Morris Plains 69 Good
Morris Plains Livability #291 ranked city in New Jersey#8,366 ranked city in the USARanks better than 71% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
  • Uncover the key details before you move
  • Use local data to guide a smarter investment
  • Compare neighborhoods side by side
Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Morris Plains

PROS
  • Crime Crime

    This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.

  • Employment Employment

    This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.

  • Housing Housing

    The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Schools Schools

    A high score in the schools category could be the result of elements like top-notch test scores, high education levels and the convenient location of elementary and high schools in this area.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Local residents have positive feedback regarding the convenience of amenities, parks, public transit, the friendliness of neighbors, the strong sense of community, and the overall safety of the area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.

  • Commute Commute

    Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Residents of this area contend with a high cost of living, resulting in increased expenditures for everyday goods and services, housing, utilities and health care.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Factors like poor air quality and the absence of essential health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and pharmacies could have played a role in the low score in this category.

What's it like Living in Morris Plains?

Located in the state of New Jersey, Morris Plains is a small city with a population of 6,076 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (88% White). Given that fact, Morris Plains could be considered less diverse than other cities. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Morris Plains, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 29 minutes.

Living in Morris Plains can be a good experience for anyone moving to the area. Having said that, in the state of New Jersey, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. The best areas in Morris Plains and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, commute, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the New Jersey and national averages.

Morris Plains, NJ receives 69/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #274 in New Jersey and #7,653 in the USA. For each of the livability categories, we know that Morris Plains ranks very well for crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (A+). Unfortunately for Morris Plains, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F).

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. Morris Plains shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 59 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.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Morris Plains, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 1.9% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.

Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Morris Plains, the average school test scores are an impressive 72%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.

A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Morris Plains 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.

Assuming that Morris Plains 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 Morris Plains. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Morris Plains are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Morris Plains come in at $975,833, which is 75.7% higher than the New Jersey average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Morris Plains, the home price to income ratio is 5.2, which is 2% higher than the New Jersey average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Morris Plains

See all the best places to live around Morris Plains

How Do You Rate The Livability In Morris Plains?

1. Select a livability score between 1-100
0
Awful
25
Poor
50
Average
75
Good
100
Great
2. Select any tags that apply to this area
View results

Compare Morris Plains, NJ Livability

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      Compare Neighborhoods & Addresses Local Insights Report

      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.

      Local Insights Report

      Morris Plains transportation information

      Statistic Morris Plains New Jersey National
      Average one way commute29min31min26min
      Workers who drive to work74.6%71.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool2.8%8.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit5.6%11.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.6%3.0%2.8%
      Working from home15.9%4.1%4.6%
      Source: The Morris Plains, 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.