Woodbridge, Carteret, and Edison are some of the best towns to consider living in New Jersey when trying to escape the high rent in New York City. Paterson (Essex County), Passaic (Passaic County), Newark (Essex County), Jersey City (Hudson County), and Elizabeth (Union County) are a few examples of areas with lower rent costs but have high rates of crime and poverty. Middlesex County is home to many towns and metros that offer a high standard of living for a cost comparatively lower than New York City.