Garfield 72 Excellent
Garfield Livability #212 ranked city in New Jersey#5,541 ranked city in the USARanks better than 81% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Garfield

PROS
  • Commute Commute

    A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.

  • Employment Employment

    This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    A low health and safety score may be attributed to factors such as subpar air quality and the unavailability of certain health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies.

What's it like Living in Garfield?

Located in the state of New Jersey, Garfield is a mid-sized city with a population of 32,363 residents. Garfield has a population density of 15,330 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. The majority of Garfield residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of Garfield are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 36% of the population also speak Spanish. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Garfield, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 27 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Garfield is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before moving 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. To help you find the best places to live in and around Garfield, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, employment, housing and more.

With a livability score of 72/100, Garfield is ranked #5,415 in the United States and #198 in New Jersey. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Garfield scores well for crime (A), education (B-), employment (A+) and housing (B-) Garfield does not score well for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Garfield has a violent crime rate of 199 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Garfield, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 1.9% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Garfield can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Garfield is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Garfield come in at $641,222, which is 15.4% higher than the New Jersey average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Garfield, the home price to income ratio is 6.7, which is 31.4% higher than the New Jersey average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Garfield

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      Garfield transportation information

      Statistic Garfield New Jersey National
      Average one way commute27min31min26min
      Workers who drive to work71.7%71.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.7%8.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit8.8%11.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.2%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.9%3.0%2.8%
      Working from home2.5%4.1%4.6%
      Source: The Garfield, NJ data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.