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
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
With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.
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
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.
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.
Westwood is a mid-sized city located in the state of New Jersey. The city has a population of 11,354 people. In Westwood, there are 5,027 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. If we look at the most recent Census, Westwood is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. Something to be aware of when living in Westwood 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.
Are you trying to figure out if living in Westwood 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. Finding the best places to live in Westwood and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, commute, health & safety, education, housing and other important metrics.
With a livability score of 83 out of 100, Westwood is ranked #872 in the United States and #36 in New Jersey. This is a great score, as Westwood ranks well in multiple categories! Another exciting tidbit, is that Westwood ranks better than 90% of all US cities! If we consider each of the categories on their own, we see that Westwood ranks well for amenities (B-), crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (A+).
The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Westwood, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Westwood undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location.
Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Westwood has a violent crime rate of 52 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.
The Westwood unemployment rate of 1.4% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Westwood, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 73%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.
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 Westwood 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.
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 Westwood is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Westwood come in at $817,723, which is 47.2% higher than the New Jersey average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Westwood, the home price to income ratio is 4.2, which is 17.6% lower than the New Jersey average.
| Statistic | Westwood | New Jersey | National |
| Average one way commute | 31min | 31min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 70.8% | 71.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 6.8% | 8.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 9.2% | 11.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 3.5% | 3.0% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 8.9% | 4.1% | 4.6% |
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