South River 82 Exceptional
South River Livability #43 ranked city in New Jersey#1,117 ranked city in the USARanks better than 96% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in South River

PROS
  • Commute Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Crime Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Employment Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Housing Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.

What's it like Living in South River?

Located in the state of New Jersey, South River is a mid-sized city with a population of 16,447 people. With a population density of 5,906 people per square mile, South River is well above the nation's average density level. If we look at the most recent Census, South River is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. 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 South River entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 30 minutes.

Are you trying to figure out if living in South River is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive 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, commute, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in South River and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare South River to New Jersey and the national average.

South River, NJ receives 81/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #48 in New Jersey and #1,165 in the USA. Clearly, South River is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. South River has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. Based on the scores for each individual category, South River has received high marks for crime (A+), employment (A) and housing (A+). There are some categories that South River scores poorly for, including: amenities (D) and cost of living (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure 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 49 crimes per 100,000 residents, South River has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.

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

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in South River. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in South River are affordable. Median real estate prices in South River come in at $571,991, which is 3% higher than the New Jersey average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In South River, the home price to income ratio is 4.9, which is 3.9% lower than the New Jersey average.

Best Places to Live in and Around South River

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Compare South River, NJ Livability

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      South River transportation information

      Statistic South River New Jersey National
      Average one way commute30min31min26min
      Workers who drive to work73.2%71.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool13.6%8.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit6.0%11.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.6%3.0%2.8%
      Working from home2.6%4.1%4.6%
      Source: The South River, 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.