Is Fort Lee Safe, Pros and cons of living in Fort Lee

Fort Lee, New Jersey, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility, making it an appealing place to live for many. Situated directly across the Hudson River from Manhattan, it boasts stunning city views and a commute that is envied by many New Jersey residents. The town provides a diverse community, a good school system, and a range of amenities that contribute to its desirability.

This vibrant community is known for its significant Korean-American population, contributing to a rich cultural tapestry with numerous authentic restaurants and businesses. Beyond its cultural appeal, Fort Lee is a place where residents can enjoy proximity to New York City’s economic and cultural hub while maintaining a more relaxed, community-oriented lifestyle. This balance is a key factor for individuals and families considering a move to this Bergen County borough.

Is it Safe to Live in Fort Lee?

Fort Lee generally presents a safe environment for its residents, though like any urban area, crime rates warrant consideration. The overall crime rate in Fort Lee is reported to be lower than the national average by 41.9% (according to AreaVibes). Specifically, violent crime is lower than the national average by 63.5% (according to AreaVibes).

Property crime rates are also lower than the national average, with a rate that is 37.5% lower (according to AreaVibes). In the most recent reported crime year, Fort Lee recorded zero homicides (according to AreaVibes), a statistic that significantly contributes to the perceived safety of the community. Residents often consider the eastern parts of the city to be the safest, with chances of being a victim of crime varying by neighborhood (according to AreaVibes).

Housing Costs and Real Estate Trends

Fort Lee’s housing market presents a range of options, though it is generally more expensive than the national average. The median home value in Fort Lee is approximately $588,321 (according to Zillow). This median home value is higher than the New Jersey state average of $388,929 (according to BestNeighborhood.org).

The median listing price for homes in Fort Lee is around $378,000 (according to realtor.com®). In March 2026, the median sale price of a home in Fort Lee was $390,000, a decrease of 10.2% from the previous year (according to Redfin). The median rent for an apartment in Fort Lee is approximately $2,899, with a one-bedroom unit averaging around $2,350 and a two-bedroom unit at $3,658 (according to Zumper).

The Job Market and Economic Landscape

Fort Lee’s economy is bolstered by its proximity to New York City, offering a wide array of employment opportunities. The average annual salary in Fort Lee is reported to be $55,481 (according to ZipRecruiter), with a median household income of $107,274 (according to Census Bureau data). The unemployment rate in Fort Lee was 3.8% as of 2026 (according to Data Commons).

Key employment sectors for Fort Lee residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, and Educational Services (according to Data USA). Major employers in the broader New Jersey area, which influence the local job market, include Amazon, Wakefern Food Corp, and Walmart Stores, Inc. (according to NJ.gov). The town itself hosts companies such as FedEx, McDonald’s, and UPS (according to Indeed.com).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Fort Lee experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, offering warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The summers are typically warm, humid, and wet, with average high temperatures in July reaching around 84°F (according to Time and Date). The warm season generally lasts from June to September, with daily high temperatures often exceeding 76°F.

Winters are cold and snowy, with average low temperatures in January around 27°F and highs around 39°F (according to Time and Date). The cold season spans from December to March, with daily high temperatures usually remaining below 48°F. The area experiences partly cloudy conditions throughout the year.

Educational Opportunities

Fort Lee is home to a highly-rated public school system that serves its diverse student population. The Fort Lee School District has an overall Niche grade of A- and is recognized for its diverse student body and dedicated teachers (according to Niche). Within the district, elementary schools such as Fort Lee School No. 1 and Fort Lee School No. 2 have received high ratings for their academic performance and student-teacher ratios (according to Niche).

Fort Lee High School also receives strong ratings, being recognized among the best college prep public high schools in New Jersey (according to Niche). The district boasts a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1, and a significant percentage of students meet or exceed proficiency in math and reading (according to Niche).

Demographics and Community Profile

Fort Lee is a diverse community with a population of approximately 40,100 residents (according to Data USA). The borough is notable for its significant Asian population, making up 43.6% of residents, followed by White residents at 37.2% and Hispanic residents at 13.5% (according to Data USA). A substantial portion of the population, around 50%, was born outside the United States (according to Data USA).

The median age in Fort Lee is 46.6 years, indicating a population that skews older than the national average (according to Data Commons). The community is characterized by a high level of education, with a significant percentage of residents holding bachelor’s degrees or higher (according to Census Reporter).