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The Best Guide to Living in Elizabeth, NJ

The Complete Guide to Living in Elizabeth, NJ

As the fourth largest city in New Jersey, Elizabeth boasts plenty of amenities and easy access to public transportation that can take you to other locations in New Jersey or to New York City, which is only 35 minutes away. The close proximity to NYC makes Elizabeth one of the best neighborhoods in NJ for commuters and the excellent public schools make this the perfect NJ city for parents and families.

Before you plan on moving to Elizabeth, NJ, you should do a bit of research to see if this bustling city makes sense for you. Once you’ve decided to take the plunge, make sure to call up trusted NJ movers to help you get settled into your new home.

Know Everything About Elizabeth, NJ

One of the Busiest Ports in the World

Due to its location on the water, Elizabeth has always been a transportation hub. Since its founding in 1664, the city has seen its transportation facilities grow. It’s home to Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal, a container ship facility for goods entering and leaving the NYC metro area. It is the largest container port in the Eastern United States and the 2nd-largest in the country.

It’s part of the Urban Enterprise Zone

Portions of the city are part of the NJ Urban Enterprise Zone and was part of the initial group of 10 zones chosen to participate in the program when it was launched in 1992. As such the city encourages employment and investment in these areas and also has a 50% reduced sales tax.

Excellent Public Transportation in Elizabeth

You don’t need a car in Elizabeth if you want to get around. The New Jersey Transit Authority has bus routes that run through the city and takes you directly to the Port Authority Terminal. It’s also home to two train stations: Elizabeth Station and North Elizabeth Station. NJ transit is also planning a segment of the Newark-Elizabeth Rail Link (NERL) that will connect to Midtown Station and Newark Airport for even easier commuting.

However, if you do want to own a car there are two major highways you can hop onto: Highway 1 which will take you north and south through Elizabeth, NJ and the I-95 which will get you to NYC and Philadelphia. There are three smaller highways – Highway 27, 82, and 28 – which run north and south, northwest, and west respectively.

There are some amazing locations nearby the city that aren’t accessible by train, so having a car can come in handy. For example, one of the best places to check out the fall foliage is Cheesequake State Park which is only 35 minutes away from Elizabeth. The highways also provide easy access to Staten Island if you want to visit for whatever reason.

Princeton Was Founded in Elizabeth

It might now be located in Princeton, NJ, but the esteemed college was founded in Elizabeth back in 1746 as the College of New Jersey. It later moved to Newark in 1747 and then to Princeton in 1756 where it remains today.

Variety of Neighborhoods in Elizabeth

As a large city, Elizabeth boasts a variety of neighborhoods, each with their own look and feel. When choosing where to live you should take the time to explore each area to find the one that matches your needs.

  • Midtown/Uptown – this is the main commercial district and historic section. It’s home to the First Presbyterian Church which was a battleground during the American Revolution. It’s also home to many English type gardens.
  • Bayway – located in the southern portion of the city and between the Elizabeth River and Arthur Kill. The neighborhood has very strong Polish roots with plenty of ethnic restaurants and stores. Houses tend to be more affordable here with an emphasis on two to four-family housing units.
  • Downtown/Elizabethport – the oldest and most diverse location in Elizabeth. You can find old world Elizabethan houses right next to modern American colonial-style houses. Enjoy some amazing shops and then head to the marina for a nice stroll along the water.
  • Elmora and the West End – If you’re a foodie, then Elmora is the place to be. It boasts some of the best restaurants in the city and it’s a quick jaunt to the Elizabeth station.
  • Frog Hollow – this small neighborhood got its name due to the excellent frog catching in its marshes. Since its inception, the neighborhood has expanded and now includes the area known as Helltown which included many docks and shipyards. As such, it’s a great place for people who enjoy being on the water.
  • Keighry Head – Located close to Midtown, this neighborhood is more on the affordable side and is close to transportation and great shopping.
  • North Elizabeth – Next to Elmora, North Elizabeth is a great place for commuters as it is home to the North Elizabeth train station. You can find a nice apartment or a larger one or two-family home here.
  • Peterstown – This middle/working class neighborhood is located in the southeastern part of the city. Despite being part of Elizabeth, it delivers a more ‘small-town’ feel and contains the historic Union Square which is home to many food stands, meat markets, and poultry stores.
  • The Point – formerly known as the Crossroads, this area is close to Midtown and is going through a transformation as more two-family homes are being built here.
  • Quality Hill – Once the most fashionable place to live in Elizabeth, it has become a quiet residential area with new condos popping up.
  • Westminster – If you love nature, then Westminster is the place for you. It’s home to the Phil Rizzuto Park and provides easy access to the boardwalk along the Elizabeth River for excellent birdwatching.

Schools in Elizabeth, NJ

Elizabeth is one of the largest school districts in New Jersey. There are a total of 26 public elementary schools and six high schools with a total enrollment of 28,712 students. The schools have consistently received excellent ratings from parents and students alike. In fact, some schools have been recognized by the Department of Education by receiving the Blue Ribbon School Award of Excellence – the highest award an American school can receive – including William F Halloran Alternative School and Victor Mravlag Elementary School.

While Elizabeth might not be home to any universities, there is a branch of the Union County College located in the city as well as Drake College of Business. The city is also close to other major universities like Rutgers and Princeton.

Variety of Jobs in Elizabeth

As the fourth most populous city in New Jersey, Elizabeth boasts a variety of jobs. While most of the residents tend to commute to NYC for work, many more find local jobs. Some of the largest employers include:

  • Port Newark – the 2,000 acre marina terminal is the second largest container port in the US
  • Bayway Refinery – this refining facility supplies petroleum-based products to the NYC/NJ area producing around 230,000 barrels per day
  • Jersey Gardens Mall – if you enjoy working retail, then your best bet is to find one at the Jersey Gardens Mall, the largest outlet mall in NJ
  • Trinitas Regional Medical Center – the largest healthcare facility in the city and one of the largest healthcare employers in the area

If you don’t want to work for a large company, there are plenty of small businesses in a diverse set of sectors from food and beverage to manufacturing. Chances are you’ll find an employer that needs your skill sets!

Of course, if you can’t find anything in town that suits your needs, then you can find a job in NYC. And you wouldn’t be the only one. On average around 10,000 residents who live in or near Elizabeth commute to the city. While driving is certainly an option, you can also take the NJ Transit trains to Penn Station or one of the buses to Port Authority.

If you want to start your own business, Elizabeth, NJ is a great place! Residents can apply for small business grants and loans. The city itself supports small businesses by providing a network of partners such as the Elizabeth Development Company. Its recent growth in small businesses is due in no small part to the Urban Enterprise Zone which has brought billions of dollars in private investments.

Cost of Living in Elizabeth

Despite its proximity to NYC, the cost of living in Elizabeth is actually slightly lower than the rest of New Jersey. Of course, this all changes based on your living situation, but by and large Elizabeth residents spent around 6 percent less on food, housing, and personal spending than other New Jerseyians. Interestingly, the cost of healthcare, utilities, and transportation are 5 percent higher than the rest of the state.

When it comes to housing, the median home price is around $374,100 compared to the $397,900 for the rest of New Jersey. Renting an apartment is also cheaper with studios averaging around $1,200/month. Of course, as more people start flocking to Elizabeth, chances are rents and home prices will continue to increase.

Safety and Crime

As a large city, Elizabeth does suffer from crime with theft being the most common. Like any city, there are areas that are safer than others with the northeast part having fewer cases of crime. With that said, it’s important to remember when looking at a crime map that often the areas with the highest instances of crime tend to be in retail areas, parks, etc. due to the large concentration of people that visit these places.

If you’re worried about property crime, make sure to install cameras as your home is 300 percent more likely to be robbed with no home security system. From there, it’s really about getting to know your neighbors! The more people know you, the more they will look out for you.

Elizabeth Demographics

Elizabeth has a population of almost 140,000 people. Due to its roots in manufacturing, transportation, etc. Elizabeth is considered a blue-collar town though more white-collar workers have started to move to the area due to its affordable prices and quick commute to NYC. Still, around 40 percent of the workforce is employed in blue-collar occupations.

Thanks to its location along the water, Elizabeth is also quite diverse with around 59 percent of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino, 21 percent identifying as black, and 16 percent identifying as Pacific Islander. The city’s Hispanic population was the tenth-highest in New Jersey. The median income is $43,770 with the majority of residents being between 18-44.

Elizabeth Weather

Similar to other New Jersey cities, Elizabeth is characterized by hot, humid summers and cool to cold winters. Located in the Northeastern part of the United States, you’ll get to experience all four seasons. While the area generally doesn’t see too much in the way of extreme weather events, it can be affected by hurricanes and blizzards.

Fun Things to Do in ElizabethFun Things to Do in Elizabeth

There’s truly something for everyone in Elizabeth whether you’re going to brunch with your friends or enjoying the beautiful weather with your kids. Chances are there’s fun activity going on! Plus, if you get tired of Elizabeth, NYC is just a short train ride away.

  • Enjoy the outdoors – Want a little fun in the sun? There’s plenty of outdoor options. Walk along the Elizabeth River Trail and enjoy the city’s rich history. Join an intramural sports team and play at Mattano Park while enjoying views of the Elizabeth River. Or do some light hiking at the 200-acre Warinanco Park.
  • Eat great food – Thanks to its culturally diverse population, there’s plenty of interesting restaurants to visit. Go to Valencia restaurant for some of the best traditional Portuguese fare in New Jersey. If you’re looking for fusion cuisine, check out The Garden for a fusion of Latin American flavors.
  • Go shopping – Elizabeth is home to Jersey Garden Malls, the largest outlet mall in the state. It’s home to local and international brands. If you’re looking to support small businesses, visit Midtown or Elmora for more boutique options.
  • Find some weekend entertainment – Elizabeth offers a variety of entertainment options. If you’re looking for a more artsy experience, go to Barcode for some great food and ticketed events. If you’re in the mood to dance the night away, you can head over to Bamboleo Bar and Grill. Otherwise, enjoy a cold brew and the game at The LOBBY! There are also seasonal festivals and events throughout the year such as Portugal Day Parade, the Reenactment of the Battle of Elizabethtown, and more!
  • Watch some live performances – Built in 1926, the Ritz Theatre offers a wide variety of concerts and shows. There’s something happening almost every day of the week so check out the site and see if there’s anything that interests you. If you want to do something arty for free, check out the local street murals. These artworks were commissioned by the Elizabeth Renaissance Foundation and features murals by a local artist.

Moving to Elizabeth

Elizabeth, NJ boasts a combination of qualities that will appeal to people from different backgrounds from people looking for a quiet, residential area to those who want to be near the nightlife. There’s truly something for everyone. Plus, if you can’t find it in Elizabeth, you’re just a stone’s throw from NYC.

If you’ve decided to move to Elizabeth, make sure to reach out to movers NJ residents trust! They’ll be able to get you moved in without delay so you can start your new life on the right foot.

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Best Neighborhoods in New Jersey for Families

Best Neighborhoods In New Jersey for Families

New Jersey is an excellent place for people of all ages to live and work. It’s close proximity to both New York City and Philadelphia means you have access to two amazing cities. Of course, you don’t even have to leave New Jersey to experience a bustling city or a quiet countryside. There are plenty of wonderful places to visit and live. With that said, if you’re raising a family (or plan to) you might have different requirements than a young, single professional. Luckily, there are plenty of amazing family-friendly neighborhoods in New Jersey.

New Jersey might be one of the smallest states, but it is one of the largest in terms of population and that’s because it has a lot to offer. So if you’re considering a move, read below for some of the best neighborhoods in New Jersey for families.

Madison: One of the Best Places in New Jersey

Located about 25 miles west of downtown Manhattan, Madison is considered one of the best places to live in New Jersey. While it might be close to New York City, the city itself offers a more suburban feel and the majority of residents are homeowners. While you might not get that bustling city vibe of Jersey City or Newark, the downtown area is super cute and offers plenty of shops and restaurants to keep you busy. It also offers everything you expect when moving to the suburbs such as: yards, neighborhood barbecues, farmer’s market, bike paths, and a commuter-rail station.

Of course, that’s not all it offers. Madison also has a relatively low crime rate with the majority related to property crime. Thanks to the close-knit community and civic-minded

people, Madison is able to keep its ranking as one of the safest areas in New Jersey and even the United States.

Perhaps one of the biggest reasons why many families move to Madison is because of the school system. There are a total of three public elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school within Madison’s school district. It also is home to two colleges: Drew University and Fairleigh Dickinson University. So if you really want to save on college expenses, your child can get a great education from kindergarten up to their PhD. Surprisingly, Madison also has a relatively low tax rate when factoring in the great educational system, low crime rate, and general amenities.

As you might expect, houses are in high demand. The average home price in Madison is close to $700,000 with some going for as much as $1 million. With everything Madison has to offer, it’s no surprise that houses are flying off the market. If you’re not sure you want to live in Madison permanently, you can rent an apartment for around $1700.

New Providence: The Perfect Place to Raise Kids

Situated between the two ridges of the Watchung Mountains, New Providence is a quaint town that is only 28 miles west of New York and has two nearby train stations and weekday buses for easy access to NYC. If you don’t want to deal with public transportation, you can always opt for a car as the area offers easy access to the New Jersey Turnpike.

New Providence has a ton of character and charm. The area is home to more than 13,000 people and consistently ranks as one of the best neighborhoods in New Jersey. This small 3.65 square mile borough is home to more than 13,000 people and growing. The charming downtown offers plenty of amenities including the cute Salt Box Museum that is home to a number of artifacts and memorabilia dating back to before the American Revolution.

Besides its quaint charm, New Providence is also incredibly safe with only a handful of property crimes that happen each year. When compared to the national average, New Providence consistently ranks as one of the safest areas in the country.

If you’re looking to raise kids, New Providence is a great place to move. It is home to several highly-rated public schools serving pre-k through 12th grade. There are a total of 2 elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. Class room sizes are small with a 13-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. It’s no wonder that households with children make up around 40 percent of the town’s population.

For those who want to move here, make sure you have a good income. The median home value is around $607,000. While the majority of residents do own their home, keep in mind that the median household income is around $145,000. There are rentals, but you’ll end up paying around $1,700 for one-bedroom.

Livingston Township: One of the Safest Places to Live

Located in Essex County, Livingston has long been considered one of the best places to live in NJ whether you’re raising a family! With a population of around 31,000 this is by no means a small town. Yet despite the population, it is considered one of the safest places to live with crime numbers well below the national average for both violent and property crimes.

While mainly considered a bedroom town, it’s only about 40-45 minutes by car from NYC, Livingston offers a fairly large downtown area with plenty of shops, restaurants, and other amenities. If you can’t find something you want downtown, there’s always Livingston Mall!

As you might expect, Livingston has an amazing school system. In fact, it is ranked in the top 10 locations with best public schools in the entire state. There are several top-ranked public schools available and a variety of private schools that provide education from elementary to high school. Whatever option you choose, you can rest assured that your child will be getting a great education that will prepare them for college and/or the workforce.

If you’re interested in moving your family to Livingston, NJ you’ll want to save up a lot of money. While most residents are homeowners, the cost of houses has skyrocketed and you can expect to pay at least $500,000 on a house. While definitely on the higher end, if you want to live in a quiet location that’s still close to NYC and offers amazing schools, then you should brace yourself for high home prices.

Glen Rock: Major City in New Jersey

Living in a major city like New York or San Francisco might be exciting because there’s always something to do, but it can get a bit lonely since everyone is so focused on their own life. If you’re yearning for a community, look no further than Glen Rock. This small borough is home to around 12,000 people and really emphasizes that tight-knit vibe. The community looks out for one another and the residents are very friendly and helpful. Plus, households with children make up almost 50 percent of the population, so your kids and you, will definitely be able to make some friends.

Glen Rock is consistently praised for their outstanding schools with a total of four public elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school and, of course, a few private schools. School class sizes tend to be small, which means every child gets the attention they need in order to succeed. In addition to a great school system, the town boasts the Thielke Arboretum, an education center that invites authors to talk about their books to the residents.

Like the other towns, Glen Rock is also very safe with crime rates well below the national average. Residents really look out for each other and go out of their way to be helpful. The community is very active and there are plenty of events that bring together the entire town, thus curtailing a lot of crime. Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s crime free. Most of the crime tends to fall into property crime and there is very little violent crime that happens in the area.

As a small town, you shouldn’t expect big city amenities. However, there are a few restaurants and shopping areas in the downtown area. If you can’t find what you need, you can generally drive 10-20 minutes away. Making the trip to NYC will take a little over an hour by train or car so you might want to factor this into your calculations, especially if you plan on commuting to NYC.

Becoming a homeowner in this area doesn’t come cheap. The median home value hovers around $650,000 though the majority of residents do own their home. You might be able to find a deal in this amazing NJ neighborhood so long as you are patient.

Summit: the Most Expensive City to Live in New Jersey

Nestled within the Raritan Valley and Rahway Valley regions, Summit is home to around 22,000 residents. Originally incorporated as Summit Township back in 1869, it became its own city in 1899. This is a perfect spot for families who love the outdoors as it is next to the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Hidden Valley Park, and Briant Park. Located around 24 miles from New York City, you can easily have the best of suburban living and city living.

Summit has consistently been called one of the best cities to live in New Jersey and for good reason. It offers an eclectic collection of parks, recreational facilities, delicious restaurants, and unique shops. It’s also home to the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey which is the largest institution in the state dedicated to contemporary art. If you are more into theater, you can visit the Summit Playhouse, one of the oldest community theaters in the United States. It offers up to three plays a year including a children’s program. If you want to get your kids away from the computer screen, there are plenty of family-friendly activities at the Reeves-Reed Arboretum.

When it comes to schools, Summit gets an A on their report card. They have five public elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school in the district. Students and parents rate schools highly in every department from academics to clubs and activities to college preparation. It boasts a 98 percent graduation rate and is ranked in the top ten best school systems in New Jersey.

Despite its larger size, Summit still remains very safe with very few incidences of violent and property crimes. Residents are very vigilant and more than happy to lend a helping hand to those in need.

If you want to live in Summit, you should be prepared to pay the price. Housing is extremely expensive as the median home value hovers close to $900,000. Taxes are also quite high, but in return you get amazing schools, a safe neighborhood, and wonderful family-oriented amenities.

Hire the Best Professional NJ Movers

There are dozens of other amazing cities and towns in New Jersey, but these four locations consistently rank as the best family-friendly neighborhoods in New Jersey. If you’re looking to make the move, make sure to hire a professional moving company like NJ Great Movers. We’ll be able to help get your belongings quickly and easily from your old place to your new home in a matter of hours. Whether you’re moving to Summit or Madison, we’ve got you covered.