Glen Ridge 88 Exceptional
Glen Ridge Livability #6 ranked city in New Jersey#182 ranked city in the USARanks better than 99% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Glen Ridge

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    The area boasts an ample array of local amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment options, grocery stores and parks, all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Commute Commute

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

  • Crime Crime

    The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.

  • 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.

  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

CONS
  • 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.

What's it like Living in Glen Ridge?

Glen Ridge is a small city located in the state of New Jersey. The city has a population of 7,786 residents. With a population density of 6,108 people per square mile, Glen Ridge is well above the nation's average density level. If we look at the most recent Census, Glen Ridge is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. If you are looking for a family friendly city, Glen Ridge might be a good fit as 72% of the population over 15 years old are married, and 58% have kids who are 18 years old or younger. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in Glen Ridge entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 40 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Glen Ridge, New Jersey could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Finding the best places to live in Glen Ridge and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, crime, health & safety, education, employment and other important metrics.

The livability score in Glen Ridge is 88 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 99th percentile of all cities across America. This is a terrific score, as Glen Ridge ranks well in multiple categories! The cherry on top is that Glen Ridge also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Glen Ridge ranks very well for amenities (A+), crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (A+).

Glen Ridge 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 Glen Ridge has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives.

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. Glen Ridge has a violent crime rate of 24 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.

The unemployment rate in Glen Ridge has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.1%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.

Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Glen Ridge, the average school test scores reached an impressive 79%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Glen Ridge an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.

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 Glen Ridge 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.

Glen Ridge real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Glen Ridge. Median real estate prices in Glen Ridge come in at $1,158,779, which is 108.6% higher than the New Jersey average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Glen Ridge, the home price to income ratio is 3.7, which is 27.5% lower than the New Jersey average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Glen Ridge

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Compare Glen Ridge, NJ Livability

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      Glen Ridge transportation information

      Statistic Glen Ridge New Jersey National
      Average one way commute40min31min26min
      Workers who drive to work47.1%71.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool3.8%8.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit32.8%11.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.8%3.0%2.8%
      Working from home15.2%4.1%4.6%
      Source: The Glen Ridge, 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.