Employment
With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.
Schools
The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
Ratings
According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Cost Of Living
This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.
Health & Safety
Subpar air quality and the limited availability of certain health-related facilities such as hospitals, police stations, doctors and pharmacies may have contributed to the low score in this category.
Watchung, New Jersey is a small-sized city with a population of 6,225 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (82% White). Given that fact, Watchung could be considered less diverse than other cities. An important consideration when living in Watchung 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.
Are you trying to decide if living in Watchung is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before relocating to any new city in New Jersey, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Finding the best places to live in Watchung and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, cost of living, commute, education, employment and other important metrics.
Watchung, NJ receives 65 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #372 in New Jersey and #12,087 in the USA. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Watchung ranks well for education (A+) The bad news for Watchung, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F).
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. Watchung shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 15 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.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Watchung, the unemployment rate stands at 1.9%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Watchung, the average school test scores are an impressive 75%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.
Assuming that Watchung meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Watchung. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Watchung are simply unattainable. The median home price for Watchung homes is $1,334,160, which is 140.2% higher than the New Jersey average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Watchung, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 6.4, which is 25.5% higher than the New Jersey average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Watchung | New Jersey | National |
| Average one way commute | 39min | 31min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 73.8% | 71.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 4.1% | 8.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 8.2% | 11.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.2% | 3.0% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 11.7% | 4.1% | 4.6% |
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