Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wildwood, NJ
Considering a move to Wildwood, NJ? This charming coastal city has a population of 5,072 and offers a relaxed lifestyle with a median home price of $389,000 and average 2-bedroom rents of $1,200. Residents enjoy short average commutes of 21 minutes, over 61% sunny days per year, and easy access to local beaches. While property crime rates are higher (3,152 per 100K), the city features close-knit schools and a vibrant summer scene, making Wildwood a unique spot for those seeking seaside living.
Demographics - Wildwood, NJ
Demographics - Wildwood, NJ
Wildwood, NJ is a small coastal city with a population of just over 5,000, offering a close-knit community atmosphere. The median age is nearly 45, reflecting a balanced mix of working adults and retirees, and about 17% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The city is predominantly White, with a blend of Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups contributing to its diversity.
Population:
5,072
Density:
2,950 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.8
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
17.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
74.1%
Black:
9.9%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
15.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wildwood, NJ?
The cost of living in Wildwood is moderately high, with a median home value around $389,000 and average rents near $1,200 for a two-bedroom apartment. Utilities and transportation costs are above the national average, and state taxes range from 1.4% to 10.75%. While groceries and healthcare are slightly higher than average, the seaside lifestyle draws those seeking a coastal community.
Median House Value:
$389,000
Gross Rent:
$1,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,780
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$620
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
119.0
Grocery:
114.0
Housing:
128.0
Utilities:
109.0
Transportation:
115.0
Health Care:
108.0
Miscellaneous:
105.0
Crime
Is Wildwood, NJ a safe place to live?
Wildwood experiences higher property crime rates compared to national averages, with about 3,152 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 32 chance of being affected. Violent crime is less prevalent, with a 1 in 260 chance, but residents should remain vigilant. The city’s overall crime index suggests taking standard safety precautions, especially during busy tourist seasons.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
384
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,152
Crime Index:
3,536
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 260
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 32
Weather
What is the weather like in Wildwood, NJ year-round?
Residents in Wildwood enjoy a temperate coastal climate, with mild winters averaging lows in the upper 20s and warm summers reaching highs in the mid-80s. The city receives around 43 inches of rainfall annually and boasts over 61% sunny days, perfect for outdoor activities and beach visits. Spring and fall offer pleasant, moderate temperatures ideal for year-round recreation.
Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
44°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
51°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
43.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Wildwood’s neighborhoods have a median household income of $51,500 and a family income of $63,000, though the poverty rate stands at 18.4%. Most adults have completed high school, and about 18% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commute times are short, averaging 21 minutes, reflecting the city’s compact layout and relaxed pace.
Median Income:
$38,300
Household Income:
$51,500
Family Income:
$63,000
Per Capita Income:
$26,400
Income Male:
$40,000
Income Female:
$31,000
Poverty Rate:
18.4%
Non English Speakers:
17.5%
Rent:
$1,200
Unemployment Rate:
7.8%
Public Transport Usage:
2.0%
Commute Time:
21.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
83.7%
Bachelors or More:
18.2%
Education
How are the schools in Wildwood, NJ?
Wildwood offers a range of educational opportunities, including public and private schools with small class sizes, such as Wildwood High School and Glenwood Avenue Elementary. Atlantic Cape Community College is located just 13 miles away, providing local access to higher education. The community values education, with most adults having completed high school and a notable percentage holding college degrees.
Public Schools
Name:
Wildwood High School
Street:
4300 Pacific Ave
Phone:
609-522-7922
Students:
260
Student Teacher Ratio:
9.5
Name:
Glenwood Avenue Elementary School
Street:
2900 New York Ave
Phone:
609-522-1630
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.0
Private Schools
Name:
Cape Trinity Catholic School
Street:
1500 Central Ave, North Wildwood
Phone:
609-522-2704
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
Atlantic Cape Community College
City:
Cape May Court House
State:
NJ
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
1,400
Healthcare
Healthcare in Wildwood is anchored by Cape Regional Medical Center, a nearby full-service hospital providing emergency care. Residents benefit from a physician density of 2.1 per 1,000 people and nearly 90% have health insurance coverage. The area’s healthcare index indicates generally accessible and adequate services for most needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Cape Regional Medical Center
Address:
2 Stone Harbor Blvd, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Phone:
(609) 463-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.5%
Health Care Index:
72.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wildwood, NJ?
Wildwood’s housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $389,000 and strong appreciation at 8.3% over the past year. Only about a third of residents own their homes, while rental vacancies remain relatively high at 16.2%. The city’s seaside appeal and active summer rental market contribute to ongoing demand.
Median Home Price:
$389,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
32.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
16.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
8.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Motor vehicle services for Wildwood residents are handled by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission in nearby North Cape May. The office provides licensing, registration, and vehicle title services, and can be easily contacted online or by phone. Convenient access helps streamline all DMV-related needs for new and current residents.
State:
New Jersey
Department:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Address:
3305 Bay Shore Rd, North Cape May, NJ 08204
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.