Ridgewood 88 Exceptional
Ridgewood Livability #2 ranked city in New Jersey#127 ranked city in the USARanks better than 99% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Ridgewood

PROS
  • Amenities

    A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Commute

    An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.

  • Crime

    Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.

  • Employment

    Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.

  • Housing

    High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.

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What's it like Living in Ridgewood?

Ridgewood is a moderately-sized city located in the state of New Jersey. The city has a population of 25,110 inhabitants. With a population density of 4,373 people per square mile, Ridgewood is well above the nation's average density level. According to the most recent Census, 76% of Ridgewood residents are White, 15% Asian and 2% Black. An important consideration when living in Ridgewood 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 39 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.

Whether you’re moving to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Ridgewood 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. With useful information like crime, commute, health & safety, education and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Ridgewood and in the areas around Ridgewood is a much easier task.

Using data and statistics Ridgewood has received a livability score of 88 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 99th percentile when compared to all other cities. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Ridgewood could be a great choice! Ridgewood has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we explore each of the categories individually, we see that Ridgewood ranks well for crime (A+) and housing (B+).

Ridgewood has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Ridgewood has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives.

Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 30 crimes per 100,000 residents, Ridgewood has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.

Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Ridgewood has an unemployment rate of 2% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.

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 Ridgewood, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 81%, 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.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Ridgewood market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Ridgewood is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Ridgewood come in at $744,200, which is 135.2% higher than the New Jersey average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Ridgewood, the home price to income ratio is 4.2, which is 2.3% lower than the New Jersey average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Ridgewood

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Compare Ridgewood, NJ Livability

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      Ridgewood transportation information

      Statistic Ridgewood New Jersey National
      Average one way commute39min31min26min
      Workers who drive to work55.8%71.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.0%8.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit18.1%11.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.3%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.9%3.0%2.8%
      Working from home17.0%4.1%4.6%
      Source: The Ridgewood, NJ data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).