Living Car-Free (or Car-Light) in New Jersey
You don't need a car to live comfortably in New Jersey—if you choose the right location. With PATH trains, NJ Transit, light rail, and ferry service, getting to NYC and around the state is easy from many neighborhoods.
Transit Options Explained
PATH Train
- Where: Jersey City, Hoboken, Newark, Harrison
- Cost: $2.75 per ride
- Connects to: WTC, Christopher St, 14th St, 23rd St, 33rd St
- Best for: Daily NYC commuters working below 34th Street
NJ Transit Rail
- Where: Statewide, 165+ stations
- Cost: Zone-based ($3-15+ to NYC)
- Connects to: Penn Station NYC, Hoboken Terminal
- Best for: Commuters to Midtown, those living further out
Newark Light Rail
- Where: Newark, connecting neighborhoods to Penn Station
- Cost: $1.60 per ride
- Best for: Getting around Newark without a car
NY Waterway Ferry
- Where: Weehawken, Hoboken, Jersey City
- Cost: $9-10 per ride
- Best for: Scenic commute, access to Midtown West
Best Transit-Accessible Neighborhoods
Newark (Near Penn Station)
- Transit: PATH + NJ Transit + Light Rail
- To NYC: 20 minutes to Penn Station
- Rent: $1,300-1,800 for 1BR
- Walkability: Very walkable downtown, Ironbound area
Jersey City (Downtown/Journal Square)
- Transit: PATH + Light Rail + Ferry
- To NYC: 10-20 minutes to WTC/Midtown
- Rent: $2,200-3,000 for 1BR
- Walkability: Extremely walkable, bike-friendly
Hoboken
- Transit: PATH + Ferry + NJ Transit
- To NYC: 10-15 minutes to WTC/33rd St
- Rent: $2,500-3,500 for 1BR
- Walkability: One of NJ's most walkable cities
Harrison
- Transit: PATH direct
- To NYC: 25 minutes to WTC
- Rent: $1,800-2,400 for 1BR
- Walkability: Newer developments near station
Elizabeth (Midtown Station)
- Transit: NJ Transit Northeast Corridor
- To NYC: 30-35 minutes to Penn Station
- Rent: $1,300-1,700 for 1BR
- Walkability: Walkable around downtown
Linden
- Transit: NJ Transit Northeast Corridor
- To NYC: 40 minutes to Penn Station
- Rent: $1,400-1,900 for 1BR
- Walkability: Car helps but station area is walkable
Monthly Pass Savings
If you commute daily, monthly passes save significantly. A Newark-to-NYC NJ Transit pass is around $200/month, while PATH unlimited is $89/month. Factor this into your total housing budget.
What to Consider When Choosing
Walking Distance Matters
Being "near transit" can mean 5 minutes or 20 minutes walk. Ask for the exact walking time to the nearest station. Apps like Google Maps show walking times accurately.
Express vs. Local
Not all stations have express service. Living near an express stop can cut your commute significantly during rush hour.
Weekend Service
Some NJ Transit lines have limited weekend service. If you need transit on weekends, verify the schedule.
Late Night Service
PATH runs 24/7 (with reduced overnight frequency). NJ Transit rail shuts down around midnight-1am. Plan accordingly based on your lifestyle.
Commuter Cost Comparison
Here's what your commute might cost monthly (as of 2026):
- PATH: $89/month unlimited
- NJ Transit Newark: ~$130/month
- NJ Transit Elizabeth: ~$170/month
- NJ Transit Linden: ~$200/month
- Ferry (monthly): ~$350/month
We Know Commuter Locations
Many of our listings are specifically chosen for transit accessibility. Tell us where you work and we'll help you find apartments with the best commute.