Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Highland Park, NJ
Considering a move to Highland Park, NJ? With a population of around 14,400, this vibrant community offers a walkable lifestyle, strong public schools, and proximity to Rutgers University. Median home prices are about $480,000 and average rents are $1,650, reflecting a competitive housing market. Residents enjoy low crime rates (102 violent crimes per 100K), a quick 32-minute average commute, and a highly educated population—over 57% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Highland Park blends small-town charm with easy access to big-city amenities, excellent healthcare, and a friendly, diverse atmosphere.
Demographics - Highland Park, NJ
Demographics - Highland Park, NJ
Highland Park is home to approximately 14,400 residents with a population density of 7,400 per square mile, creating a vibrant and walkable community. The city has a median age of 36.2 and is ethnically diverse, with significant White, Asian, and Black populations. About one in five residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting its multicultural character.
Population:
14,400
Density:
7,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.2
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
21.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
60.5%
Black:
8.4%
Asian:
18.7%
Others:
12.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Highland Park, NJ?
Living in Highland Park comes with a cost of living index of 127.5, making it higher than the national average, largely due to housing expenses. The median home value is around $480,000 and median rent is $1,650, so budgeting accordingly is important for newcomers. Utilities and transportation are also above average, though residents benefit from access to a wide range of amenities.
Median House Value:
$480,000
Gross Rent:
$1,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,780
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,320
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$720
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
127.5
Grocery:
121.0
Housing:
140.2
Utilities:
112.5
Transportation:
123.0
Health Care:
112.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Highland Park, NJ a safe place to live?
Highland Park enjoys low crime rates, with just 102 violent crimes and 850 property crimes per 100,000 residents, making it a safe choice for families and individuals. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is about 1 in 980, considerably lower than many urban areas. Residents can feel secure while enjoying the city's neighborhoods and public spaces.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
102
Property Crimes Per 100k:
850
Crime Index:
952
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 980
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 118
Weather
What is the weather like in Highland Park, NJ year-round?
Highland Park experiences all four seasons, with mild summers averaging highs of 85°F and winters dipping to lows around 25°F. The area receives about 46.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys 54% sunny days, offering a pleasant balance for outdoor activities year-round. Spring and fall bring comfortable temperatures, making the city ideal for those who appreciate seasonal changes.
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:
46.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
The community boasts a high level of educational attainment, with over 57% of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher. Median household income stands at $98,900, while the poverty rate remains relatively low at 8%. Highland Park residents benefit from a walkable environment, diverse backgrounds, and convenient access to public transportation, with an average commute of about 32 minutes.
Median Income:
$44,500
Household Income:
$98,900
Family Income:
$109,600
Per Capita Income:
$42,400
Income Male:
$51,200
Income Female:
$46,300
Poverty Rate:
8.0%
Non English Speakers:
21.5%
Rent:
$1,650
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
10.2%
Commute Time:
32.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.5%
Bachelors or More:
57.3%
Education
How are the schools in Highland Park, NJ?
Highland Park offers strong educational opportunities, with reputable public schools like Highland Park High School and Bartle Elementary, both featuring favorable student-teacher ratios. Private school options and proximity to major institutions such as Rutgers University (just one mile away) provide a range of learning environments. The city's commitment to education is reflected in its highly educated population and accessible academic resources.
Public Schools
Name:
Highland Park High School
Street:
102 N 5th Ave
Phone:
732-572-2400
Students:
520
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5
Name:
Bartle Elementary School
Street:
435 Bartle Ave
Phone:
732-572-2289
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.2
Private Schools
Name:
Rabbi Pesach Raymon Yeshiva
Street:
2 Harrison St
Phone:
732-572-5052
Students:
330
Colleges
Name:
Rutgers University - New Brunswick
City:
New Brunswick
State:
NJ
Distance:
1 mile
Students:
50,000
Name:
Middlesex College
City:
Edison
State:
NJ
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
11,500
Healthcare
Highland Park residents have excellent healthcare access, with major hospitals like Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Saint Peter's University Hospital nearby. The area features 2.9 physicians per 1,000 people and over 94% of residents have health insurance, ensuring comprehensive medical coverage. Healthcare services are highly rated, contributing to overall quality of life.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
Address:
1 Robert Wood Johnson Pl, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone:
(732) 828-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Saint Peter's University Hospital
Address:
254 Easton Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone:
(732) 745-8600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.1%
Health Care Index:
75.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Highland Park, NJ?
The housing market in Highland Park is competitive, with a median home price of $480,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,650. About 59% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has a low foreclosure rate of 0.4%, reflecting a stable market. Home values have appreciated by 6.1% in the past year, making it an attractive option for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$480,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents of Highland Park are served by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, located in Trenton, which provides essential vehicle registration and licensing services. The DMV offers easy access to information and resources online, helping new residents transition smoothly. For more details, visit the state’s official DMV website or contact 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.