Park Ridge 78 Exceptional
Park Ridge Livability #101 ranked city in New Jersey#2,362 ranked city in the USARanks better than 91% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Park Ridge

PROS
  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Ratings

    Based on recent surveys and polls, locals gave high marks in the walkability to local amenities, safety, public transit, friendliness of neighbors and overall sense of community in the area.

CONS
  • Amenities

    The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.

  • 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.

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What's it like Living in Park Ridge?

Park Ridge is a small-sized city located in the state of New Jersey. The city has a population of 8,721 people. With a population density of 3,345 people per square mile, Park Ridge is well above the nation's average density level. If we look at the most recent Census, Park Ridge is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. In Park Ridge, there seems to be a shift in population towards an older age group. The average age of the population is now 48, which is significantly higher than the nation’s average. 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 Park Ridge entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 32 minutes.

Are you trying to decide if living in Park Ridge is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling 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 crime, cost of living, education, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Park Ridge and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Park Ridge to New Jersey and the national average.

Park Ridge, NJ receives 77/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #91 in New Jersey and #2,127 in the USA. Compared to the United States average, Park Ridge ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Another exciting tidbit, is that Park Ridge ranks better than 90% of all US cities! If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Park Ridge has higher than average grades for the following: crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (A-). Park Ridge does not score well for the following: amenities (F). It might be wise 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 10 crimes per 100,000 residents, Park Ridge has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.

Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Park Ridge has an unemployment rate of 1.73% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.

Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Park Ridge 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 76%, 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 Park Ridge an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Park Ridge market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Park Ridge is real estate affordability. The median home price for Park Ridge homes is $604,500, which is 91.1% higher than the New Jersey average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Park Ridge, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.2, which is 2.3% lower than the New Jersey average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Park Ridge

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Compare Park Ridge, NJ Livability

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      Park Ridge transportation information

      Statistic Park Ridge New Jersey National
      Average one way commute32min31min26min
      Workers who drive to work73.5%71.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool3.6%8.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit8.5%11.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.3%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.4%3.0%2.8%
      Working from home12.7%4.1%4.6%
      Source: The Park Ridge, NJ data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).