10 Best Places to Live for Suburbanites

The majority of the country may think of The Jersey Shore cast members and their ilk when New Jersey is mentioned, but the Garden State actually had the most towns on the Suburbanites Best Places to Live list.

Although it didn’t take the top spot, New Jersey — home of the most expensive ZIP code, three of the richest counties (although it’s not ideal for retirees) — landed the most spots on Coldwell Banker’s list, which analyzed 11,000 suburbs through the U.S.

According to the real estate company, “The data revealed a glimpse into life in the suburbs, where many people own their homes (75%), drive to work (92%) and spend approximately four times as much to prepare meals at home than go out to eat.”

Some of the factors that Coldwell considered when selecting the suburbs in the top 10 was gas affordability, median disposable income, safety as a priority, good schools nearby, outdoor and cultural activities and employment opportunities.

In the top 10 towns crime is 68% less likely than the national average. And while 75% of suburbanites own their homes, compared to 67% for the rest of the country, that number is far higher in the top 10, where 94% own their homes.

“Suburban communities continue to appeal to people of all ages, especially as many suburbs are seeing more diversity and re-energized downtown communities,” Budge Huskey, president and chief operating officer, Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, said in a statement. “Residents can have it all in many of these suburbs; great access to recreational centers, schools and a feeling of community, while only being a short distance to the city.”

Here are the top 10 towns that represent suburban living. Scores were out of 1,000.

(City descriptions from Coldwell Banker.)

10. Huntington Woods, Mich.

Suburb of Detroit-Warren-Livonia

Score: 961.65

The original design of this Detroit suburb was modeled after Huntingdon, England, which still shows the architecture of its historic homes. The western portion of the Detroit Zoo is located in Huntington Woods.

9. Rossmoor, Calif.

Suburb of Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana

Score: 962.03

For those attracted to a laid-back Californian way of life but still want the benefits of a classic suburb, Rossmoor is the perfect combination. Living in Orange County means being only minutes from the coast and a short drive from Los Angeles.

8. East Grand Rapids, Mich.

Suburb of Grand Rapids

Score: 963.28

This suburb of Grand Rapids is small, but don’t let size fool you. Founded in the 1830s, East Grand Rapids is the hometown of Gerald R. Ford, the 38th president of the United States.

7. Indian Hill, Ky.

Suburb of Louisville/Jefferson County

Score: 963.75

Considered one of the most prosperous suburbs of Louisville since the mid 20th-century, Indian Hills comes complete with picturesque rolling hills and well-manicured estates. Indian Hills is only seven miles from downtown Louisville, making it an easy commute from the largest city in Kentucky.

6. Ho-Ho-Kus, N.J.

Suburb of New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island

Score: 967.14

The history of Ho-Ho-Kus goes back to the 1600s. Not only has this suburb maintained its historical roots, The National Arbor Day Foundation named it “Tree City USA,” for its commitment to maintaining surrounding forests.

5. Wolf Trap, Va.

Suburb of Washington-Arlington-Alexandria

Score: 969.37

Wolf Trap is less than 20 miles from Washington D.C., offering the comfort of suburbia without being too far from the Nation’s Capital.

4. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.

Suburb of New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island

Score: 970.93

Just one mile north of the George Washington Bridge and nine miles from downtown New York City, Englewood has the comforts of suburbia with access to the best restaurants and world class shopping of the Big Apple. In addition to its many residents, several large companies, including CNBC and Unilever, call Englewood home.

3. Haworth, N.J.

Suburb of New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island

Score: 972.36

Started as a farming community in pre-revolutionary times, this New Jersey suburb is within commuting distance from New York City.

2. Clyde Hill, Wash.

Suburb of Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue

Score: 972.57

This quaint suburb of Seattle took the number two spot for suburbanites thanks to the high percentage of single family homes, options for nearby public and private schools and its close proximity to downtown. Clyde Hill also offers gorgeous views of the Seattle skyline, Mount Rainier and Lake Washington.

1. Cherry Hills Village, Colo.

Suburb of Denver

Score: 1,000

Cherry Hills Village is a residential oasis of mostly single-family homes. Approximately 10 miles south of downtown Denver, Cherry Hills Village has a nearly 100% home ownership rate and the average commute is less than 20 minutes.