Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Watchung, NJ
Considering a move to Watchung, NJ? This scenic borough of just over 6,100 residents is known for its safe neighborhoods, top-rated schools, and beautiful natural surroundings. With a median home value of $780,000 and average rent around $2,350, Watchung offers upscale living and a high median household income of $160,500. Residents enjoy low crime rates, outstanding educational attainment (65% with bachelor’s or higher), and a pleasant climate with 56% sunny days per year. Commute times average 36 minutes, making it a peaceful yet accessible place to call home.
Demographics - Watchung, NJ
Demographics - Watchung, NJ
Watchung has a close-knit population of 6,128 residents, with a median age of 48.1, reflecting a mature and stable community. The borough is predominantly White, with a growing Asian presence, and about 13.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its balanced gender ratio and moderate population density make it appealing for families and professionals seeking a suburban lifestyle.
Population:
6,128
Density:
800 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.1
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
77.8%
Black:
3.3%
Asian:
14.2%
Others:
4.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Watchung, NJ?
Living in Watchung comes with a higher cost of living, as reflected by a 146.0 index and a median home value of $780,000. Residents can expect above-average expenses for housing, groceries, and transportation, but these costs are matched by the area’s affluent amenities and high household incomes. State tax rates and utility costs are also notable factors for those considering a move.
Median House Value:
$780,000
Gross Rent:
$2,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,860
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,400
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,250
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
146.0
Grocery:
122.0
Housing:
180.0
Utilities:
119.0
Transportation:
130.0
Health Care:
115.0
Miscellaneous:
113.0
Crime
Is Watchung, NJ a safe place to live?
Watchung offers a very safe environment, with a violent crime rate of just 40 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 340 per 100,000. Residents enjoy a low risk of crime, making it an attractive choice for families and those seeking peace of mind. The chance of experiencing violent crime is only 1 in 2,500.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
40
Property Crimes Per 100k:
340
Crime Index:
380
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 2,500
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 294
Weather
What is the weather like in Watchung, NJ year-round?
The climate in Watchung features distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 85°F and chilly winters with lows around 24°F. The area receives about 48 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 56% of the year. This balanced weather supports year-round outdoor activities and enhances the borough’s scenic appeal.
Winter
Min:
24°F
Max:
38°F
Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Watchung residents benefit from a high median household income of $160,500 and a low poverty rate of 2.4%. The community is highly educated, with 65% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and most people own their homes. Commute times average 36 minutes, and public transportation is used by a small percentage, reflecting a suburban, commuter-friendly atmosphere.
Median Income:
$82,000
Household Income:
$160,500
Family Income:
$185,000
Per Capita Income:
$72,300
Income Male:
$95,000
Income Female:
$74,000
Poverty Rate:
2.4%
Non English Speakers:
13.5%
Rent:
$2,350
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
4.5%
Commute Time:
36.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.5%
Bachelors or More:
65.1%
Education
How are the schools in Watchung, NJ?
Watchung offers excellent educational opportunities, featuring highly-rated public schools with low student-teacher ratios and a variety of private options. Nearby colleges, including Raritan Valley Community College and Kean University, provide accessible higher education within a short drive. The area’s strong academic environment is reflected in high graduation rates and advanced degrees among residents.
Public Schools
Name:
Bayberry Elementary School
Street:
113 Bayberry Ln
Phone:
908-755-8184
Students:
470
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5
Name:
Valley View School
Street:
50 Valley View Rd
Phone:
908-755-4422
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
9.8
Private Schools
Name:
Mount St. Mary Academy
Street:
1645 US-22
Phone:
908-757-0108
Students:
400
Colleges
Name:
Raritan Valley Community College
City:
Branchburg
State:
NJ
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
7,500
Name:
Kean University
City:
Union
State:
NJ
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
14,000
Healthcare
Watchung is served by nearby major hospitals such as RWJ University Hospital Somerset and Overlook Medical Center, providing comprehensive medical and emergency care. The area boasts strong health insurance coverage (96.5%) and a high physician availability, ensuring residents have excellent access to healthcare services. The healthcare quality index of 77.2 underscores the borough’s commitment to well-being.
Major Hospitals
Name:
RWJ University Hospital Somerset
Address:
110 Rehill Ave, Somerville, NJ 08876
Phone:
(908) 685-2200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Overlook Medical Center
Address:
99 Beauvoir Ave, Summit, NJ 07901
Phone:
(908) 522-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.5%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Watchung, NJ?
The housing market in Watchung is robust, with a median home price of $780,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of over 87%. Rental options are limited, with an average two-bedroom rent of $2,350 and a low vacancy rate. Home values have seen steady appreciation, reflecting the area’s desirability and stability.
Median Home Price:
$780,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
87.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents of Watchung are served by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, located in Trenton, with comprehensive online and in-person services. The state’s DMV provides everything from driver licensing to vehicle registration, making it convenient for newcomers to get settled. For more information, residents can visit the official website or call the 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.