Wood-Ridge 84 Exceptional
Wood-Ridge Livability #33 ranked city in New Jersey#730 ranked city in the USARanks better than 97% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Wood-Ridge

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.

  • Schools Schools

    The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.

  • 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 Wood-Ridge?

Wood-Ridge, New Jersey is a smaller city with a population of 9,289 inhabitants. Wood-Ridge has a population density of 8,342 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. At 71%, the majority of the Wood-Ridge population is White; this is followed by 19% Asian and 3% Black. 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 Wood-Ridge entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 33 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Wood-Ridge, New Jersey could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. The best areas in Wood-Ridge and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from health & safety, education, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the New Jersey and national averages.

Wood-Ridge has a livability score of 81/100 and is ranked #47 in New Jersey and #1,131 in the USA. Compared to the United States average, Wood-Ridge ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Wood-Ridge is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. If we consider each of the categories individually, we see that Wood-Ridge ranks well for crime (A), education (A+) and housing (A+). Wood-Ridge does not do well for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Wood-Ridge shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 29 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Wood-Ridge has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Assuming that Wood-Ridge meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Wood-Ridge. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Wood-Ridge are simply unattainable. The median home price for Wood-Ridge homes is $799,004, which is 43.8% higher than the New Jersey average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Wood-Ridge, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.4, which is 13.7% lower than the New Jersey average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Wood-Ridge

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Wood-Ridge?

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Compare Wood-Ridge, NJ Livability

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      Wood-Ridge transportation information

      Statistic Wood-Ridge New Jersey National
      Average one way commute33min31min26min
      Workers who drive to work66.7%71.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.6%8.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit14.8%11.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.3%3.0%2.8%
      Working from home6.8%4.1%4.6%
      Source: The Wood-Ridge, 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.