Hillsborough Once Again Named Top Town in America

After first being named to Money Magazine’s 100 Best Places to Live in America in 2007, Hillsborough has once again made the list of top small towns in the country.

Hillsborough ranks 53 in the annual list, behind Montville (No. 17), South Brunswick (No. 22), Ridgewood (No. 26) and Madison (No. 33). The magazine considers size, income, education, job growth, crime, economy (including fiscal strength of state and local governments), housing and arts and leisure when determining the towns on the list, according to its website.

“It feels fantastic,” Hillsborough Mayor Gloria McCauley said. “I’m proud to be part of the team that makes it one of the Best Places to Live in America.”

The magazine cited the town’s farms, the 2,700 acre Duke-estate and the proximity to Princeton’s culture and job opportunities as reasons for the designation.

The estate, which now houses the Duke Farms nature preserve and environmental center, has been recognized for its environmental and preservation efforts.

But the efforts aren’t just that of the Township Committee, McCauley was quick to note. The township’s workforce shares the commitment of making the town great for its residents.

“Our administrators really work hard to make a palace that attracts people, so I am proud of our team” she said.

McCauley thought the town’s layout, balance of a strong school system, low taxes, open space and businesses added to its appeal. The town’s balance between appealing to business while also catering to residents adds another factor that many towns can’t mimic.

“I get calls from other towns on a weekly basis about what we’re doing,” she said. “There are a lot of things that other towns don’t offer but we do. We’re continuing to make Hillsborough a place that’s great for our residents.”

For current State Assemblyman and former Mayor Pete Biondi, the designation comes as no surprise.

“I think it’s terrific that Hillsborough is among the 100 Best Towns,” Biondi, who lives in town, said. “I think that’s evidenced by how many different volunteer organizations you see. Hillsborough is just a great place to live. I’ve known that for 36 years.”

But the town’s focus on local people and local organizations—and residents’ enthusiasm when giving back—are the factors that truly make the town, according to Biondi.

“It’s a community-minded town,” Biondi said. “You look around at Little League games, there’s no shortage of coaches. You’ve got recreation, you’ve got scholastic excellence. You have many people coming out for the art show. It’s a good balance.”

“It’s a testament to the job that the local officials and that the boards are doing,” he added. “That’s really what makes it keep going. Your school system, everybody keeps raving about it. You have your Board of Education and your superintendent to thank for that.”

In 2007, the magazine named Hillsborough as No. 23 on its list, noting its parks, open space and schools as the town’s attractions.

But the drop from No. 23 to No. 53 hasn’t fazed officials, who are still proud to make the list. They were unable to comment on the reasons for the drop when interviewed, since they had not seen the article.

“Making the list is extra special, regardless of the drop,” Mayor McCauley said. “To get this recognition from money magazine is really terrific for our town.”

And though officials are pleased with the designation, Mayor McCauley said it’s a reason to continue improving life in town.

“I’ve only been mayor since January, so it’s the effort of the entire team,” Mayor McCauley said. “It makes me want to try harder and work harder.”