Everything You Should Know Before Moving to West Orange, NJ
Thinking of moving to West Orange, NJ? Home to about 48,500 residents, West Orange offers a blend of suburban charm and city access, with median home prices around $520,000 and average rents near $1,920. The community features highly rated schools, a strong educational attainment rate, and moderate commute times averaging 34 minutes. With low violent crime (192 per 100K), a diverse population, and easy access to major hospitals and parks, West Orange is a great choice for families and professionals seeking quality of life close to NYC.
Demographics - West Orange, NJ
Demographics - West Orange, NJ
West Orange, NJ is home to roughly 48,500 residents, offering a diverse community with significant White, Black, and Asian populations. The median age is 42, and about 23% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting its multicultural character. The city's population density and balanced gender ratio contribute to a lively yet welcoming suburban environment.
Population:
48,500
Density:
3,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.2
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
23.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
44.0%
Black:
30.5%
Asian:
7.2%
Others:
18.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in West Orange, NJ?
West Orange’s cost of living is above the national average, with a median home value of $520,000 and average rents around $1,920 per month. Residents can expect higher housing and grocery costs, but utilities and healthcare remain moderately priced. State taxes range from 1.4% to 10.75%, making budgeting an important consideration for newcomers.
Median House Value:
$520,000
Gross Rent:
$1,920
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,850
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,480
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$770
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
130.1
Grocery:
121.0
Housing:
141.5
Utilities:
113.2
Transportation:
125.0
Health Care:
113.0
Miscellaneous:
112.0
Crime
Is West Orange, NJ a safe place to live?
West Orange offers a relatively safe environment, with a violent crime rate of just 192 per 100,000 residents and property crime being the more common concern. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is 1 in 520, while property crime stands at 1 in 88. Overall, the area’s crime index suggests a secure atmosphere for families and professionals.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
192
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,140
Crime Index:
1,332
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 520
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 88
Weather
What is the weather like in West Orange, NJ year-round?
Residents of West Orange experience all four seasons, with winter lows near 24°F and summer highs reaching 86°F. The city enjoys about 54% sunny days and receives nearly 50 inches of rainfall annually. This climate provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
24°F
Max:
38°F
Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
The median household income in West Orange is a strong $118,100, with about half of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. The poverty rate is relatively low at 7.3%, and unemployment is around 4.2%. With a diverse mix of residents and a typical commute time of 34 minutes, the community attracts both professionals and families.
Median Income:
$44,700
Household Income:
$118,100
Family Income:
$130,000
Per Capita Income:
$53,200
Income Male:
$62,400
Income Female:
$51,800
Poverty Rate:
7.3%
Non English Speakers:
23.0%
Rent:
$1,920
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
13.1%
Commute Time:
34.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.4%
Bachelors or More:
50.1%
Education
How are the schools in West Orange, NJ?
Education in West Orange is a strong draw, with highly rated public schools like West Orange High School and Liberty Middle School, both offering favorable student-teacher ratios. The town also features private school options and is located near prominent colleges such as Seton Hall University and Montclair State University. This educational landscape supports families seeking quality learning opportunities for all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
West Orange High School
Street:
51 Conforti Ave
Phone:
973-669-5301
Students:
2,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.3
Name:
Liberty Middle School
Street:
1 Kelly Dr
Phone:
973-243-2007
Students:
680
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.4
Private Schools
Name:
Golda Och Academy
Street:
1418 Pleasant Valley Way
Phone:
973-602-3600
Students:
525
Colleges
Name:
Seton Hall University
City:
South Orange
State:
NJ
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
10,000
Name:
Montclair State University
City:
Montclair
State:
NJ
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
21,000
Healthcare
West Orange residents benefit from excellent healthcare access, with major hospitals like Saint Barnabas Medical Center and Clara Maass Medical Center nearby. The area boasts a high rate of health insurance coverage at 94.7% and over three physicians per 1,000 people. Healthcare services are robust, supporting a healthy and active community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Saint Barnabas Medical Center
Address:
94 Old Short Hills Rd, Livingston, NJ 07039
Phone:
(973) 322-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Clara Maass Medical Center
Address:
1 Clara Maass Dr, Belleville, NJ 07109
Phone:
(973) 450-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.7%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in West Orange, NJ?
The housing market in West Orange is competitive, with median home prices at $520,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $1,920. Owner-occupied homes make up more than two-thirds of the market, and annual home appreciation stands at 6.3%. Rental vacancies are moderate, reflecting steady demand in this desirable suburb.
Median Home Price:
$520,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,920
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
West Orange residents are served by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, conveniently located in nearby East Orange. The DMV offers a full range of vehicle and licensing services, with additional information available on the state’s official website. This ensures residents have easy access to essential transportation resources.
State:
New Jersey
Department:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Address:
183 South 18th Street, East Orange, NJ 07018
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.