When trying to figure out the best places to live for people who are more creative and artistic, it’s easy to default to spots like New York City, Miami, or Hollywood, but what about the good ol’ Garden State?

Just think about it, more movies are being filmed here, some of the most iconic musicians of our time were born here, and we have our share of graffiti art that’s legitimately impressive.

Canva / TSM Illustration
Canva / TSM Illustration
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According to research done my Brotherly Love Properties, more people should look into certain New Jersey towns that have a thriving art scene. Four NJ towns are among the most coveted by fellow artists.

These are the most creative communities in New Jersey

Canva / TSM Illustration
Canva / TSM Illustration
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Frenchtown

Frenchtown has become a favorite destination for artists, writers, and musicians.

Right along the scenic Delaware River, Its gorgeous streets are lined with art galleries, independent boutiques, and artisan shops, all housed in beautifully restored 19th-century buildings.

Canva / TSM Illustration
Canva / TSM Illustration
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Montclair

Montclair is a diverse, artsy suburban commuter town to New York City with a thriving cultural scene. It’s also the home to the Montclair Art Museum, numerous galleries, and events like the Montclair Film Festival and Art Walk.

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Charles Sykes/Invision/AP
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Jersey City Heights

The Jersey City Heights neighborhood has become a hotspot for creative New Jerseyans, with its growing number of art galleries, performance spaces, and street murals.

The Mana Contemporary art center and monthly art walks showcase the neighborhood’s help foster a dedicated arts community.

The skyline of Jersey City, NJ (Photo by Zoshua Colah on Unsplash)
The skyline of Jersey City, NJ (Photo by Zoshua Colah on Unsplash)
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Asbury Park

Asbury Park is known for its vibrant music and arts scene. Annual events like the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival highlight how passionate people in the town are for the arts.

Not only is it where you’ll find the iconic Stone Pony music venue, but as you walk along the boardwalk you’ll find murals, galleries, and cute artisan shops.

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(Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)
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If you’re only familiar with Asbury Park during the busy summer season, take a look at how peaceful it can be in winter.

A secluded look at the Asbury Park boardwalk during the off-season

A very different vibe outside of summer from one of New Jersey's most iconic boardwalks.

Gallery Credit: Mike Brant

21 top spots to take a first-time visitor to New Jersey

Someone from out-of-state, or maybe even out of the country, is visiting New Jersey for the first time. Where do you take them? After grabbing a bagel and before chowing down on a slice of Jersey pizza, be sure to treat your out-of-town guest to a day in the Garden State with some of these places in mind.

Gallery Credit: Jen Ursillo

2025 Seaside Heights Polar Bear Plunge

Scenes from the 2025 Seaside Heights Polar Bear Plunge, which raised $2.5 million for Special Olympics New Jersey on Saturday, Feb. 22.

Gallery Credit: Julia Slevin/Townsquare Media

The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5's Kylie Moore. Any opinions expressed are Kylie's own. You can follow Kylie on Instagram.
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