Employment
With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.
Schools
The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
Ratings
According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Cost Of Living
This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.
Health & Safety
Subpar air quality and the limited availability of certain health-related facilities such as hospitals, police stations, doctors and pharmacies may have contributed to the low score in this category.
Located in the state of New Jersey, Watchung is a small-sized city with a population of 6,040 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (82% White). Given that fact, Watchung could be considered less diverse than other cities. When traveling to work, spending unnecessary time in your vehicle is not ideal and downright frustrating. Across all of America, the average one way commute time is 26 minutes, unfortunately, living in Watchung offers up a higher than average one way commute time of 39 minutes.
Living in Watchung can be a positive experience for anyone relocating to the area. Having said that, in the state of New Jersey, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, commute, health & safety, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Watchung and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Watchung to New Jersey and the national average.
Using data and statistics Watchung has received a livability score of 65/100. This score is ranked in the 62nd percentile when compared to all other cities. There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Watchung ranks well for crime (B) and education (A+) There are some categories that Watchung scores poorly for, including: amenities (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.
Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Watchung has a violent crime rate of 62 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Watchung, the unemployment rate stands at 1.84%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Watchung, the average school test scores are an impressive 75%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.
Watchung real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Watchung. The median home price for Watchung homes is $726,000, which is 129.5% higher than the New Jersey average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Watchung, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 5.2, which is 20.9% higher than the New Jersey average.
| Statistic | Watchung | New Jersey | National |
| Average one way commute | 39min | 31min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 73.8% | 71.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 4.1% | 8.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 8.2% | 11.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.2% | 3.0% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 11.7% | 4.1% | 4.6% |
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