Hackensack 82 Exceptional
Hackensack Livability #50 ranked city in New Jersey#1,169 ranked city in the USARanks better than 96% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Hackensack

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.

  • 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.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.

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 Hackensack?

Hackensack, New Jersey is a medium-sized city with a population of 46,005 inhabitants. With a population density of 10,976 people per square mile, Hackensack is well above the nation's average density level. More than a quarter of the residents of Hackensack identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, and 29% of the population speak Spanish as their primary or secondary language. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Hackensack, only 42% of the population is married. Something to be aware of when living in Hackensack are the above average commute times. If you're looking for a short commute to work, this might not be the right area for you. With one way commute time of 31 minutes, this comes in much higher than the national average of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Hackensack, 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. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, cost of living, commute, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Hackensack and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Hackensack to New Jersey and the national average.

The livability score in Hackensack is 82 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 96th percentile of all cities across America. Based on this score, Hackensack would be considered a very livable city! This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. Based on the grades for each individual category, Hackensack has received high marks for amenities (A+), crime (B-), education (B), employment (A+) and housing (A). On a more negative note, Hackensack does not have favorable ranks for the following: cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Hackensack, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Hackensack undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Hackensack has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

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 Hackensack is real estate affordability. The median home price for Hackensack homes is $545,254, which is 1.8% lower than the New Jersey average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Hackensack, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 5.1, which is 0% lower than the New Jersey average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Hackensack

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Hackensack?

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Compare Hackensack, NJ Livability

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      Hackensack transportation information

      Statistic Hackensack New Jersey National
      Average one way commute31min31min26min
      Workers who drive to work61.9%71.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.2%8.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit19.7%11.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk5.2%3.0%2.8%
      Working from home4.1%4.1%4.6%
      Source: The Hackensack, 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.