Morristown is arguably the top answer to this question. The downtown area, centered around the Green, is dense with a wide variety of bars, gastropubs, and restaurants that cater to a young professional crowd. The entire nightlife district is walkable and is widely considered very safe, with a consistent police presence. It offers a city-like vibe within a secure suburban hub.
Hoboken provides one of the most concentrated nightlife experiences in the state, primarily along Washington Street and the surrounding blocks. It's packed with bars ranging from college dives to more relaxed pubs. While it can get rowdy, it is a very safe city, especially in the central areas where the nightlife is located. Its high population density and constant foot traffic contribute to a general feeling of security at night.
Montclair offers a more sophisticated and artsy nightlife scene. The activity is centered on Bloomfield Avenue, featuring upscale cocktail lounges, excellent restaurants, and live music venues like The Wellmont Theater. It draws a slightly older and more diverse crowd than Hoboken. The downtown is affluent, well-lit, and maintains a very low crime rate, making it a comfortable and safe choice for an evening out.
Red Bank serves as the cultural hub of Monmouth County. Its walkable downtown has a mix of high-end restaurants, the Count Basie Theatre for shows, and a variety of bars that are lively but not overwhelming. It feels more like a charming town than a bustling city, and its safety record is excellent. It offers a similar sophisticated vibe to Montclair but with a Jersey Shore proximity.
Downtown Jersey City, specifically the areas around the Grove Street PATH station and the Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza, is another prime location. This district is dense with a diverse array of restaurants, breweries, and unique bars. These specific neighborhoods are very safe due to heavy investment, constant foot traffic, and a strong community presence. It is crucial to specify these areas, as the safety profile can change in other parts of the city.
Asbury Park has an unparalleled nightlife scene for live music and eclectic bars, centered on the Boardwalk and Cookman Avenue. The energy here is creative and vibrant. The main entertainment district is heavily patrolled and generally safe due to the large crowds it draws. However, situational awareness is more important here, as adjacent neighborhoods just a few blocks away from the main strips are statistically less safe.
For a dense, walkable nightlife scene, Hoboken is a top choice. It is exceptionally safe and packed with bars and restaurants catering to a young professional crowd. Morristown serves as a major hub in North Jersey, offering a vibrant and safe downtown centered around its historic Green, with a high concentration of popular pubs and cocktail lounges.
Down the shore, Asbury Park has a dynamic and creative energy. Its revitalized downtown and boardwalk feature legendary music venues, unique bars, and excellent restaurants in a safe, patrolled environment. Similarly, Red Bank boasts a sophisticated but lively atmosphere with great restaurants, theaters, and bars, and it is widely considered very safe.
Downtown Jersey City, particularly the areas around Grove Street and the waterfront, also offers a diverse and exciting nightlife that is quite safe.