Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fanwood, NJ
Thinking of moving to Fanwood, NJ? This charming community of 7,774 residents boasts a high median household income of $147,602, excellent schools, and a strong sense of safety with very low crime rates. Expect a median home price around $545,000 and average 2-bedroom rent at $2,100. Residents enjoy a 35-minute average commute, abundant public transit options, and a family-friendly vibe with 62% holding bachelor’s degrees or higher. Fanwood offers a welcoming atmosphere, excellent public schools, and easy access to NYC and area amenities—making it a great choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Fanwood, NJ
Demographics - Fanwood, NJ
Fanwood has a population of 7,774, with a median age of just over 41 years, reflecting a balanced and mature community. The town is predominantly White, with significant Asian and Black populations, and about 13% of residents speak a language other than English at home. This diverse yet close-knit environment appeals to families and professionals seeking a suburban lifestyle near urban amenities.
Population:
7,774
Density:
5,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
76.2%
Black:
7.3%
Asian:
10.5%
Others:
6.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fanwood, NJ?
Living in Fanwood comes with a cost of living index of 134, which is higher than the national average due mainly to housing costs, where the median home value is $545,000 and average rent is $2,100. Utilities and groceries are also above average, while state income taxes range from 1.4% to 10.75%. Residents should budget accordingly for this desirable but pricier New Jersey suburb.
Median House Value:
$545,000
Gross Rent:
$2,100
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,900
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$820
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
134.0
Grocery:
120.5
Housing:
150.2
Utilities:
115.0
Transportation:
123.0
Health Care:
112.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Fanwood, NJ a safe place to live?
Fanwood is a notably safe community, with a violent crime rate of just 59 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 490 per 100,000. The chance of experiencing violent crime is about 1 in 1,695, making it one of the safer towns in the region. This low crime environment is ideal for families and those seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
59
Property Crimes Per 100k:
490
Crime Index:
549
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,695
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 204
Weather
What is the weather like in Fanwood, NJ year-round?
Fanwood experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows in the mid-20s and warm summers reaching the mid-80s. The area receives about 49 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 54% of the year. Residents can expect pleasant springs and colorful autumns, making outdoor activities enjoyable year-round.
Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Fanwood residents enjoy a high median household income of $147,602 and a low poverty rate of 2.4%. The area is highly educated, with 62% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and features a 35-minute average commute with nearly one-fifth using public transport. This affluent, well-educated community is family-friendly and offers a strong sense of neighborhood connection.
Median Income:
$70,000
Household Income:
$147,602
Family Income:
$155,000
Per Capita Income:
$57,000
Income Male:
$80,000
Income Female:
$65,000
Poverty Rate:
2.4%
Non English Speakers:
13.2%
Rent:
$2,100
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
19.0%
Commute Time:
35.0 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.5%
Bachelors or More:
62.0%
Education
How are the schools in Fanwood, NJ?
Fanwood offers excellent educational opportunities, with public schools like School One Elementary and Park Middle School maintaining favorable student-teacher ratios. There are also private school options and nearby colleges such as Union College and Kean University within a short drive. The town's strong commitment to education supports learners of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
School One Elementary School
Street:
563 Willow Ave
Phone:
908-322-7731
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Name:
Park Middle School
Street:
580 Park Ave, Scotch Plains
Phone:
908-322-4445
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.2
Private Schools
Name:
St. Bartholomew Academy
Street:
2032 Westfield Ave, Scotch Plains
Phone:
908-322-4265
Students:
310
Colleges
Name:
Union College of Union County
City:
Cranford
State:
NJ
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
9,000
Name:
Kean University
City:
Union
State:
NJ
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
14,000
Healthcare
The area is well-served by major hospitals like Overlook Medical Center and JFK University Medical Center, both offering comprehensive emergency and surgical care. With a physician density of 3.1 per 1,000 residents and 96.2% health insurance coverage, access to healthcare in Fanwood is robust and reliable. The local healthcare index of 76 highlights quality services and broad coverage.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Overlook Medical Center
Address:
99 Beauvoir Ave, Summit, NJ 07901
Phone:
(908) 522-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
JFK University Medical Center
Address:
65 James St, Edison, NJ 08820
Phone:
(732) 321-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.2%
Health Care Index:
76.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fanwood, NJ?
Fanwood’s housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $545,000 and an 82% owner-occupancy rate. Home values have appreciated by 6.7% over the past year, and the rental market remains tight with a low vacancy rate of 3.1%. This stability and steady growth make Fanwood attractive for both homebuyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$545,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
82.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents of Fanwood are served by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, located at 225 E. State Street in Trenton, with comprehensive services and resources available both in-person and online. For assistance, the main phone number is 1-609-292-6500. The DMV ensures all vehicle and licensing needs are efficiently met for New Jersey drivers.
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.