New Jersey’s Where My Heart Is

a small charming town at dusk in the foreground with a pedestrian bridge crossing the river to another town in the background

Lambertville

Living in Lambertville is like stepping into a picturesque, historic postcard where small-town charm meets vibrant artistic and culinary scenes. Nestled on the banks of the Delaware River, the town is renowned for its well-preserved Victorian architecture, independent boutiques, antique shops, and a diverse array of acclaimed restaurants and cafes. Life here offers a slower pace, with residents enjoying walkable streets, scenic views of the river and canal path, and a strong sense of community, often participating in local events like the popular Shad Fest. For LGBTQ+ individuals, Lambertville is exceptionally welcoming and has a long-standing reputation as a haven. This is deeply intertwined with its "twin city" across the river, New Hope, Pennsylvania. Together, these towns form a cultural hub that has embraced the LGBTQ+ community for decades, evidenced by openly gay leadership (like Lambertville's mayor), numerous LGBTQ+-owned businesses, and the celebrated annual New Hope Celebrates Pride Parade, which symbolically begins in Lambertville before crossing the bridge, embodying the unity and acceptance that defines life for the LGBTQ+ community in this charming riverside enclave.

Cool Fact: Every May, Lambertville partners with neighboring New Hope, Pennsylvania, to host the annual New Hope Celebrates Pride Parade. This unique event begins in Lambertville and crosses the Delaware River into New Hope, making it one of the few Pride parades that spans two states. The parade features over 1,800 participants, including floats, marching bands, and community groups .

Some Lambertville Stats:

Suburban ● $$$ ● Schools: B ● Crime: A ● Community Health: Above Average ● Nearby Airport ● Walkable

Ridgefield

a loan bare tree without leaves in a winter setting

Living in Ridgefield, New Jersey, offers a classic, established suburban experience, marked by a dense residential feel, a mix of housing styles from various eras, and a strong sense of local community. Its primary appeal lies in its extremely convenient location: it's a commuter's dream, providing quick access to major highways, public transportation into New York City, and proximity to shopping and dining in surrounding Bergen County towns. For LGBTQ+ individuals, Ridgefield, like most of New Jersey, benefits from comprehensive statewide legal protections and a generally accepting atmosphere, meaning residents can expect a safe and welcoming environment even without a specifically designated LGBTQ+ community hub within the town itself.

Cool Fact: Man Ray, born Emmanuel Radnitzky, was a pioneering American visual artist and photographer associated with the Dada and Surrealist movements. He lived in an artists' colony in Ridgefield, where he created some of his most innovative works. His contributions to art, especially in photography, have left a lasting legacy.

Some Ridgefield Stats:

Suburban ● $$$ ● Schools: A ● Crime: B ● Community Health: Above Average ● Airport: 30 - 60 Minutes

autumn trees with orange leaves growing next to a white picket fence

Scotch Plains

Living in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, offers a classic suburban experience, characterized by tree-lined streets, a mix of charming older homes and newer constructions, and a strong emphasis on family life and good schools. It's a primarily residential community with a friendly, tight-knit feel, offering residents convenient access to local parks, a modest downtown area with essential services, and easy commutes to larger employment centers and amenities via nearby train stations and major roadways. For LGBTQ+ individuals, Scotch Plains generally reflects the broader welcoming environment of New Jersey, a state with robust LGBTQ+ protections and a high degree of acceptance. While Scotch Plains itself doesn't have a specific "gayborhood" or a large, visible LGBTQ+ community presence in the way larger cities or more explicitly artistic towns might, its residents benefit from a diverse population, the progressive leanings of Union County, and easy access to the numerous LGBTQ+ resources and vibrant communities available in nearby urban centers like New York City.

Cool Fact: Following the annual Pride Flag Raising ceremony, the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA invites community members to participate in "Chalk the Walk." This interactive event encourages attendees to create vibrant sidewalk art, spreading messages of love, acceptance, and unity throughout the community.

Some Scotch Plains Stats:

Suburban ● $$$ ● Schools: A ● Crime: B ● Community Health: Average ● Nearby Airport

Rutherford

a calm river in the foreground with various buildings in the background

Residing in Rutherford, New Jersey, offers a charming and vibrant suburban lifestyle, blending historic character with modern conveniences. This highly walkable town boasts a lively downtown filled with diverse restaurants, boutique shops, and community events, all set among tree-lined streets and well-maintained homes. It's a popular choice for commuters seeking easy access to New York City via train or bus, while still providing a distinct local identity and excellent schools. For LGBTQ+ individuals, Rutherford stands out as particularly inclusive; the presence of the active Rutherford Pride Alliance underscores a community-wide commitment to fostering visibility, advocacy, and social connections, ensuring a truly welcoming and affirming environment for all.

Cool Fact: Back when LGBTQ+ life was still very closeted in many suburbs, Bergen County (where Rutherford is) quietly became a hub for informal queer social networks. Several local bars, diners, and coffee shops became unofficial safe havens — places where LGBTQ+ people could meet without fear of harassment. These spots weren’t always advertised as “gay-friendly,” but word of mouth helped create a discreet, supportive community.

Some Rutherford Stats: