10 Refreshingly Real Reasons to Move to Hunterdon County, New Jersey – 2025 Guide
Thinking about relocating to Hunterdon County, New Jersey? Discover this insider’s guide to housing, jobs, schools, nature, and everything in between.
📍 What is Hunterdon County, New Jersey?
If you’ve ever dreamt of rolling hills, historic farmhouses, boutique wineries, and charming towns—but still want to be within commuting distance of NYC or Philly—Hunterdon County, New Jersey is your kind of place.
Located in western New Jersey, this county is known for:
- Scenic countryside
- High quality of life
- Top-tier schools
- Outdoor lifestyle and low crime rates
Fast Facts:
- County Seat: Flemington
- Population: ~125,000
- Founded: 1714
- Top Towns: Clinton, Lambertville, Flemington, Readington, Tewksbury
Think of it as New Jersey’s best-kept secret for peaceful living.
🌤️ Geography & Weather – Nature in Every Direction
From the Delaware River to the Sourland Mountains, Hunterdon is a nature-lover’s playground.
🗺️ Geography:
- Forests, rivers, farms, and hills
- Located along NJ’s western border
- Easy access to the Delaware River, Round Valley Reservoir, and Spruce Run
☀️ Climate Overview:
| Season | Avg Temp (°F) | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 45–70 | Fresh & blooming 🌼 |
| Summer | 75–85 | Green & sunny ☀️ |
| Fall | 50–70 | Colorful & crisp 🍂 |
| Winter | 25–40 | Quiet & cozy ❄️ |
🏡 Where to Live in Hunterdon County
Hunterdon County has zero cities and all charm—rural estates, small towns, and villages with character.
🏘️ Best Towns to Consider:
| Town | Lifestyle | Avg Home Price | Commute to NYC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinton | Walkable, riverfront | $550,000 | 60–70 min |
| Lambertville | Artsy, riverside | $620,000 | 70 min |
| Flemington | Historic, central | $460,000 | 60–75 min |
| Tewksbury Twp | Luxury rural estates | $850,000+ | 75+ min |
| Readington Twp | Family-friendly, spacious | $540,000 | 65 min |
Clinton is great for families. Lambertville has an artsy heartbeat. Tewksbury? Total countryside luxury.
💼 Job Market & Economy – Small Town, Big Potential
You won’t find Fortune 500 headquarters here, but you will find a strong local economy and easy access to job markets in Somerset, Mercer, and even NYC or Philly.
Main Economic Sectors:
- Healthcare & Education
- Agriculture (farms, vineyards, organics)
- Real estate & construction
- Professional services (finance, insurance, consulting)
- Remote workers & freelancers
Income & Jobs:
- Median Household Income: ~$117,000
- Unemployment Rate: ~3.9%
- Home-based businesses and freelancers thriving
Hunterdon County has one of the highest income levels in NJ, but without the crowd or chaos.
🏠 Real Estate – Where Space Is Still Affordable
Hunterdon is known for land, space, and value—especially when compared to neighboring areas like Somerset or Morris County.
🏡 Real Estate Comparison:
| Area | Avg. Home Price | Avg. Property Size | Property Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flemington | $460,000 | 0.5–1 acre | ~2.0% |
| Clinton | $550,000 | 0.3–0.75 acre | ~2.1% |
| Tewksbury Twp | $850,000+ | 2–5 acres | ~2.3% |
| Readington | $540,000 | 1–2 acres | ~2.2% |
Trends:
- Increasing interest in equestrian properties and home gardens
- New construction is limited = strong resale value
- Out-of-state buyers (NY & PA) flocking to rural homes
It’s where real estate still feels like an investment, not a compromise.
🚗 Transportation – Rural, but Still Connected
Despite its open space, Hunterdon County has great commuter access to the surrounding metros.
🚆 Transit & Roads:
- Route 78 & Route 31 for fast highway access
- Trans-Bridge Bus Lines to NYC & Newark
- NJ Transit (nearby Somerville & Raritan stations)
- Drive to Newark Airport in ~1 hour
🎓 Schools & Education – Consistently Top-Rated
If you’re raising kids, you’ll love Hunterdon County’s excellent school districts and safe learning environments.
🏫 Best School Districts:
- North Hunterdon-Voorhees School District
- Delaware Valley Regional
- Hunterdon Central Regional High School
- Tewksbury Elementary & Middle
Colleges Nearby:
- Raritan Valley Community College
- Rider University (30 min)
- Princeton University (45 min)
Smaller class sizes, great sports programs, and high graduation rates make this county a family favorite.
🏥 Healthcare Access
While you won’t find mega medical centers, Hunterdon County offers reliable, high-quality care close to home.
🏥 Main Providers:
- Hunterdon Medical Center (Flemington)
- RWJ Barnabas Health (nearby in Somerville)
- Urgent care centers in Clinton, Flemington, Lambertville
- Mental health, wellness, and senior care programs
🌿 Nature, Trails & Outdoor Lifestyle
If you’re tired of concrete and craving green, this is your heaven.
🥾 Outdoor Gems:
- Round Valley Reservoir – hiking, fishing, boating
- Sourland Mountain Preserve
- Columbia Trail – biking from High Bridge to Long Valley
- Delaware River towns – kayaking, tubing, river walks
- Spruce Run Recreation Area
Hunterdon is one big natural playground.
🛍️ Shopping, Dining & Local Flavor
Forget the malls—Hunterdon’s charm is in its local shops, craft markets, and farm-to-table eats.
🛒 Where to Shop:
- Clinton’s Main Street – boutiques, books, ice cream
- Flemington Outlets – brand names & bargains
- Lambertville – antiques, art, and old-world vibes
🍴 Where to Eat:
- The Clinton House – steak and atmosphere
- Lambertville Station Restaurant – fine dining with a view
- Market Roost (Flemington) – comfort meets gourmet
- Taverna Rustica – wood-fired Italian magic
You’ll eat better here than in most cities—and you’ll know where your food came from.
🕊️ Community, Culture & Events
Hunterdon County has a tight-knit, hometown feel—where everyone shows up for the fair, supports the farmer’s market, and waves at their neighbors.
- Art festivals, wine tastings, live music
- Hunterdon County 4-H Fair, Holiday Parades
- Farmers markets (May–October)
- Town movie nights, barn dances, antique shows
- Welcoming religious communities of all types
🛡️ Safety & Peace of Mind
Hunterdon County ranks among the safest counties in the state, and it shows in the day-to-day life.
| Town | Crime Score (1–10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tewksbury | 1/10 | Ultra-safe and private |
| Clinton | 2/10 | Well-patrolled |
| Flemington | 3/10 | Small-town, very safe |
| Lambertville | 2/10 | Great for solo living |
You’ll feel it. You’ll sleep better. You’ll live better.
📊 Hunterdon County Snapshot
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | ~125,000 |
| Median Household Income | $117,000 |
| Median Home Price | ~$540,000 |
| Homeownership Rate | 83% |
| Average Commute Time | ~35 minutes |
| School Ranking | 8.8/10 average |
✅ Final Verdict: Is Hunterdon County Right for You?
If you’re dreaming of:
- More space
- Less traffic
- Fresh air
- Top-rated schools
- Real community vibes
Then Hunterdon County, New Jersey might be exactly what you need.
Pros:
- Gorgeous scenery
- Safe, spacious, serene
- Great for families, remote workers, and retirees
- Top public schools
- Reasonable commute to NYC/Philly
Cons:
- Public transport is limited
- Nightlife is minimal
- Not ideal for fast-paced city-lovers
🔗 External Resource
Check out the Hunterdon County Official Website for more info on services, departments, and events.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Hunterdon County isn’t just a place—it’s a lifestyle. One filled with green views, starry nights, cozy cafés, and neighbors who remember your name.
If you’re looking for peace without isolation, and space without sprawl, this might be your perfect match.