Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cliffwood, NJ
Thinking about moving to Cliffwood, NJ? This cozy community of around 3,600 residents offers a friendly suburban vibe with median home prices near $387,000 and average rents around $1,480. You'll find a strong sense of neighborhood, good local schools, and commute times averaging about 36 minutes—ideal for those working in nearby hubs. With low violent crime rates, a family-oriented atmosphere, and easy access to healthcare and the Jersey Shore, Cliffwood is an inviting option for those seeking value and comfort in Monmouth County.
Demographics - Cliffwood, NJ
Demographics - Cliffwood, NJ
Cliffwood is home to about 3,600 residents, offering a close-knit suburban environment with a median age of 39. The community is diverse, with a majority White population, significant Black and Asian representation, and nearly one in five residents speaking a language other than English at home. The gender balance is nearly even, making it a welcoming place for families and individuals alike.
Population:
3,600
Density:
2,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
54.0%
Black:
22.0%
Asian:
10.0%
Others:
14.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cliffwood, NJ?
The cost of living in Cliffwood is above the national average, with a cost of living index of 120.8 and median home values around $387,000. Residents can expect average rents of $1,480 and moderate utility costs, while state taxes range from 1.4% to 10.75%. This area offers solid value for those seeking suburban amenities within Monmouth County.
Median House Value:
$387,000
Gross Rent:
$1,480
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,720
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,020
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$610
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
120.8
Grocery:
116.5
Housing:
129.0
Utilities:
110.2
Transportation:
118.7
Health Care:
109.5
Miscellaneous:
107.8
Crime
Is Cliffwood, NJ a safe place to live?
Cliffwood maintains a relatively low crime rate, with violent crimes occurring at a rate of 175 per 100,000 residents and property crimes at 1,290 per 100,000. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is about 1 in 570, contributing to the area's reputation as a safe, family-friendly community. These figures support a peaceful suburban lifestyle for most residents.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
175
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,290
Crime Index:
1,465
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 570
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 78
Weather
What is the weather like in Cliffwood, NJ year-round?
Cliffwood experiences all four seasons, with winter lows averaging 25°F and summer highs reaching 84°F. The area gets about 46.7 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 54% of the year. Residents benefit from a classic Northeastern climate, ideal for seasonal activities throughout the year.

Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
40°F

Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
67°F

Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Local households in Cliffwood enjoy a median income of $91,200 and a family income nearing $98,800, while the poverty rate remains relatively low at 7.1%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and the average commute is around 36 minutes. The neighborhood offers a diverse, educated, and economically stable community with access to public transportation options.
Median Income:
$42,000
Household Income:
$91,200
Family Income:
$98,800
Per Capita Income:
$38,700
Income Male:
$52,000
Income Female:
$44,000
Poverty Rate:
7.1%
Non English Speakers:
29.0%
Rent:
$1,480
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
4.8%
Commute Time:
36.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.5%
Bachelors or More:
38.0%
Education
How are the schools in Cliffwood, NJ?
Families in Cliffwood benefit from well-rated public schools like Cliffwood Elementary and Matawan Aberdeen Middle School, both offering favorable student-teacher ratios. The area is also served by private options and is located just a short drive from colleges such as Brookdale Community College and Monmouth University. This variety ensures strong educational opportunities from early learning through higher education.

Public Schools
Name:
Cliffwood Elementary School
Street:
422 Cliffwood Ave
Phone:
732-705-5600
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Name:
Matawan Aberdeen Middle School
Street:
469 Matawan Ave
Phone:
732-705-5300
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.8

Private Schools
Name:
St. Benedict School
Street:
165 Bethany Rd, Holmdel
Phone:
732-264-5578
Students:
420

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:
13 miles
Students:
6,100
Healthcare
Cliffwood residents have convenient access to major hospitals like Hackensack Meridian Health Bayshore Medical Center and Raritan Bay Medical Center, both offering full emergency services. With 2.7 physicians per 1,000 people and over 92% health insurance coverage, the community benefits from strong healthcare resources. The area’s healthcare index reflects reliable local medical support for families and individuals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Hackensack Meridian Health 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:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
73.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cliffwood, NJ?
Cliffwood's housing market is stable, with a median home price of $387,000 and a high owner-occupied rate of 74.5%. Average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are about $1,480, and home values have appreciated by 6.1% over the past year. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates indicate a healthy, steady real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$387,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,480
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents of Cliffwood are served by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, headquartered in Trenton. The DMV provides essential services such as licensing, vehicle registration, and driver testing, with information available online for added convenience. This ensures easy access to all state transportation and vehicle needs.
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.