Is River Edge Safe, Pros and cons of living in River Edge

River Edge, a charming borough in Bergen County, New Jersey, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban centers. Its picturesque setting along the Hackensack River contributes to its appeal, making it a desirable location for families and individuals seeking a high quality of life. The borough is known for its strong community ties, excellent public services, and a generally safe environment.

Originally incorporated as Riverside in 1894, it was renamed River Edge in 1930. Today, it stands as a testament to its scenic location and has become a sought-after community within Bergen County. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of living in River Edge, covering its safety, lifestyle, and practical considerations for potential residents.

Is it Safe to Live in River Edge?

River Edge is widely recognized for its safety, boasting crime rates significantly lower than both state and national averages (as reported by New Jersey State Police and FBI Uniform Crime Reporting program). Violent crimes are exceptionally rare, occurring at a fraction of the national rate. Property crimes, including burglaries and vehicle-related incidents, are also uncommon and typically addressed promptly by local law enforcement.

The borough’s overall crime rate is comparable to the average for U.S. cities of all sizes. However, when compared to communities of similar population, River Edge’s crime rate is noticeably lower than average (according to NeighborhoodScout analysis). Residents generally feel secure, with many considering the northwest part of the borough the safest area. The chance of being a victim of crime varies by neighborhood, with eastern areas having a higher likelihood than the northwest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

The property crime rate in River Edge is 12.29 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). This rate is about the same as the average U.S. city. However, River Edge ranks in the 74th percentile for safety, indicating it is safer than 74% of cities nationwide (as reported by an analysis of crime rates and community safety). The estimated cost of crime per resident in River Edge is $254 annually, which is less than the national average (as reported by an analysis of crime statistics).

Housing Costs and Availability

The housing market in River Edge presents a mixed picture, with home values and rental prices generally above the national average. The median property value in River Edge was approximately $660,300 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). This figure reflects a 3.58% increase from the previous year, indicating a robust real estate market.

The homeownership rate in River Edge is 76.2%, which is higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA). This suggests a strong preference among residents for owning their homes. The median sale price of a home in River Edge was $1.2 million in March 2026, marking a significant year-over-year increase of 56.7% (as reported by Redfin). This indicates a highly competitive market with rising property values.

For renters, the average rent in River Edge is also on the higher side. As of May 2026, the average rent for an apartment is $2,023 per month, which is 23% higher than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). Rental prices have seen a slight increase of 1.2% over the past year. A one-bedroom apartment averages around $2,023 per month, while a two-bedroom can be expected to cost approximately $1,960 (as reported by Apartments.com).

Cost of Living

River Edge’s cost of living is notably higher than the national average, with housing expenses being a significant contributing factor. Overall, the cost of living in River Edge is approximately 42% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Housing expenses alone are about 147% higher than the national average, making it one of the most expensive aspects of living in the borough.

Utility prices are also slightly higher, by about 4% compared to the national average. Transportation costs, including gas prices and bus fares, are also around 4% higher than the national average. Grocery prices in River Edge are approximately 7% higher than the national average, and healthcare costs are about 11% higher.

To live comfortably in River Edge, a family of four would need to earn an estimated $131,215 annually (as reported by the Economic Policy Institute’s Family Budget Calculator). This reflects the higher expenses associated with housing, utilities, transportation, and other daily necessities in the area. Despite these costs, many residents find the quality of life, access to top schools, and proximity to New York City make the investment worthwhile.

Job Market and Economy

The economy of River Edge is characterized by a diverse range of industries and a workforce that primarily commutes to nearby urban centers. The borough employs approximately 6,390 people, with the largest sectors being Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, followed by Finance & Insurance, and Health Care & Social Assistance (as reported by Data USA). These sectors indicate a strong presence of white-collar jobs within the community.

While many residents commute to Manhattan for careers in finance, healthcare, tech, and education, there are also local employment opportunities. Major regional employers include Hackensack Meridian Health and Bergen Community College (as noted by Harrington Moving & Storage). The average salary in River Edge is approximately $50,263 per year or $24.16 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, other sources indicate a median household income of $159,028 (as reported by Data USA) and an average annual salary of $73,000 (as reported by Zippia).

The highest-paying industries in River Edge include Real Estate & Rental & Leasing, and Finance & Insurance. This suggests that professionals in these fields can expect higher earning potential within the borough. The job market is influenced by the broader economic landscape of Bergen County, which has a robust small business and service sector.

Climate and Weather

River Edge experiences a climate typical of the northeastern United States, with distinct seasons. Summers are generally warm, humid, and wet, while winters are cold and snowy. The weather throughout the year is often partly cloudy (as described by WorldWeatherOnline).

Over the course of the year, temperatures typically range from a low of 24°F in winter to a high of 86°F in summer, rarely dropping below 10°F or exceeding 93°F (as described by WorldWeatherOnline). The hottest months are July and August, with average high temperatures around 85°F. January and February are the coldest, with temperatures averaging around 25°F.

Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with July and December typically receiving the most precipitation, around 5.91 inches (as reported by WorldWeatherOnline). May sees an average of 5.01 inches of rain, with about nine rainy days during the month. Recent data indicates that as of early May 2026, rainfall totals for the year to date are 13.35 inches, which is slightly below the average of 15.26 inches (as reported by RainDrop App).

Education and Schools

River Edge is highly regarded for its public school system, which consistently ranks among the top in New Jersey. The River Edge School District serves students from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade, with a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate strong proficiency in both math and reading, with 76% of students proficient in math and 80% in reading (as reported by Niche).

Notable schools include Roosevelt School, which is ranked 79th out of 1,347 elementary schools in the state, and Cherry Hill School, ranked 108th (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). River Dell Middle School is also a high-achieving institution, ranking 30th out of 752 middle schools in New Jersey (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

The River Edge School District itself is ranked within the top 5% of all public school districts in New Jersey based on combined math and reading proficiency testing data (as reported by Public School Review). This high level of academic performance contributes to the borough’s appeal for families prioritizing education.

Demographics and Diversity

River Edge is home to a population of approximately 12,091 residents (as reported by Data USA). The borough is diverse, with 27% of residents born outside the United States (as of 2024) (as reported by Data USA). The racial makeup of River Edge includes a significant White population, alongside a notable Asian community, and smaller percentages of other racial and ethnic groups.

In 2024, White (Non-Hispanic) residents constituted the largest group, followed by Asian (Non-Hispanic) residents (as reported by Data USA). Hispanic or Latino residents make up approximately 11.4% of the population. The median age in River Edge is 43.6 years, with a slightly higher median age for females (45.6 years) compared to males (39.7 years) (as reported by Data USA).

The median household income in River Edge is substantial, reported at $159,028 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). This income level is significantly higher than both the state and national averages, indicating a relatively affluent population. The borough’s demographics reflect a stable community with a well-established population, where a majority of residents are U.S. citizens.