Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Hillside, NJ
Thinking of moving to Hillside, NJ? With a population of just over 22,000, Hillside offers a diverse and close-knit community with affordable housing—median home prices around $355,000 and average rents at $1,450. Residents enjoy a reasonable commute of about 31 minutes, access to local hospitals, and highly rated public schools. The town features a mild climate, strong public transport options, and a vibrant mix of cultures, making it a great option for families and commuters alike.
Demographics - Hillside, NJ
Demographics - Hillside, NJ
Hillside, NJ is home to roughly 22,165 residents with a median age of 39.1, reflecting a mature, family-friendly environment. The community is predominantly Black (59.6%), with a diverse mix of other ethnicities and about a quarter of the population speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density supports a vibrant, urban atmosphere while maintaining a welcoming, inclusive feel.
Population:
22,165
Density:
7,350 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.1
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
25.7%
Ethnic Composition
White:
23.8%
Black:
59.6%
Asian:
2.5%
Others:
14.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Hillside, NJ?
Living in Hillside comes with a cost of living index slightly above the national average at 116.7, influenced by housing and transportation expenses. The median home value is $355,000 and average rent stands at $1,450, making it relatively affordable compared to other parts of New Jersey. Utilities and groceries are moderately priced, and state taxes range from 1.4% to 10.75%.
Median House Value:
$355,000
Gross Rent:
$1,450
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$123
Auto Insurance:
$1,820
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$660
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
116.7
Grocery:
112.3
Housing:
120.1
Utilities:
108.9
Transportation:
117.2
Health Care:
109.4
Miscellaneous:
106.0
Crime
Is Hillside, NJ a safe place to live?
Hillside experiences a moderate crime rate, with about 232 violent crimes and 1,540 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is approximately 1 in 431, while property crime risk is 1 in 65. Overall, the community maintains a sense of safety typical for small urban suburbs.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
232
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,540
Crime Index:
1,772
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 431
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 65
Weather
What is the weather like in Hillside, NJ year-round?
Residents in Hillside enjoy four distinct seasons, with mild to warm summers reaching up to 86°F and winters dipping to lows in the mid-20s. The area receives around 47.6 inches of rainfall annually and about 54% of days are sunny. This climate supports a variety of outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
26°F
Max:
40°F
Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
49°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
The typical household in Hillside earns around $79,600, with a family income averaging $91,100 and a poverty rate of 10.8%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and about 27% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Public transit is accessible, with 15% of locals commuting this way, and average commute times are about 31 minutes.
Median Income:
$41,800
Household Income:
$79,600
Family Income:
$91,100
Per Capita Income:
$31,100
Income Male:
$48,100
Income Female:
$39,400
Poverty Rate:
10.8%
Non English Speakers:
25.7%
Rent:
$1,450
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
15.3%
Commute Time:
30.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.6%
Bachelors or More:
27.2%
Education
How are the schools in Hillside, NJ?
Families in Hillside have access to public and private schools, including Hillside High School and Christ the King Preparatory School, as well as nearby higher education at Kean University just 2 miles away. Public schools maintain favorable student-teacher ratios, supporting personalized learning. The area’s educational offerings suit students of all ages and backgrounds.
Public Schools
Name:
Hillside High School
Street:
1085 Liberty Ave
Phone:
908-352-7664
Students:
793
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
A.P. Morris Early Childhood Center
Street:
143 Coe Ave
Phone:
908-352-7664
Students:
382
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Private Schools
Name:
Christ the King Preparatory School
Street:
239 Woodside Ave
Phone:
973-483-0033
Students:
250
Colleges
Name:
Kean University
City:
Union
State:
NJ
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
14,000
Name:
Seton Hall University
City:
South Orange
State:
NJ
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
9,800
Healthcare
Hillside residents benefit from proximity to major regional hospitals such as Trinitas Regional Medical Center and RWJBarnabas Health, both offering comprehensive emergency services. There are 2.6 physicians per 1,000 people and over 90% of residents are insured, ensuring reliable access to healthcare. The area's healthcare index indicates a generally favorable environment for medical needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Trinitas Regional Medical Center
Address:
225 Williamson St, Elizabeth, NJ 07202
Phone:
(908) 994-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
RWJBarnabas Health - Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Address:
201 Lyons Ave, Newark, NJ 07112
Phone:
(973) 926-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.1%
Health Care Index:
72.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Hillside, NJ?
The Hillside housing market features a median home price of $355,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,450. Over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the market has seen nearly 5% appreciation in the past year. Vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, reflecting a stable and appealing market for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$355,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,450
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.9%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Hillside is served by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, located nearby in Rahway. Residents can access a full range of DMV services, including licensing and vehicle registration, with information available on the state’s official website. The DMV's convenient location helps streamline essential tasks for drivers and new arrivals.
State:
New Jersey
Department:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Address:
1140 Woodbridge Rd & E Edgar Rd, Rahway, NJ 07065
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.