets in the United States. It may be surprising, but there’s something about New Jersey and Pennsylvania that has made them the envy of other states. It may be their closeness to New York City, or it may be the ‘small-town America’ feel – who knows, it may be both! Whatever it is, New Jersey and Pennsylvania each offer the most diverse neighborhoods that are attracting young professionals, families, and retirees alike. But this brings us to our next question: which state has the trendiest neighborhoods, and how do they compare? Let’s take a closer, more in-depth look at some of the most sought-after areas in both states based on costs, conveniences, and lifestyle amenities. New Jersey vs. Pennsylvania neighborhoods comparison When we compare all these trendy neighborhoods, we find that each neighborhood and community has its own perks - and it’s really up to you to decide which community will serve you best. But in general, both New Jersey and Pennsylvania offer perks such as: Affordability: Pennsylvania generally has lower costs compared to New Jersey, especially in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia’s outer neighborhoods like Fishtown and Lawrenceville. Proximity to major cities: New Jersey wins for easy access to New York City, while Pennsylvania offers great options if you want to be close to Philly and Pittsburgh. Lifestyle & attractions: Both New Jersey and Pennsylvania offer rich arts, dining, and entertainment scenes, but New Jersey adds the bonus of beachside living. Public transportation: New Jersey’s PATH and NJ Transit make it easier to commute to NYC, while Philadelphia’s SEPTA system offers solid urban transit options. A look at trendy neighborhoods in New Jersey Hoboken Cost of living: High Convenience: Excellent (it’s close to NYC and has a great public transit system, it also has the Hoboken Terminal) Lifestyle & attractions: A bustling nightlife, boutique shopping, and waterfront parks for families of all ages, including the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway Vibe: Young professionals, a dynamic social scene Hoboken has long been a favorite for young professionals and families who want the energy of New York City without actually living there. Hoboken seems to have it all – it has vibrant bars, waterfront views, along with easy access to Manhattan via PATH trains. It’s also worth noting that Hoboken is the birthplace of Frank Sinatra, but it was once the home of many household American brands as well, such as Lipton tea, House coffee, and Wonder Bread! But keep in mind that Hoboken offers convenience at a premium price - rental prices and homeownership costs in the area are high, but many individuals and families see the price tag as worthwhile when it comes to the lifestyle perks. Jersey City (wards of Downtown & The Heights) Cost of living: Moderate to high (depending on the area) Convenience: Excellent (PATH train access, strong local economy) Lifestyle & attractions: It has a bustling arts district, lots of trendy cafes, and many parks, including Liberty State Park Vibe: Creative professionals and urban explorers Jersey City, the second most populated city in New Jersey (next only to Newark) has rapidly transformed into one of the most desirable places to live in the state, thanks to its modern high-rises, thriving arts scene, and diverse food culture. The Downtown area, for one, stretches from the Hudson River all the way to the New Jersey Turnpike and the New Jersey Palisades. It is a financial hub with a hipster edge and boasts attractions like the Jersey City Museum and Newport, which has the tallest buildings in the city – it is also a prime residential area. The Heights, on the other hand, offers more affordable housing, with two- and three-family housing along with low-rise apartments, as well as the most fantastic views of the Manhattan skyline. Montclair Cost of living: Moderate to high Convenience: Great (it has direct train access to NYC and has a suburban feel with city perks) Lifestyle & attractions: Boutique shopping, performing arts and art venues, cultural events, Montclair Public Library (one of the oldest libraries in NJ) Vibe: Families, artists and intellectuals (especially writers), students, the young and hip crowd Montclair in Essex Township is a perfect blend of suburban charm with urban sophistication. Known for its creative arts scene and an excellent school system as well as diverse dining options, Montclair attracts families looking for an alternative to city living while still being close to New York City. It’s home to the state’s second largest university, Montclair State University, so it has a university town feel to it that’s hard to beat. It is also an area with dozens of parks as well as nature reserves, including Mountainside Park. Asbury Park Cost of living: Moderate Convenience: Good (it has train access to NYC, but a car is necessary for most amenities) Lifestyle & attractions: It’s a beach town with an artistic edge, a lively music scene, but it has several lakes as well, such as Sunset Lake and Deal Lake Vibe: Beach lovers, creatives, LGBTQ+ friendly Asbury Park is a part of the famous Jersey Shore, and it has long been a haven for artists, musicians, and those who appreciate a unique, coastal community. As a matter of fact, its beach was named one of the best beaches in the country by magazines like Travel + Leisure. The downtown area of Asbury Park is in the midst of a revival, and plenty of historical buildings are undergoing a renovation, including the Steinbach department store, the Convention Hall, and Ocean Avenue. It boasts a mix of historic charm and modern redevelopment, making it an affordable yet trendy option for those looking to escape the high costs of other New Jersey cities. The trendiest neighborhoods in Pennsylvania Fishtown (Philadelphia) Cost of living: Moderate Convenience: Excellent (it is very close to Center City, good public transit) Lifestyle & attractions: Hipster bars, indie coffee shops, a colorful and exciting arts scene Vibe: Young professionals, creatives, foodies Fishtown has been hailed as one of Philadelphia’s hippest neighborhoods today, known for its thriving arts and music scene – but historically, it was known as a working class neighborhood filled with Irish Americans. It is also listed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places, and Fishtown actually derives its name from its earliest settlers, who were fishermen. With more affordable housing compared to NYC and even other parts of Philly, it’s an attractive option for those seeking a culturally rich and ultra-hip urban experience. Northern Liberties (Philadelphia) Cost of living: Moderate to high Convenience: Excellent (easy walkability, public transit access) Lifestyle & attractions: Upscale dining, art galleries, boutique shops, small bars and breweries, including Yards Brewing Company Vibe: Young professionals, entrepreneurs, socialites, artists, students Just north of Center City, Northern Liberties is also a neighborhood in Philadelphia that is experiencing a revival. Like most neighborhoods in Philadelphia, Northern Liberties was comprised mostly of row houses – but it is revitalizing itself and has more apartment complexes and condominiums in recent times. It is definitely a hub for trendy restaurants, co-working spaces, and nightlife. It has a slightly more upscale feel than Fishtown, but it still maintains an artsy, youthful energy. West Chester Cost of living: Moderate Convenience: Good (it is close to Philadelphia and has a walkable downtown area) Lifestyle & attractions: Historic charm, local boutiques, college town vibe, major shopping district. Popular sights include the Chester County History Center, the QVC studio, and the Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center Vibe: Students, young professionals, suburbanites looking for nightlife West Chester, a borough of Chester County and its county seat, is a picturesque town with a lively downtown area filled with shops, restaurants, and bars. If the place looks familiar, that might be because West Chester is the location of the MTV series Jackass and Jackass: The Movie. It offers the perfect mix of suburban charm and city convenience, making it an ideal option for those who want to live near Philadelphia without the hustle and bustle of city life. Lawrenceville (Pittsburgh) Cost of living: Affordable to moderate Convenience: Good (close to downtown, great for biking and walking) Lifestyle & attractions: Art studios, breweries, tech startups, parks, including Arsenal Park Vibe: Millennials, entrepreneurs, artists Lawrenceville is a large area, and it is one of Pittsburgh’s most rapidly growing neighborhoods, drawing in a mix of tech professionals, creative types, and food lovers. In fact, it has gone through a tremendous boom in real estate in recent years, and it has a trendy, up and coming feel. Better yet, it has a lower cost of living compared to Philadelphia but offers similar trendy lifestyle amenities. The brass tacks At the end of the day, the choice between New Jersey and Pennsylvania’s trendiest neighborhoods comes down to what matters most to you. If being close to New York City, enjoying a bustling social scene, and having easy access to public transportation are key priorities, then New Jersey’s hotspots are hard to beat. On the other hand, if affordability, artsy vibes, and a balance between urban and suburban living are more appealing, Pennsylvania’s Fishtown, Northern Liberties, and Lawrenceville offer exciting opportunities. Both states undeniably bring unique charm and advantages - New Jersey boasts waterfront views, a dynamic nightlife, and quick city access, while Pennsylvania offers historic charm, creative hubs, and more budget-friendly options. Are you a young professional seeking an energetic environment? Is your family looking for great schools and green spaces? What if you’re a retiree hoping for a vibrant yet relaxed lifestyle convenient enough yet set in a small but charming neighborhood? For sure, whether it’s in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, there’s a neighborhood made expressly for you. Ultimately, both New Jersey and Pennsylvania have evolved into prime real estate markets, drawing diverse residents looking for modern conveniences, cultural experiences, and more besides. So no matter which state you choose, one thing is certain: the East Coast continues to be a thriving hub of growth, opportunity, and uniquely trendsetting communities - neighborhoods where you’ll always feel welcome and loved.