Is Medford Lakes Safe, Pros and cons of living in Medford Lakes

Medford Lakes, New Jersey, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and community engagement, making it an attractive option for those seeking a quieter lifestyle within proximity to major urban centers. This charming borough is known for its picturesque setting, characterized by numerous lakes that provide residents with recreational opportunities and scenic beauty. The community fosters a strong sense of belonging, with many residents participating in local events and activities. Its appeal lies in its ability to provide a peaceful residential environment while remaining connected to the broader economic and cultural landscape of the region.

The borough’s identity is deeply intertwined with its natural surroundings, particularly its namesake lakes, which are central to the community’s character and recreational life. This focus on natural beauty and outdoor activities contributes to a high quality of life for its residents. Medford Lakes is a place where community spirit thrives, and the natural environment is cherished, creating a desirable place to call home for families and individuals alike.

Is it Safe to Live in Medford Lakes?

Medford Lakes is considered a very safe place to live, boasting crime rates significantly below the national average. The overall crime rate is 55% below the national average (according to DoorProfit). Residents generally consider the northwest or southwest parts of the city to be the safest. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Medford Lakes is 1 in 590 per year, which is 56% lower than the national average (according to DoorProfit). The violent crime rate is 1.091 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to CrimeGrade.org). The town has a safety grade of A+ (according to OpenCrime).

The property crime rate in Medford Lakes is 395 crimes per 100,000 people, which is far below the national average of 1760 (according to AreaVibes). The chance of becoming a victim of property crime is 1 in 71 per year, which is 23% lower than the national average (according to DoorProfit). Medford Lakes has a lower crime rate than the state average, contributing to a relatively safer living environment (according to MetroStatUSA). The cost of crime per resident in Medford Lakes is $138 per year, which is significantly less than the national and state averages (according to CrimeGrade.org).

Housing Market and Cost of Living

The housing market in Medford Lakes presents a picture of robust value and high ownership rates. The median property value in Medford Lakes, NJ was $402,900 in 2024 (according to Data USA). The homeownership rate is a notable 90%, which is considerably higher than the national average (according to Data USA). Housing prices in Medford Lakes borough average around $608,114, which is relatively high compared to other cities in New Jersey (according to MetroStatUSA).

While housing prices are on the higher side, the home price to income ratio in Medford Lakes is 3, which is significantly lower than the New Jersey average (according to AreaVibes). The cost of living in Medford Lakes, New Jersey, is approximately 10% higher than the national average, with housing costs being a significant factor (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). Despite the higher cost of living, the median household income is also substantially above the state and national averages, suggesting a strong economic base for residents.

Home Prices and Rent

Medford Lakes shows a median listing price of $569.9K, indicating a market with strong price levels, though it has experienced a year-over-year price adjustment (according to Realtor.com). The average home value in Medford Lakes, NJ, is $538,427, showing a 4.4% increase over the past year (according to Zillow). The median listing home price is $630,000 (according to Realtor.com).

Rental options in Medford Lakes are limited, with very few rental listings available. The average rent in Medford Lakes, NJ, is $2,850 (according to Zillow). This average rent is 42.5% higher than the national average (according to Zillow). The rent-to-income ratio in the area is 29.8%, indicating the portion of earnings that goes toward housing expenses (according to Point2Homes).

Economy and Employment

Medford Lakes benefits from a strong local economy, characterized by a low unemployment rate and high median household income. The unemployment rate in Medford Lakes borough is 1.80%, which is lower than the state average, indicating a relatively strong job market (according to MetroStatUSA). The median household income in Medford Lakes is $141,188 (according to Niche).

The average annual household income in Medford Lakes was $190,481 in 2024 (according to Point2Homes). This high income level suggests a community with a significant number of professionals and a stable economic foundation. While specific major employers within Medford Lakes are not extensively detailed, the presence of large retail and healthcare companies in the broader Medford area, such as CVS Health and ShopRite Supermarkets, likely contributes to local employment opportunities (according to Indeed.com).

Job Market and Major Employers

The job market in Medford Lakes is supported by its proximity to larger employment hubs, including Philadelphia. While Medford Lakes itself is a smaller community, residents benefit from access to a diverse range of industries and companies in the surrounding region. Major companies in the broader Medford area include retail giants like ShopRite Supermarkets and healthcare providers like CVS Health (according to Indeed.com). Financial services firms such as PNC Financial Services Group and TD also have a presence (according to Indeed.com).

The United States Postal Service and the YMCA are also listed among companies operating in the area (according to Indeed.com). The robust median household income and low unemployment rate suggest that residents are well-employed, likely through a combination of local opportunities and commutes to nearby urban centers.

Climate and Weather

Medford Lakes experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons. The annual temperature range is from 23°F in January to 87°F in July (according to myPerfectWeather). Summers are warm, humid, and wet, while winters are very cold, snowy, and windy (according to Time and Date). The average high temperature in July is 86°F, and the average low is 67°F, while January sees an average low of 26°F and a high of 41°F (according to Time and Date).

Annual precipitation averages 48 inches, with about 22 inches of snowfall (according to myPerfectWeather). The wettest month is typically July, with an average of 10.9 days of precipitation (according to Time and Date). The region experiences a comfortable weather season for approximately 4.7 months of the year (according to myPerfectWeather).

Education and Demographics

Medford Lakes is recognized for its strong educational system and diverse, though predominantly White, population. The public schools in Medford Lakes are considered above average (according to Niche). Shawnee High School receives a rating of 3.9 out of 5 from over 300 reviews (according to Niche). Neeta School and Nokomis School are also part of the Medford Lakes School District, which is rated B- overall (according to Niche).

The borough’s population was 4,264 as of the 2020 census (according to Wikipedia). Demographically, Medford Lakes is predominantly White, with 89.67% of the population identifying as such (according to Niche). Other racial groups include Asian, Black or African American, and those of two or more races, each making up smaller percentages of the population. The median age in Medford Lakes is 44.4 years (according to Niche).

School Ratings

The educational landscape in Medford Lakes is a significant draw for families, with schools generally receiving positive ratings. Shawnee High School, serving the area, has a rating of 3.9 out of 5 based on numerous reviews (according to Niche). Other schools within or serving the Medford Lakes area, such as Neeta School and Nokomis School, also contribute to the community’s reputation for quality education (according to Niche).

The Medford Lakes School District itself holds a B- overall grade (according to Niche). State test scores indicate that a majority of students are proficient in math and reading, reflecting the effectiveness of the local educational institutions (according to Niche).

Population and Diversity

Medford Lakes is a community with a population of over 4,200 residents, offering a close-knit suburban feel. As of 2024, the population is approximately 4.3k people, with 100% of residents being U.S. citizens (according to Data USA). The racial makeup is predominantly White, with 89% of locals identifying as Caucasian (according to Point2Homes). Other racial groups, including African American and Asian residents, are present in smaller numbers, along with a segment of the population identifying with two or more races.

The median age in Medford Lakes is 46 years (according to Point2Homes). The borough’s population is distributed across various age groups, with a significant portion being adults between 45 and 64 years old. Residents tend to be liberal, contributing to the community’s overall political leanings (according to Niche).