September 2017: Best Places to Live

September 2017: Best Places to Live

Our bi-annual list of the best places to live in the state! Plus: 16 hot towns you can still afford, our 2017 Seeds of Hope Honorees, and more!

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Best Places to Live

John and Lauren Rosato enjoy life on Edgewood Drive with their kids, John, 1, and Madelyn, 2. "I'm trying to convince all my friends to move here," says Lauren.

Ho-Ho-Kus Tops Our List of Best Places to Live

Residents fall in love with historic Ho-Ho-Kus, leader of the pack on this year’s Top Towns chart.

16 Hot Towns

Looking to buy in a town that’s still on the rise? Here are some of Jersey’s most desirable markets.

Dining

Seafood stew.

Northern Lights: Halifax in Hoboken

On the banks of the Hudson, a Nova Scotian chef draws on his roots and his travels.

A kimchi-scallion omelet.

An Ode to Onions, Humble and Glorious

In words (by her) and photos (by him), a Lambertville couple reveals the genius of the genus allium—gifts from the ground, packed with flavor.

Calling All Meat Lovers: Choripan in Hackensack

Victor Vinciguerra grew up in Argentina eating meats cooked on a parillada, or grill. At Choripan Vinciguerra cooks meats over a charcoal-burning parillada.

The Que, a burger topped with pulled pork, brisket, coleslaw and smoked Gouda.

Quick Bite: Burger/Que

Burger/Que boasts indulgent, decadent fare. One example is the Que, a burger topped with pulled pork, brisket, coleslaw and smoked Gouda.

Grilled salmon with white sauce and vegetables.

Quick Bite: Don Juan

Lights blink over the little bar at Don Juan, Juan Landaverde’s cozy Latin eatery in West Orange.

Quick Bite: Channel Marker Cafe

The Channel Marker Café at the Ocean Beach marina in Lavallette stays open all year. It’s been rebuilt since Sandy, and remains popular for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Features

The Case for Preschool

Advocates push for early education—but at what cost?

The tour departs from Race Farm in Blairstown and proceeds up scenic Dry Road.

Gearing Up for Tour de Farm

The annual Tour de Farm requires two wheels and a hearty appetite.

For Tommy James, life as a young pop star was a mix of hit songs and hit men. He told his story in a 2010 memoir—which is to be the basis of a forthcoming movie.

For Hit Maker Tommy James, Life’s Like a Movie

After years of false starts, it appears a film about accomplished musician Tommy James might actually get made.

Home & Garden

Architect Susan Rochelle connected the buildings, relocating the garage to the rear of the barn. An original horse trough, circa 1850, remains.

Bringing a British Accent to Bedminster

A U.K. couple transforms a century-old barn and outdated home into a modern-day farmhouse with English overtones.

Garden Variety

Tatia Adams-Fox, center, leads a group of etiquette students, from left, Adina Foster of Glen Ridge; Julia and Olivia Rein of Chatham; Charlie and Vince Otten of Cranford; and Angelina Capari of Belleville.

Yes, Please, to Social Skills at South Orange Etiquette School

At The New School of Etiquette, the main course is a melange of social graces intended to serve students in their business and social encounters.

Worst of Years, Best of Intentions in Michael Ausiello’s Memoir

His intimate memoir, “Spoiler Alert: The Hero Dies,” manages to be simultaneously heartbreaking, cheeky and comical.

Only in New Jersey with Steve Adubato

Princeton Mayor Liz Lempert suggests that towns consider shared services as a first step toward consolidation.

The Merger, Revisited: The Consolidation of Princeton, Four Years Later

The mayor reflects on lessons learned from the 2013 consolidation of the two Princetons.

Stylephile

Non-Invasive Spa Treatments: Liquid Facelifts

This lunchtime beauty fix requires no surgery, no downtime…

New Spa Spots Just Opening Their Doors

Rest and relax at these new places.

Move-In Ready

It’s back-to-school time. Help your student settle in with these savvy, dorm-worthy picks.—Deborah P. Carter

Non-Invasive Spa Treatments: CoolSculpting

This non-surgical quick fix is getting a lot of attention …

Create an accent wall, backsplash or fireplace surround with 3-D tiles from Walker Zanger.

So Many Tiles, So Little Time

Unexpected colors and patterns steal the show.

Exit Ramp

A Place for Her Spoons

She traveled the world amassing a unique collection. Now her spoons have a home in Paterson.