Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cliffwood Beach, NJ
Considering a move to Cliffwood Beach, NJ? This cozy community of 3,194 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $370,000 and average rents near $1,700. Enjoy a peaceful, suburban vibe, low crime rates (violent crime: 175 per 100K), and a quick 33-minute average commute. Local schools are well-rated, and you'll find plenty of sunshine with 56% sunny days each year—perfect for enjoying the shore. Explore the cost of living, education options, and more below to see if Cliffwood Beach fits your lifestyle!
Demographics - Cliffwood Beach, NJ
Demographics - Cliffwood Beach, NJ
Cliffwood Beach, NJ is home to approximately 3,200 residents, with a median age of 39 and a balanced gender ratio. The community is predominantly White (72%), with Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups contributing to its diversity. About 14% of the population speaks a language other than English at home, offering a mix of cultures in this close-knit suburb.
Population:
3,194
Density:
4,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
72.0%
Black:
8.0%
Asian:
6.0%
Others:
14.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cliffwood Beach, NJ?
Living in Cliffwood Beach comes with a cost of living index of 121, above the national average, mainly due to higher housing and transportation expenses. The median home value is $370,000, with average rent around $1,700 per month. Utilities and groceries are moderately priced, and state taxes range from 1.4% to 10.75%, making budgeting an important consideration for new residents.
Median House Value:
$370,000
Gross Rent:
$1,700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,850
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,220
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$700
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
121
Grocery:
115.5
Housing:
128.3
Utilities:
110.2
Transportation:
118.5
Health Care:
109.1
Miscellaneous:
108.5
Crime
Is Cliffwood Beach, NJ a safe place to live?
Cliffwood Beach is considered a safe community, with a violent crime rate of 175 per 100,000 and a property crime risk of 1 in 78. Residents enjoy peace of mind thanks to lower crime rates compared to many urban areas. Safety is a notable advantage for families and individuals moving to the area.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
175
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,285
Crime Index:
1,460
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 571
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 78
Weather
What is the weather like in Cliffwood Beach, NJ year-round?
Residents experience a classic Northeast climate, with cold winters averaging lows of 26°F and warm, pleasant summers reaching up to 85°F. The area benefits from 56% sunny days annually and receives about 47 inches of rainfall, creating a balanced environment for outdoor activities year-round. Seasonal changes provide a picturesque backdrop to daily life.

Winter
Min:
26°F
Max:
39°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
66°F

Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
49°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Cliffwood Beach boasts a strong sense of community with a median household income of $92,400 and a poverty rate of just 7%. Most adults have completed high school, and nearly a third hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The neighborhood enjoys a modest 4.8% unemployment rate and an average commute of 33 minutes, supporting a stable, family-friendly lifestyle.
Median Income:
$47,500
Household Income:
$92,400
Family Income:
$97,200
Per Capita Income:
$36,800
Income Male:
$51,000
Income Female:
$42,000
Poverty Rate:
7.1%
Non English Speakers:
13.5%
Rent:
$1,700
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
4.3%
Commute Time:
33.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.8%
Bachelors or More:
29.0%
Education
How are the schools in Cliffwood Beach, NJ?
Families in Cliffwood Beach benefit from well-rated public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, such as Cliffwood Elementary and Matawan-Aberdeen Middle School. Private education options and proximity to higher education institutions like Brookdale Community College and Monmouth University provide a range of opportunities for lifelong learning. The community’s strong educational resources support students from preschool through college.

Public Schools
Name:
Cliffwood Elementary School
Street:
422 Cliffwood Ave, Cliffwood Beach, NJ 07735
Phone:
732-705-5600
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Name:
Matawan-Aberdeen Middle School
Street:
469 Matawan Ave, Cliffwood, NJ 07721
Phone:
732-705-5400
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.8

Private Schools
Name:
St. Benedict School
Street:
165 Bethany Rd, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Phone:
732-264-5578
Students:
400

Colleges
Name:
Brookdale Community College
City:
Lincroft
State:
NJ
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
10,000
Name:
Monmouth University
City:
West Long Branch
State:
NJ
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
5,700
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is convenient, with two major hospitals—Bayshore Medical Center and Raritan Bay Medical Center—nearby offering comprehensive services and emergency care. The area has a high physician density and about 93% of residents have health insurance coverage. Cliffwood Beach scores well for healthcare access and quality, making it a reassuring choice for families and retirees.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Bayshore Medical Center
Address:
727 N Beers St, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Phone:
(732) 739-5900
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Raritan Bay Medical Center - Old Bridge
Address:
1 Hospital Plaza, Old Bridge, NJ 08857
Phone:
(732) 360-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.5%
Health Care Index:
73.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cliffwood Beach, NJ?
The housing market in Cliffwood Beach features a median home price of $370,000 and strong owner occupancy at 79%. Rental options are available with average two-bedroom rents at $1,700, and the area has seen a healthy 5.4% home appreciation over the past year. With low foreclosure and vacancy rates, the market remains stable and appealing for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$370,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,700
Owner Occupied Rate:
79.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents are served by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, located in Trenton, for all licensing and vehicle registration needs. The DMV offers comprehensive services both online and in-person, ensuring easy access for newcomers settling in Cliffwood Beach. For more information, visit the state DMV website or call their main office.
State:
New Jersey
Department:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Address:
225 E. State Street, Trenton, NJ 08666
Phone:
1-609-292-6500
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.