Chatham 81 Exceptional
Chatham Livability #45 ranked city in New Jersey#1,095 ranked city in the USARanks better than 96% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Chatham

PROS
  • Crime

    With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.

  • Employment

    The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.

  • Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety

    A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.

  • Schools

    High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.

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What's it like Living in Chatham?

Chatham, New Jersey is a smaller city with a population of 8,729 people. In Chatham, there are 3,719 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (87% White). Given that fact, Chatham could be considered less diverse than other cities. 74% of the people in Chatham (over the age of 15) are married and 61% have kids under the age of eighteen. Knowing that, it’s safe to say that this area could be a great place for other families to lay down roots. An important consideration when living in Chatham is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 42 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.

Whether you’re relocating to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Chatham could be a positive experience compared to other cities in New Jersey if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. The best areas in Chatham and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, health & safety, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the New Jersey and national averages.

Chatham, NJ receives 81/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #41 in New Jersey and #1,101 in the USA. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Chatham could be a great choice! Another exciting tidbit, is that Chatham ranks better than 90% of all US cities! If we consider each of the categories on their own, we see that Chatham ranks well for crime (A+) and housing (A).

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Chatham shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 11 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Chatham, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 79%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Chatham apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Chatham. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Chatham are affordable. Median real estate prices in Chatham come in at $807,900, which is 155.3% higher than the New Jersey average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Chatham, the home price to income ratio is 4, which is 7% lower than the New Jersey average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Chatham

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Compare Chatham, NJ Livability

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      Chatham transportation information

      Statistic Chatham New Jersey National
      Average one way commute42min31min26min
      Workers who drive to work58.9%71.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool2.9%8.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit25.1%11.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.1%3.0%2.8%
      Working from home11.1%4.1%4.6%
      Source: The Chatham, NJ data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).