Crime
Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.
Employment
Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
Schools
The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Cost Of Living
Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.
Oakland, New Jersey is a moderately-sized city with a population of 13,303 people. At 86%, the majority of the Oakland population is White; this is followed by 6% Asian and 2% Black. Something to be aware of when living in Oakland 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.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Oakland, 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. To help you find the best places to live in and around Oakland, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, cost of living, commute, employment, housing and more.
With a livability score of 76 out of 100, Oakland is ranked #3,119 in the United States and #127 in New Jersey. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Oakland could be a great choice! There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Oakland scores well for crime (A+), education (A) and housing (A+) Oakland does not fare well for the following: amenities (D) and cost of living (F). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 31 crimes per 100,000 residents, Oakland has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Oakland, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.5% 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.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Oakland 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 68%, 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 Oakland an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
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 Oakland 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 Oakland is actually affordable. The median home price for Oakland homes is $849,025, which is 52.8% higher than the New Jersey average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Oakland, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.1, which is 19.6% lower than the New Jersey average.
| Statistic | Oakland | New Jersey | National |
| Average one way commute | 31min | 31min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 77.9% | 71.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 4.8% | 8.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 4.5% | 11.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.1% | 3.0% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 9.6% | 4.1% | 4.6% |
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