Are you tired of the hustle and bustle of city life in New Jersey? Looking for a change of pace and scenery? Well, you’re not alone. As we delve into the 7 NJ townspeople are fleeing, get ready to uncover the reasons behind this mass exodus as soon as possible.
From rising living costs to lacklustre employment opportunities, these towns have been experiencing a wave of residents seeking greener pastures elsewhere. Whether you’re a current resident contemplating your next move or simply curious about the shifting landscape of New Jersey, join us as we explore why these 7 towns are seeing an outflow of population and what it means for the future of the Garden State.
NJ Towns on the Move: Top 7 Exits
| Rank | Town | County | Population Loss (2023) | % Decrease | Median Home Price ($) | Crime Rate (per 1,000) |
| 1 | Jersey City | Hudson | 8,485 | 3% | $475,000 | 52.7 |
| 2 | Newark | Essex | 3,656 | 1.2% | $325,000 | 47.5 |
| 3 | Union City | Hudson | 2,874 | 4.3% | $300,000 | 40.2 |
| 4 | North Bergen | Hudson | 2,749 | 4.4% | $275,000 | 38.1 |
| 5 | Bayonne | Hudson | 2,344 | 3.4% | $350,000 | 35.9 |
| 6 | Hoboken | Hudson | 1,985 | 3.3% | $450,000 | 33.8 |
| 7 | Elizabeth | Union | 1,909 | 1.4% | $250,000 | 32.4 |
1. Jersey City, Hudson County
Jersey City is the most populous city in New Jersey, and it’s also the one that’s losing the most residents. In 2023, Jersey City lost a whopping 8,485 residents, which is a decrease of 3%. There are a few reasons for this exodus. First, Jersey City is very expensive. The median home price in Jersey City is $475,000, which is much higher than the national average. Second, Jersey City is not very safe. The crime rate in Jersey City is higher than the national average, and it’s been on the rise in recent years.
2. Newark, Essex County
Newark is another large city in New Jersey that’s losing residents. In 2023, Newark lost 3,656 residents, which is a decrease of 1.2%. Like Jersey City, Newark is expensive and unsafe. The median home price in Newark is $325,000, and the crime rate is higher than the national average.
3. Union City, Hudson County
Union City is a small city in Hudson County that’s also losing residents. In 2023, Union City lost 2,874 residents, which is a decrease of 4.3%. Union City is not as expensive as Jersey City or Newark, but it’s still more expensive than the national average. The crime rate in Union City is also higher than the national average.
4. North Bergen, Hudson County
North Bergen is another small city in Hudson County that’s losing residents. In 2023, North Bergen lost 2,749 residents, which is a decrease of 4.4%. North Bergen is not as expensive as Jersey City or Newark, but it’s still more expensive than the national average. The crime rate in North Bergen is also higher than the national average.
5. Bayonne city, Hudson County
Bayonne is a city in Hudson County that’s also losing residents. In 2023, Bayonne lost 2,344 residents, which is a decrease of 3.4%. Bayonne is not as expensive as Jersey City or Newark, but it’s still more expensive than the national average. The crime rate in Bayonne is also higher than the national average.
6. Hoboken, Hudson County
Hoboken is a city in Hudson County that’s also losing residents. In 2023, Hoboken lost 1,985 residents, which is a decrease of 3.3%. Hoboken is not as expensive as Jersey City or Newark, but it’s still more expensive than the national average. The crime rate in Hoboken is also higher than the national average.
7. Elizabeth, Union County
Elizabeth is a city in Union County that’s also losing residents. In 2023, Elizabeth lost 1,909 residents, which is a decrease of 1.4%. Elizabeth is not as expensive as Jersey City or Newark, but it’s still more expensive than the national average. The crime rate in Elizabeth is also higher than the national average.
Conclusion: Weighing Anchor in the Garden State
New Jersey might boast scenic beauty and proximity to the Big Apple, but for residents of these seven towns, the allure fades amidst stark realities. High costs, safety concerns, and limited opportunities paint a bleak picture, prompting an exodus. While some may find charm in affordability and urban grit, for many, these towns represent anchors weighing them down, their escape a desperate bid for a fresh start beyond the Garden State’s troubled shores. As these populations dwindle, one wonders: will these towns adapt, or become cautionary tales in the ever-shifting landscape of the American dream? Only time will tell if they weather the storm or succumb to the tide of departing residents.
FAQs about Population Exodus in NJ Towns
Why are these towns losing population?
The primary reasons include high living costs, lackluster employment opportunities, safety concerns, and rising crime rates.
Which town is experiencing the highest population loss?
Jersey City leads the list with a loss of 8,485 residents in 2023, marking a 3% decrease.
What are the common trends among these towns?
All seven towns, including Newark, Union City, North Bergen, Bayonne, Hoboken, and Elizabeth, share common challenges such as expensive housing and elevated crime rates.
Is there a correlation between home prices and population decline?
Yes, the towns facing higher population loss tend to have median home prices significantly above the national average.
