Highlands 69 Good
Highlands Livability #283 ranked city in New Jersey#8,335 ranked city in the USARanks better than 71% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Highlands

PROS
  • 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
  • Amenities Amenities

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

  • Commute 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 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 Highlands?

Located in the state of New Jersey, Highlands is a small-sized city with a population of 4,893 inhabitants. In Highlands, there are 6,483 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. The majority of Highlands residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and Black. With an average age of 52 years, Highlands residents appear to be older compared to the national average. For seniors and retirees, this city presents itself as a compelling choice. Highlands is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 48% married, this city falls well below the national average. When traveling to work, spending unnecessary time in your vehicle is not ideal and downright frustrating. Across all of America, the average one way commute time is 26 minutes, unfortunately, living in Highlands offers up a higher than average one way commute time of 41 minutes.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Highlands, 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 crime, commute, health & safety, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Highlands and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Highlands to New Jersey and the national average.

Using data and statistics Highlands has received a livability score of 69/100. This score is ranked in the 71st percentile when compared to all other cities. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Highlands has higher than average rankings for the following: crime (A+), education (B), employment (A+) and housing (A+). On a less positive note, Highlands does not have favorable ranks for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Highlands shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 118 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Highlands schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 69%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Highlands an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.

A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Highlands excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.

Highlands 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 Highlands. The median home price for Highlands homes is $524,152, which is 5.6% lower than the New Jersey average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Highlands, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.5, which is 11.8% lower than the New Jersey average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Highlands

See all the best places to live around Highlands

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Compare Highlands, NJ Livability

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      Highlands transportation information

      Statistic Highlands New Jersey National
      Average one way commute41min31min26min
      Workers who drive to work68.2%71.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.3%8.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit16.0%11.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.7%3.0%2.8%
      Working from home7.8%4.1%4.6%
      Source: The Highlands, 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.