Most Underrated Town in New Jersey

Underrated. An adjective that is defined as "not rated or valued highly enough."

I couldn't think of a more deserving town to receive this national attention.

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The website Cheapism went state-by-state identifying:

the unsung American sleeper towns that can seduce, charm, and mesmerize visitors into putting down roots.

This site looked at all kinds of criteria.

From online reviews and rankings to a town's range of offerings, including cultural attractions, outdoor activities, great dining and shopping options, low cost of living, and high quality of life, among other factors.

We've become used to certain Jersey towns earning national honors like this.

For example...

Photo by Dan Mall on Unsplash

Now, don't get me wrong. Cape May is a beautiful town rich in history. Whether you want to shop, dine, or take a stroll, Cape May is tops. But, don't we already know this?

Another one of my favorite towns that makes a ton of "best of lists" is...

Photo by Ryan Loughlin on Unsplash

Asbury Park. You'd be hard-pressed to find a bigger fan of Asbury than me. I love the diversity, the musical history, and the restaurants are phenomenal. But, don't we already know this?

The New Jersey town that Cheapism chose as the most underrated in the state has character and grit, plus a wealth of landmarks and businesses that often go overlooked.

Congratulations to "The Pearl of the Bayshore," Keyport.

Here's what Cheapism had to say:

Keyport has loads of small-town charm. It also offers views of the city, direct access to the Parkway, a quaint downtown, and a waterside rec area that — especially in years without pandemics — hosts farmers' markets, as well as parades, outdoor movies, and annual festivals.

I love how you can look to your right and see flowers and look to your left and see sand and sea.

There is no better St. Patrick's Day Parade than Keyport's celebration of the green.

I don't normally agree with these national "lists," but bravo Cheapism. You nailed this one.

Do you agree with this top 25?

LOOK: Here are the 25 best places to live in New Jersey

Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in New Jersey using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.

On the list, there's a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.