If you’re considering moving to Ridgewood NJ, you’re probably wondering if it’s a good place to live. After all, Ridgewood is a pretty affluent town – but is it expensive? What kind of people live there? Is Ridgewood safe?
In this article, we’ll answer all those questions and more!
We’ll talk about the cost of living in Ridgewood NJ, what kind of people call Ridgewood home, and whether or not it’s a safe place to live.
So if you’re on the fence about making the move, continue on reading!
About Ridgewood, NJ
Ridgewood is a village in Bergen County, New Jersey, United States. To be more specific, it is located in the Queens, NYC area, and not in Brooklyn, as a lot of people believe so.
As of the latest 2021 United States Census, the village population was 26,202.
Ridgewood was originally incorporated as a village by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on February 26, 1894, from portions of Ridgewood Township.
On January 19, 1898, Ridgewood acquired a portion of Orvil Township. The name of the village is said to derive from the character of its terrain.
Ridgewood is a suburban community with a diverse population. It’s only a 50-minute-ride to Midtown NYC.
According to DataUSA, the median income in Ridgewood is $178,958 and the median age of its residents is 42.1. About 78% of residents are white, 11% are Asian, and 11% are Hispanic or Latino.
Ridgewood is also known for being a positive example when it comes to suburban areas, as it is considered the second-best suburb to live in NJ, and among the top 100 best places to live in the whole USA, according to Niche Ranking.
Is Ridgewood NJ expensive?
When making the question “Is Ridgewood NJ a good place to live?” money is always something that comes to mind.
Ridgewood is an affluent town, but it’s not as expensive as some of the other towns in Bergen County. The cost of living is about 20% higher than the national average, but this is to be expected in the New York metropolitan area.
Housing is the biggest expense for its residents. The median home cost is $752,700, which is nearly double the national average. However, this is still lower than towns in the area, like Alpine and Saddle River.
If you’re not looking to buy a home, renting is also an option. The average rent for a studio is about $1354, as for a one-bedroom apartment is $1621. This is higher than the national average, but again, to be expected in the NYC area.
Is Ridgewood safe?
Ridgewood is a pretty safe village. The violent crime rate is about half of the national average, and the property crime rate is also lower than the US average.
According to a study released by law enforcement agencies, the chances of becoming a victim of violent crime in Ridgewood was 1 in 3,247 people in 2021. As a matter of comparison, in New Jersey, in the same period, chances were 1 in 535.
When we compare it to the national average, Ridgewood is considered to be safer than 80% of the US cities, still according to that study.
So, yes, we can say Ridgewood is a pretty safe place to live!
How Diverse Is Ridgewood?
Ridgewood is becoming increasingly diverse. And as being part of Queens, they’re pretty proud of being so.
As we mentioned before, about 78% of residents are white, 11% are Asian, and 11% are Hispanic or Latino in Ridgewood.
The diversity index is 0.64, which is higher than the national average. This means that people from all different backgrounds live in Ridgewood and get along pretty well!
Is Ridgewood a Great Place to Raise a Family?
A lot of families have turned to suburban areas of NYC to raise their families, looking for higher quality of life.
And if that’s your case, you should know Ridgewood is definitely a great place to raise a family! It’s safe, it’s diverse and easily accessible to NYC, where you can find nearly everything you may need.
Does Ridgewood NJ have good schools?
Yes, there are plenty of good schools in the area, both public and private. In fact, schools are considered “A+” rated, still according to Niche study.
Some of the best schools in Ridgewood are:
- Ridgewood High School
- The George Washington Elementary School
- The Benjamin Franklin Elementary School
- The Edmund Halley Day School
How is the nightlife in Ridgewood?
Ridgewood is a pretty quiet village, so the nightlife is not as crazy as you would find in NYC. However, there are still some great places to grab a drink or two!
Things to See and Do in Ridgewood
Even though it’s a small village, there is still plenty to see and do in Ridgewood!
Here are some of the locals’ favorite attractions:
Topos BookStore
This is a local bookstore that is also a cafe! They have plenty of events and activities, like book clubs and live music.
The Van Der-Ende Onderdonk House
This is a historic house that is over 300 years old! It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in history. It is considered the oldest dutch colonial stone house in NYC.
Ridgewood Reservoir
This is a great place to go for a walk, run, or just enjoy the scenery. It’s a popular spot for bird watching too!
Grimaldi Bakery
This is a local bakery that is famous for their delicious bread and pastries. They’ve been around since 1909, so they definitely know what they’re doing!
Nowadays Bar
This is a great spot for cocktails and small bites. They have a really cozy vibe and the staff is super friendly.
Public Transportation in Ridgewood, NJ
Ridgewood is pretty well connected when it comes to public transportation. You have the option of taking the bus, train, or even the ferry!
The NJ Transit Bus operates in Ridgewood and provides service to NYC and other parts of New Jersey. The NJ Transit Train also has a stop in Ridgewood, which is great for commuting into the city. Lastly, the Staten Island Ferry is a free option that runs 24/ hours a day and takes you to Staten Island.
Does Ridgewood NJ have a train station?
Yes, Ridgewood has a train station that is located on the NJ Transit Train Line. This is a great option for commuting into NYC.
Job Opportunities
There are plenty of opportunities in the area, and it’s also a great place to commute into NYC for work.
According to Zippia Consultancy, the average annual salary for Ridgewood residents is $73,000.
The average hourly pay is $35. Highest paying jobs in Ridgewood, NJ are Senior Vice President, Vice President, Marketing & Development, and Senior Director
Ridgewood is home to a variety of businesses, including:
- Banking and financial services
- Healthcare
- Technology
- Retail
- Restaurants
- And more!
Ridgewood is also a great place to start your own business. There are plenty of resources available to help you get started.
Is Relocating To Ridgewood, NJ, Worth It?
We think so! Ridgewood is a great place to live if you’re looking for a safe, family-friendly, and diverse community.
It’s also pretty well connected when it comes to public transportation.
Plus, there are plenty of things to see and do in the area, and you’ll be pretty close to NYC attractions as well.
Planning Your Move to Ridgewood NJ? Count on Us!
Now that you know all about moving to Ridgewood, it’s time to start planning your move!
We have over 17 years of experience in helping families moving around the NY-NJ area, and we are ready to help you too! Get in touch with us today.
About Bluebell Relocation Services: Based in New Jersey, BlueBell Relocation Services has over 17 years of experience in relocations.
We are ready to help you from packing to carrying your personal belongings.
To speak to one of our Certified Moving Consultants or to schedule an on-site estimate, learn how to contact us here.
