Top NJ towns where adults under 40 go to live

Young adults make up the lion's share of residents in several New Jersey municipalities — some spots you'd expect, and some you likely wouldn't.

A New Jersey 101.5 analysis of Census data from 2016 finds that individuals aged 25 to 39 make up at least 40 percent of the population in 10 New Jersey cities, townships and boroughs.

We purposely kept the college age range out of the equation to get a better idea of where people are settling down, rather than just feeling things out.

With a young-adult population of 65.8 percent, the No. 1 spot (full list below) goes to Hoboken — one of four Hudson County municipalities in the top 10.

According to Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, who moved to the city 19 years ago in his 20s and continues to raise a family there, the city is focused on becoming a more "permanent" place to call home, rather than a "transient" one.

"You're seeing a lot more younger families, lots of moms and strollers, and a lot of people who want to stay here for the long term," Bhalla said. "I would not be surprised if in the next five to 10 years, that demographic continues towards that upward trend."

Bhalla said the city government's task is to fill any holes that would entice a young family to flee Hoboken for the suburbs.

"Whether it's recreation and open space, or education, or having an affordable housing stock, where you promote permanency, a more family-friendly community," Bhalla explained.

NJ towns with most adults under 40:

Hoboken, Hudson County:
Total population — 53,136
Percent under 40: 65.8%

Maurice River, Cumberland County:
Total population: 8,077
Percent under 40: 62.3%

New Hanover, Burlington County:
Total population: 8,173
Percent under 40: 45.5%

Weehawken, Hudson County:
Total population: 13,671
Percent under 40: 43.3%

Flemington, Hunterdon County:
Total population: 4,663
Percent under 40: 43.3%

Edgewater, Bergen County:
Total population: 11,998
Percent under 40: 42.9%

Jersey City, Hudson County:
Total population: 261,666
Percent under 40: 42.7%

West New York, Hudson County:
Total population: 52,407
Percent under 40: 40.6%

Bridgeton, Cumberland County:
Total population: 25,209
Percent under 40: 40.2%

Fairview, Bergen County:
Total population: 14,314
Percent under 40: 40%

Sitting right across the river from New York City, it's not too surprising to see municipalities such as Hoboken, Jersey City and Weehawken on this list.

But proximity to the Big Apple is not the only thing attracting young adults. In Hunterdon County, more than 43 percent of Flemington's 4,663 residents fall in the 25-39 age range, earning the borough the No. 5 spot.

"Sixty-four percent of our residences are rentals, which is about double the normal community," said Mayor Phil Greiner. "Rentals are, of course, attractive to this age group if they're not ready to own a home yet."

Flemington's young-adult population could see a bump in the near future. A multi-use redevelopment project making its way through the approval process — the first of its kind in Hunterdon County — is slated to include a couple restaurants with liquor licenses, about 200 residential units, and its own parking, among other features.

"We are aware of the trends towards this group wanting to live in walkable areas," Greiner said.

According to the mayor of Maurice River, the township's young-adult population is skewed by the presence of two prisons. Military bases, as well as a correctional facility, affect the numbers in New Hanover.

Full list

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Contact reporter Dino Flammia at dino.flammia@townsquaremedia.com.