Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wood Ridge, NJ
Considering a move to Wood Ridge, NJ? This Bergen County community of around 10,000 residents combines friendly suburban living with quick commutes—average time is just over 31 minutes, and nearly 18% use public transit. Home prices average about $520,000, with rents near $2,010, reflecting a higher cost of living, but you’ll find excellent safety (violent crime: 83 per 100K), strong schools, and a highly educated population. Enjoy four distinct seasons, great local schools, and easy access to major hospitals and NYC for a vibrant, connected lifestyle.
Demographics - Wood Ridge, NJ
Demographics - Wood Ridge, NJ
Wood Ridge is a vibrant suburb with a population of nearly 10,000, offering a balanced age distribution and a median age of 39.1. The community is diverse, with over 21% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and a strong representation of White, Asian, and other ethnic backgrounds. With a high population density and a nearly even gender split, Wood Ridge appeals to those seeking a lively, multicultural environment.
Population:
9,972
Density:
7,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.1
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
21.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
76.1%
Black:
2.7%
Asian:
9.8%
Others:
11.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wood Ridge, NJ?
Living in Wood Ridge comes with a higher-than-average cost of living index of 135.5, driven primarily by a median home value around $520,000 and average rents of $2,010. Utilities, groceries, and transportation also trend above the national average, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities. State income tax rates range from 1.4% to 10.75%, so budgeting accordingly is important for new residents.
Median House Value:
$520,000
Gross Rent:
$2,010
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,900
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,600
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$880
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
135.5
Grocery:
122.0
Housing:
145.0
Utilities:
112.0
Transportation:
123.0
Health Care:
112.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Wood Ridge, NJ a safe place to live?
Wood Ridge offers a safe residential environment, with a violent crime rate of just 83 per 100,000 residents and property crime at 763 per 100,000. The chances of experiencing a violent crime are low—about 1 in 1,200—making it an attractive choice for families and individuals prioritizing safety. Residents enjoy peace of mind thanks to the town’s strong community-focused policing.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
83
Property Crimes Per 100k:
763
Crime Index:
846
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,200
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 131
Weather
What is the weather like in Wood Ridge, NJ year-round?
Residents of Wood Ridge experience all four seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 85°F and chilly winters averaging lows around 25°F. The area receives about 46 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 54% of the year, making it pleasant for outdoor recreation. Seasonal variety ensures a picturesque setting, from snowy winters to vibrant autumn foliage.
Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Wood Ridge boasts a well-educated, affluent community, with a median household income of nearly $110,000 and a family income of $120,000. The poverty rate is low at just 3.4%, and over 44% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. Residents benefit from short commute times, strong employment rates, and a welcoming atmosphere for non-English speakers.
Median Income:
$48,100
Household Income:
$109,700
Family Income:
$120,000
Per Capita Income:
$48,900
Income Male:
$59,000
Income Female:
$51,000
Poverty Rate:
3.4%
Non English Speakers:
21.3%
Rent:
$2,010
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
17.5%
Commute Time:
31.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.5%
Bachelors or More:
44.5%
Education
How are the schools in Wood Ridge, NJ?
Wood Ridge features strong public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, alongside private school options and proximity to higher education institutions like Felician University and Bergen Community College. The community values education, with more than 93% of adults holding at least a high school diploma. Families benefit from a variety of educational choices and a focus on academic achievement.
Public Schools
Name:
Wood-Ridge High School
Street:
258 Hackensack St
Phone:
201-933-6777
Students:
520
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.7
Name:
Catherine E. Doyle Elementary School
Street:
250 Wood-Ridge Ave
Phone:
201-933-6777
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.4
Private Schools
Name:
Our Lady of Assumption School
Street:
143 First St
Phone:
201-939-0350
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
Felician University
City:
Lodi
State:
NJ
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
2,400
Name:
Bergen Community College
City:
Paramus
State:
NJ
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
13,000
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in Wood Ridge is excellent, with nearby major hospitals like Hackensack University Medical Center and nearly 3 physicians per 1,000 residents. Over 94% of residents have health insurance, and the area scores well in overall healthcare quality. Emergency services and comprehensive care are readily available, ensuring peace of mind for families and seniors.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Hackensack University Medical Center
Address:
30 Prospect Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601
Phone:
(551) 996-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Meadowlands Hospital Medical Center
Address:
55 Meadowlands Pkwy, Secaucus, NJ 07094
Phone:
(201) 392-3100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.4%
Health Care Index:
75.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wood Ridge, NJ?
The housing market in Wood Ridge is competitive, with a median home price of $520,000 and most homes owner-occupied. Rental options are available, with average rents for a two-bedroom around $2,010, and the area enjoys a low foreclosure rate of 0.4%. Home values have appreciated by 7.2% in the past year, reflecting steady demand and investment potential.
Median Home Price:
$520,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,010
Owner Occupied Rate:
66.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Wood Ridge residents are served by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, located in Trenton and accessible online or by phone. The DMV provides comprehensive services for drivers and vehicle owners, ensuring efficient licensing, registration, and support for new arrivals. Convenient access to these services streamlines settling into life in New Jersey.
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.