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
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
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.
Amenities
A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Schools
The lower than average schools score may be influenced by below-average education levels, subpar reading and math scores and the lack of access to local elementary and high schools.
Highland Lakes is a small city located in the state of New Jersey. The city has a population of 4,801 inhabitants. At 94%, the majority of the Highland Lakes population is White; this is followed by 0% Black and 0% Asian. 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 Highland Lakes entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 45 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Highland Lakes 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. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, cost of living, commute, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Highland Lakes and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Highland Lakes to New Jersey and the national average.
With a livability score of 64 out of 100, Highland Lakes is ranked #12,657 in the United States and #390 in New Jersey. If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Highland Lakes has higher than average grades for the following: crime (A), employment (A+) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that did not score well in Highland Lakes. The following was graded with a concerning score: amenities (F), cost of living (D-) and education (D-).
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Highland Lakes 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.
Assuming that Highland Lakes 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 Highland Lakes. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Highland Lakes are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Highland Lakes come in at $415,904, which is 25.1% lower than the New Jersey average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Highland Lakes, the home price to income ratio is 2.8, which is 45.1% lower 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 | Highland Lakes | New Jersey | National |
| Average one way commute | 45min | 31min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 79.6% | 71.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.4% | 8.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 3.0% | 11.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.8% | 3.0% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 9.9% | 4.1% | 4.6% |
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