Oakland 76 Excellent
Oakland Livability #127 ranked city in New Jersey#3,119 ranked city in the USARanks better than 89% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Oakland

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.

  • 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.

CONS
  • 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.

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What's it like Living in Oakland?

Located in the state of New Jersey, Oakland is a medium-sized city with a population of 12,953 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Oakland is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. An important consideration when living in Oakland is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 31 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to decide if living in Oakland 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. The best areas in Oakland and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, commute, health & safety, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the New Jersey and national averages.

The livability score in Oakland is 75 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 89th percentile of all cities across America. 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 create the livability score. Oakland ranks well for crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (A+) Oakland does not score well for the following: amenities (D) and cost of living (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 32 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Oakland boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Oakland, the unemployment rate stands at 2.42%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Oakland, the average school test scores reached an impressive 68%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Oakland an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.

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

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. Median real estate prices in Oakland come in at $472,400, which is 49.3% higher than the New Jersey average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Oakland, the home price to income ratio is 3.4, which is 20.9% lower than the New Jersey average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Oakland

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Compare Oakland, NJ Livability

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      Oakland transportation information

      Statistic Oakland New Jersey National
      Average one way commute31min31min26min
      Workers who drive to work77.9%71.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool4.8%8.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit4.5%11.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.1%3.0%2.8%
      Working from home9.6%4.1%4.6%
      Source: The Oakland, NJ data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).