New Jersey / County

Moving to Scotch Plains, NJ

Thinking of making a move to Scotch Plains, NJ? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Serving Scotch Plains and nearby areas View Nearby Cities Compare Moving Help
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare Scotch Plains before you move.

Moving Help for Your Scotch Plains, NJ Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of Scotch Plains move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Local Movers Scotch Plains, NJ Piano Movers Scotch Plains, NJ Cheap Movers Scotch Plains, NJ Small Movers Scotch Plains, NJ Apartment Movers Scotch Plains, NJ Long Distance Movers Scotch Plains, NJ

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Scotch Plains, NJ

Considering a move to Scotch Plains, NJ? This welcoming community of 24,500 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $675,000 and average rents near $2,150. Commute times average 34 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (56% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Scotch Plains's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Scotch Plains, NJ

Scotch Plains has a population of 24,500 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 43 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 69% White, 11% Black, and 13% Asian residents, and over 19% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
24,500
Density
4,700 per sq mi
Median Age
43.1
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
19.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
69.0%
Black
10.5%
Asian
12.8%
Others
7.7%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Scotch Plains, NJ?

The cost of living in Scotch Plains is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 142.0. Median home values are around $675,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,150. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$675,000
Gross Rent
$2,150
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$3,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$910
State Taxes
Low: 1.4%| High: 10.75%
Cost Of Living Index
142.0
Grocery
113.5
Housing
176.0
Utilities
112.8
Transportation
121.0
Health Care
116.4
Miscellaneous
110.2

Crime

Is Scotch Plains, NJ a safe place to live?

Scotch Plains is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 72 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 102. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in New Jersey.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
72
Property Crimes Per 100k
980
Crime Index
1,052
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 1,389
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 102

Weather

What is the weather like in Scotch Plains, NJ year-round?

Scotch Plains experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 85°F and cold winters dipping to 26°F. The area receives about 48 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 56% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
26°F
Max
40°F

Summer

Min
66°F
Max
85°F

Spring

Min
44°F
Max
66°F

Fall

Min
49°F
Max
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches
48.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
56%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $158,000 and a low poverty rate of 4.1%. Over 97% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 64% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 34 minutes, and almost 10% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$52,000
Household Income
$158,000
Family Income
$182,000
Per Capita Income
$63,500
Income Male
$76,000
Income Female
$58,000
Poverty Rate
4.1%
Non English Speakers
21.0%
Rent
$2,150
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
Public Transport Usage
10.4%
Commute Time
33.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
97.4%
Bachelors or More
63.8%

Education

How are the schools in Scotch Plains, NJ?

Scotch Plains offers quality education options, with public schools like Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School and Park Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Kean University and Union County College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School
Street
800 Westfield Rd
Phone
908-322-4350
Students
1,450
Student Teacher Ratio
12.8
Name
Park Middle School
Street
401 Darrow Ave
Phone
908-322-4450
Students
900
Student Teacher Ratio
13.5

Private Schools

Name
Union Catholic Regional High School
Street
950 Park Ave
Phone
908-889-1600
Students
750
Name
St. Bartholomew Academy
Street
2032 Westfield Ave
Phone
908-232-8060
Students
280

Colleges

Name
Kean University
City
Union
State
NJ
Distance
8 miles
Students
16,000
Name
Union County College
City
Cranford
State
NJ
Distance
7 miles
Students
12,000

Healthcare

Scotch Plains residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Overlook Medical Center and RWJBarnabas Health – Trinitas Regional Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.1 per 1,000 people and 96.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Overlook Medical Center
Address
99 Beauvoir Ave, Summit, NJ 07901
Phone
(908) 522-2000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
RWJBarnabas Health – Trinitas Regional Medical Center
Address
225 Williamson St, Elizabeth, NJ 07202
Phone
(908) 994-5000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage
96.0%
Health Care Index
79.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Scotch Plains, NJ?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $675,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 89%. The market has seen a 6.0% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.2%. Scotch Plains offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$675,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,150
Owner Occupied Rate
89.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
6.0%
New Construction Rate
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Scotch Plains handle vehicle services through the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, conveniently located in Trenton. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
New Jersey
Department
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Address
225 E. State Street, Trenton, NJ 08666
Phone
1-609-292-6500

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.

FAQs About Moving to Scotch Plains, NJ

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Scotch Plains, review the core fields on this page: population 24,500, median home value $675,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,150, commute time 33.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 56%.

Ready to Move to Scotch Plains, NJ?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes