Is Bergenfield Safe, Pros and cons of living in Bergenfield

Bergenfield, New Jersey, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities, making it an attractive location for many. This borough provides a community-focused atmosphere with a variety of local parks and recreational activities, alongside a robust public school system. Its strategic location in Bergen County places residents within easy reach of major transportation hubs and employment centers.

The town boasts a diverse population, with a significant portion of residents being of Asian and Hispanic descent, contributing to a rich cultural tapestry. This diversity is reflected in the community’s various local businesses and cultural events. Bergenfield’s housing market presents a range of options, from single-family homes to apartments, catering to different needs and budgets. The community is well-connected, with accessible public transit options facilitating commutes to nearby cities.

Is it Safe to Live in Bergenfield?

Bergenfield is considered a very safe place to live, with crime rates significantly lower than both the national and state averages. The overall crime rate in Bergenfield is approximately 87% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Violent crimes are particularly infrequent, with a rate that is also about 87% lower than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes).

The chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Bergenfield is about 1 in 357, which is considerably lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This low crime rate is supported by FBI Uniform Crime Reports, which indicate a strong safety record for the borough (as reported by PlainCrime). Bergenfield is considered safer than 88% of cities in the United States (as reported by AreaVibes).

Cost of Living and Housing

The cost of living in Bergenfield is notably higher than the national average, primarily driven by housing expenses. Overall living costs in Bergenfield are approximately 31% higher than the U.S. national average (as reported by Salary.com). Housing costs in Bergenfield are about 86% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale).

The median home value in Bergenfield was approximately $629,539 as of March 31, 2026 (as reported by Zillow). This represents a 4.0% increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow). For renters, the average rent in Bergenfield was approximately $2,599 per month as of May 3, 2026 (as reported by Zillow).

Housing Market Trends

The Bergenfield housing market is described as somewhat competitive, with homes typically receiving around 4 offers and selling in approximately 73 days (as reported by Redfin). The median sale price of a home in Bergenfield was approximately $699,000 in March 2026, showing a 10.1% increase from the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median sale price per square foot is around $430, which is slightly down from the previous year (as reported by Redfin).

Rental prices have also seen fluctuations. As of April 2026, the median rent in Bergenfield was $2,495, a 2.05% decrease compared to the previous year (as reported by RentCafe). However, as of May 2026, Zillow reports the average rent in Bergenfield at $2,599, an increase of $49 year-over-year (as reported by Zillow).

Job Market and Economy

Bergenfield’s economy is supported by a diverse range of employers and a generally strong job market. The unemployment rate in Bergen County was 4.3% in February 2026 (as reported by USAFacts). This was a 0.3 percentage point increase from the previous year (as reported by USAFacts).

The median household income in Bergenfield was approximately $130,045 as of 2024 (as reported by World Population Review). The average per capita income in Bergenfield is $61,521 (as reported by World Population Review). Major employers in Bergen County include prominent companies like LG Electronics, Becton Dickinson, and Hackensack University Medical Center, offering a wide array of employment opportunities (as reported by Bergen County Official Website).

Major Employers and Industries

Bergen County is a hub for various industries, including healthcare, technology, and finance. Notable companies such as LG Electronics, Becton Dickinson, and Quest Diagnostics have a significant presence in the region (as reported by Bergen County Official Website). The healthcare sector is particularly strong, with Hackensack University Medical Center being a top-ranked hospital in New Jersey and the New York Metro area (as reported by Bergen County Official Website).

These major employers contribute to a robust job market, offering diverse career paths for residents. The professional and technical services sector, along with health care and social assistance, represent significant employment areas within the county (as reported by NJ.gov). The proximity to New York City also provides access to a vast and varied job market.

Climate and Weather

Bergenfield experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, typical of the northeastern United States. The average annual temperature in the nearby New York City – Central Park area, which is about 10 miles from Bergenfield, is 55.3°F (as reported by Time and Date). Summers are generally warm and humid, with average high temperatures in July reaching around 84°F (as reported by The Bergenfield, N.J. Weather and Climate Center).

Winters are cold with snowfall, and spring and autumn offer milder temperatures. The average high temperature in January is around 39°F, while the average high in October is about 62°F (as reported by Time and Date). Precipitation is distributed throughout the year, with an average of about 4.02 inches in May and 4.83 inches in July (as reported by Time and Date).

Seasonal Variations

Spring in Bergenfield typically brings gradually warming temperatures, with average highs in April around 60°F (as reported by Time and Date). Autumn offers crisp air and vibrant foliage, with average highs in September around 72°F (as reported by Time and Date). The summer months can be quite warm, with occasional heatwaves, while winter brings colder temperatures and the possibility of snow.

The area receives a moderate amount of rainfall annually. For example, April typically sees around 4.06 inches of precipitation, while October averages about 4.48 inches (as reported by Time and Date). These seasonal variations create distinct environmental conditions throughout the year for residents to experience.

Education and Schools

Bergenfield is served by the highly-rated Bergenfield Borough School District, which provides educational services from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The district has earned an overall Niche grade of A-minus, reflecting its strong performance across various educational metrics (as reported by Niche). It is recognized as one of the most diverse school districts in New Jersey (as reported by Niche).

Bergenfield High School also holds a strong reputation, with an overall Niche grade of A-minus. The high school is noted for its diversity and college preparatory programs (as reported by Niche). According to state test scores, a significant portion of students demonstrate proficiency in reading and math, indicating a solid academic foundation within the district (as reported by Niche).

School Performance and Diversity

The Bergenfield Borough School District is ranked among the top school districts in New Jersey, highlighting its commitment to academic excellence (as reported by Niche). The student-teacher ratio in the district is 15 to 1, facilitating focused learning environments (as reported by Niche).

Bergenfield High School specifically is praised for its diverse student body and offers a range of academic and extracurricular activities. Teachers and faculty are frequently commended for their dedication and efforts to support student success (as reported by Niche). The district’s commitment to diversity is a key feature, making it a welcoming environment for students from various backgrounds (as reported by Niche).

Demographics and Population

Bergenfield has a population of approximately 28,321 residents as of the 2020 census (as reported by Wikipedia). The borough is characterized by a diverse racial and ethnic makeup. White residents constitute about 37.74% of the population, followed by Asian residents at 24.73% (as reported by World Population Review).

Hispanic or Latino residents make up a significant portion of the population, approximately 33.01% (as reported by Data USA). The median age in Bergenfield is around 40.7 years, with a relatively balanced gender distribution (as reported by World Population Review). A notable percentage of residents, around 39.1%, were born outside the country, contributing to the area’s multicultural environment (as reported by Data USA).

Population Characteristics

The demographics of Bergenfield show a community with a substantial foreign-born population and a rich mix of ethnicities. Approximately 39.1% of residents were born outside the United States, indicating a strong international influence (as reported by Data USA). The community is home to a variety of racial and ethnic groups, with White and Asian populations being the most prominent (as reported by Data USA).

In terms of household composition, Bergenfield has approximately 9,240 households, with an average of three members per household (as reported by Point2Homes). The homeownership rate is around 70.6% (as reported by Data USA), suggesting a stable community with a significant number of homeowners.