NJ Community Ranked In '100 Best Places To Live' List

One city in New Jersey is among the best places to live across the country, according to a new ranking.

The rankings and city guide Livability.com said its report of the 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2026 emphasizes affordability and quality of life in small- to mid-sized cities at a time Americans are contending with rising living costs.

The 2026 list highlights communities with populations between 75,000 and 500,000 and excludes cities where median home values exceed $500,000, aiming to spotlight places where residents can realistically afford to live.

Clifton, in Passaic County, ranked no. 17 on the list.

Clifton, with a population of 89,920 and a median home value of $463,020, is ranked for its proximity to New York City, ample outdoor space and great schools. The crime rate is also well below the national average, despite its reputation as a filming location for "The Sopranos."

Researchers evaluated more than 2,000 cities using over 100 data points across key categories, including economy, housing, amenities, transportation, environment, safety, education and health.

Topping this year’s list is Huntsville, Alabama, followed by Carmel, Indiana; Sugar Land, Texas; Naperville, Illinois; and Plano, Texas.

Livability says the list is designed to reflect places where residents can “thrive,” pointing to shorter commutes, accessible amenities and strong community infrastructure. Unlike traditional rankings, this list is intended to be interactive, allowing users to weigh factors differently based on personal priorities.

The report continues a broader trend of highlighting smaller cities as desirable alternatives to larger, more expensive metropolitan areas, particularly for people seeking a balance between economic opportunity and cost of living.

See the full list here.