Living in Hunterdon County NJ: 9 Honest Pros and Cons

Living in Hunterdon County, NJ means more space, small historic towns and real countryside within reach of both New York and Philadelphia. The trade-offs are high property taxes, home prices well above the national average and longer commutes than closer-in suburbs. Here are nine honest pros and cons.

By Debbie McLain, NJ licensed real estate agent, Team McLain at Real Broker LLC

The pros of living in Hunterdon County

1. Room to breathe

Land is the big draw. On a single day in October 2026, there were 271 homes with acreage listed for sale in the county. You can find farms, wooded lots and neighborhoods with real yards.

2. Small towns with real main streets

Flemington, Clinton, Lambertville and Frenchtown each have their own character, local shops and restaurants. See my guides to Flemington and Clinton.

3. The outdoors

Round Valley Reservoir, the Delaware River towns and miles of preserved farmland are part of everyday life here, not a weekend trip.

4. Strong regional schools

Most towns run their own K-8 districts and share regional high schools such as Hunterdon Central and North Hunterdon. Families get smaller elementary schools and larger high schools with more programs.

5. Between two major cities

Hunterdon sits roughly between New York and Philadelphia, with I-78 and Route 22 running through the north of the county.

The cons of living in Hunterdon County

6. Property taxes

New Jersey's average residential property tax bill was $10,340 in 2025, and many Hunterdon homes pay more. Always check the actual tax bill for the home you're considering.

7. Commutes take planning

The Raritan Valley Line serves northern Hunterdon, but stations west of Raritan, such as White House, get weekday peak trains only. Most residents drive for most trips.

8. Prices above the national average

Zillow puts the typical Hunterdon County home at $645,030, compared with a national typical value of $371,774. You get more space for the money than in closer suburbs, but it isn't cheap.

9. Rural living has upkeep

Many homes have private wells and septic systems, and properties near rivers carry flood risk. Redfin's climate data estimates that about 14% of properties in the county have severe flood risk. Inspections matter here.

Is Hunterdon County a good place to live?

For buyers who want space, character and a slower pace, and can plan around the commute and the taxes, yes. It's the reason so many people who move here stay for decades.

Frequently asked questions

Is Hunterdon County expensive to live in?

Home prices and property taxes are above the national average. The typical Hunterdon home value was $645,030 in July 2026, according to Zillow.

Can you commute to New York from Hunterdon County?

Yes, by NJ Transit's Raritan Valley Line or by car on I-78, but expect a longer trip than from closer suburbs. Stations west of Raritan have weekday peak service only.

What are the best towns in Hunterdon County?

It depends on what you want. Whitehouse Station has a train station, Lambertville has the river and the arts, and Tewksbury and Califon offer more land.