These Are Top Ten Best New Jersey Towns To Live In Cape May County

Home to one of the oldest communities in New Jersey, the state's southernmost county is best known for its popular Shore Towns and Craft Breweries.

Ever since Cape May Island was settled in the 1600s, Cape May County has evolved into a popular vacation destination over the last 200 years. Featuring Six Public Schools that land in the Top 30 Percent of New Jersey Schools and four towns that rank in the Top 50 Best Places to Retire in New Jersey, Cape May County is more than just a vacation destination area.

The website Niche has gathered data from each town in every county in New Jersey in order to rank them. Each town's overall grade is based on a combination of the following grades:

-Cost of Living
-Housing
-Crime and Safety
-Good for Families
-Nightlife
-Public Schools
-Jobs
-Weather
-Health and Fitness
-Outdoor Activities
-Commute

What Are The Highest Rated Towns To Live In Cape May County

1. Ocean City
Receiving an overall A Grade, Ocean City gets positive scores for Outdoor Activities (A), Good for Families (A), Public Schools (A-), and Nightlife (A-). Ocean City received low grades for Cost of Living (C), Housing (C), along with Crime and Safety (B).

The northernmost Shore Town in Cape May County, with entrances of both Garden State Parkway Exits 25, 29, and 30, Ocean City is ranked the 14th Best Place to Retire in New Jersey.

2. Cape May
Receiving an overall A Grade, Cape May gets positive scores for Nightlife (A+), Outdoor Activities (A-), along with Good for Families (A-). Cape May received low grades for Housing (C), and Cost of Living (C).

The southernmost town in Cape May County and located at the end of the Garden State Parkway, Cape May is rated the 18th Best Town for Young Professionals in New Jersey.

3. Avalon
Receiving an overall A- Grade, Avalon gets positive scores for Nightlife (A), Public Schools (A-), and Good For Families (A-). Avalon received low grades for Cost of Living (C+) and Housing (C+).

Located off Exit 13 on the Garden State Parkway, Avalon is ranked the 33rd Best Place to Retire in New Jersey (out of 575 towns).

4. Stone Harbor
Receiving an overall A Grade, Stone Harbor gets positive scores for Public Schools (A+), Nightlife (A), and Good for Families (A-). Stone Harbor received low grades for Cost of Living (C) and Housing (C+).

5. Wildwood Crest
Receiving an overall B+ Grade, Wildwood Crest gets positive scores for Nightlife (A), Public Schools (A-), Outdoor Activities (A-), Good for Families (B+), and Crime/Safety (B+). Wildwood Crest received low grades for Jobs (C), Housing (C), and Cost of Living (C+).

The municipality on the south end of The Wildwoods' Island, Wildwood Crest is ranked the 94th Best Place to Retire in New Jersey (out of 575 towns).

6. Upper Township
Receiving an overall B+ Grade, Upper Township gets positive scores for Outdoor Activities (A), Good for Families (A-), Public Schools (B+), and Nightlife (B+). Upper Township received low grades for Cost of Living (C+) and Commute (B-).

7. North Wildwood
Receiving an overall B Grade, North Wildwood gets positive scores for Nightlife (A+), Commute (A-), Public Schools (B+), and Outdoor Activities (B+). North Wildwood received low grades for Housing (C), Cost of Living (C), plus Crime and Safety (B-).

Located off Exit 6 on the Garden State Parkway, North Wildwood is ranked the 75th Best Place to Retire in New Jersey (out of 575 towns).

8. Sea Isle City
Receiving an overall B Grade, Sea Isle City gets positive scores for Nightlife (A+) and Outdoor Activities (B+). Sea Isle City received low grades for Housing (C-) and Cost of Living (C).

Located off Garden State Parkway Exit 17, Sea Isle City has been ranked the 49th Best Place to Retire in New Jersey (out of 575 towns).

9. Erma in Lower Township
Receiving an overall B Grade, Erma gets positive scores for Nightlife (A) and Outdoor Activities (B+). Erma received low grades for Housing (C) and Cost of Living (C+).

The northernmost community within Lower Township, Erma is ranked the 5th Best Place To Raise a Family in Cape May County.

10. Dennis Township
Receiving an overall B Grade, Dennis Township gets positive scores for Jobs (B+), Public Schools (B+), Good for Families (B+), and Outdoor Activities (B). Dennis Township Erma received low grades for Cost of Living (B-) and Commute (B-).

Having lived more than half my life in Cape May County, I am personally familiar with what makes New Jersey's southernmost county a great place to live.  Here are my top ten favorite aspects of Cape May County: