Highland Lakes 64 Good
Highland Lakes Livability #390 ranked city in New Jersey#12,657 ranked city in the USARanks better than 56% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Highland Lakes

PROS
  • 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.

CONS
  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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What's it like Living in Highland Lakes?

Located in the state of New Jersey, Highland Lakes is a small city with a population of 4,666 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Highland Lakes is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. An important consideration when living in Highland Lakes 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 45 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Highland Lakes, New Jersey. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, education, 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.

The livability score in Highland Lakes is 65/100 and the city is ranked in the 61st percentile of all cities across America. If we dig 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+) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Highland Lakes scores poorly for, including: amenities (F) and cost of living (D-). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Highland Lakes apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Highland Lakes is actually affordable. The median home price for Highland Lakes homes is $233,700, which is 26.1% lower than the New Jersey average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Highland Lakes, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.3, which is 46.5% lower than the New Jersey average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Highland Lakes

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Highland Lakes?

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Compare Highland Lakes, NJ Livability

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      Highland Lakes transportation information

      Statistic Highland Lakes New Jersey National
      Average one way commute45min31min26min
      Workers who drive to work79.6%71.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.4%8.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit3.0%11.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.8%3.0%2.8%
      Working from home9.9%4.1%4.6%
      Source: The Highland Lakes, NJ data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).