13 New Jersey Towns With The Lowest Taxes That Locals Pick For Affordability

I’ve spent years exploring every corner of New Jersey, and I can tell you that finding a town with low property taxes in the Garden State feels like discovering hidden treasure.

Most people assume you need to sacrifice quality of life to save money on taxes, but I’m here to prove them wrong.

After talking to countless locals and crunching the numbers myself, I’ve uncovered 13 towns where your tax bill won’t make you cry every quarter.

These aren’t ghost towns or forgotten places, they’re real communities where people have built happy lives without breaking the bank.

Some of these spots might surprise you, others you’ve probably never heard of, but all of them share one thing in common: locals chose them specifically for affordability.

1. Walpack, New Jersey

Walpack tops my list with an unbelievable annual property tax average of just $1,156, making it the absolute champion of affordability in New Jersey. Tucked away in Sussex County near the Delaware Water Gap, this tiny township feels like stepping back in time to a simpler era.

I visited on a crisp autumn morning and immediately understood why locals guard this secret so fiercely.

The population hovers around just a handful of residents, giving Walpack an exclusive, almost private community feel that you won’t find anywhere else. Most of the land here is actually part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which explains the incredibly low tax burden.

If you’re someone who craves solitude, nature, and freedom from the financial squeeze of typical New Jersey living, this place deserves serious consideration.

Living here means embracing a rural lifestyle with limited commercial development and services nearby. You’ll drive to neighboring towns for groceries and amenities, but the trade-off is keeping thousands of dollars in your pocket every year.

I met a retired couple who moved here five years ago, and they told me they’ve never looked back, despite the longer commute to civilization.

The natural beauty surrounding Walpack is absolutely breathtaking, with hiking trails, rivers, and wildlife practically at your doorstep. Property values remain modest, and the community attracts people who value peace and financial freedom over urban conveniences.

For those willing to embrace country living, Walpack offers the lowest tax burden you’ll find anywhere in the Garden State.

2. Teterboro, New Jersey

Teterboro comes in second with an annual property tax average of $1,936, which still sounds like a fantasy compared to most New Jersey municipalities. Located in Bergen County, this tiny borough is dominated by Teterboro Airport, one of the busiest general aviation airports in the entire country.

When I drove through, I was fascinated by how this unique setup creates such a tax advantage for the few dozen residents who actually live here.

The residential population is incredibly small, fewer than 70 people call Teterboro home, which creates an unusual dynamic. Most of the land is dedicated to aviation and industrial use, and the tax base benefits from commercial properties rather than burdening homeowners.

I spoke with a local who explained that living next to an airport isn’t for everyone, but the financial benefits make it worthwhile for those who don’t mind the noise.

Housing options are extremely limited here, so if you’re considering a move, you’ll need patience and flexibility. The borough itself has minimal retail or dining, but you’re surrounded by Bergen County communities with every amenity imaginable just minutes away.

I found the setup perfect for someone who works in aviation or simply wants to minimize their tax burden while staying close to New York City.

Teterboro’s location offers easy access to major highways and public transportation, making commutes surprisingly manageable. The trade-off between airport noise and tax savings is clear, and for residents here, the math works beautifully.

If you can handle the quirks of living in such a specialized community, Teterboro delivers exceptional value.

3. Camden City, New Jersey

Camden City surprises many people by landing on this list with an average property tax of $2,167, proving that urban living can actually be affordable in New Jersey. Situated directly across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, Camden has faced challenges over the years but offers incredible potential for those willing to invest in its future.

I spent an afternoon exploring the waterfront and downtown areas, and I could feel the energy of revitalization happening in real time.

The city has undertaken massive redevelopment efforts in recent years, with new businesses, educational institutions, and entertainment venues breathing fresh life into neighborhoods. Property values remain low compared to surrounding areas, which combined with the relatively modest tax rate, creates genuine affordability.

I met young professionals and families who moved here specifically because they could afford to buy homes and build equity, something nearly impossible in pricier parts of the state.

Camden offers cultural attractions like the Battleship New Jersey and the Adventure Aquarium, both located right on the stunning waterfront. The city’s proximity to Philadelphia means you get big-city amenities without the corresponding price tag.

Public transportation connections are excellent, with ferry service and transit lines making commutes to Philly quick and easy.

Safety concerns have improved significantly in recent years thanks to focused community policing and investment in infrastructure. I won’t pretend Camden is perfect, but I saw firsthand how committed residents are to continuing the positive momentum.

For those seeking urban affordability with upside potential, Camden City represents a genuine opportunity in New Jersey’s expensive housing market.

4. Woodbine, New Jersey

Woodbine sits in beautiful Cape May County with an average annual property tax of $2,097, offering small-town charm without the crushing tax burden found elsewhere. This borough has a fascinating history as one of the first Jewish agricultural communities in America, and that unique heritage still influences the town’s character today.

The best time to visit is during spring when everything is blooming, and the peaceful atmosphere immediately wins you over.

The population hovers around 2,500 residents, creating a genuine small-town feel where neighbors know each other and community matters. Housing options range from historic homes to newer developments, all priced affordably compared to coastal towns just a short drive away.

I spoke with several families who moved here from pricier shore communities and never regretted trading beach proximity for financial breathing room.

Woodbine’s location puts you within easy reach of Cape May’s beaches and Atlantic City’s entertainment without paying premium prices. The town maintains its own school district, parks, and local businesses that give it a self-sufficient character.

My favorite part are the quiet streets and the sense that people here prioritize quality of life over keeping up appearances.

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to Belleplain State Forest, offering hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities year-round. The cost of living overall is manageable, with grocery stores and essential services available locally.

Woodbine delivers small-town New Jersey living at a price that actually makes sense.

5. Lower Alloways Creek, New Jersey

Lower Alloways Creek Township in Salem County offers an annual property tax average of $2,380, making it a haven for those seeking agricultural living with financial advantages. This rural township embodies everything people love about South Jersey’s farming heritage, with vast fields, open skies, and a pace of life that feels worlds away from urban stress.

I drove through on a summer evening and watched the sunset paint the farmland in golden hues, understanding immediately why residents treasure this place.

Agriculture dominates the landscape here, and many properties include farmland or large lots that give you room to breathe. The population is sparse, creating a genuine country lifestyle where you know your neighbors and community events bring everyone together.

I chatted with a farmer who told me his family has worked this land for four generations, and the affordable taxes help keep farming viable in an increasingly expensive state.

Services and shopping require a drive to nearby towns, but residents view this as a small price for the tranquility and affordability they enjoy. The township maintains a volunteer fire department and close-knit community organizations that preserve traditional values.

Wildlife is abundant here, with deer, birds, and other animals sharing the landscape with human residents. The township’s location in Salem County means you’re still within reasonable distance of major employment centers while living affordably.

6. Commercial Township, New Jersey

Commercial Township in Cumberland County comes in with an average annual property tax of $2,846, offering rural living with surprising accessibility to employment centers. The name might sound industrial, but this township is actually dominated by agriculture and small residential communities spread across a large geographic area.

I explored several neighborhoods here and found a mix of farming operations, modest homes, and people who value independence and affordability above all else.

The population density is low, giving residents plenty of space and privacy on their properties. Many homes sit on multiple acres, perfect for gardening, raising animals, or simply enjoying unobstructed views of South Jersey’s beautiful countryside.

And guess what? I met a young couple who bought their first home here after being priced out of more expensive areas, and they were thrilled to have a yard where their kids could actually play freely.

Commercial Township lacks the commercial development its name might suggest, which actually works in residents’ favor by keeping taxes manageable. You’ll drive to nearby Bridgeton or Millville for shopping and services, but the trade-off is keeping more money in your pocket each year.

The community maintains a rural character that appeals to those tired of suburban sprawl and endless development.

Outdoor recreation is readily available with nearby wildlife management areas and parks offering hunting, fishing, and hiking opportunities. The township’s location provides reasonable commuting distance to Philadelphia or Atlantic City for those who work in larger cities.

If you’re seeking genuine country living with financial advantages and don’t mind a quieter lifestyle, Commercial Township deserves serious consideration.

7. Audubon Park, New Jersey

Audubon Park is a tiny borough in Camden County with an average annual property tax of $2,867, proving that affordability exists even in more developed parts of New Jersey. This postage-stamp-sized community covers less than a quarter square mile but packs in a genuine neighborhood feel that larger towns often lack.

Walking the quiet streets on a weekday afternoon, I was charmed by the well-maintained homes and friendly residents who waved from their porches.

The borough’s small size means everyone truly knows their neighbors, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere that’s increasingly rare. Properties here are modest but well-kept, mostly single-family homes on small lots that provide affordable entry points into homeownership.

I spoke with a resident who moved here from a pricier Camden County town and cut her property taxes nearly in half without sacrificing much in terms of location or convenience.

Audubon Park’s location puts you within easy reach of Philadelphia, with multiple highways and public transportation options nearby. The borough itself has minimal commercial development, but surrounding communities offer every shopping and dining option you could want.

I appreciated how the lack of commercial properties helps keep residential taxes lower than neighboring towns.

Schools are shared with adjacent Audubon Borough, providing educational options without the overhead of maintaining separate facilities. The community hosts small events that bring residents together and maintain the small-town feel everyone values.

8. Washington Township (Burlington), New Jersey

Washington Township in Burlington County offers an average annual property tax of $3,062, making it one of the more affordable options in a county known for rising costs. This sprawling township in the Pinelands region maintains a distinctly rural character despite being within reasonable distance of major employment centers.

I spent a morning driving the winding roads through pine forests and cranberry bogs, marveling at how wild and undeveloped much of the township remains.

Pinelands restrictions limit development here, which helps preserve the natural environment and keeps the community from becoming overdeveloped. Properties tend to sit on larger lots, many with wooded surroundings that provide privacy and a connection to nature.

I met a family who moved here from a pricier Burlington County town specifically because they wanted more land and lower taxes, and they found both without compromising on quality of life.

The township includes several small communities and hamlets, each with its own character and local gathering spots. Services require some driving, but residents embrace this as part of choosing a rural lifestyle over suburban convenience.

Outdoor recreation is exceptional here, with the Pinelands offering hiking, kayaking, and exploring opportunities right in your backyard. The township’s location provides reasonable access to Philadelphia and the Jersey Shore without the premium prices of living closer.

9. Dennis Township, New Jersey

Dennis Township in Cape May County comes in with an average annual property tax of $3,253, offering coastal living without the astronomical costs of more famous shore towns. Stretching from the Delaware Bay to inland forests, this township encompasses diverse landscapes and several distinct communities.

I visited during the off-season and discovered a side of the Jersey Shore that tourists never see, where locals enjoy beaches, fishing, and natural beauty without the crowds or crushing expenses.

The township includes the communities of South Seaville, Dennisville, and Belleplain, each offering different lifestyles and property options. Housing ranges from waterfront cottages to inland homes on wooded lots, all priced affordably compared to barrier island communities.

I spoke with retirees who sold expensive homes elsewhere and bought here, pocketing the difference while still enjoying coastal living and outdoor recreation.

Beach access is available at several locations, though the Delaware Bay offers a different experience than ocean beaches. The quieter waters are perfect for kayaking, fishing, and watching spectacular sunsets that rival anything you’ll find on the Atlantic side.

What I loved the most was the laid-back vibe and the sense that people here prioritize experiences over appearances.

Dennis Township’s location puts you close to Cape May’s attractions and Wildwood’s entertainment while keeping your tax bill manageable. The community maintains a rural character with farms, forests, and wildlife coexisting alongside residential areas.

10. Downe Township, New Jersey

Downe Township in Cumberland County offers an average annual property tax of $3,323, providing rural living with unexpected waterfront access along the Delaware Bay. This sprawling township encompasses vast agricultural lands, tidal marshes, and small communities that feel worlds away from urban New Jersey.

I explored the area on a foggy morning when the marshes looked mysterious and beautiful, understanding why residents treasure this remote corner of the state.

Agriculture and fishing have defined Downe Township for generations, and that heritage continues today in working farms and commercial fishing operations. Properties here often include significant acreage, perfect for farming, homesteading, or simply enjoying space and privacy.

I met a couple who moved here from North Jersey and started a small farm, telling me the affordable taxes and land prices made their dream possible.

The township’s communities include Fortescue, a tiny waterfront village popular with sport fishermen and nature lovers. The Delaware Bay provides excellent fishing, crabbing, and bird watching opportunities that attract enthusiasts from across the region.

You can spend an afternoon at the Fortescue marina watching boats come and go, soaking in the authentic maritime atmosphere that’s increasingly rare in developed New Jersey.

Services and shopping require driving to nearby Bridgeton or other Cumberland County towns, but residents accept this as part of choosing rural living. The township maintains a strong sense of community despite its geographic spread, with local organizations bringing neighbors together.

For those seeking authentic country living with waterfront access and financial advantages, Downe Township delivers a unique New Jersey experience.

11. Trenton, New Jersey

Trenton, New Jersey’s capital city, offers an average annual property tax of $3,793, making it surprisingly affordable for a major urban center with significant infrastructure and services. As the state capital, Trenton carries historical weight and political importance that few other cities can match.

I spent a day exploring the downtown area, visiting the State House, and walking neighborhoods where you can feel the layers of history beneath the modern urban landscape.

Property values in Trenton remain modest compared to surrounding Mercer County communities, creating genuine affordability for first-time buyers and those seeking urban living. The city has invested heavily in revitalization efforts, with new developments and business growth changing the landscape.

I met young professionals who chose Trenton specifically because they could afford to buy homes and still enjoy urban amenities and culture.

The city’s location between New York and Philadelphia makes it a strategic spot for commuters working in either direction. Public transportation options include NJ Transit rail and bus service, providing car-free commuting possibilities.

What hit me the most is the diversity of neighborhoods, from historic districts with Victorian homes to modern developments catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Cultural attractions include the New Jersey State Museum, the Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie, and numerous historic sites commemorating the city’s Revolutionary War significance. Dining and entertainment options have expanded significantly in recent years as revitalization continues.

While Trenton faces urban challenges, I saw firsthand the commitment residents and city leaders have to building a better future while maintaining affordability that’s increasingly rare in New Jersey.

12. Bridgeton, New Jersey

Bridgeton, the commercial hub of Cumberland County, offers an average annual property tax of $3,579, providing small-city amenities with genuine affordability. This historic city boasts one of the largest historic districts in New Jersey, with over 2,000 colonial and Victorian buildings creating a charming streetscape.

I wandered through the downtown area on a spring afternoon, admiring the architecture and imagining the generations of families who’ve called this place home.

Property values remain remarkably affordable here, allowing buyers to purchase substantial historic homes for prices that would barely cover a small condo in North Jersey. The city has worked to preserve its architectural heritage while encouraging economic development and population growth.

I spoke with several families who moved here from pricier areas and were thrilled to own beautiful homes with character and history.

Bridgeton serves as Cumberland County’s retail and service center, meaning you’ll find shopping, dining, and healthcare facilities without driving to larger cities. The city maintains its own school district, library, and recreational facilities that serve residents well.

Here you can explore Cohanzick Zoo, a small but delightful free zoo that’s been a community treasure for decades.

The Cohansey River runs through the city, providing scenic beauty and recreational opportunities including a popular riverwalk. City Park offers extensive green space, playgrounds, and the zoo, creating a community gathering spot for events and everyday enjoyment.

13. Salem City, New Jersey

Salem City rounds out my list with an average annual property tax of $4,027, still remarkably affordable compared to most New Jersey municipalities. This small city serves as the Salem County seat and carries deep historical significance as one of the oldest English settlements in the region.

I visited on a quiet weekday and was immediately struck by the beautiful old homes and the sense that history lives and breathes in every corner of this community.

The city’s historic district features stunning colonial and Victorian architecture, with many homes lovingly maintained by residents who appreciate living history. Property values remain modest, allowing buyers to own significant pieces of architectural heritage for reasonable prices.

I met a history teacher who bought a 200-year-old home here and spends his free time researching its past owners and restoration needs, living his passion affordably.

Salem City maintains a small-town atmosphere despite being the county seat, with local businesses, restaurants, and services creating a self-sufficient community. The courthouse and county offices provide stable employment, and the city’s location along scenic routes makes it accessible from surrounding areas.

The best part: the slower pace and the sense that people here value community connections over material displays.

The Salem Oak, a legendary tree that witnessed the city’s founding, stands as a living monument to the area’s incredible history. Fort Mott State Park sits nearby, offering Delaware River views and historical fortifications to explore.

For history lovers seeking affordable living with character and charm, Salem City delivers a uniquely New Jersey experience where the past and present coexist beautifully.